Combining visits to local political activists and picking up election ‘flag boards’ whilst taking the family to St Ives and then to lunch at the Little Paxton Little Chef and then planning leaflet delivery rounds this evening. More trouble in Ulster with the shooting of two British soldiers at an IRA funeral, the entire Leicester ambulance fleet of 50 vehicles totally destroyed by fire in their depot
Slept well enough, but awoke early again and came downstairs to initiate my own cup of tea. Stayed in my pyjamas for breakfast, reading the Investors Chronicle in the run up to it. Then I read this morning’s mail – full of Reliant letters etc, but no further Little Paxton feedback. Then my wash and shave, before deciding that I would take Di to St Ives after all. We called in on Percy Meyer on the way, who told me about new by-elections in Buckden District & County Wards, which he would probably stand in himself. This would mean he could not be my agent. Off to St Ives, where we parked, had coffee in Tooks and then I looked at the auction viewing, whilst Di took the girls to ‘Magpie’ and other places. I also bought some new screwdrivers and spanners, before getting more stationery as well. Back to St Neots, where I saw Michael Pope as Di went shopping. I discussed this question of Ward priorities and agreed a strategy.
Then we collected Daniel from Little Paxton and had lunch at the Little Chef. We saved about £10 with vouchers, but the service was very slow. Home to drop off the girls and then I dropped Daniel off in Little Paxton, before going myself along the A45 to pick up 32 flag boards from a SW Cambs SLD organiser, ready for my posters. Back via Eaton Socon, where I got Moira Biggins to sign the new Election Agent’s form and discussed administration. Home just in time to tend the ducks and doves before tea. This evening, I wrote up the Little Paxton leaflet routes by hand and will tomorrow print them up onto paper with maps and plastic covering. News tonight is of two plain-clothed British soldiers being taken and then shot by IRA men at an Ulster funeral, who claimed they were members of the SAS. Thatcher called the killings ‘an appalling act of savagery’. Irish Prime Minister Haughey called for ‘urgent action and initiatives’ and the Rev Ian Paisley wants Tom King, the Ulster Secretary, and RUC Chief Sir John Herman to both resign. The entire ambulance fleet in Leicester City has been destroyed as fire swept through the health authority depot. 50 vehicles were totally destroyed. The New Zealanders beat the English cricket team in the last of four one-day matches and the tally was then 2 all. France beat Wales in the rugby union match today and they have both thus tied in the championship.