A day researching design details for my new swimming pool and chasing safe deliveries after rushing down to read Grace before breakfast at Debbie’s request! This on a day when the US space shuttle Challenger blows up killing all aboard and when my old friend Kenneth Baker introduces Thatcher’s new Poll Tax plans
A good night and then slow awakening to my morning tea. A ruder awakening soon as Debbie insists I run downstairs to breakfast, tripping over our trailing bedspread on the way. It transpires that she has read about Grace in her prayer book and wanted it to be read before anyone can eat. So a bowl of cornflakes and glass of fruit juice before reading today’s FT. Verdict on the debate yesterday was that Thatcher should now survive the dissent of her back-benchers, but the opposition and public will fail to be completely convinced until the next election. Quickly showered and shaved to the radio reports and then dressed for my office. A quiet morning, with no visible activity from the builders.
I chased the security safe people and discovered to my disappointment that the fire safes were out of stock. I asked them to arrange the delivery for the rest of them next week anyway. Also chased BT and eventually got them to agree to start the installation tomorrow, with one engineer until they finish. Then heard from Elm Leisure and they will start the swimming pool excavation tomorrow. The sum of all this meant I had to be in tomorrow to guide them all and so I made a quick decision to visit their depot at Over this morning to look at the pool fittings. After leaving a note for Di, I drove there in less than an hour and was received by the sales assistant who showed me round:- they have one external liner and one internal concrete pool on view and all the rest. I decided that the blue mosaic tiles in 12”x12” strips would do fine for our changing/shower room, but I still need some ideas on the drainage. Home to find Diana returned and we have a late lunch together. An unusual distraction to follow as I take Diana upstairs for my pleasure. Though the weather was cold, we were both quite warm after! To continue a rather distracting day, I only manage to do a bank and building society reconciliation before going outside to feed the ducks and doves. The weather still sunny and calm, but cold, though rain and strong wind is forecast for tomorrow. A couple of hours sorting out the garages, as I put up all of my seasoned kitchen oak on the rafters and then make room for the cars. In for tea with the family, before lighting the log fire and reading Debbie the latest chapter of her story. Then to Daniel to check his classwork and prep for the last few days. Disastrous news today as the latest US Shuttle explodes a minute after take-off, killing all 7 of its crew. The tragedy is that the first civilian, a 39 year old teacher, was on board. Their families were pictured watching the disaster, which was clearly visible from the ground. President Reagan postpones his state-of-the-union speech for a week, but announces immediately that the US Space Programme will carry on. Indeed it must, because they have deserted conventional launch rockets for their military and research programmes. Back on earth, the Government, led by Kenneth Baker, announced a far-reaching 10 year plan for the abolition of the Rating System and replacement by a form of Poll Tax. He also holds talks with the Archbishop of Canterbury and agrees a truce on inner city relief campaigns. Knowing him well and exchanging letters on his recent appointment, I can only believe he is one of the more able and sensible members in the government. The TUC begins a process that must lead to the expulsion of the electricians after they have poached the printers jobs. They also agree to ask other unions to ‘black’ distribution. The CBI report today the factors of economic deterioration and calls for government action.