The day starting with me tending the birds which seem to have been neglected whilst I was away and then a raft of phone calls to colleagues and journalists as I also liaise with the DTI to retain their support as more South African demonstrators are shot dead and Israel also massacre people in the Lebanon
Up and awake early and regretted leaving the hall window open last night, as it was bitterly cold everywhere this morning. I read the paper and take breakfast, getting ready to go out to the birds earlier than usual. All five doves came down to feed this morning, allowing me to put the ladder to the dovecote and examine the two eggs. One has been dented and both seem rather cool to be properly incubating in this freezing weather. The ducks seem very hungry, which makes me wonder how well they have fed these last few days. Early to the office and a busy morning. Phone calls first to the BMMG, Isherwood and Chris Shelton and also to talk to Nine Tiles computer systems and ICL as two parties with views on the LAN initiative. Our meetings with the DTI have been arranged, but I relayed a list of three comments from Dr Di Davies of the DTI, which we shall have to take account of if we are to continue to receive their support. Peter Kimber manages to speak to me at the second attempt and voices his worries over the planning approval process delaying the exchange of contracts. I assure him that if, by that time, the planning officer is still optimistic about formal approval being given, we will take the calculated risk and exchange contracts anyway so that he can secure his dream house.
I miss my coffee break and come back to the house for lunch at 12.30pm. An argument with Diana’s mother over lunch about Thatcherism and then back to the office to complete my days work. Calls from Jane Bird of The Sunday Times and to Graham Clifton of Transam about LAMSAC and PSWP developments. I also talk at length to Ian Nickson and John Lamb of Comart on their posture towards the initiative. A good meeting after tea with my architect, David Stokes. News tonight of a horrific massacre in South Africa as “17” black demonstrators are shot dead when protesting on the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre, twenty five years ago. The natives claim that the number was 50 and that no warnings were give before the police opened fire. Riot demonstrations led to vehicle barricades and tyre fires. Denis Healey calls for sanctions from the international community. In Southern Lebanon, Israeli troops moved into small villages and killed 25 people, including two American CBS cameramen in a major escalation of their ‘Iron Fist’ policy. In West London, the gunman is still trapped in a van with a shot gun and has had no food or drink. The actor, Sir Michael Redgrave dies today. Sterling shoots up 3 ¼ cents against the dollar as the American currency falls on bad US industrial and economic news. Building society interest rates are up by at least 1%. Belfast-based and government-owned Shorts win the RAF trainer plane contract based on a Brazilian design. More cold weather to come.