Time in my new gardens identifying the roses and then out to buy fruit and oak trees and with Della for my coffee and biscuits and then typing up detailed instructions for my building and extension work until I hear from Lynne Smith that Nigel has been admitted to hospital with a heart attack and will not return to work on BMMG affairs but I will leave the succession to other computer industry colleagues. The police are getting no help from Tottenham in finding the police killer and teachers strike over grievances with the government
Slept well and then up to breakfast with the family. Jokes and frolics as usual and all I could do to keep them in check. Then to the paper – my gilt- edged stocks continue to hit new heights – and to wash and dress. The radio continues to cover the Conservative Conference and all they seem to do is knock the competition. Out to view the garden and feed the doves – they come so freely to the new pigeon mix – and I notice that the blue cock has his feet tangled up with cotton thread still this morning. I hope that it frees itself because I have not managed to catch it yet. I roam round deadheading the roses. I also read the Rose Expert book this morning and recognised my roses as well known and trusted varieties. Time then to feed the ducks and let them out, but only one egg this morning. To the house for morning coffee, when I played with Della as she coaxed biscuits from me. Then to the office and a morning reading the mail and typing out a long letter for the architect, detailing the contract (and variations) with the builder. A call from Lynne Smith, who tells me of the admission to hospital of Nigel with a heart attack. He will not be able to work on BMMG affairs, but I will not step in to the turmoil – it will have to be Bill Unsworth and Bill Barrett.
Lunch of shepherd’s pie and carrots, with ice cream after, and then I watch the TV for the news and videotext information. Off to Bedford this afternoon and to Willington Garden Centre. I buy some new stakes for my roses, then 4 box plants, two oak trees, a cox apple and Victoria plum. Home via St Neots, where I collected some developed photographs and had a look round Shaws auction. Then to unload the car and start to plant the fruit trees. Tea with Daniel and time to check his school work, which he ends up doing quite well, after some prodding. Outside again until dark, but still manage the ducks before inside to watch TV. News today of the hijack of the ocean liner ending with the negotiated withdrawal of the Arab terrorists, but with the death of one of the American hostages – despite it being first thought that all were safe. The Americans and Israelis call for tougher action against terrorists and anger over the Egyptian government giving these men free passage. Tottenham police are trying to trace the murderers of the policeman, but are running into a wall of silence. Mrs Cherry Groce is going to insist on a prosecution of the policeman who shot her. Unemployment dominated today’s Conservative Conference with open descent apparent for the first time. The teachers unions step up their strike today and Manchester head teachers also voted to strike on the graffiti affair. The queen arrives in the Caribbean for a royal tour and opening of the Commonwealth Conference. The weather forecast to become windy, but it has been quite sunny and mild today at least.