Thursday 15 July 2010
my secret diary 1971 July
There were no entries at all in July 1971. I was 14, and clearly too busy.
My secret diary 1970 July (ii)
July 17th Friday
Broke up for long summer hols. Till Sept 15th. Collected autographs. Miss Brierley leaving. Me, S and J gave her a book.
July 18th
I'm bored already. The thought of 8 more weeks. Ugh. Went to J's. Richard's got measles. Boys in park. Ha.
July 19th
The Great Auntie Emma came to stay. Ugh. She's horrible. S rang me up. Allan, Auntie May and Herbert came.
July 20th Mon
(Bit behind with diary). Went to Carol's to see if she can come on Wed. She can. She took me to the park. I went up town after with Auntie Emma.
July 21st
Still behind with diary. I can't think what happened. Helped mum to wash the clothes*. Quite enjoyed it. Didn't do much else.
July 22nd
Went to J's, then to S's. Then had dinner, played tennis at Westwood Park. Went to baths. Then S had a "mini-raver-upper". 6 people.
July 23rd Thurs
Carol came after dinner. Used Meccano a bit. I made a robot, clever me. Carol and me went to park and played golf. Helped Auntie Emma to make pillows.
July 24th
Still chopping up those pieces to go in the pillows for Auntie Emma. Carol came. Messed about with her chemistry set. Thought we'd discovered a stain remover.
July 25th
Learned how to crochet (from Auntie Emma). Still don't like that woman. Took her home*. Cousin Jack is strange. So shy. Feel uncomfy with him.
July 26th
Tidied bedroom (wonders will never cease!). Crocheted a bag for Norm. Making i) a bag, ii) a quilt, iii) some gonks iv) a house. Golly what a lot!!!!
July 27th Mon
Didn't do much. Norma off work 'cos of 'cold'. I think she's faking it a bit though*. She doesn't want to go to David's.
July 28th
Sorry! I'm behind with diary (that's you). Yesterday I went to library. Got Gandhi book and a russian one.
July 29th Wed
Went up town with mum. Bought sewing machine needles, saucer for plant pot and all sorts. I'm lazy - I didn't do any work.
July 30th
Today (I've caught up on diary) S phoned. She goes on hols next Wed. Pity! Fixed going to carnival on Sat, with J. Front garden.
July 31st Fri
Behind with diary. Sorry! Don't know what happened.
Commentary*
July 21st - we had a twin tub machine. I think there were jobs to do like filling the tub with a hose-pipe from the sink, because it wasn't plumbed in. We had a pair of those wooden tongs for lifting the clothes from the hot water. After rinsing a couple of times they had to be lifted into the spinner drum. It's all coming back to me! Bring on your twin tubs!
July 25th - taking Auntie Emma home was always a good trip. She lived near Sheffield, so we had to drive over the Pennine moors, along the Isle of Skye Road (later famous as the place that the Moors Murderers buried some of their victims). The landscape is harsh and the weather could be interesting. Emma's son, Jack, lived with her until she died. Like his father he worked at Foxes steel works. He normally went and did some odd jobs in the shed when visitors came, but he liked talking to my dad.
July 27 - sorry, Norma, if you are reading this!
Broke up for long summer hols. Till Sept 15th. Collected autographs. Miss Brierley leaving. Me, S and J gave her a book.
July 18th
I'm bored already. The thought of 8 more weeks. Ugh. Went to J's. Richard's got measles. Boys in park. Ha.
July 19th
The Great Auntie Emma came to stay. Ugh. She's horrible. S rang me up. Allan, Auntie May and Herbert came.
July 20th Mon
(Bit behind with diary). Went to Carol's to see if she can come on Wed. She can. She took me to the park. I went up town after with Auntie Emma.
July 21st
Still behind with diary. I can't think what happened. Helped mum to wash the clothes*. Quite enjoyed it. Didn't do much else.
July 22nd
Went to J's, then to S's. Then had dinner, played tennis at Westwood Park. Went to baths. Then S had a "mini-raver-upper". 6 people.
July 23rd Thurs
Carol came after dinner. Used Meccano a bit. I made a robot, clever me. Carol and me went to park and played golf. Helped Auntie Emma to make pillows.
July 24th
Still chopping up those pieces to go in the pillows for Auntie Emma. Carol came. Messed about with her chemistry set. Thought we'd discovered a stain remover.
July 25th
Learned how to crochet (from Auntie Emma). Still don't like that woman. Took her home*. Cousin Jack is strange. So shy. Feel uncomfy with him.
July 26th
Tidied bedroom (wonders will never cease!). Crocheted a bag for Norm. Making i) a bag, ii) a quilt, iii) some gonks iv) a house. Golly what a lot!!!!
July 27th Mon
Didn't do much. Norma off work 'cos of 'cold'. I think she's faking it a bit though*. She doesn't want to go to David's.
July 28th
Sorry! I'm behind with diary (that's you). Yesterday I went to library. Got Gandhi book and a russian one.
July 29th Wed
Went up town with mum. Bought sewing machine needles, saucer for plant pot and all sorts. I'm lazy - I didn't do any work.
July 30th
Today (I've caught up on diary) S phoned. She goes on hols next Wed. Pity! Fixed going to carnival on Sat, with J. Front garden.
July 31st Fri
Behind with diary. Sorry! Don't know what happened.
Commentary*
July 21st - we had a twin tub machine. I think there were jobs to do like filling the tub with a hose-pipe from the sink, because it wasn't plumbed in. We had a pair of those wooden tongs for lifting the clothes from the hot water. After rinsing a couple of times they had to be lifted into the spinner drum. It's all coming back to me! Bring on your twin tubs!
July 25th - taking Auntie Emma home was always a good trip. She lived near Sheffield, so we had to drive over the Pennine moors, along the Isle of Skye Road (later famous as the place that the Moors Murderers buried some of their victims). The landscape is harsh and the weather could be interesting. Emma's son, Jack, lived with her until she died. Like his father he worked at Foxes steel works. He normally went and did some odd jobs in the shed when visitors came, but he liked talking to my dad.
July 27 - sorry, Norma, if you are reading this!
Friday 9 July 2010
Rape, anonymity and NHS managers - a rant
I am keeping an eye on what the Con-Dem government are up to. I may have to regularly monitor and rant. 3 things this morning:
1)The new coalition government are planning to grant rape defendants anonymity, despite much protest from women's groups, police and MPs on all sides of the House. This anonymity was dropped in 1988. This is the second display of contempt for women that the new government has shown. The first was the budget.
2)GPs are to take on responsibility for commissioning and paying for services for their patients. This will mean that they take on the work currently done by managers and administrators. They have been trained to practice medicine. They are a sparse resource. All this electioneering bunkum about not reducing front-line staff in the NHS is nonsense. Managers will be made redundant in droves. Then who will manage the frontline staff and services? Well, my guess is that the paperwork and meetings won't go away - they will have to be managed by senior clinical practitioners. They have been trained to practice. Who will treat the patients?
3)The Guardian this morning gives an interesting breakdown of the exactly where the school building projects have been axed. 57.2% of the stopped projects are in Labour party seats. Speaks for itself. But is it political or just a disregard for the needs of the poorer sections of society?
1)The new coalition government are planning to grant rape defendants anonymity, despite much protest from women's groups, police and MPs on all sides of the House. This anonymity was dropped in 1988. This is the second display of contempt for women that the new government has shown. The first was the budget.
2)GPs are to take on responsibility for commissioning and paying for services for their patients. This will mean that they take on the work currently done by managers and administrators. They have been trained to practice medicine. They are a sparse resource. All this electioneering bunkum about not reducing front-line staff in the NHS is nonsense. Managers will be made redundant in droves. Then who will manage the frontline staff and services? Well, my guess is that the paperwork and meetings won't go away - they will have to be managed by senior clinical practitioners. They have been trained to practice. Who will treat the patients?
3)The Guardian this morning gives an interesting breakdown of the exactly where the school building projects have been axed. 57.2% of the stopped projects are in Labour party seats. Speaks for itself. But is it political or just a disregard for the needs of the poorer sections of society?
Monday 5 July 2010
Byatt, Bryson and Mosse - Reading....
I recently read Labyrinth by Kate Mosse. It was left on the narrow-boat by a friend who said it is a good read. I know more about 13th century French history, the Cathars and Carcassone, but I don't want to read thrillers about the Holy Grail anymore. 5 out of 10.
Also, I have just read 'Shakespeare' by Bill Bryson, which I bought at the Globe Theatre last year. What a good writer! I don't know much more about Shakespeare, but Bill B admitted that there's not much to know. Oh I do prefer reading fiction, though. 6 out of 10.
I'm now reading 'The Children's Book' by A.S. Byatt, because I'm a sucker for Booker prize-list books. I haven't read her before because she seems to be stuck in a smug middle-class groove. But how can I think this if I don;t read her?! I got the book in a charity shop in Leigh.
Also, I have just read 'Shakespeare' by Bill Bryson, which I bought at the Globe Theatre last year. What a good writer! I don't know much more about Shakespeare, but Bill B admitted that there's not much to know. Oh I do prefer reading fiction, though. 6 out of 10.
I'm now reading 'The Children's Book' by A.S. Byatt, because I'm a sucker for Booker prize-list books. I haven't read her before because she seems to be stuck in a smug middle-class groove. But how can I think this if I don;t read her?! I got the book in a charity shop in Leigh.
My secret diary 1970 July (i)
July 1 Wed
Proud because everyone was admiring our model in art. (Got 85% in maths, 3rd) Boring day. We're going camping in holidays.
July 2
Nice day. Got a letter from Shirley. 8 sides!!! Wrote a letter to Lorette*. Norma finished dress. (R.I. 66% Music 60%) Average 70.7%
July 3
S and J came. Going to do science experiments. Them two giddy.
July 4
Got new coat. Wore the dress that Norma made. Babysat for Audrey. Awful but funny. Me and Norma were both tired out. Not Sandra.
July 5 Sun
Went to see Susan and Anthony. Quite good. Home from holidays. Bought me a preesent. I was touched. Took Lady. 2 plane crashes.
July 6 Mon
OK day. Could be better. Everyone was touched about planes. Horrible! Norma got lots of phone calls about Oldham Oxfam after write-up in paper.
July 7
Went on trip with school. To Pilkington's Glass Museum. Quite good. (Ainsdale. Beaches. Sea) Made a fool of myself when coach nearly went without me.
July 8 Wed
Got an awful suspicion that mum's been looking at Diary. Help. Invited Shirley to walk on July 11th. After careful thought. M.W. thief.
July 9
Shirley* came and we made arrangements. She's changed. She's grown too! I hope mum hasn't looked in Diary. Posted letter to Lorette.
July 10 Fri
S, J and me must be good friends. We had a good talk today about periods. Went up town to library for 'Oldham Project'.
July 11
Phew. Went on 16 mile walk today, for school swimming pool*. Raised £1/12/0d not very good. Dance after. Shirl refused a lad who wanted to dance.
July 12 Sun
Shirley slept. She's nice. That lad last night was too old really. We took Shirl home. Made a few things. Boring day really, looking back.
July 13
Terribly tired. Didn't argue with S at all. I think I'll steer clear of arguments. Miss Hatch praised me. Chuffed. Met our 'friends' again (see March 5/6)*
July 14 Tue
Right on time. School prize-giving. Humph. Right flop!!! Dad keeps going on about me not getting a prize. I'll try next time. Miss Turner doesn't like me.
July 15 Wed
No art. Saw 'Caesar and Cleopatra' instead. Wonderful acting. That Caesar. Although she was a girl, she made a dead sexy fella!!! (A.T. - J, C and R thought so too!)
July 16
Did hardly any lessons. Break up tomorrow. Feel dead depressed for some reason. Still thinking about Caesar yesterday.
Commentary*
July 2 - Lorette was my French penfriend. She lived near Amiens, I think.
July 9 - I went to primary school with Shirley, but we went to different senior schools.
July 11 - much of our school life seemed to be dominated by raising money to build a swimming pool. This was achieved, but I don't think I ever swam in it. Did I?
July 13 - these were the girls who we thought terrorised us as we went home from school, knocking our velour hats off, and calling us 'posh'. Part of the penalty paid for going to a selective grammar school.
Proud because everyone was admiring our model in art. (Got 85% in maths, 3rd) Boring day. We're going camping in holidays.
July 2
Nice day. Got a letter from Shirley. 8 sides!!! Wrote a letter to Lorette*. Norma finished dress. (R.I. 66% Music 60%) Average 70.7%
July 3
S and J came. Going to do science experiments. Them two giddy.
July 4
Got new coat. Wore the dress that Norma made. Babysat for Audrey. Awful but funny. Me and Norma were both tired out. Not Sandra.
July 5 Sun
Went to see Susan and Anthony. Quite good. Home from holidays. Bought me a preesent. I was touched. Took Lady. 2 plane crashes.
July 6 Mon
OK day. Could be better. Everyone was touched about planes. Horrible! Norma got lots of phone calls about Oldham Oxfam after write-up in paper.
July 7
Went on trip with school. To Pilkington's Glass Museum. Quite good. (Ainsdale. Beaches. Sea) Made a fool of myself when coach nearly went without me.
July 8 Wed
Got an awful suspicion that mum's been looking at Diary. Help. Invited Shirley to walk on July 11th. After careful thought. M.W. thief.
July 9
Shirley* came and we made arrangements. She's changed. She's grown too! I hope mum hasn't looked in Diary. Posted letter to Lorette.
July 10 Fri
S, J and me must be good friends. We had a good talk today about periods. Went up town to library for 'Oldham Project'.
July 11
Phew. Went on 16 mile walk today, for school swimming pool*. Raised £1/12/0d not very good. Dance after. Shirl refused a lad who wanted to dance.
July 12 Sun
Shirley slept. She's nice. That lad last night was too old really. We took Shirl home. Made a few things. Boring day really, looking back.
July 13
Terribly tired. Didn't argue with S at all. I think I'll steer clear of arguments. Miss Hatch praised me. Chuffed. Met our 'friends' again (see March 5/6)*
July 14 Tue
Right on time. School prize-giving. Humph. Right flop!!! Dad keeps going on about me not getting a prize. I'll try next time. Miss Turner doesn't like me.
July 15 Wed
No art. Saw 'Caesar and Cleopatra' instead. Wonderful acting. That Caesar. Although she was a girl, she made a dead sexy fella!!! (A.T. - J, C and R thought so too!)
July 16
Did hardly any lessons. Break up tomorrow. Feel dead depressed for some reason. Still thinking about Caesar yesterday.
Commentary*
July 2 - Lorette was my French penfriend. She lived near Amiens, I think.
July 9 - I went to primary school with Shirley, but we went to different senior schools.
July 11 - much of our school life seemed to be dominated by raising money to build a swimming pool. This was achieved, but I don't think I ever swam in it. Did I?
July 13 - these were the girls who we thought terrorised us as we went home from school, knocking our velour hats off, and calling us 'posh'. Part of the penalty paid for going to a selective grammar school.
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