After some time with Daniel and my ‘new’ old gramophone purchase and then to dismantle the rest of my workshop with gardener Pete’s help before buying the necessary roofing felt and clout nails to re-erect it in the new place. This as more news emerges of the Chernobyl nuclear accident in the Ukraine where Russian spokesmen insist that deaths and damage are limited but that does not stop calls for changes to our own nuclear policy nor hides a serious dispute with prison officers striking.
Awake early to help Daniel with his homework, which we did before it was time for breakfast. Some more of Holme Mills, Jordon, crunchy nut cereal, which has now become the family’s firm favourite. I then went to my office and played the old gramophone and listened to the 78rpm records. I particularly liked the 1812 Overture and the Blue Danube, which I must get on compact disc. After 8.30am out to the garden and, getting Pete’s help, I took down the remainder of the workshop and got up the base. Underneath was a rats nest and it just shows how careful I have to be with the ducks food. Very tired to a nice lunch of lemon sole and a fair rest afterwards. Later, I went into St Neots for some nails, roofing felt and other goods.
I had repaired the old bearers by cutting away the wet rot patches, creosoting the beams, and setting them down at 90deg to before. Then Daniel came home from school and helped me put the bearers in place, secure them with 4inch nails, and prop the floor sections up to be creosoted. Later, on my own, I laid them down and secured them, so we are now ready tomorrow to carry on the good works. A weary end to the day, putting all things away and clearing up. Elsewhere; Brittains started laying the hall carpets, the tiler has finished his work and the paving is moving apace. News tonight of Western speculation that a second Russian nuclear reactor has been damaged, but the USSR still insist that only 2 people were killed and tens injured. This contrasts with the 10s of thousands estimated by the US. The Polish Government has introduced anti-radiation measures, with Iodine tablets being given to all children and dairy produce embargoed in favour of milk powder. Eastern Poland is within a day’s drive of Kiev and only 300 miles away. There are also many measures in Poland to ascertain levels of radiation. 100 language students are being flown back from Kiev and Russia on Friday, after being recalled by the British authorities. Holidays to Russia are being cancelled. In the House of Commons, there was pressure for changes in the Government’s nuclear policy – they ordered the first Trident submarine today and announced higher precautions for Sellafield in two decisions that pre-dated this disaster. Back in Britain, four prison officers were injured, mine fires have been started and mounting chaos is threatened, as prison officers suspended prisoners visits, due to staff absent on industrial disputes. Worst hit are Northeye and Lewes prisons, with Bristol also affected. Libya are expelling more Westerners in retaliation for European expulsions of Libyans from Peoples Bureaux. The weather, after being fine and warm today, is forecast to continue that way for at least two more days.