Cruising aboard The Lady in July 1986
Cruising aboard The Lady in July 1986

Bright and sunny start after a cold and damp night on The lady at Waites Quay and some more successful fishing as Daniel went off in the dinghy and the girls went shopping in St Ives and then off through Hemingford and Houghton locks to Huntingdon where I took Debbie to see Bambi at the cinema and then fished with Daniel afterwards. Thatcher faced angry protests at The Commonwealth Games as a Japanese offered to meet the losses of the Games spoilt by her

 

Another settled night’s sleep and we awoke to a bright and sunny start to the day. In fact the night was so clear that the temperature dropped and a very heavy dew dampened Diana’s bunk again! Breakfast without incident and then I resumed my fishing as Daniel went out in the dinghy and the girls went shopping. I added to my net of fish from last night and finally ended up with about a dozen dace, two bream, two roach and a chub – all small, but good sport nevertheless. Then, with Daniel returned, we got out the tool box and repaired two of The Lady’s faults.

First we tightened the electric starter leads and then secured the steps to the front cabin, which were coming adrift. Less luck with the pressurised water system, as it continues to pump when not needed. Then I got out the water hose and filled up the tanks, after which Di arrived with some takeaway food for lunch. A large kebab for me and burgers and chips for the others. Set off after lunch and locked through Hemingford and Houghton in fine weather and with the sliding roof back. Moored at Huntingdon moorings and I did some more fishing, with a little success. Took Debbie to see Bambi at the cinema and a burger afterwards, which she greeted as a treat and then fished with Daniel in the wind until dark. News tonight was of one of Britain’s building firms, John Laing, having two IRA threats and pulling out of contracting work in Ulster. It is a concerted campaign at preventing repairs to police and army installations. A Japanese shipping millionaire has offered to meet the losses of the Commonwealth Games, after supporting many other international sporting events in the past. Thatcher faced protests as she visited the Commonwealth Games. Demonstrators threw cans and fruit and the athletes boycotted her walk-about. On Sunday, she meets the other Commonwealth Heads and India is trying to mediate by organising a full conference in September.