May 24th (Wed)
Thank goodness this week will soon be over. Break up for half term on Friday. Gave us revision list in physics. Exams are pretty near Oh No! Seemed a little sort of closer to Miss Hatch today in Russian. Don't know why. Still don't like her much - oh Scripture is so damn boring. It depresses me. I've been nicer to Auntie Emma recently. She's been nicer to me though (I think). Looking forward to Sunday.
May 25th
J was ill today. She had to go home at dinner-time and she missed English. We had to recite Richard II. Mrs Esege left today after 2 years. Susan Buckley (head girl) gave her the most ridiculous vase you've ever seen. Auntie Emma gave me a pound! Gosh I feel awful. Slogging away at Chem.
May 26th (Fri)
At last broke up. At dinner time. Moving desks for 'O' levels today. Had test in Chem got 34/38. Ok. Went to JA's to get rucksack for J and JA lent me a 'Peanuts' book - it's terrific. I went to Susan Greenwood's - gave her present and also one to Anthony. Went with Greenwoods to see Sue's new school - Grange. Veeeery nice - ultra modern. Very big. Expensive. I prefer Hulme though.
May 27th (Sat)
Stayed with J tonight. We were going to go to E's tomorrow but she phoned this morning to say she had tog o n holiday with her mum and dad. She sounded a bit upset really - wonder what it was about. J's sister has got a terrific encyclopaedia for passing for Hulme. We were tired but we didn't go to bed till 11.30pm.
May 28th (Sun)
Did quite a bit of revision at J's (physics). Her mum asked us if we wanted to visit her aunt in Blackpool. Waited ages for her dad to bring car then we set off at 8pm! Got there about 9pm.J's cousin and her boyfriend were there - they were dead soppy and impolite, whispering and holding hands etc. Makes me wish I had a boyfriend. Got home about midnight. Nice day.
May 29th
Came home from J's. We took Auntie Emma home - Auntie Elsie and Caroline came along too - it was awful. Mum insists on telling everyone about me crying about Lady and how I'm gong to get a boyfriend in Pwllehli - I don't like Auntie Elsie. Auntie Emma went on and on about we shouldn't have taken Lady with us. Did a bit more revising when all my dear relatives had returned to their homes.
May 30th (Tues)
Gosh I've hardly done any revision again. I went to J's, then to the dentist this morning (J's appointment, not mine!!) She had a filling. Did it of revision then went on to E's. Funny girl, E. Painted her bedroom in yellow and blue. Looked pretty good when we'd finished. Not sure about her mum. I'll make E a poster (only lickle)
May 31st
Spent most of today doing revision, being bad-tempered and packing for youth-hostelling tomorrow. Gosh I'm looking forward to it a lot. Bit worried 'cos Doug gave dad a funny look when I told him about it. Guess he thinks it'll pour down. It probably will. Been doing 'Yoga for Health' on the telly. Fun. I think it really is good for you*. But it makes me ache.
*Commentary
May 31st - It was a chap called Richard Hittleman who used to do yoga on TV. This day seems to to be the starting point for a life-long relationship with yoga - though I'm not consistent in my practice
Friday 27 May 2011
Thursday 26 May 2011
Elizabeth Gaskell - Just finished reading . . .
'Sylvia's Lovers' by Elizabeth Gaskell (1863)
9 out of 10
One day I was very lucky and I found three Elizabeth Gaskell paperbacks in my local Cancer Research charity shop. I love buying my books from charity shops. I love thinking that other people have worked their way through the pages.
So, I have just read Sylvia's Lovers, which sounds very racy. Of couse it isn't, because it is written by a vicar's wife in the 19th century. Aren't we privileged to have this insight into another time, provided by Elizabeth Gaskell and by Charles Dickens? They are both such different, but such excellent authors. And they speak to us across nearly 150 years! And it makes sense! And we understand the people they write about! Wow! Would they understand us, if they could see us? Or, if Mrs Gaskell read an Ian McKewan or an Anita Shreve, how much would she understand and recognise, of human nature?
Back to the point - Sylvia's Lovers - Mrs Gaskell describes it as the saddest story she ever wrote. Should Sylvia opt for Mr Steady and Faithful and possibly Boring, or should she opt for Mr Exciting and Dangerous and possibly Fickle? Which would you go for? Have you had to make that decision?
I learned so much about English social history, and about the history of press gangs and the Royal Navy from this book. It could hardly be faulted.
I have read an Anita Shreve (Body Surfing) also, recently, and she, also is hard to fault.
Now I'm reading Ian McKewan's 'Solar', and it is taking me a long time, because I lack bounce and energy, and maybe the book does, too.
9 out of 10
One day I was very lucky and I found three Elizabeth Gaskell paperbacks in my local Cancer Research charity shop. I love buying my books from charity shops. I love thinking that other people have worked their way through the pages.
So, I have just read Sylvia's Lovers, which sounds very racy. Of couse it isn't, because it is written by a vicar's wife in the 19th century. Aren't we privileged to have this insight into another time, provided by Elizabeth Gaskell and by Charles Dickens? They are both such different, but such excellent authors. And they speak to us across nearly 150 years! And it makes sense! And we understand the people they write about! Wow! Would they understand us, if they could see us? Or, if Mrs Gaskell read an Ian McKewan or an Anita Shreve, how much would she understand and recognise, of human nature?
Back to the point - Sylvia's Lovers - Mrs Gaskell describes it as the saddest story she ever wrote. Should Sylvia opt for Mr Steady and Faithful and possibly Boring, or should she opt for Mr Exciting and Dangerous and possibly Fickle? Which would you go for? Have you had to make that decision?
I learned so much about English social history, and about the history of press gangs and the Royal Navy from this book. It could hardly be faulted.
I have read an Anita Shreve (Body Surfing) also, recently, and she, also is hard to fault.
Now I'm reading Ian McKewan's 'Solar', and it is taking me a long time, because I lack bounce and energy, and maybe the book does, too.
Saturday 21 May 2011
My secret diary 1972 May (ii)
May 17th (Wed)
Me and E & J & J & C are all going youth-hostelling in the Whitsun hols. I thought it would be quite cheap but it's turning out to be pretty expensive. It might cost over £1. I feel awful but it won't half be fun though. J's sister, C, has finally passed for the prep school, Good. I'm flat broke!! What the hell should I do? I've got no money at all.
May 18th
Cough's bad but ok day. Further with Sandra's dress. Life goes on. Isn't it boring? Played volley-ball today in P.E. It was good fun except for R. She's the type that takes it seriously and she kept saying that we were doing too much giggling and some people were trying to play volleyball. Can't stand that type of attitude. Suppose it's me that's funny. Bit jealous of E today. J spent a lot of time with her.
May 19th (Fri)
Ok day. Got a letter from Shirl and one off Lorette, which is pretty good. I could murder Miss Hatch. She gave me, J and C all C's for Russian homework the other night. The two Sue's from the other form both got B+. Typical!! I'm sure it's favouritism. I only had 5 mistakes. God, that woman! Gave sponsor money in - £3.31 1/2. I owe dad loads of money as always.
May 20th (Sat)
Full day. Finished making doll's dresses. Went up town with dad and he dropped me off at Susan Greenwood's. They weren't in. Done most of my homework!!! Copied up loads of physics notes. Read nearly all of 'To kill a mocking bird' (O level book). It's very good. Tried make-up out. Poor Lady. She's ill again. Got no appetite. Perhaps something wrong with her mouth? Vet on Monday.
May 21st
OK day for Sunday. Started off wanting to do revision but never got round to it. Looking forward to going hostelling. Wrote letter to Lorette. Finished 'To kill a Mocking Bird'. Discovered that Lady is producing milk - taking her to vets on Monday. OH NO!! Auntie Emma's coming tomorrow to stay for a few days. WHITSUNDAY today. Didn't see any new clothes or processions*. Dad painting kitchen.
May 22nd
George Best's birthday! George Best is giving up football - he says. Oh God. Who's left? Beatles, Simon and Garfunkkel, George Best, Frank Sinatra - they've all gone. Thought Miss Hatch'd be in a bad mood today - frightened. It was okay. Got rucksack off Ca for hiking. Auntie Emma came!! Oh I hate her! I can't help being moody when she's here. Didn't take Lady to the vets.
May 23rd
Feel dead bored with life.It's all the same now. Exams pretty soon though. Got me worried. E asked me and J round on Sunday. Chuffed. Wrote letter to Shirl. Has somebody been reading my diary? I hope not. No right to. Oh Oh Oh Auntie Emma. Miss Hatch ok today. So is everyone really. C seems to be a bit less friendly. just found out that geography trip will probably cost 55p or so.
Commentary
May 21st - we had a tradition of getting brand new clothes on Whitsunday, as young children, then we would go and show them to neighbours and family, who would give us pennies, to put in our new purses. Was it just an Oldham tradition? My mother recalled that, when she was a child, they got new clothes on Whit Sunday, to keep up appearances, and they were taken to the pawn shop on Monday.
Me and E & J & J & C are all going youth-hostelling in the Whitsun hols. I thought it would be quite cheap but it's turning out to be pretty expensive. It might cost over £1. I feel awful but it won't half be fun though. J's sister, C, has finally passed for the prep school, Good. I'm flat broke!! What the hell should I do? I've got no money at all.
May 18th
Cough's bad but ok day. Further with Sandra's dress. Life goes on. Isn't it boring? Played volley-ball today in P.E. It was good fun except for R. She's the type that takes it seriously and she kept saying that we were doing too much giggling and some people were trying to play volleyball. Can't stand that type of attitude. Suppose it's me that's funny. Bit jealous of E today. J spent a lot of time with her.
May 19th (Fri)
Ok day. Got a letter from Shirl and one off Lorette, which is pretty good. I could murder Miss Hatch. She gave me, J and C all C's for Russian homework the other night. The two Sue's from the other form both got B+. Typical!! I'm sure it's favouritism. I only had 5 mistakes. God, that woman! Gave sponsor money in - £3.31 1/2. I owe dad loads of money as always.
May 20th (Sat)
Full day. Finished making doll's dresses. Went up town with dad and he dropped me off at Susan Greenwood's. They weren't in. Done most of my homework!!! Copied up loads of physics notes. Read nearly all of 'To kill a mocking bird' (O level book). It's very good. Tried make-up out. Poor Lady. She's ill again. Got no appetite. Perhaps something wrong with her mouth? Vet on Monday.
May 21st
OK day for Sunday. Started off wanting to do revision but never got round to it. Looking forward to going hostelling. Wrote letter to Lorette. Finished 'To kill a Mocking Bird'. Discovered that Lady is producing milk - taking her to vets on Monday. OH NO!! Auntie Emma's coming tomorrow to stay for a few days. WHITSUNDAY today. Didn't see any new clothes or processions*. Dad painting kitchen.
May 22nd
George Best's birthday! George Best is giving up football - he says. Oh God. Who's left? Beatles, Simon and Garfunkkel, George Best, Frank Sinatra - they've all gone. Thought Miss Hatch'd be in a bad mood today - frightened. It was okay. Got rucksack off Ca for hiking. Auntie Emma came!! Oh I hate her! I can't help being moody when she's here. Didn't take Lady to the vets.
May 23rd
Feel dead bored with life.It's all the same now. Exams pretty soon though. Got me worried. E asked me and J round on Sunday. Chuffed. Wrote letter to Shirl. Has somebody been reading my diary? I hope not. No right to. Oh Oh Oh Auntie Emma. Miss Hatch ok today. So is everyone really. C seems to be a bit less friendly. just found out that geography trip will probably cost 55p or so.
Commentary
May 21st - we had a tradition of getting brand new clothes on Whitsunday, as young children, then we would go and show them to neighbours and family, who would give us pennies, to put in our new purses. Was it just an Oldham tradition? My mother recalled that, when she was a child, they got new clothes on Whit Sunday, to keep up appearances, and they were taken to the pawn shop on Monday.
Saturday 14 May 2011
My secret diary 1972 May (i)
May 1 (Mon)
Took Lady to the vet's today. He said she's fine. Have to take her again on Friday. Only hems need doing on shorts now. Doing well. I guess I've cheered up a bit now. Reading 'A Fall of Moondust' Arthur C. Clark. V. good. Doing it for English. Not much homework. I believe in Jesus.
May 2
Lady feels so soft and warm now. I'm so glad she's alive. Wrote a poem for magazine today - Theme - Generation. Called it "Time goes on" Q. good (modesty!). Dad'll be coming home soon I think. Miss Hatch said I was sleeping in today's lesson. She doesn't like me.
May 3 (Wed)
Believe it or not there's a walk this year, too*. For the swimming pool, of course. 24 miles - phew, I'll never make it. There's a disco after. I'm not sure if I want to go. Played volleyball - hate it. I love Robert Redford - no really, I do. Sundance Kid. 13hours with lenses**. Recited a bit of Richard II in English.
May 4
OK day, nothing spectacular as usual. Oh - dad's going to come out of hospital. Probably tomorrow. Good. Lady's fine. Ju's sister, Cathy, went in for Estcort again*. I hope she passes for Ju's sake. We went out on the drive to see her. Carol was convinced we were seeing some lads.
May 5
Thank Jesus another Friday. No Russian on Fridays. My favourite day. Chem. Nearly lost temper with BC, but seemed to be friendlier with S. Dad's home from hospital. Been round collecting sponsors for walk. Mrs Sweatman sponsored me for 3p!! 24 miles. Nice friendly day. Gave poem in for magazine. Hemmed shorts.
May 6 (Sat)
Went to the shop to meet J at 1.30. Pouring down!! Wanted to be at J's for 3pm to see the Cup Final (Leeds vs Arsenal). Didn't do any shopping. Leeds won - I'm glad 1-0. But poor old Mick Jones got his arm broke or something. Expected fellers to be at J's to watch match. Weren't. I slept the night. Lady was by herself.
May 7
Yuck! I hate Sundays. My dad came to pick me up from J's. Lady's not eating again. Saw Linda S yesterday. Loads of homework. Didn't feel a bit like doing it though. Stayed up till about 11.30pm. I'll be bad-tempered tomorrow I bet. Dad was drunk a bit when he and mum came in. Gave me a lecture on socialism and communism. You know!! Dear old mum and dad.
May 8 (Mon)
School! OK day. In Chem Miss Rogerson made some nylon. It was terrific. I think organic chemistry is quite interesting. Seemed to be a bit friendlier in a very slight way with S today. Leeds lost versus Wolves today. Quite a shock. They won't win league now. Russ. OK (W.N.C.*) So were Eng and Maths. I'm trying hard not to be shy.
May 9
OK day.The walk's on Sat. Looking forward to it! 24 miles - Jesus. Actually spoke to S again today. Russ okay (getting better). Carol asked me to her house tonight. Went. It was okay. Her mum was out. She gave me a James Taylor picture - pretty good & Robert Redford - Oh ~~~. Listened to records, talked, watched telly. She's crazy about football.
May 10
Got a rotten sore throat, because we got caught in a great hailstorm yesterday. Supposed to go to Manchester Dentist today, but his wife is in hospital so appointment was cancelled. Feel dead tired. Just couldn't do maths homework. Mrs Stanton'll go potty. Bought a new pattern for Sandra's dress. Think I'll do it in lime green and lemon. Maybe. I luv Robert Redford.
May 11 (Thur)
Any advance on a sore throat? YEAH, a whopping great, nasty, ugly, cold. (I'm sure it must be pneumonia) Oh, oh! Voice is going I'm sure. Me and J seem to be friendly with everyone all of a sudden. eg C and S, C and R and E. Poor old E. I hope I'm okay for the walk. Got about 19 1/2p worth of sponsors. Pretty good. Mrs Stanton didn't go potty!! Didn't get Sandra's wool.
May 12
OK day (as usual). Seemed to be a lot more friendly with S. In fact, talking to her quite a lot. Poor X. I don't want her to try to make a threesome with me and J. I don't think she will though. She's a loner - quite nice though*. J sleeping tonight. Still got rotten cold. Walk tomorrow, a bit nervous. 24 miles. Been sponsored for 19 1/2 p. Didn't get Sandra's wool. Norma home.
May 13 (sat)
THE GREAT HULME WALK!!! Was a flop. Well, as far as I was concerned anyway. Got lost on the moors - wasted 1 1/2 hours. Only did 17 miles - had to pack it in. Thought we were going to have a lift home in army truck with lovely hunky soldiers. Didn't!! The dance was okay. Wish I had a boyfriend though. Really enjoyed myself, trying to revive the twist. X did too. Poor J's feet are covered in blisters. Never mind. Only 4 girls finished the walk.
May 14
I hate Sundays. So boring and family always seems to argue. Seen more of Norma today though. She's going back to Brum tomorrow. J went home before dinner and just after dinner Audrey, Auntie May, Allan, Sandra, Janet and Julie all came to visit. Thank goodness they only stayed about 6 mins. I just felt like walloping each and every one of them. Ohhhhh.
May 15
Normal day. Don't know whether to be relieved or not. J's feet are killing her. I'm aching all over but it's not too bad. X was away today, I hope she's okay. At last I bought some lovely green wool for Sandra's dress. Unfortunately they're going down to Weymouth on Thursday. Norm went home, hardly time to say byebye. Bought Susan Greenwood a present. I'l have to go down to see her soon.
May 16
OK day but so bored. Started Sandra's dress. Did Russ homework. OK. It was awful though really. Gosh I got annoyed just before we came home. I felt like blowing up at everyone, especially Y - Oh Jesus please let our holiday be okay. Cold is gradually getting better. Collecting sponsor money in.
Commentary*
May 3 - the diary is laid out so that the entries for May 3rd for each year (1970 - 1974) are all on one page. This is a reference to a sponsored walk that I had been on in 1970. For most of my teen years at school we were fund-raising to build a swimming pool. Not sure if I ever swam in it, but I certainly paid for a brick or two, and a few splashes of water. ** I was building up my tolerance of contact lenses, having worn spectacles since I was about 7.
May 4 - Estcort was a preparatory school attached to our school.
May 8 - no idea what WNC meant!
May 12 - looking back, my heart goes out to all these young insecure teenage girls (me included) - moving towards each other and away, grouping and regrouping, trying to make friends, but seeing, and receiving slights. Hopes, hurts, insecurity, smugness.
Took Lady to the vet's today. He said she's fine. Have to take her again on Friday. Only hems need doing on shorts now. Doing well. I guess I've cheered up a bit now. Reading 'A Fall of Moondust' Arthur C. Clark. V. good. Doing it for English. Not much homework. I believe in Jesus.
May 2
Lady feels so soft and warm now. I'm so glad she's alive. Wrote a poem for magazine today - Theme - Generation. Called it "Time goes on" Q. good (modesty!). Dad'll be coming home soon I think. Miss Hatch said I was sleeping in today's lesson. She doesn't like me.
May 3 (Wed)
Believe it or not there's a walk this year, too*. For the swimming pool, of course. 24 miles - phew, I'll never make it. There's a disco after. I'm not sure if I want to go. Played volleyball - hate it. I love Robert Redford - no really, I do. Sundance Kid. 13hours with lenses**. Recited a bit of Richard II in English.
May 4
OK day, nothing spectacular as usual. Oh - dad's going to come out of hospital. Probably tomorrow. Good. Lady's fine. Ju's sister, Cathy, went in for Estcort again*. I hope she passes for Ju's sake. We went out on the drive to see her. Carol was convinced we were seeing some lads.
May 5
Thank Jesus another Friday. No Russian on Fridays. My favourite day. Chem. Nearly lost temper with BC, but seemed to be friendlier with S. Dad's home from hospital. Been round collecting sponsors for walk. Mrs Sweatman sponsored me for 3p!! 24 miles. Nice friendly day. Gave poem in for magazine. Hemmed shorts.
May 6 (Sat)
Went to the shop to meet J at 1.30. Pouring down!! Wanted to be at J's for 3pm to see the Cup Final (Leeds vs Arsenal). Didn't do any shopping. Leeds won - I'm glad 1-0. But poor old Mick Jones got his arm broke or something. Expected fellers to be at J's to watch match. Weren't. I slept the night. Lady was by herself.
May 7
Yuck! I hate Sundays. My dad came to pick me up from J's. Lady's not eating again. Saw Linda S yesterday. Loads of homework. Didn't feel a bit like doing it though. Stayed up till about 11.30pm. I'll be bad-tempered tomorrow I bet. Dad was drunk a bit when he and mum came in. Gave me a lecture on socialism and communism. You know!! Dear old mum and dad.
May 8 (Mon)
School! OK day. In Chem Miss Rogerson made some nylon. It was terrific. I think organic chemistry is quite interesting. Seemed to be a bit friendlier in a very slight way with S today. Leeds lost versus Wolves today. Quite a shock. They won't win league now. Russ. OK (W.N.C.*) So were Eng and Maths. I'm trying hard not to be shy.
May 9
OK day.The walk's on Sat. Looking forward to it! 24 miles - Jesus. Actually spoke to S again today. Russ okay (getting better). Carol asked me to her house tonight. Went. It was okay. Her mum was out. She gave me a James Taylor picture - pretty good & Robert Redford - Oh ~~~. Listened to records, talked, watched telly. She's crazy about football.
May 10
Got a rotten sore throat, because we got caught in a great hailstorm yesterday. Supposed to go to Manchester Dentist today, but his wife is in hospital so appointment was cancelled. Feel dead tired. Just couldn't do maths homework. Mrs Stanton'll go potty. Bought a new pattern for Sandra's dress. Think I'll do it in lime green and lemon. Maybe. I luv Robert Redford.
May 11 (Thur)
Any advance on a sore throat? YEAH, a whopping great, nasty, ugly, cold. (I'm sure it must be pneumonia) Oh, oh! Voice is going I'm sure. Me and J seem to be friendly with everyone all of a sudden. eg C and S, C and R and E. Poor old E. I hope I'm okay for the walk. Got about 19 1/2p worth of sponsors. Pretty good. Mrs Stanton didn't go potty!! Didn't get Sandra's wool.
May 12
OK day (as usual). Seemed to be a lot more friendly with S. In fact, talking to her quite a lot. Poor X. I don't want her to try to make a threesome with me and J. I don't think she will though. She's a loner - quite nice though*. J sleeping tonight. Still got rotten cold. Walk tomorrow, a bit nervous. 24 miles. Been sponsored for 19 1/2 p. Didn't get Sandra's wool. Norma home.
May 13 (sat)
THE GREAT HULME WALK!!! Was a flop. Well, as far as I was concerned anyway. Got lost on the moors - wasted 1 1/2 hours. Only did 17 miles - had to pack it in. Thought we were going to have a lift home in army truck with lovely hunky soldiers. Didn't!! The dance was okay. Wish I had a boyfriend though. Really enjoyed myself, trying to revive the twist. X did too. Poor J's feet are covered in blisters. Never mind. Only 4 girls finished the walk.
May 14
I hate Sundays. So boring and family always seems to argue. Seen more of Norma today though. She's going back to Brum tomorrow. J went home before dinner and just after dinner Audrey, Auntie May, Allan, Sandra, Janet and Julie all came to visit. Thank goodness they only stayed about 6 mins. I just felt like walloping each and every one of them. Ohhhhh.
May 15
Normal day. Don't know whether to be relieved or not. J's feet are killing her. I'm aching all over but it's not too bad. X was away today, I hope she's okay. At last I bought some lovely green wool for Sandra's dress. Unfortunately they're going down to Weymouth on Thursday. Norm went home, hardly time to say byebye. Bought Susan Greenwood a present. I'l have to go down to see her soon.
May 16
OK day but so bored. Started Sandra's dress. Did Russ homework. OK. It was awful though really. Gosh I got annoyed just before we came home. I felt like blowing up at everyone, especially Y - Oh Jesus please let our holiday be okay. Cold is gradually getting better. Collecting sponsor money in.
Commentary*
May 3 - the diary is laid out so that the entries for May 3rd for each year (1970 - 1974) are all on one page. This is a reference to a sponsored walk that I had been on in 1970. For most of my teen years at school we were fund-raising to build a swimming pool. Not sure if I ever swam in it, but I certainly paid for a brick or two, and a few splashes of water. ** I was building up my tolerance of contact lenses, having worn spectacles since I was about 7.
May 4 - Estcort was a preparatory school attached to our school.
May 8 - no idea what WNC meant!
May 12 - looking back, my heart goes out to all these young insecure teenage girls (me included) - moving towards each other and away, grouping and regrouping, trying to make friends, but seeing, and receiving slights. Hopes, hurts, insecurity, smugness.
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