Another morning meeting with my builder and architect and some decisions made before I check my gardener’s progress and then take Daniel to task and make him repeat his homework as Debbie goes to ballet, Lord Hanson emerges as the mysterious bidder for 15% of Westland and James Prior retires from parliament
A tired start to the day, after much exertion and late bedtime. Down to breakfast, but all of my favourite bread was gone and so I have processed and slice bread with the others. I had a deterioration in my throat infection today and could hardly talk, but it has not been painful. To shower, shave and dress and then David Stokes and Brian Cheeseborough arrived to discuss my building project. We agree to brick up the old front door, to fit a window over and so solve the problem of lack of room in the hall. Also we decide against my idea of a porch, we could always add it later and it might not look very suitable. With the other door removed, there is not so much of a need for accentuating the main door. When they had gone I went out to feed the doves and took a look at the garden’s progress.
The gardener has put up gravel boards and build up the riverside lawn, extending the existing contours into Bill’s old plot. I mark out the position of the workshop and note that the level has to come up at least 18 ins. A snack with Diana for lunch and then the afternoon and evening wiring up and fitting the alarm flasher unit. I intercept the rear porch light and connect the flasher, so that when the alarm goes off the light flashes, whether switched off or on at the time. I also put in a switch, so that by pushing it the lights switch on for 30 secs before the time expires, as a courtesy when approaching or leaving the building. Della is still rather difficult with her cold and Diana is a bit depressed as a result. Debbie is in good mood, but being rather naughty, but is, fortunately, well enough for her ballet lesson today. I take Daniel to task over his homework and he has to do most of it again, which comes rather hard. An early night tonight in an attempt to make up for all the sleep we have missed recently. News today of the recapture of Brendon McFarlane and one other from the IRA break out from the Maze last year. He led the escape and was then suspected of the kidnap of supermarket executive, Don Tidey. They were arrested in Holland and extradition warrants are already prepared for the men. An armoury of weapons was also seized at the same time. There was another RUC constable killed in Ireland today and a soldier injured in another incident. Leon Brittan won a reprieve today and support from Downing Street, but his future will be under a shadow until the Select Committee has finished the investigation. Sir Raymond Lygo’s notes today report the ‘unpleasant’ tone of his famous meeting with the Trade & Industry Secretary. The mystery 15% bidder for Westland was revealed today as Lord Hanson of Hanson Trust and he is set to support the Westland Board. They will have to cope with a dissenting share against the resolution of at least 25%. James Prior, ex-Cabinet Minister and present Chairman of GEC, has decided to retire from the Commons at the next election and one wonders whether he will get a peerage. The Popplewell Report on sports ground safety was published today and safety measures will also be extended to rugby and cricket grounds as well. The channel tunnel link decision is shortly due between France and Britain and Thatcher may get her way on a combined road & rail proposal, even though the technical and financial feasibility is questioned and the environmental consequences unknown. The Russians propose more measures to the USA at the Geneva Nuclear Arms talks, but fail to win their support. The annual South African armed services conscription takes place today, as the government are threatened by continued unrest.