By 1st class rail to London’s Millbank Tower for the BOTMA press conference before off to a seedy-looking Fulham to see Martin Isherwood on BMMG publicity business before planning for tomorrow’s London stay as the economy recovers a little but the Gulf War escalates with cross border Iran/Iraq incursions with Jordon and Egypt trying to mediate and a British oil tanker captain is seriously injured by Exocet missile attack at Kharg Island
Up early today and, foregoing my normal long time with the daily paper, I had an early breakfast, washed my hair, shaved and dressed. Out to feed the doves, who were a bit surprised by my early start, and then to feed the ducks. Another ten eggs today. To the office and time to type a chasing letter to the Kimbers and phone to arrange Chris Shelton’s help with tomorrow’s LAMSAC presentation. Off to Stevenage by car and on to Kings Cross by first class train fare. These days the second class passengers invariably include a number who have to stand. I read today’s Guardian on the train and then take the tube to Victoria and a taxi from there to the Millbank Tower. On time at 11.00am for the BOTMA Press Conference. A fairly weak affair, with only about 8 journalists and a rather low key presentation. I speak second and pump a little life into it and hope for some mentions. A buffet lunch and then to meet as a steering group. We agree to produce the catalogue of British Office Products by June.
I borrow their phone to check for messages and decide to run over to Fulham to see Martin Isherwood. To see how this part of London looks seedy in comparison with the centre. Pleased, though, to get copies of the new BMMG station and the LAN Report, which looks impressive. Home by tube, train and car to arrive at 5.30am. Away with the ducks and then to check my mail and messages. RML are cancelling for Friday, but little else happening of significance. I load up my briefcase for tomorrow and come home by dark. Tea of smoked mackerel and ice cream to follow, before a little time with each of the children. I then try to get a London hotel for tomorrow night, but give up after a half dozen calls and Diana takes over. She eventually books me into the Mount Royal Hotel at Marble Arch. Help for the Chancellor this evening as the pound regains ground against the dollar, the budged PSBR closes near to target and the production figures are 1% up, mainly due to North Sea oil. More fuss tonight over the football violence with the government blaming the clubs this time. The Gulf War has escalated with the Iran troops reported to have crossed the border river and the Iraq troops to have counterattacked. King Hussain of Jordon and President Ibarak of Egypt visit Iraq today to try to work out terms for peace. A British oil tanker captain, David McCaffrey, was seriously injured at Kharg Island by an Exocet missile. The Israeli troops are still withdrawing under pressure from the Lebanon and suicide car bombers.