Securing the support of influential local Little Paxton people for my nomination to the District Council candidature, completing my election paperwork and then receiving many offers of help and support. This as another IRA man is shot dead under the governments’ ‘shoot to kill’ policy, Israel has implemented a night curfew to curb Gaza unrest and South Africa decides to hang six blacks this week. Pre-budget NHS protests continue but Chancellor Lawson ploughs on regardless
Another busy day working on my local history project and political lobbying. I carried on doing my artwork for the second leaflet, laying out the things, like a newsletter with plenty of stories. Later, I plucked up the courage to call Jack Ramply of Southoe and asked him about getting a proposer to endorse my nomination. He did not offer himself, but suggested a Mr Parker, who is an old-timer there with possibly similar political leanings (Ramply is himself a Conservative). Worked until lunch, when it was clear that there would be no photography today. I had hoped that Colin Howard could take some of my photographs today for publicity purposes, but rain and wind ruled this out of the equation. Worked on this afternoon with my artwork and copying and then printed it out ready for Percy to see and approve.
Also did his press release paper for him and mapped out a press release for myself at the same time. After tea, got ready and went to see Parish Council Chairman, Alf Couzens. We sat and talked for 2 hours about local affairs, issues and council policy. He signed my nomination and I was glad of his support. Back home late to find a call on the machine from S W Cambs SLD organiser, Heather, who is offering to bring over a car load for canvassing to help the campaign. Then rushed off to give my copy to Percy Meyer and was thus home late again! To bed quite restless, worrying about the fact that I might have a problem tomorrow, having also done some artwork that might conflict with the Cambridge party workers. The news today was of rising indignation in Belfast, as another IRA man is shot dead. Israel have now imposed a night curfew in Gaza to try to prevent the spread of unrest. South Africa has brushed aside appeals for clemency on behalf of the six blacks due to be hanged on Friday. The pre-budget NHS protests go on, with thousands of workers backed up by unofficial docker’s strikes. Chancellor Lawson intends to reassert his authority in tomorrow’s budget, after Thatcher’s intervention.