Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1963

Rev. Capt C.H.Heath-Caldwell DSO RN aged 73/74

Violet M.Heath-Caldwell aged 76/77

Patricia M.C.Heath-Caldwell aged 42/43

Diana Charlton - (Danny) - (ne Heath-Caldwell) aged 41/42

Rosamond Attwood - (Ros) - (ne Heath-Caldwell) aged 37/38

J.A. Heath-Caldwell (NZ) aged 32/33

D.A.Heath-Caldwell (NZ) (ne Jones) aged 27/28

Vice Admiral Alexander Palmer ADC, DSO, OBE, RN. aged 82/83

Irving Palmer OBE, RN.

Lady Genesta Hamilton (ne Heath) aged 63/64

Madeline Marion de Salis (ne Heath) aged 70/71

Rosamond Heath (Posy) aged 69/70

DAJ, MDHC, JJ, and HIlary up Mount Taranaki / Egmont at the lookout carpark

Diary of Miss P. C. M. Heath-Caldwell - aged 43

Pound House, Cattistock. Ph Maiden Newton 292. Car no.4863HK.

(Lois and Bruce Sharp)

Diary note -

Patricia C.M. Heath-Caldwell from Ruth Hereward, Christmas 1962

Blizzard on Saturday 29th December 1962 - 72 people isolated on hill at the Pideon Cafe. 4 weeks old baby. Two people suffocated on hill outside Weymouth.

Tuesday 1st January 1963

What a day! Snow still deep, no thawing yet. Walked to the Cakes for milk, she came back with me. Later on milkman came. Slept in front of electric fire and read Danny's book for Mummy - "Intimate Letters of Queens of England." Then gave LIppetts some milk. Bonfire in garden. Ros rang up. Not much snow up there. Concert on TV. Beethoven 55th. Clifford Curzon, Sir Adrian Bolt.

Wednesday 2nd January 1963

Another snowy day. Continual news on wireless about coming blizzard. Milk arrived in morning alright. Went to shop,Candlers rang up. Note came from Mary O'Neill in the afternoon, could we find someone to help her - so I took a note to Mrs Robinson.Then went up to see Mary. I may relieve her on Friday. Wind getting up as we went to bed. Rang up Danny. Snow not too bad there, not so many buying drink. Finished the "Queens" book. Very good.

Thursday 3rd January 1963

Snow still deeper after 'minor' blizzard. Road bad again. Cleaned it outside and had fun with passers by. Boys came by, so got him to help me clear it away. Bit more clearing done in the afternoon. Letter from Margaret. Dissa's wife died and she is staying with him at Old Bursledon, Hants. Also request from Mrs Leader for envelope sent off. Slept well that night. Oh, yes, very good programme of Yehudi Menuhin wiht John Freeman.

Friday 4th January 1963

Cleared snow away all the afternoon. Felt very tired afterwards. Freezing at night again. Our rude letter about the play "Suspence" was not broadcast. Lovely and warm in sunshine. - Took a lot of pictures, used all mine up. Mummy took some. She went for a walk round by the Cresswells at 4.30pm. Above freezing 1 degree at midday.

Saturday 5th January 1963

Still freezing, and remained below most of the day. 6 - 8 degrees frost at 9.30am. Felt very tired - so didn't do any digging. Slept allthe afternoon, and went to bed early. Read thriller - this got rid of my headache. "Kingston Black." Letter from Mr Fryd - rang up Miss Podwill, Mr Greenaway.

Sunday 6th January 1963

Went tothe Early Service with Mum and Dad. Not much sun. Wrote to Elizabeth Turner.Had chicken for lunch. Did a bit of digging of snow in the afternoon. Good musical programme in the evening. Tortelier with Cello.

Monday 7th January 1963

Another cold day. Mum not feeling well. Dug compost heap, and emptied tin with Lilly after lunch. Alexis came up. Then walked to Maiden Newton. Very icy conditions. Slipped down and banged knee, just below kneecap. Paid bill at Redfords, also Goulds bill and P.O. No reply from Miss Padwich or the doctor. Slade-Powells brought me back.

Tuesday 8th January 1963

Another cold day but a bit of sunshine in the morning. Below freezing. Went on clearing away snow. Doctor came to see Mummy and bought pills (red). Spoke to Mrs Brennan and saw Captain Cresswell out. Mr Hodson's letters were left on the wall - delivered them. Moonlit night 11pm. 6 degrees below zero.20 degrees F

Wednesday 9th January 1963

What a day. Mummy went off by bus to Dorchester at 11am. Call came from Auckland, Jimmy on phone. Difficult to hear. Mum arrived back at 1.20pm. Good trip to Dorchester. Cable from Dora at 3pm. Jimmy ill. Baileys came over from Poole for tea. Les to fly out, and possibly his daughter Hilary. They left 8.30pm. What a to-do. This explains the 1000 to charity. Daddy slept badly, so did I.

Thursday 10th January 1963

Freezing again. Telegram came through about Jimmy. Increasing doses of sedative and weedkiller! Les and Hilary to go. Cleared snow in the morning. Went to Cakes to deliver lecture note. Also to Whites. Jesse Jones not back from Scotlandl, E. is. More snow clearing. Very depressed in the evening. Must get on wiht letters. Shilly rang up. Daddy said 'Don't tell many people.'

Friday 11th January 1963

More frost than ever last night. Did some washing, and then went out to do more digging. After lunch rested, and then took round notices about lectures. Called at Mrs Brinkworths first, then the Cresswells (hoped to, but did not get so far). Stopped for cuppa at Rectory, Ma joined me there. A better evening, but still fearfully cold.

Saturday 12th January 1963

Very cold all day. 8degrees C. below zero. Sun not so strong as yesterday. Did some shovelling in the morning. After lunch took round some more notices about lectures next week. Went to see Mary O'Neill and Mrs Henning. Mary asked me when I was going back to nursing. TV good "This was the Week that Was." 10.25pm.

Sunday 13th January 1963

Still cold, with hoar frost, and frozen fog. We all went to church for the early service. Peggy Grant there besides Mr Lippett. She said Elizabeth's engagement anouncement not in the paper yet. Dug snow for 2 hours. Rested after lunch. 8 degrees below zero all day.Did not go to evening service. Wrote to Les Bailey.

Monday 14th January 1964

Nothing special in the morning. Caught 2.27pm from the Halt in company with Mrs Downton, and the cook from the Popes. Good shopping, bought myself a mackintosh and a jumper. Stayed till 7pm. Rather fun.

Tuesday 15th January 1963

Washed hair and went to lunch with Mrs Kennard and with Mrs Downton (!!) in new jumper. Camed back and did some digging in the snow. Daddy had a letter from Dora telling him about Jimmy. Good concert - rather nice. "Busch's Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor." Icycles melted on house. Britten's 'Four Sea Interludes' from 'Peter Grimes.'

Wednesday 16th January 1963

Inclined to thaw today and be wet underfoot. Letter from Danny. John and Mrs Leader. Must write back. Took round some leaflets and called on "Bo." Had glass of port. In the afternoon went round wiht Mum and saw the Denuvize's who lent me their book "The Master" by their daughter. Very sexy. Amusing play from The Whitehall Theatre called "Out of Bounds" wiht Michael Redgrave.

Thursday 17th January 1963

Very cold again, but sunny. Wrote out more slips, took them round. Did a bit of digging in between. Drive nearly clear. Mrs Croft's visitors left by car in the morning. Lloyd George's birth 100 years ago. Saw a film on television about it. Mummy read the Renvozi's book "The Master", sordid.

17th Jan 1963 

Mrs Enid Cookson, No.4 R.D., Stratford, New Zealand

to - Captain & Mrs Heat-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

Dear Capt., Mrs Heath-Caldwell, Pat, also Danny's Twinkletoes.

First I must apologise for taking so long to write, at present I feel I could do with another holiday since we've been home we have got to bed early twice.

Now we went to see Jim just after Xmas, and to us he looked his usual self. At first he was rather quiet and just seemed to drink in all we were talking about. Then Jack started drawing him into the conversation and by the time they went out to milk he was laughing away.

Jack went and watched them milk and had quite a talk to him. He asked Jack if he had been to see Dora and Jack said "no" and so he asked him if he would, so on the way home we popped in for about an hour. She was on her guard and gave nothing away. But I will say this, the children were looking well and the house was much cleaner than she kept the one on the farm. 

Now the young couple he is with, well he couldn't be in better hands, they are young, and have a good sense of humour that he needs. Also, its a loving family home. If you should see (Mr and Mrs - crossed out) the parents of Colin please tell them I agree, they have a daughter-in-law to be proud off. We liked them both very much.

Jack and I are settling down very well, he is back to work, as for myself, I do some house work, cooking, gardening but mostly talking. The trip home sure makes you tired, we slept and slept. Xmas day my sister-in-law, said would I like to lie down for an hour after dinner. I slept till 7., missed out on my Pa. And Pat here was me wanting to come home looking smashing, my cold had got worse and my nose came out in one big cold sore. So it was Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer who walked of the plane.

The family were all there. Corrina with tears running down her cheeks, Kenneth looking so big and brown and what do you know, they didn't know Jack, he had a coat and hat on. Barry said he saw me walk down the gang way and a man behind me but he looked passed him and wondered when Mr Cookson was going to appear, poor Jack he looked so white along side the others, but he has now got a sun tan. I haven't and I don't want one.

The weather has been terrible wet since we came home, wind every day with plenty of rain, the old Mt is white with snow. And we have a fire going most evenings. Yet before Xmas they had the worst drought for over 90 years.

I noticed in the papers Colin and Clare had got a son, they are to come out one evening to see our slides, I thought they may have got out before the baby arrived. 

Did I leave a cold with any of you. I hope not. Well I've come to the end of this bit of paper, will try and get out to see Jim one evening again soon,

Love to you all

Enid and Jack

Diary of Miss P. Heath-Caldwell

Friday 18th January 1963

Started off early with slips about lectures. Went to Mrs Wills, she had Mr Shergold up her attic where shehad a hot pope frozen. On to Mrs Batten's, who looked dreadful. Had a drink of homemade (slae?) gin. Back and saw Mr Andagh, who wanted to know why I wasn't in New Zealand. Then called on Mrs Shergold. Earlier had been to Peggy's - her daughter is ill again. After lunch slept a bit and then went out to do more digging, smashed two good plates. Mr Gaitskill died at 9.10pm.

Saturday 19th January 1963

Still cold today. Chopped ice and cleared the drive again in the morning. Wrote to Les and Dora. After lunch wrote to Mrs Leader and took back the book to the Renvoye's. It wasn't very good.

Sunday 20th January 1963

Mum and Dad went to the early service. Had snowed about an inch in the night. I went to the 11 o'clock service and stayed till 12 with Jones. Told Brierley (Binky?) about James, and then told him the rest in a letter later. Did more chopping and cleaning of snow. Wrote to Mrs Bailey.

Monday 21st January 1963

Fair day. Went to the shops in the morning. Saw Brinky (?) and Boys. Mum made marmalade. Lily has a cold. Letters from Mrs Ronald, Mrs Inchbald. Slept after lunch. Bad thing on "To-night" making fun of the weeks prayers for re-union in the religious world. Mr Heath on TV. Mr McMillan making speech at Liverpool. Snow bad all over England. No more here.

Tuesday 22nd January 1963

Mrs Bailey rang Daddy early (9.am) Letters from Les, Dora, and a very nice one from Mrs Rogers. Mrs Bailey wrote me the address. Went round to the Grants with Peggy's handbag. She went to the art class at Denham yesterday. Elizabeth is better. Slept all the afternoon. We talked in the evening. Cardinal Spellman has died.

Wednesday 23rd January 1963

Mummy went into Dorchester by bus, and had coffee wiht Mrs Kennard. Brought back a coat, jacket thing. Daddy not pleased because of expense. Had a small bonfire in the gardent to get rid of paper. Did more snow shovelling. After lunch rested for a bit, and wrote to Danny. did a bit more snow shovelling. Daddy not feeling very well, headache, so rang up Doctor Hereward who will come up tomorrow.

Thursday 24th January 1963

Pretty ghastly evening! Really, what next!! In the morning wrote to Jimmy and Dora as their Christmas present arrived. "Doctor in the Islands" quite interesting. In the afternoon did a little shovelling. Rang up Mary Cake - she can't come tomorro night. Watched TV in the evening.

Friday 25th January 1963

Fair day. Cleaned silver in the mornig with Lily. Rested after lunch. Went up and saw Mrs Henning withy magazines. Had tea with her and Mary. Walked to Maiden Newton for philosophy lectures - very interesting. Brought back Bertrant Russell's "Problems."

Saturday 26th January 1963

Fair day. Had headache after lunch. Sale for Thalidomide babies in the afternoon run by the little doctor and his wife. They made about £11. Walked on to Mrs Cake's. Had a long chat. Old mother of Mrs Webb's was buried. Brinkworths popped in to see Ma and Pa. Mr Deane died.

Sunday 27th January 1963

Fairly good day. Mum and Dad went to the early service. I went to 3pm Evensong. Mrs Robinson very upset that Mr Deane had died. Good sermon. Went to bed 9.30pm and read or tried to read Bertrant Russellls book. Philosophy.

Monday 28th January 1963

Fair day. Nothing much done in the morning. Its thawing today slowly. Tempurature just freesing. Roads wet, but a lot of ice about. Rested after lunch, and went up to Peggy Grant's to see her paintings. Rang up Ruth H but got Bo instead. Going into Dorchester with her tomorrow. Long chat with Ruth. (Ruth Hereward?)

Tuesday 29th January 1963

Mrs Bailey rang early. Mum was sharp (!) with her when she said she wanted to speak to me. I went into Dorchester with Bo in taxi. Out by 12. Saw Boys there who avoided me! Slept all afternoon. (Library came in afternoon, also rubbish) Rang up Mrs Bailey. She said she thought there was bad news of Jimmy. I felt depressed. Wrote to Boys.

Wednesday 30th January 1963

Mrs Croft came in at 11am for cup of tea. Mr Deane's memorial service at 2.30pm. (1 to 2 inches snow in the night) Good sermon from Brinky. Organ played wrong note!! Mrs Cake sat with us, the Wentworths behind us. Daddy read the lesson. The late Mrs Deane's sister, Mrs Fisher came in for a cup of tea, also Mary Cake. I made bread. Mummy marmalade. Felt better, no sign from Boys. Wright, Denham, Pridearux. Sketches sorted. Tell Mary about entrance things.

Thursday 31st January 1963

Not too bad a day for a change. Made bread in the morning. Mrs Brenna camein after lunch. Went to Mrs Robinson's and Mrs Cake's. Early bed for all of us.

Friday 1st February 1963

Still freezing, but sun bright. Went to shop twice. Mum and Dad had letter from Shilly, who is very cold, but the heater they gave her is good. Started Daddy's and he started mine for me. Slept all afternoon. Ma went for a walk and saw Mrs Egerton. Walked down to philosophy lectures. This week Mrs Robinson, and Mr Parsons came along. Good argument wiht Mr Hussein, and Mr Waring. Pleasant walk back with Mrs Robinson.

Saturday 2nd February 1963

Fair day, Dad decided to clean out the oil heating! Letter from Les Bailey which I tore up immediately. (they didn't like this - I could see!) Dad had to go into Dorchester to get a new pipe after lunch. I fed hens. Went down village. Saw Joan Mitchell. She had been skying. (Skiiing?) Oil heater OK. 7pm.

Sunday 3rd February 1963

Fair day. Strange dream about Mrs Bailey not being there. Daddy in bed. Fed chickens. Walked up to (Syalling?) Crossroads in afternoon. Went to Church in the morning. Excellent sermon from Brinky.

Monday 4th February 1963

Snowing early on. Went to Maiden Newton with Mrs Brennan. Caught 11.30 am to Dorchester. Had lunch top of town, very old inn. Saw Mr Wilmott, not her (who is teaching) Walked on to Miss Fisher's where I collected the oranges and had a talk. Came back. Caught 3.15pm to Maiden Newton. Went and had tea and talk with Ruth Hereward. Back at 5.30pm. Dreamt about the Deanes. Snow an inch or two thick, wind got up in the night.

Tuesday 5th February 1963

Quiet day. Brinky6 came in at breakfast, to Mummy's annoyance, not mine. Lily's husband cleared the back yard all morning. I did some ironing, and rested in the afternoon. Very good letter from Jimmy in the morning. Did some knitting while watching TV. Wind blowing when I went to bed, and tomorrow more snow and drifts.

Wednesday 6th February 1963

Fair day, but much more snow from blizzard in the night. Les Bailey rang up at 11am wiht news. Weather too bad for him to get through. News not good about Dora. Helped Daddy dig out the ducks run. After lunch after making bread, went down to Cakes for milk. Everything very wet. Then our milkman had come when I got back. Skating on TV. Wrote to Jimmy in morning.

Thursday 7th February 1963

Fell very weak today. Mum stayed in bed for breakfast and lunch which made her much better tempered. Made two bannock with yeast. Did some washing and ironing. Rested in the afternoon.No. W.I. (Women's Institute). There was to have been a coloured film about finding onyxes.Mr Batten came up to see Daddy.

Friday 8th February 1963

Two letters from Margaret and one from Shilly. Dissa has fallen and hurt herself, and is in Southampton General Hospital. Bonfire in the morning. Rested in the afternoon. Walked down to Maiden Newton for Philosophy lecture. Time - Causation today. Mrs Robinson's son brought us back with the Hatcher boy.

Letter - 8th February 1963 (or 64?)

from - J.A.Heath-Caldwell, Ward A, Tokoroa Hospital, NZ

to - Miss P. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England.

Dear Pat,

Thank you for your letter of the 24th January - which I have had for a day or two now. They don't take long to come do they?

Yes we have plenty to read here - but if you find some newly printed book which you think I might like to read sent it home - not here - we have an excellent library here, better even than our country library in Stratford so don't bother about me here. (cont.) Tonight we went out for 2 hours.

(cont.) The lights interrupted my letter here (arrow up) - they went out. However, I slept quite well last night although it was very hot - equivalent to August in England, only its a lot hotter here sometimes. You know all about that from your experience in Newcastle, NSW. 

Am now reading 2 books - "Child of the Revolution" by Wolfgang Leonard and Anthony Avemals's "View from Orbit II" which are both readable and interesting (so far).

We had an Aussie here in this ward not long ago called ----, (censored), who on Christmas Day was involved in a fracas at the Waitomo Hotel, near the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves (quite a famous place). Apparently he only got the job as a last resort and was taken in there as a cook, although he says he had had not previous cooking experience - he was primarily a dish-washer you see. Anyway he didn't catch on to cooking too well and by Christmas Day (after he had been there only a short time) he practically threw down the gauntlet. Only he threw the gauntlet before the female member of the staff in the Waitomo Hotel kitchen. Another kitchen hand - suspected the worst - ran him into the staff at the hotel. They thereupon got the police to bring him here as there was no taxi available at that time and anyway our 'here' - had no money to hire one. I might say too that normally ---- is pretty quiet but same things evidently rouse him a bit.

the letter is being written as I went for breakfast - or rather before I get dressed. Hope it makes sense. 
Please give my regards to Leslie Bailie - thank him from me for coming 'round' to look after the farm. I'll see him later in the year, all being well.

Love to all at home.
Jimmy

Diary of Miss P. Heath-Caldwell

Saturday 9th February 1963

Stayed in all day with wed. Rested in the afternoon. Saw "This Was the Week That Was." Quite good, though sexy(?). Rang Margaret. Dissa has concussion.

Sunday 10th February 1963

Mum and Dad went to early service. I didn't. Took a dose of quinine after lunch and went to bed. The Baileys turned up. Stayed till 4.30p. I did not come down. Good play on television about painting.

Monday 11th February 1963

Stayed in bed till tea time with aspros and felt much better for it. Letters from Shilly, Mr WIllmot, Beryl Barrow(Shore), Margaret. Panorama good. There had been more snow in the night. Slightly freezing all day.

Tuesday 12th February 1963

Stayed in bed for breakfast. Two very good letters from Jimmy I thought. Daddy did not think so. Wrote one back, about religion! Up before lunch. The Library came and went over and dicussed missing books. Met Mr Hodson taking them cups of tea. Mrs Cake came in. Saw Mrs Croft. Rest in the afternoon. Went to bed early.

Wednesday 13th February 1963

Stayed in bed till about 12 mid. Still felt very tired. Letter from Nancy. After lunch had headache. So took two aspros. Daddy walked to Maiden Newton. He had a sore throat. He went to bed realy. Excellent programme on TV. Wrote to Danny, Mrs Willlmott.

Thursday 14th February 1963

Daddy stayed in bed all day. Rained all day without stopping. Lots of puddles about. Fed the chickens and ducks at 4pm. Mr Harold Wilson elected head of the Labour party 140 - 104 votes. Mr Brown not in. "Kruschov is Red,MacMillan is Blue, Now Mr Wilson, what are you?" "White is for Anger, black is for frown, Green is for envy, but now it is brown." Parochial Church meeting in dining room. Saw Mrs Brinky,Burnly(?), MacDonalds, Lippetts, Lily.

Letter -  Thursday, 14th February 1963

from - DAHC, Salisbury Road, Stratford R.D. 3. New Zealand

to - Pat Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England.

Dear Pat, 

Many thanks for your letter which we received today. We feel sorry for you with all your foul weather. Our's is hot and sunny. Hilary takes her swim suit to school everyday and has a dip in the school's baths.
Michael is at the moment getting over a slight stitis externa. He cried a lot and slept a lot but eats nothing. Nevertheless he appears to drink a lot.

Jeremy James is still a naughty little monkey at times but very lovable.

The doctor at Tokanui seemed  a fine chap. I had a long talk with him yesterday. Jimmy probably comes home next Wednesday for a week's probation. He will be expected to carry out his normal duties i.e. milking etc so that on his return to Tokanui we will be able to ascertain his reactions to home and farm life. On that depends the length of his next parole. When I saw him yesterday he looked really fit and FAT, honestly he had a great round face and a puku. Never thought I'd ever see him looking fat. He certainly isn't 100% yet but he definitely is a very different person from the one we took up there.
Tokanui is a lovely place. It covers 2,000 acres. 100 acres are mown lawn round the buildings and the rest is farmland. They have 2,000 patients and I haven't seen an iron bat yet.

Hilary Bailey now has a horse, Big Tom. A great big sloppy, beautiful brute, lovely to ride.
Have you made any plans yet about coming out for a trip. I'm sure you'd love it here.

Lots of sunny love to warm you all from all of us here.

Dora.

Diary of Miss P. Heath-Caldwell

Friday 15th February 1963

The electricity man came in the morning and spent the whole of it mending the washing machine. Daddy was up watching him. I went to the shop in the morning. Rested after lunch, and then went to feed and put in the ducks. Daddy up for tea. Quite a good film on TV, Mr Duncannon. Trollpe's "The Prime Minister" is very good.

Saturday 16th February 1963

Ma fed fowls early. I stayed in all morning. Fed fowls in afternoon. Daddy was down to meals. Brian Rix quite funny. TwTwTw quite good.

Sunday 17th February 1963

1.50pm bus to Concert. Wrote to N. Palmer and Lois Sharpe. In all morning. Ma has cold, went to concert in bus - e'Jim Shen Powell, Boys, Foster, Mrs Cake, and Robin, Mrs Cresswell, Miss Padwich and stranger. Very tired in the evening.

Monday 18th February 1963

Mummy in bed all day with cold. Rang up Doctor Hereward who came about 4pm. Crafty went into Dorchester, but I didn't go with her. She bought us some fish, and a pot of her own marmalade. Went on with "The Prime Minister" by A. Trollope. Still very cold. Mum got up for supper.

Tuesday 19th February 1963

Letters from Jimmy. He is probably coming out soon (rather unsatisfactory?). Also a rather peculiar one to Daddy. I don't think that he is right yet. Mum in bed till after lunch. I bicycled to Maiden Newton - and collected my stick from the school, and went and saw Miss Podwick. Got dust in my eye, painful. Read too much! Possibly going to Taunton on Saturday with Mrs Leader. Ring her Thursday.

Wednesday 20th February 1963

Good day - washed hair in the morning. Car would not start, so walked to Maiden Newton to get biscuits and see Redfern about car. Back and saw Mrs Cake and the six black babies!! Also saw Jones. Went to art class with Captain Brown. Brought back Mary C. with us. She has got to have the front tooth out. A nice model! Take down receipts for art and music tomorrow night.

Thursday 21st February 1963

Ring Mrs Leader. She rang me, and is going to Taunton with Mrs Craft instead. Cleaned my room in the morning. Slept in the afternoon, and walked to Maiden Newton to singing in the evening.

Friday 22nd February 1963

Man came early from Redfern's and started the car. Went into Dorchester with Mummy and fetched pictures etc. Back by 12.30 mid. Rested in the afternoon and went to Mary Cake's with Milo. Philisophical problems in the evening. Lots of people there, quite good. Car working alright.

Saturday 23rd February 1963

Taunton with Mrs Leader? Mrs Craft went instead. Tried car in morning, it was in gear - no good. Tried it after lunch after resting - it was alright. Fetched Joyce Padwick and went for a drive on the hills. Lot of snow about still. She came to tea, and saw my pictures.

Sunday 24th February 1963

Mum went to early service. Ros rang last night and has found out about Jimmy. I had trouble restarting car. Dad helped me. Lunch wiht Mrs Leader and Pat (Frost?) Called on Huff n Puff on way back, and on the Grants who were all at tea.

Monday 25th February 1963

Form for artwork. Sort WEA things. Ring Joyce R re Arabic. Mrs Robb, music. Mrs H con. Went into Dorchester, got eau-de-Cologne, and tooth brush, took back some books to library. Concert practice Blandford. OK. Mr Johnson very charming. Stop Joyce, Tyngate.

Tuesday 26th February 1963

Packed in the morning. Left home 1.30pm. Reached Bursledon 4.15pm. 65-70 miles. Good tea, nice house. Dissa not too bad. Watched TV, played piano. Ma rang up.

Wednesday 27th February 1963

Very pleasant day. Posted letter to Nancy in the village. Took Dissa and the cook to her home by car - drove on to Fareham! Played piano in the morning.

Thursday 28th February 1963

Another pleasant day. Mended furniture in the morning. Went into Southampton in the afternoon. District sister came to supper. Good TV.

Friday 1st March 1963

Guy Langham RN, 14 Winn Road. Sthn 55307. The cook did not come, as he brother had died. We cooked the lunch. Went for a ride down to Hamble afterwards. Posted parcel to Mrs Robinson. Letter from Mum in the morning about the Frost wedding.

Saturday 2nd March 1963

Up a bit early. Robin Armstrong and Mrs arrived 11.50am. Margaret fetched them. I cooked the lunch. They walked after lunch, I cleaned my car. Watched part of a play on TV. Went to bed early.

Sunday 3rd March 1963

We all went to church except Dissa. Another step-nephew of Margaret's came to lunch. The cook came and cooked it. A black nurse from Southampton arrived in the afternoon. Robin Armstrong and the boy and I went for a walk by the creek. The two Miss Spencer-Smith arrived to see the Armstongs. No TV. Bed early.

Monday 4th March 1963

Up early for breakfast 7.45am. Armstrongs left at 8.30am to catch train and plane to Armagh. I left at 9.30am. Got to Winn Road at 10.15am. Had coffee and left at 11am. Back Cattistock at 1.15pm after stopping in Dorchester for shopping. Went to Blandford in the evening. Mostly Bobby Shaftoe! Very stirring. Foggy night, back 10.30p. Superannuation came.

Tuesday 5th March 1963

Quiet day. Letter from Jimmy for Daddy. Rather mixed up. Dora is having another nurse! Played piano in the morning. Slept and read W.I paper all afternoon. TV at night. Good airforce one. Left fire on. Red hot in the morning. Wrote Dillington House. Denham College.Jim, Nancy, Elizabeth. (STS)(hairbands). - Pay Mr Dowell. camera, music, art paid. Bank £50 velvet (gange) P.O. book, keys, art, all music. Dettol, hair net pins.

Wednesday 6th March 1963

Left the fire on all night! Red hot in the morning! Ma and I went to Dorchester. After lunch called on Mrs Marshall about W.E.A. Went on to Mary's Art, piced up Mr Brown. Went round to Mary to hear Bernstein and Royal New York Philharmonic Orchestra.

Thursday 7th March 1963

Good day. Went into Bournemouth and fetched ring. Washed hair pm. W.I. for 10 minutes. Saw Bo and Joan Mitchell. Singing. Last time. Mrs Hereward went on to dinner, dance V.C.(United Dairy) Mrs Robinson's daughter came.

Friday 8th March 1963

Went to Maiden Newton to bank and to see Miss Padwich. Took round E.Grant's wedding present. Did not go off after lunch. Letter from Dora - Jimmy not fit yet! (Good thing, I think) Went to philosophy lecture in the evening. Very wet.

Saturday 9th March 1963

Set off about 10.30am, stopped for lunch in Longleat Woods. Had to come by Blandford, Salisbury Road blocked. Reached Wedhampton 1.45pm. Good day till 4pm. Very wet. Then took two boys home to Marlborough. Hot bath and felt better. Slept well. Read an amusing book.

Sunday 10th March 1963

Nancy went to the early service. I went to Elevenses. Good sermon about prodigal son. We sat in the family pew. Felt a bit stiff, went for a walk in the afternoon.

Monday 11th March 1963

Frilford Heath 219 - 7.15pm. Denham College, Marcham, Abingdon, Benhaline. 1st day. Course for Amateur Conductor of Choirs. Nancy went off early to shop and fetch Mrs Codrington. I wrote to Dora, Dora B. Mrs Codrington looked dreadful, but doesn't go to a doctor. Had tea and left at 5pm. Got here at 6.30pm. Jolly good fun, lovely room, nice place.

Tuesday 12th March 1963

Marvellous day. Conducting foist till lunch time. Went for walk and round Macham Church. More singing and rounds in the evening. Rang Danny who has a cold. Go on Thursday.

Wednesday 13th March 1963

Good day. Conducting in morning. Lecture on voice production and taking a rehearsal. Walked to Abingdon and then fetched one of choir. Singing in evening. Listened to records. Bed late. Thomson of Kilburn 25 miles from York. came in ook (mouse)

Thursday 14th March 1963

Wonderful day. Conducting in morning. To Danny in the afternoon. Talk by Mrs Pike in the evening. Singing on stairs. Earlish to bed.

Friday 15th March 1963

Leave after breakfast. Forgot to go and see sick lady! Went to Nancy's with marmalade for Danny. Reached home at 1.35pm. Rested in the afternoon. Philosophy lecture evening. Good. 10pm finish. Notices for meeting 7pm 22nd. Write Mrs Miles. Miss Williams. Miss Moller. Mr Sprey. Danny, Jim, Elizabeth.

Saturday 16th March 1963

Shilly to meet her sister Freda Foyle. Left fairly early. Called at the Herewards. Puncture at Honiton. New tube. Got to Shilly's and met her niece. Felt very tired - Shilly has no sense of humour. But it was quite fun.

Sunday 17th March 1963

Ros came to Pound House, and went back to Plymouth to meet the Youngs. Pouring with rain. I drove. He looks dreadfully old. The eldest son has grown, I mistook him for the curate.

Monday 18th March 1963

Left about 10.30am. Called at Exeter to get 10/- for puncture. Back at 12.45pm. Slept all afternoon. Went to concert practice in the evening. A lot of sitting and writing. Must study for next week.

Tuesday 19th March 1963

Went off fairly early to the Baileys at Poole. Found them all there and the daughter, Sonia. Back for lunch. Rained in the afternoon. I rested. Watched TV in the evening.Geraint Evans on. Write Shilly, warden of College, Mrs Miles. Miss Williams. Meeting on Friday. Practice music. Lunch with Mrs Kennard tomorrow.

Wednesday 20th March 1963

Wrote to Shilly. Having been up in the night with a pain did not go to lunch with Mrs Kennard. Mum went to film with her - which was low. Saw Mary C who has flu. Mary O'Neill came in to see us. Gossip S.P.'s.!! Saw Bo too. Took Mary into Dorchester in the afternoon to dentist. Back for tea. Rehearsal of play at 7pm. Not bad. Must do more. Cut at 8pm. Still life. Jane looks well, but getting stout!! Tickets for concert.

Thursday 21st March 1963

1st day of Spring. Went into Dorchester. Mum found a conet(?) Back at 1pm. Went down to Maiden Newton to see Miss Podwick and the Greenaways re meeting tomorrow. Mum went to M.V. meeting in the afternoon. Met the Jacques - Mrs is an Antrebus. Watched TV, not much done. Wrote to Jim.

Friday 22nd March 1963

Dahlia seeds. Went into Dorchester to retrieve chicken lost by Mummy. Sent flowers to Les and Dora B. Saw Mrs Wilmott, also Peter Cox and Mrs Willis. Rested in the afternoon. Mum went up to see Mrs Henning. Lily had heard about S.P.'s. Meeting in the evening about AGM 24th or 25th April. Good philosophy lecture last. Forgot note of thanks.

Saturday 23rd March 1963

Nothing much in the morning. Cold day. Slept in the afternoon. TV at night. Quite an amusing play about ducks! Letter from Lois.

Sunday 24th March 1963

Early service taken by strange clergyman. Mothering Sunday. Looking in the morning. Mrs Kennard came to lunc, Mr Hobson came in with his dog who raced round the garden. Slept all afternoon. Evening service. We sang Crismond quite well.(alto).

Monday 25th March 1963

The Baileys are in R.M.S. Ruahine, berth 229/30. Went into dorchester to return library books. Rested after lunch. Blandford in the evening. Good rehearsal, though he was a bit queer about a letter he had recieved about suggestions. Back before 10pm.

Tuesday 26th March 1963

8pm Tennis club meeting. Did some ironing. Wrote letters. After lunch went to Maiden Newton. Tennis club meeting a 8pm.Mr MacDonald, Hodson, Captain Brown, George Langford, also Mrs Webb, Mrs Marriott, Mrs MacDonald. Mr Hodson is possibly going to move house to Dorchester! We have become affiliated L.T.A.

Wednesday 27th March 1963

Rained. Did some ironing in the morning. After lunch rolled the lawn. Rehearsal - felt a bit bad tempered - got to art class at 8.10pm, forgot Mary Cake. 7pm - Savill Hall, George Morris rehearsal. Jacquihis DuPre concert. Art class.

Thursday 28th March 1963

Took car to be serviced at Maiden Newton. Walked back. Nothing in evening though Mum had her hair set at 3.45pm by Miss Frances.

Friday 29th March 1963

Hairdresser 9.30am - Out at 11am. Went to bank. Also called at Mr Fryor's for sub for WEA. He didn't want to join. Rolled lawn for a bit. No rehearsal at night. Took my tickets round to Mr Brennan and went to the Robinsons.

Saturday 30th March 1963

Got ready in the morning for the concert, and helped cook the dinner. Mary O'Neill came round. Set off for Blandford at 3.10pm. Nice school. Concert most successful. Miss Padwick and a black man from Uganda came. Also Robinson boy and Geoffrey Hatcher, two daugthers, Miss Hallett.

Sunday 31st March 1963

Daylight Saving began! Felt very tired after yesterday. Mum and Dad went to the early service. I went to the elevenses. Good sermon from Brinky. Slept all afternoon. Watched Tv in the evening.

Monday 1st April 1963

Good day, though Lil lost £2 last Friday. Did some washing in the morning. Got pictures ready in the afternoon. Letters from Jim's doctor saying he may be out on probation after 6-8 weeks. Also from Bee who doesn't need me till 9th April (Will go on 8th) Bo rang up (or rather I rang her up!) Boy has been bad. There is a new doctor! Practice in the evening at the pub. Also had meeting at Savill Hall.

Tuesday 2nd April 1963

Lats. Jones 4/- Sub and initial address. Brinksworth, ditto. Stock for costumes on Thursday. WEA & meeting. Fair day, very pleasant in the afternoon. Went to Dorchester with Mummy. Mr Batten came in the afternoon. Also Mrs Atkins.

Wednesday 3rd April 1963

Reheasal at 6pm. Out 7.15pm. Good dress rehearsal, then art class - Still life. Mum says I should use chalks. Perhaps she is right.

Thursday 4th April 1963

W.I. party. My birthday went with a bang. Mum and Dad gave me cheques for £10 and £5. Hankies from Lily. Flowers from Mummy. B.O. went by in the morning. Said he had been very bad. Lily went home for lunch. After lunch rolled lawn. Took things to village hall. Got ready. Party was a big success. So was our play - we all remembered our parts. Mum and Daddy came. Dany rang up while we were out. Has patch in lungs.

Friday 5th April 1963

Got up late as were all tired. Lily left at 12 to cook her daughter's lunch. Boys passed by to shop - I asked him how he was on the way back - not up to much he said. Mary O'Neill looked in - had chat with her. Slept from 1.30pm - 5.15pm (3 3/4 hrs!!) Watched Carmen on TV. Rather good. Rang up Danny who may be here for Easter. Mary Cake rang up - she had a fire in her house last night, so did not come to the party. The eldest is coming to Blandford tomorrow. Pictures to Blandford.

Saturday 6th April 1963

After lunch set off for Blandford with Robin Cake, Mummy and pictures. Found Peggy there. Same hall as the concert was in.

Sunday 7th April 1963

Things to take tomorrow. Photos. Mum went to H.C. Slept all afternoon. Service in church film in Savill House. Mrs Cake came in.

Monday 8th April 1963

Good day.Mrs Brinkworth came in, also Brinky. Went to Maiden Newton to Joyce about WEA. To Woolcombe Farm. After lunch round village. Ros rang up.

Tuesday 9th April 1963

Photos. Drawing things. Music. knitting, sewing, bank. WEA. Wood's bill. Bank. Got off about 11am then reached Blandford 11.30am and saw the pictures, mine not going to London. Reached Grace and Bee at 7.45pm. Slept jolly well. Sent Lily a card from Marlborough.

Wednesday 10th April 1963

Lil's birthday. Had breakfast in bed, and went down to the bank later. Sat in all afternoon. Wrote to Boys and to Ros.

Thursday 11th April 1963 - Maunday Thursday

Good day. Went to 10.30a.m. service at Christchurch. Three other people there. Brought one back. Shopped for Bee in the afternoon.Very foggy and unpleasant, colder. Good gossip with Grace who came down for the first time. She went up at 9.30pm.

Friday 12th April 1963 - Good Friday

Levd. Castor oil. Hand lotion.cheques. Lil's present. Mrs Gwen Allen,Cibi-hiw, Narbeth, Pembrokeshire,South Wales. Took Bee to church in the morning. Went at 2.-3pmm myself.After tea went down to Mrs Collins to get a chicken. Had chat. Grace down for day.

Saturday 13th April 1963

Good day. Shopping in the morning. The washed (helped) Grace and took her down. We rested in the afternoon. Watched Brian Rix and the TW. Very good. R.C. service too. Very good. Bed late.

Sunday 14th April 1963 - Easter Day

Early service at Christchurch. Bee went to second service. Grace and I watched TV. Grace came down. I watched the Pope's message. John Maddock came to tea. He took me to church. Crowded - Archbishop's message at 10pm.

Monday 15th April 1963 - Easter Monday

Quiet day. Grace not very well. Dr Bates came just after lunch. Mr Lewis did not come for the Communion service. Warm enough to walk around the garden. Watched TV. "The Guinea Pig" was good. Also Panorama.

Tuesday 16th April 1963

Very foggy to begin with. Card from Danny. Then letters from Boys, and W.I.S. and Shilly and bank account. Bee stayed in bed for breakfast. Then Grace got up. After lunch walked round garden with Bee. Then rested. Grace came into sitting room for tea. Talked and talked. Danny rang up.

Wednesday 17th April 1963

Rained all day. Long letter from Mum. Also from one of Dennan singers. We stayed in all day. Dull. I cooked dinner. Mr Lewis called to see Grace in the morning. - Milk, Jelly. Take one ordinary jelly, and add 1/2 pint of hot water, when cold but not set add milk up to a pint. Can add 1 yoke of egg, but less water.

Thursday 18th April 1963

Dr Bates came in the morning. Had a long chat with him in the dining room. Also all the other men from the gas and to do room. After lunch went out shopping for Bee, and to seek Mrs Bedson, 68 Hassall Drive (c/o Mr and Mrs Day, 5 Woodside Avenue, Radway Estate.) Found her in car just before tea. Steamed sweetbreads, rolls of bed on white sauce. Lemon pauling. Sausages, white sauce. Brown gravy. Colidean.

Friday 19th April 1963

Lot of workmen about. Beautiful fine day. Grace walked out in the garden for the first time. Bee and I went to the potteries. Bought all sorts of things. Back for late tea. Grace went out in afternoon. Recipe 1) Kidneys. Scald and pour away water. Stew as long a possible, then cover with grave, or fry. 2) Lemon pudding. 1 1/2g butter 6ozs sugar, 1/2 pint milk. 2 lemons (juice and rind) 3tbs flour, 3 eggs. Mix all except whites. Beat and add (gribwed bowe?) Pan of hot water. 1 1/2 hours slow oven.

Saturday 20th April 1963

Very wet, miserable windy day. Had headache. Bee in bed for breakfast. I rested. Washed hair in the evening. Sweetbreads recipe. Soak for 1 1/2 hours in salt water. lamb's. Cover with cold water, slowly to boil. Drain. Dip in cold water to cool. Remove fat and skin. Cover in milk. Flavour salt, pepper, parsley. Simmer in double saucepan for 1 1/4 hours. (low gas) Make white sauce, pour over sweatbreads, toast.

Sunday 21st April 1963

Went to church with Bee. Also took Mrs Barker. Watched TV in the afternoon. Lil, Ros, Mary.

Monday 22nd April 1963

Bad day. Mary's sister ill. Rang hospital. Grace seen by Dr Bates who was very sensible and serious. Went down street in the afternoon. Went and saw Higgins and Mrs in the evening. Packed up car a bit. Got myself locked out.

Tuesday 23rd April 1963

Left by 9.50am. Called at Mrs Bedson's with a pound! Reached Ros's at 1pm. Sat in the sun after lunch - rather too much. Then we went in my car and picked violets. John came in the evening. Ros had too sherries!! Felt very tired.

Wednesday 24th April 1963

Woke with headache which did not get any better. Watched Alexandria and Angus's wedding, but still felt awful. Took two disprin and stayed in bed the rest of the day.

Thursday 25th April 1963

Managed to get away from Ros's at 11am. Came by Daventry, Banbury, Lecklade, Burford, Marlborough, Salisbury. Very good roads. Shopped in Blandford and Dorchester. Stopped to see Miss Padwick and the Greenaways. Back by 5pm. The meeting was quite a success, except only three people attended. Mum in bed with a cold. Danny coughing. Slept at Mrs Holly's, quite well.

Friday 26th April 1963

Not a bad day. A man came about deaf aids. Mum got up to see him, perhaps she ought not to have done.

Saturday 27th April 1963

Walked down to Cakes, and I biked to Maiden Newton. The doctor came in, and he said she had better stay in bed. John came down and we listened to TV.

Sunday 28th April 1963

Daddy stayed in. I went to early service. I felt miserable - cried and rowed John. They left after lunch. I went to evensong, so did Daddy. Brinky came to supper.

Monday 29th April 1963

Blandford Choir Society.Grammar School, 7.30pm. Had good morning with Lily. Dr and Mr Candler came early. Rested after lunch. Took jigsaw puzzle back to Browns. Listened to a good violinist.Mischa Elman (70).

Tuesday 30th April 1963

Nocture (Chopin) for violin. Gypsy airs, Espego. Kept Ma in bed, up early as it was a lovely sunny day - did a lot of washing with Lily. Also a bonfire. In the evening W.I. Savill Hall. Manequin parade by Marks & Spencers - quite good. Then we paraded in our clothes. Me in my green dress. Talked to Mrs Marshall.

Wednesday 1st May 1963

Wet day,so Lily did the ironing. Doctor came and said that Mummy could get up, so she did after lunch, and stayed up till supper. I rested in the afternoon, and went to the art class in the evening. Mrs Cake came late, she and S, that's all. I did Charlotte, and the girl from Beaminster did Charles.

Thursday 2nd May 1963

Lovely fine day. Rested after lunch. Mummy went down to the shop in the cold wind! I picked up Mrs Brinkworthand sister as scheduled!

Friday 3rd May 1963

Mrs Brinkworth, Elephant & Castle, 7.30pm Cerne Abbas. Felt very miserable. Mummy is at times very crotchety. Mr Strawbridge came in. Slept all afternoon.

Saturday 4th May 1963

Went to see the doctor who gave me pills for the 'itch.' Went into Dorchester. Saw Boys in the distance.Went down to Mrs Padwicks after lunch. Itch gone, but am continuing to take pills. Called on Mrs Brennan about Mr Hofferd. Good funny play on TV.

Sunday 5th May 1963

Daddy took all the services as Mr Brinky was away. Preached well at 11am. Slept in the afternoon. Daddy went to the evening service. Ma and I watched meeting point.

Monday 6th May 1963

Write Bee Maddock. Ros. Letter from her to say Grace is going into North Staffordshire hosiptal quite soon. Washed clothes. After lunch went to Maiden Newton. Saw Joyce and Miss Padwick for tea. Back home, watched Panorama. Dr Hereward came in the morning, Mum to eat brown bread.

Tuesday 7th May 1963

Chair in room - warm. Meeting notes. Up early - glorious blue sky. Washed in morning, with cooking etc. Went down to Charmouth with Mum in the afternoon. Slept in the car! Mr Craft came to tea and stayed till 7pm. Good TV at night. Bed late.

Wednesday 8th May 1963

Dull day which got duller, rain started after lunch and continued to nightfall.Took Mum to hairdresser in the afternoon. Slept in between, myself. Art class in the evening. Went round the church. Meeting here to decide about giving Brinky a silver wedding present. Bill for Redford. Write Mrs Davies. Invitation to music centre. Bee, Danny, Ros, Jimmy, Les and Dora.

Thursday 9th May 1963

7.30pm - W.E.A. meeting. Quite a nice day. Went down to Maiden Newton in pm. Also went to committee meeting in evening.

Friday 10th May 1963

Savings. Putty rubber. Send off to Shilly, Danny paper for chalks. Camera, film. Went into Dorchester early with Mummy. Brought back Mrs Shergold. Slept in the afternoon. Filthy day, rained all the time.

Saturday 11th May 1963

Quite a fine day. Busy all the time cooking etc. Popped down and paid Redfern after tea.

Sunday 12th May 1963

Very wet day. Cooked in morning. Cleaned out desk all afternoon. Church in evening. Sermon took 15 minutes! Told Brinky. Sophie 22in under arm. 12-14in length.

Monday 13th May 1963

Good day. Washed in morning. Went to Dorchester in the afternoon. Got my hat. Mummy got hers. Panorama in the evening.

Tuesday 14th May 1963

Quiet day as it rained. Garden hut came in the morning. Dad and Mum put it up. I helped put on the lid. Rang up Danny in the evening. Christening on 29th. It rained nearly all day.

Wednesday 15th May 1963

It was a bit finer today. Went to art class in the evening. Meet again Sat. 25th at Beaminster 2pm. I'll go with Captain Brown.

Thursday 16th May 1963

Coffee with Miss Fisher 11am. Quite hot in Dorchester. Moral Welfare party at Bridehead, C home of the Williams family) in the afternoon. Good concert. Met Verity Reade - now Mrs Jacques of Porterham (vicar's wife). Went round wit Brinky's cousin and Mrs Brinkworth's eldest sister. Home at about 6pm. Mum and Daddy having (bangers?) for supper. Went in and saw Mrs Rixon.

Friday 17th May 1963

Went into Dorchester to W.I. market. I got spray for picture. Back 12.30pm, slept in garden after lunch, quite warm. Went to tea with Miss Padwick, met Professor Goode, also Mr Page. Discussing flowers, and their names. Called at Mrs Cakes on way back. Had good gossip. She wants a cask of wine.

Saturday 18th May 1963

Mummy cooked the dinner. I wrote letters. Went to shop in afternoon. The Cooksons rang up from Kent. Will ring again on Monday. Post card from Nancy.

Sunday 19th May 1963

Daddy had a very bad night as hot bottle burst. Mum and I went to marriage service in the afternoon, and the Brinkworth's silver wedding party in the hall afterwards.

Monday 20th May 1963

Terrific day - Mr Atkins at the door at 8am. We started the washing at 11am. Finished about 4pm on new machine. We did not go to the Coffee party. Raining and wet during the day. Danny slept on my bed again - successfully. Hair. Book to Miss Padwick, ironing. Goulds.

Tuesday 21st May 1963

Grace Maddock - operation at 9a.m. People (Cooksons arrived at 4.15pm.) Talked about Jim and Dora.

Wednesday 22nd May 1963

Went to Dorchester museum and Maiden Castle. They bought a landrover. Went to measures after tea

.

Thursday 23rd May 1963

Daddy Cheltenham. Great day. Went to Gloucester. Stopped in Cathedral. Back to Bath, and went to baths. Back late at night.

Friday 24th May 1963

Started off early and went to lunch with Nancy and Enid. Stopped at Westbury Whitehose and at Avebury. They taking photos everywhere. On to Salisbury through Savenoak Forest. Salisbury crowded. On to Christchurch. Back about 8pm.

Saturday 25th May 1963

Good day.The Cooksons got their car and I biked to Maiden Newton. I went to art class in the afternoon at Beaminster. Lovely in the field. Had tea with Jane afterwards. The Cooksons went to see badgers. Good letter from Jimmy.

Sunday 26th May 1963

Quiet morning. After lunch the Cooksons drove me over to see their future son-in-law's relatives.

Monday 27th May 1963

Cookson's left 9.30am. Washing most of the day. Biked to Miss Padwick's, and then had some tennis afterwards. Very fine day, slept in garden in afternoon.

Tuesday 28th May 1963

Good day, although dull, wet and 10 degrees cooler than yesterday. Biked to Frome St Quentin re tour.

Wednesday 29th May 1963

Sophia's christening. Went off 10.15am. Daddy slow, did not know we were going to lunch at Danny's. Got there at 1.50pm. Charltons there, also Ros and John, Dodds, Joan Crump etc: Good lunch. Christening good. Danny is still coughing. Had champagne and left at 5pm. Motorbike skidded into us at Abingdon, no harm done. Back at 8.45pm.

Thursday 30th May 1963

Up late. Felt very sleepy all day. Slept most of the morning and afternoon. Went over to see Joyce and Harold about air transport to France for the Cookson's car. Michael coming back in August. Elizabeth going to Nyasaland. Rang up Danny who seemed in good form. The dog slept on Daddy's bed, and was sick!

Friday 31st May 1963

Beautiful fine hot sunny say. Temp 80 degrees in shade. Went to Dorchester early and did shopping. After lunch which we had in the garden sat and wrote invitations all afternoon. Daddy gardened in field. Went to tennis inh the evening. The MacDonalds there, and Nancy Condrington rang at 11pm. The Pope very ill - no hope.

Saturday 1st June 1963

Jane - supper here (with friend, Virginia) Didn't come. Very busy day - used washing machine nearly all day! Mrs Kennard rang up, so I rather foolishly asked her to tea. Then went off to Jane's and help catch Blackie who has a cut let and one blind eye! Good supper here with Jane.

Sunday 2nd June 1963

Daddy went to early service. I went to 11am. Quite a lot of people there, including some in our pew! Read the papers all afternoon. Lunch and tea out.

Monday 3rd June 1963

Bank holiday. Blue skies to start with. Quite warm and nice in morning, but wet after lunch. Good programme on TV - band of Royal Artillery and Hornblowers was good. A lot about the Pope who died at approx 7.49pm. - Take notes, Tell Joyce. shop notes. Kippers, Miss Fisher. Films. Write Danny, Jim, Lois's mother, Miss Padwick

Tuesday 4th June 1963

Good day, fine and sunny in patches. Had fair line of washing out by 9am. Letter from Mummy. Wrote back in the afternoon. Watched TV at night. Not much else done. Old Balts came.

Wednesday 5th June 1963

Bonfire in the garden. Went and saw Miss Padwick. Jane came over with eye ointment for sheep! But did not stay for supper.

Thursday 6th June 1963

Mr Profumo case. Dull to begin with, but fearfully hot after a bit. 84 degrees later on. Daddy finally went off at 11.30am. I had a headachy feeling all day. Sat in the garden most of the day, and read the "Golden Bough." (Frazer). Quite interesting but bloodthursty. Wrote to Miss Pannels re lecture. Mr Brinksworth came in. Someone rang up to know if house was empty. Saw discussion on Profumo.

Friday 7th June 1963

Hot but not quite so much as yesterday. Did some cooking in the morning and then went to b bank at Maiden Newton. Took picnic down to Burton Bradstock with Lily and Alexis and Danny. Glorious down there. Came back here by 4pm. Mum and Dad had got home a few minutes before us, and were in very good form.

Saturday 8th June 1963

Mummy had letter from Reggie Balchow at breakfast time asking himself to lunch. He arrived about 12.45pm and stayed till 4pm. Mum did not want to ask him, but Daddy said do. Jane did not turn up. The sheep got out. I think Giles had his tonsils out.

Sunday 9th June 1963

Another lovely day. Mum and Dad went to the early service, also to see the Grants at 12.15pm for drinks. I rested in the afternoon. Went to church in the evening, and then on to supper with Mrs Leader. There was an artist doing our house pm.

Monday 10th June 1963

Another lovely day. Did the washing. Sat in the garden, watched TV at night. Panorama and Tunes of Glory by Sir Brian Horrocks (The Welsh Fusiliers, etc) Letter from Jimmy saying he was home again. The others had gone to the agricultural show.

Tuesday 11th June 1963

Another lovely day, very hot. Bicycled to Maiden Newton in the morning to see Joyce Padwick. After lunch Mary Cake came up and we sketched in the Pound House. I did a red poppy. More news about Jimmy.

Wednesday 12th June 1963

Went into Dorchester and had a good day shopping. Went to the new restaurant at Genge's. No paying - on the house. After lunch, finished my Poppy painting. Finished reading the story about Jezabell. "The Painted Queen." Letter from Gwen Allen asking me to go up there on June 25th.

Thursday 13th June 1963

Daddy not very well, so went to bed. Mum and I went into Dorchester to shop. Saw Mr Strawbridge. Had coffee at Genge's. After lunch went to see Mrs Wills who want me to play organ on 4th and 11th August. Rode to Maiden Newton in the evening to see the Reeses. Lord Hailsham spoke on TV very furiously.

Friday 14th June 1963

Nancy Codrington and Mrs Condrington Lunchy. Busy morning getting ready for lunch party. I went to Maiden Newton to bank. Nancy and her mother arrived at 1pm. Left at 4.30pm. I went to tennis afterwards. Daddy was pretty unhelpful at lunch. Old age I suppose! He will be difficult if I'm ever left alone without Mummy. More revelations about Ward - spy letters between Keiller and Ivanov and Profumo.

Saturday 15th June 1963

Archeological expedition 2pm Maiden Newton. 5/6. Got things done in the morning, and went on WEA expedition in the afternoon, which was rather fun - went to Charmouth Beach - picked up Ammonites, got lost at the end.

Sunday 16th June 1963

Hot, close, damp day. Went to morning service. Rev Brinkworth preached quite well about the rich man and Lazarus.

Monday 17th June 1963

Did some washing in the morning, but it began raining at 1pm.Raining quite hard when came back. Listened to Panorama reports about parliament in evening. Richard Dimbleby made a mistake! Ros rang up. 2 letters from Bee Maddock.

Tuesday 18th June 1963

Dull weather. Jame came over in the evening.

Wednesday 19th June 1963

Wet day.Dorchester in the morning. Captain Brown came in the afternoon.. Played organ in the evening.

Thursday 20th June 1963

Good day. Didn't do much packing.

Friday 21st June 1963

Left at 10.30am. Reached Alsager at 6pm. Bee pretty well really.

Saturday 22nd June 1963

Quiet day. Went to church fete in afternoon, pretty grim.

Sunday 23rd June 1963

Went to 11am service. Good sermon by lay reader. Went off to see Grace at 2pm. Stayed till 8pm as she was not so well. Had pleurisy. Bee's brother rang up. Very long indeed.

Monday 24th June 1963

Midsummer. St.John the Baptist. 6 gallons of petrol 1.8.9 = 49 1/2 d per Gallon. Took Bee in to see Grace at 2pm. We did not stay so long, but got back here for tea. Three children had had their tonsils out, awful noise. Quiet evening. Watched Panorama.

Tuesday 25th June 1963

Bee Maddocks. Quiet day. Rained a lot. Rested in the afternoon. Wrote to Mrs Davies.

Wednesday 26th June 1963

Bad day really! Letter posted on by Mum about Jim (from him). Back in hospital. Responsibility too much for him. The Davies rang up just after breakfast.Took nurse Jones to see Grace, who can come home next week. A nurse Ray called in the morning (rather like Joyce to look at). Very suitable. Collected 2 eggs from Mrs Collins for Grace. Watched TV. President Kennedy till late. Did not sleep well.

Thursday 27th June 1963

Went to Alsage in the morning shopping. Went to see Grace in the afternoon. Very wet. Very slow drive as traffic so bad. Bee asked me to do night duty. Thought no, but did not say so.

Friday 28th June 1963

Started 10am. Went 15 miles out of way round Newcastle. Reached Nance at (Wrongton?) 4pm. 142 miles route.

Saturday 29th June 1963

Puppy show, Nancy's. Nancy wants carpet, table. Marvellous day, cut sandwiches at rectory. Marlborough College Prize Giving. Won pewter mug for best dog hound of last show. Met Burbarn de Hamel (Ferguson) and son (John) and daughter.

Sunday 30th June 1963

New Road License due! Church guide service. Tennis. Saw Crenwiches and Robinson.

Monday 1st July 1963

Started 10.30am. Stopped in Cricklade to post letters to Jim. Terribel storm in Cheltenham. M.5. quite good, but rained to begin with. Back here at 4pm. Did washing. Bee in usual awful state.

Tuesday 2nd July 1963

Terrible headache. Got disprin down the street. Nancies card. Went to see Grace. Her usual self I thought. Went up to the Davies's. They both looked very old. Went to M.V. Afterwards, had cup of tea.

Wednesday 3rd July 1963

Woke with splitting headache. Went down shopping. Grace arrived wiht the nurse about 11.45am. Quiet evening. Night nurse arrived about 9pm. Watched TV, news. Took disprin for a headache.

Thursday 4th July 1963

Woke with further headache. Went down the town. Hot thundery day, thundered after tea. Nurse Ray is nice. Rested in the afternoon and went down town. Early to bed. Grace had a better day. Got up to use the commode. Better night too.

Friday 5th July 1963

Bee had dreadfull letter from her sister. Miss Ray on day off. District nurse came. Also Dr Bates. Went down town. Letter from Mum re tickets. After lunch, sat around and waited for Mrs Bates who came at 4.15pm for 20 minutes. I rang up Mrs Allen and told her what I thought. Had a glass of sherry afterwards wiht Bee - needed it. Slept well.

Saturday 6th July 1963

Better day. Thundery. Went down street, bought presents for Twins, and shirt. After lunch went to Barker's farm to see Mrs Steele. Good programme on TV (Concert). Gwenn Allen sent flowers (red and white).

Sunday 7th July 1963

Went to 11am at Talke Church. Communion. Went in and saw the Davies afterwards.Sat in garden and sketched - parted roses in afternoon. Nurse Walley came. Leg in plaster.

Monday 8th July 1963

Went shopping in the morning down Alsager. Saw Dr Bates for 2 minutes. Sat around in the afternoon. Went for medicine from Dr Bates in the evening.

Tuesday 9th July 1963

Went to village in the morning. Rested in the afternoon.

Wednesday 10th July 1963

Washing. Letter to Bee. Mum. Present to Mary, Mrs Shaw. Car licence.Higgins. Packing. Did picture of Sister Ray in the afternoon.

Thursday 11th July 1963

Back from Bee Maddock's. Left 6.30am. Stopped Cirencester where I went down one way street wrong way. Reached Nancy 12.15pm. (129 miles) Good tennis party in the afternoon. Early bed, slept well. - plaster made mac. & slippers. Lois (present). Write Bee, Mrs (Cas?) Nance.

Friday 12th July 1963

Left 9.50am. Arrived 12.50pm after stopping in Marlborough for mats. Talked all afternoon,. most of evening too.

Saturday 13th July 1963

Cooked in morning. Lois rang. 4.30pm. Arrived 9pm with Bruce - jolly nice. Has asthma.

Sunday 14th July 1963

Early service here. Very wet, misty day. Gave them lunch. In evening went to Sherborne Abbey for evensong, nice service. Spoke to Wingfield Digby (Rev.). Took Bruce down to the Herewards for medicine. Had long morning tea with family.

Monday 15th July 1963

Another wet day. Went into Dorchester with Bruce and Lois. He had a rotary lunch. Lois and I went to Genge's. Took Mum to tea at the Padwicks. Fetched her and he got his car. Saw films in evening.

Tuesday 16th July 1963

The Sharpes went off at 9.am. Quiet morning. School prizegiving in the afternoon - then on to tea with Miss Henning. Bo Foster presented the prizes. Good speech by Brinky. Saw Mary O'Neill. Tennis in the evening. Had to cut the grass meadows. Tired, bed early.

Wednesday 17th July 1963

Wrote for entrance form, and tickets. Lily went early to dentist. The Driscolls rang up, and came to tea in the afternoon. Very depressing letter from Mrs Harris. The Baileys are going there to take over her farm while she is away. Practiced the organ in the evening.

Thursday 18th July 1963

Got out photos for Lois, present. Amanda's birthday (Amanda Charlton). Lois and Bruce arrived back at 5pm Watched the Gondoliers on TV. Bruce's asthma still bad.

Friday 19th July 1963

Bruce and Lois left approx 8.30am for Lyndhurst,Dorset, (Guide centre at Foxlean) Mum and I went into Dorchester. Bought things for Jim. Went nad had tea with Mrs Kennard. Went to art show in the evening at Beaminster, very good.

Saturday 20th July 1963

Freddy and Rachel came to supper.

Sunday 21st July 1963

Daddy and Mum went to early service. I went to 11am with Daddy. Good sermon from Brinky. Mrs Kennard came to lunch. Had wireless on in evening.

Monday 22nd July 1963

Another hot day. 78 degrees. Washing in the morning, and I tidied room. Fruit picking by Mummy. After lunch letter from Jim who is now working on the farm at Awamutu, also one from Mrs Rogers. Went and practiced organ which stuck. Went and got MacDonald to unfix it at 9pm. Back in my own. room. Golliwog's photos.

Tuesday 23rd July 1963

Mummy up at crack of dawn picking fruit. Did some washing. Peggy Grant out. Mum and I went down to Eype to sit on the beach. Very hot. Back 5pm. Letter from the P.&O. Passage £100 if before 30th July. Played organ and tennis. Rained. J. Padwich rang up.

Wednesday 24th July 1963

Went off 12 midday with Joyce to Buckland Newton. Cottage not satisfactory. And picnic lunch and went to Mappowder church. Rather nice. Back 4pm.

Thursday 25th July 1963

Another quite nice day. Letter from Margaret A, also Bee in afternoon. Bonfire. Did a bit of gardening! Took Mum up to see Battens who looked awful. Also Mrs Dewdney. Played organ in evening. Good programme after 10pm. Had tea with Mrs Brinkworth.

Friday 26th July 1963

Car insurance. Pack. Fete tomorrow . Knitting or music to practice. Warm day. Washing. Biked to Bank at Maiden Newton. Went up to Battens in the evening.

Saturday 27th July 1963

Lecture course, Wills Hall, Bristol. Mum cooked in the morning. Set off at 2pm. wiht Miss Brown and went all round by Clew Mendip and Wells. Quite a nice place, though very hot when we got to Wells Hall.

Sunday 28th July 1963

Up at 9pm for breakfast. Lectore on 'Feast of Balshazzar." Terrific barbaric song. Went to St.Mary, Redcliffe, where they had a fugue by Bach. Back to a film, felt very tired.

Monday 29th July 1963

Bad day. Woke feeling awful. Stayed in bed all day. Took disprins.

Tuesday 30th July 1963

Up at normal time, 8am, breakfast. Two lecture in the morning - one Variations on Purcell. After lunch read in the garden with Joyce. Sketched after tea. Quite a good lecture on trade unions. Talk wiht Miss Brown in her room and tea.

Wednesday 31st July 1963

Better day. Three lectures. Symphony No.1, Walton. Listened to Spring Song in the evening.

Thursday 1st August 1963

Still very hot. Set off for Berkley in the afternoon wit the Welshman nearly on top of me. Castle very interesting. The guide looked like Kit Tatham-Warter! Then to Woodchester. Dull discussion in the evening.

Friday 2nd August 1963

Fairly good day. Rained hard during morning. Wrote essay in afteroon. Went for a walk with Joyce. Party in the evening. MIss Crampton played Schubert's 'Lullaby.'

Saturday 3rd August 1963

Insurance £13-1-62. Two lectures in the morning. Left at 2pm. Got back 6pm.

Sunday 4th August 1963

Mum and Dad went to the early service. I played the organ for 11am with the Rev. Drake-Brockman and at 6.30pm when I went down with him in the car. The Kennards were all there too.

Monday 5th August 1963

Quite a warm day and pleasant.

Tuesday 6th August 1963

Car insurance due! Went into Dorchester in the morning. Sat in the garden pm. Tennis and organ practice in the evening.

Wednesday 7th August 1963

Terrific day. Mrs Egerton to lunch. Mabel, (looking better) Walter. Mr and Mrs Polden and grandchild turned up at 3pm. Stayed till 4pm . We went to drinks at 7pm at the Spencers. Chloe's first family - aged 2

Thursday 8th August 1963

Felt very sleepy all day. Struggled through and did not do anything. Rev. Drake-Brockman and son came about the hymns at 12. Played tennis, took pictures to Peggy. Went to tea with Mrs Kennard and saw Gaynor and children - baby Lucy.

Friday 9th August 1963

Felt headachey and tired. Took Mum to Dorchester in the afternoon. Went to Chilfrome and practiced the organ. Stopped at Mrs Egerton's on the way there, met Alison's husband who had crushed his ankle and had it in plaster. Jane came down. Felt very tired and went to bed early (9.50pm!)

Saturday 10th August 1963

Felt better. Practised organ afternoon and evening.

Sunday 11th August 1963

Busy day. Organ for Chilfrome in the morning - then in to Mrs Egerton's. Organ evening here.

Monday 12th August 1963

Mummy got up early and started the washing machine which at 9.15am started overflowing all over floor. Man came from Bournemouth. Rubber tubing gone inside. The Drake-Brockmans came but could not wash. It rained hard in showers. Rested after lunch. After tea found WEA board. Rang up Mr Purnell. Went round to Browns about Ros's house.

Tuesday 13th August 1963

Card to Mrs Egerton. Very busy day, made cakes in the morning. Peggy's Sale for Freedom from Hunger - £41. Tennis in the evening.

Wednesday 14th August 1963

Note about house sale to Paddie. Washing, tidy. Letters. Did some washing in the morning. Ma up at crack and washed out kitchen. At 2.15pm we took off Mrs Brown senior to Bryanston School for the arts and crafts. Two of my pictures up! Miss Broad and Mrs Hussein. Bought a lot of things. Back here at 7pm. Nice day. Washing machine man came and mended machine. Dame Alicia on TV. "This is Your Life."

Thursday 15th August 1963

Good day! Made pudding in the morning. Rested in the afternoon, and set off for Blandford to collect pictures about 4pm. Met a W.I. woman from Sturminster Newton. Fairly fine day.

Letter, Thursday,15th Aug 1963

Letter from JAHC, Salisbury Rd, Tuna, Stratford, R.D.3, New Zealand

To - Capt. C. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, UK

Dear Ma and Pa,

Thank you for your letters - and apologies for not writing sooner. I haven't felt like putting pen to paper for awhile due to work and also because I didn't want to write whilst in a despondent mood.

Today we have enjoyed our first really Spring like day - the S.W. wind which has been blowing for the past few days stopped and gave place to still conditions.

We now have about 40 cows in and I do most of the milking while Dora does most of the looking after of the pigs. We have been hard pushed to it lately because Hilary - the older - had pneumonia and has been in bed ever since the in-laws left us to go to Auckland. Life is quite pleasant when there are people about to look after the children. We are having to organise ourselves somehow to look after the children and farm the place too which is not easy.

We are not buying any more gilts, ie young sows - but we are keeping some of the young sows from the first litters and these will be producing in 3 months time. 

Unfortunately one cannot do anything these days in a half pint way and if the pigs are to give us some return after all the whey and food is paid for we have to keep a good many sows. At the moment we are having to take whey but we have precious few pigs to drink it because we were offered pretty good prices for porkers and so we sold a lot of them for port instead of keeping them on for bacon - another 2 or 3 months or so.

I still don't know for certain whether we are doing the pigs in the best way - although we take the experts advice and apply it. Had we not been advised to go in for pigs by the Farm Improvement Club expert I don't know whether we would be in our present mess - however, we did and thats that. But having gone in for pigs - as I said before, we can't do them by halves.

The papers have got over the Ward affair - and now they're onto the mail train robbery - though they do harp back now and then to the Ward enquiry. Our NZ news seems to be more complaints about England importing more butter than is good for the price of our butter sold in England. Every commodity except ready cash (if cash can said to be a commodity) seems to be in surplus supply these days and really they haven't yet resolved how to deal with such bountiful supplies of everything.

Hope you are all well - glad to hear that Pat is really coming out in our direction.

Love, Jimmy

Friday 16th August 1963

Good day on whole. Cooked pudding! Ros rang to say Antony was not too well, they would probably come on Sunday. After lunch went to Mrs Wills, also to Brown's house to see what it was like. Quite nice. Went on to Dorchester. Back for tea. After tea went to Maiden Newton to find biology notice - can't find it. Ros rang to say - Sunday. Listened to proms Vaughan Williams like W.Walton (very).

Saturday 17th August 1963

Bad day but I got a lot of work done. Cake made and pastry for tomorrow. Terrible backache in the afternoon. Wore off after supper. Pity the evenings are so miserable - but the prom was good.

Sunday 18th August 1963

Early serivce at 8.30am. Last one for Mr Drake-Brockman - beautifully taken. Took down blankets and cushions to the Brown's house. Good morning service. Mrs Wills played well, and excellent sermon "Houses built on rock and sand." Last verses of sermon on the Mount. St.Matthew Chapter 7. Ros and John and they all arrived before lunch.

Monday 19th August 1963

Headache on rising. Woke 8.15am! David had breakfast with his parents. Lily back till 12md. Made cakes for tomorrow. At 3pm went to Burton Bradstock with John and the children. Picked up stones. I had an amusing time. Very rough. Could not bathe. When we got back Hilary Bailey had had pnewmonia (letters from Jim and Dora). Wrote straight away to Hilary, also to Nancy.

Tuesday 20th August 1963

Chair and table for Mrs Egerton's sale. Washed hair in the morning, and took chairs down to Mrs Egerton's. Poured with rain about 12mid. Good sale at cake stall. Made about £10. Lots of amusing people there. Bought a cake! And lots of other oddments. So did the children. Jame came in to see Blackie. Must go to her gymkhana in the show on Saturdday.

Wednesday 21st August 1963

Hurried and got my room done. Nancy arrived about 10.30am. Took her to the carpet factory wiht the twins. After lunch we all went to the Swannery, Abbotsbury except Mum and Dad. Elizabeth bitten by a swan - she did not cry much at all. Back by Burton Bradstock. After supper Nancy and I went down to Ros and John's for tea. Back by 11pm.

Thursday 22nd August 1963

Nancy left about 11am. So did the Drake-Brockman's - we took him back to the rectory in Nancy's car. After lunch Ros and John and the two boys went to play golf at Weymouth. I dozed in the garden and on my bed. Made a good bonfire. Ros and John came up after supper.

Friday 23rd August 1963

Fair day. Mummy extremely cross and rude at times - depressing. Made pudding. Went to bed for the afternoon. Ros and Mummy went into Dorchester in the afternoon. After tea made cake which kept me up at night. Nice music on wireless, including some of William Walton. Wish I didn't feel so depressed.

Saturday 24th August 1963

Maiden Newton WEA Show. Mapperton Show. Board. Mollie Kinder, Mrs Robinson. Wrote to Lois and Palmers. Busy in the morning. Took down things to the show. After lunch went to Mapperton House and had a grand time at the fete. Back and Dadday and I went to the Grant's cocktail party.Didn't speak to Jack Comyns.

Sunday 25th August 1963

Good day but rained and misty all the time. Daddy took the early service. Mum went. David not very well, so did not come down but stayed at Browns. Made potato cakes, biked to the Rees about board. Good play on TV.

Monday 26th August 1963

Good day. Went to the beach in the morning. David did not feel very well. After lunch I biked to Maiden Newton to get a gardener - a Mr Musgrove. After tea, played the piano with the twins! Made a pudding late. Quite a good suspence play.

Tuesday 27th August 1963

Good day. Shilly. Ros and Mum went into Dorchester. Shilly arrived about 12.45pm. 3 hours from Newton Abbott. She left about 3.30pm. In the evening we had some good games in the garden.

Wednesday 28th August 1963

Art day- W.I. Stapleton Manor, Mrs Robinson. Started 10am (late) After losing my way at Childe Okeford, instead of going on, arrived 11am. Sat in the meadow opposite house by myself. Worked till 12.50pm. Downed tools and had lunch with Mrs Webb and another lady who had just started painting. Mr Brown very helpful as usual. Finished by 3.30pm with an effort. (4 hours work). Brought back Mrs Webb. Ros and John came for TV in the evening. Mum's stockings arrived.

Thursday 29th August 1963

Calamine lotion. Saw Boys. Quite a good day. Took lecture notices to Mr Waring. Back by Maiden Newton. Mrs Egerton came in and asked me to lunch next Tuesday. Mum did not like it much! Dull day with rain. Finished picture in the afternoon. Children played chess in dining room. It fined up after tea, and they went out. I went donw to Ros and John's after supper - Prew.

Friday 30th August 1963

Ros. Cousin Posy coming. All had lunch together. Rained in the afternoon. Stayed in. Cousin Posy arrived about 3.30 - 4pm. Ros and John came back after supper.

Saturday 31st August 1963

Show here - Ros and John and family left about 10am. Then Cousin Posy at 10.30am. Rained a lot all day. Did poster for the horticultural show which was a great success.

Sunday 1st September 1963

Mum in bed all day until tea time. I biked to Maiden Newton to see the Reeses about WEA. Very heavy rain and thunder at 3pm. Electricity off till 5.30pm. Went down to church at Chilfrome. Full church, Michael read the lesson.

Monday 2nd September 1963

Mum in bed all day till tea-time. Gave her an egg flip for lunch. Very wet day again. Washed quite a lot of clothes. Ironed a few in the evening. Depressed at night. To do Tomorrow - Wash hair, see Mary Cake. Pack. Board from Mr Palmer.Toothpaste. Post to Lois. Organ. Art school. Board, Cake(?) Mrs McNally.

Tuesday 3rd September 1963

Lunch i Mrs Edg. Washed clothes in the morning. Went and saw Mrs Cake. Luncyh with Mrs Egerton, the Ronolds there from Frome St.Quentin - most intereseting people - musical. Lovely lunch. Went to the church afterwards, but locked. Mum had the doctor as the cold had gone to her chest. Rang up Madeleine 9pm to say could not come. Jewel shop. Owe shop 1d andOwbridge's. Stamps. Bank.

Wednesday 4th September 1963

Hair. Cake. Mrs McNally ring. Last meeting archeological. Fair day. Rained hard. Made cake in the evening - successful.

Thursday 5th September 1963

Concert at Montecute - Up usual time. Mum feeling a bit better. Cold wind outside. Mum came out in the afternoon and did gardening and did not go to bed till 10am. So slept badly. I went to W.I. Brilliant film about Winfrith and talk.W.I. did not applaud. Had to get electric plug for Mrs Brinkworth!! Brinky came and Mr Mac. Jewel shop brooch. bacon. stamps, bank, W.I. market.

Friday 6th September 1963

Up early, went down at 10am and had hair done at Miss Francis - quite successful. Into Dorchester after lunch - where I had puncture near tyre shop, so all well. Back for tea. As I was ringing up Mrs Charlton about Danny - the Cooksons arrived. To stay week end!!

Saturday 7th September 1963

Concert at Montecute - cancelled!! Cooked in the morning. Mrs Kennard came to tea. Mum in bed all day - but came down after Mrs Kennard had gone.

Sunday 8th September 1963

Dad went to early service. See plant list (sun squiggle) Cooked all morning, and Enid helped me wash up. Took the Cooksons to Mrs Kennards for tea - saw Cowshed. Bishop Pile, Bishop of Sherborne preached well at evensong, shook hands with us all afterwards.

Monday 9th September 1963

Up early. The Cooksons left by 9.15am. Chased them to Maiden Newton with Mum's specs! Lily had lunch with daughter here. Rested in the afternoon. Rang up Posy about not going to Madeleine's. Sent to Philip Maun for goods. Mum up for tea and supper.

Tuesday 10th September 1963

Mum feeling better, but stayed in bed till lunch time (after being persuaded to by us). Rested in afternoon.

Wednesday 11th September 1963

Piano Concerto A Major. Beethoven - Egmont Overture. Letter from Joyce who seems to have found a house in Somerset. Dull day - Alexis Rowden went off to Beaminster School. We did some washing. Mum up for lunch.Bonfire in the afternoon. Ironing in the kitchen afterwards. - Tomorrow - Do lah. room. washing. buttons on dress.

Thursday 12th September 1963

"Not at all a good day!" Mum got up after breakfast. She had an egg flip. Took her to hairdresser at 2pm. Started out for Charmouth but did not get further than Eggardon Hill. Back at 3pm. I slept the rest of the afternoon. Went down to court and cut one last thing with Suffolk machine which Mr Holly started for me.

Friday 13th September 1963

Fair day, considering the date! Went off fairly early to Dorchester, stopping at Joyce's on the way; Back by 12mid. Men working over cement in the garden. Sat all afternoon in the garden. Lovely day. Mum rang up Uncle Irving and Aunt Buzzie, but out. (Irving Palmer.)

Saturday 14th September 1963

Felt rather bad. Cooked in the morning. Mr Musgrave came and worked well in garden. Slept in the afternoon. Went to tea with the Miss Padwicks. They are coming to us Monday. Mum rang Uncle Irving. Last Night of Proms. Parry's setting of 'Jerusalem.'

Sunday 15th September 1963

Lovely hot day. Went to 11am service. Mrs Brinkworth had op and is OK. The Spencers brought round the little dog in the afternoon. Listened to TV, at night. Danny rang up - John had a boil. Lecture notices.

Monday 16th September 1963

First meeting - Blandford Choral Society - Mrs Baker. Ph Blandford 659. Padwick's for tea. Lovely sunny day. Washing all morning. Joyce Padwick came to tea. Annoyed about hut.Went to Blandford with Mrs Robinson. Good first night. Twinkle toes played with Danny. Most amusing to watch. Mrs Wilmott called to see me, but saw Mummy, and the two little girls.

Tuesday 17th September 1963

Enquire Samuel's, brooch, manager. Fetch coat, Mrs Downton. New from Michael Langdon to Daddy, Jimmy bab again - the children with the Langdons. Mum and Dad went into Dorchester about passport. I had phone from Elsie Coe in Dorchester (see addresses). Met her in Maiden Newton. Here for lunch.

Wednesday 18th September 1963

Uncle Irving and Aunt Buzzie to stay. Did not come. No further news of Jimmy. Bad day. Cut up apples for jelly in the morning. Walked down to Mrs Cake's in the afternoon. Puppy most amusing. British embassy in Jakarta burnt down.

Thursday 19th September 1963

Tea pot broken! Pop's trip to osteopath. Daddy and I started about 10.30am. I felt a bit muzzy after the mead I had last night. Reached Gloucester at 2pm. I walked into Gloucester, but shops were closed.

Home by 5.45pm. Dull day, no sunshine.

Friday 20th September 1963

Up early and into Dorchester to W.I. Market. Called at Mrs Rees on the way back - listened to a record. Lovely hot sunny day. In garden after lunch - letter from Jim's doctor - he back in hospital - not such a bad breakdown, but they want to sell stock. Daddy wrote back no. Also letters from David, Jack Cookson.

Saturday 21st September 1963

Apple jelly. Plants in garden. (no more news from Dora) Fair day, rather cloudy. Mum gardened in the afternoon. I did a good supper, then went to bed early. There was a dance or something in the village hall.

Sunday 22nd September 1963

Woke early on Sunday morning by Daddy saying Mum giddy. Got Dr Hereward. Busy day as Mrs Leader came to lunch, Mummy did not get up, although she came down to supper. I went to church - sermon about unity with Methodists. Gile's birthday.

Monday 23rd September 1963

Meeting about Harvest Supper. Washing clothes all morning. Mum stayed in bed and got up about 3pm. Made jelly. The doctor did not come after saying he would! We saw him go by in the car. Went to meeting about the Harvest Supper. (music wanted). Off to Blandford wiht Mrs Robinson - a little foggy. Mr Adair died suddenly yesterday. (Going?) songs good.

Tuesday 24th September 1963

Fairly good day, but rained hard till lunch time. Bed came, so did the doctor!! Mummy down for lunch. Went round with papers about lectures. Paid a visit to Mr Batten who was down. Jan Stewart was coming to see him. She came to tea - plently of gossip about Slade-Powells etc. Good panorama on TV about Savoy Hotel, David Oistrach and Archbishop Heenan. Bed late. Saw Mr Brinkwoth, fell down rather suddenly around 7pm on bottom! Sore!

Wednesday 25th September 1963

Still no more news from Dora in morning. Letter in afternoon from her - Awful. Apparently the stock is to be sold. Out in the evening. Quite a few people there.

Thursday 26th September 1963

Started cleaning cupboard! Dr Hereward came just before lunch. Went to committee meeting at 7pm and lecture at 7.30pm. Brought back Mrs Robinson and daughter. Brinky paid his sub: Mrs Adair. Palmers about summer house.

Friday 27th September 1963

7pm Fox, music. Fine day, cleaned out bottom drawer of cupboard. Mum up for lunch. Meeting at Fox. Music.

Saturday 28th September 1963

Concert, Mrs Wills. Mr Renvoise. Mrs Kennard. Mrs Landford. Ring Price & Sons, Yeovil. Palmers about summer house. Cooking in the morning. Biked to Maiden Newton in re WEA. "Brinky" came in to ask me to take Mrs Wills to church in the morning.

Sunday 29th September 1963

Only early service here. Postcard about WEA. I took Mrs Wills to the church. Cooked lunch. Rested in the afternoon. Good films on TV. Mum read Denning Report .

Monday 30th September 1963

Mr Wells re supper.Country Library books. Brooch. Camera. Went into Dorchester. Saw Mrs Wilmot, also Joyce who leaves tomorrow. Left handbag at Mrs Wilmott's. So went back for it after lunch with Mum - found it. Went to Thurman's. Back for tea. Went to Blandford in the evening. Good singing of Gypsy Songs.

Tuesday 1st October 1963

6pm, school with music. See WInifred. Went down 1pm to Maiden Newton, had lunch in greenhouse with Joyce and sister. Went on to L Odcome. Herewards helping with their van. Back 6.30pm. Song practice in the evening.

Wednesday 2nd October 1963

Fine day. Fetched Joyce at 1pm for lunch. Took her on to Lower Odcombe to supervise putting up of hut by Mr Palmer & Co. Mummy came too. Art class in the evening. Miss Sykes came.

Thursday 3rd October 1963

W.I. Supper. Collect money at Maiden Newton. Felt headachy. Mum and Dad went into Dorchester to see about L.S.D. I rested and then went to Yeovil toget music. After lunch rested again. In the evening there was W.I., cutting and doing sandwiches with Winifred Burhead. Mrs Musgrove helped. Looking for a job. Then down to library lectures, not many people there. Collected some money. Back to W.I.

Letter - 3rd October 1963

from - Cles Martin Langdon, Salisbury Rd, 4 R.D., Stratford, NZ

to - Mr C. Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, UK

Dear Mr Heath-Caldwell,

Received your second letter this day. I understand how you feel about the situation, as one finds it very difficult to put on paper how I feel about it also. You seem to have made up your mind to come out here again, although I feel there is not much you can do at present, I appreciate the fact that there is nothing like a good talk face to face with Jimmy and it may do a lot of good.

No doubt you have heard from the Public Trust again now, I will not be the first to tell you about the stock and chattels being sold. They brought quite a good price too. I feel that the Public Trust will only do what they think is right, with Jimmy's interests taking first place all of the time. My wife has asked me to say that you can stay here with us if (you?) would prefer it that way, so you would be very welcome to do so. I was hoping to get up to see Jimmy before now on my own to see for myself how he is getting on, but have been unable to do so.

If anything crops up or you don't come out to New Zealand, if you would like me to contact Jimmy personally I would be only too pleased to do so. (confidentially of course).

 
Well, I must close now, I wish I was in the position to be letting you have much better news.. I have not heard from Jim at all the time, or from any other sound, as to his condition at present. 

Yours faithfully,
Martin Langdon.

Diary of Miss P. Heath-Caldwell

Friday 4th October 1963

Did money for W.E.A. Also bonfire! Lovely fine day. Played the piano - practice! Made scones. Jane arrived for tea - took away Blackie and Spot. Bed reasonably early. Left stove on all night!

Saturday 5th October 1963

Mrs Rees. Library books, WEA. Cooked. Rested in the afternoon. Church bells went on till 6pm.

Sunday 6th October 1963

Mrs Webb. Practice. "Comin through the Rye." Quite nice day. Went to morning service. Harvest Festival - Mummy too. Good TV programme called "Dig this Rhubarb."

Monday 7th October 1963

Fairly nice day. Letter from lawyer in the afternoon. Went to church practice in the evening.

Tuesday 8th October 1963

Danny's birthday (scent. nightdress.) Practice in the evening for concert. Saw Boys!

Wednesday 9th October 1963

Lovely day. Wrote out some of songs. Art in the evening. Took Wayne Marshall from opposite. Daddy had a letter from the Langdons asking him to stay with them if necessary. Mummy wrote back.

Thursday 10th October 1963

Good day. Rehearsed at 7pm. Mum came over to watch. Mr McMillan resigned from Government.

Friday 11th October 1963

Harvest Supper. Dull day (weather) Maiden Newton in the morning par bicycle. Poor attendance at WEA lecture night. Washed hair after bonfire in the afternoon. Harvest Supper was quite a success - so was the cabaret. Finished 10.30pm.

Saturday 12th October 1963

Dull quiet day. Thank goodness, but lovely weather. Lilly called - party was a success. Down (?) with D., & V. Went to Dorchester pm, for key for Pop's bag.

Sunday 13th October 1963

Mysterious handkies appeared in my room. Went to early service with Daddy and Mummy. Dullish, windy day. Sait in home in the afternoon. Went to evening service. Quite good sermon.

Monday 14th October 1963

Mum did the washing. Helped do some mending for Pop. Letter from hospital about Dora as mush as Jim! Letter from Dora in the afternoon (not too bad). Helped Pop feed chickens. Choir practice at Blandford in the evening. Rather wet. Saw Boys in the morning who didn't want to come in the car!! Want to walk to get himself warm.

Tuesday 15th October 1963

Wet dull day, getting Daddy ready to go. Left from Yeovil junction in fine form at 5.25pm. Listened to Sir William Walton conducting the London Symphony Orchestra (Viola concerto) 1929 and Paulite for Orchestra 1958.Mr MacDonald called in in the evening.

Wednesday 16th October 1963

Very wet all today too -warm. Cleaned shoes in the afternoon. Took music back to the Renvoises. Took Denys and Wayne Marsyhall to the art class - quite good picture of Denys. Ayllesbury Ducks - Mrs Measures.

Thursday 17th October 1963

Nice fine day. Gave chickens water. Mum did out the summer house yesterday. Rested in the afternoon. She is not keen on having the ducks from the Measures. Went down to biology lectures at night. Eight of us there. Fine evening, but cold.

Friday 18th October 1963

Letter from Jim. Palmer. Camera. Mrs Downton clothes. Dorchester - Bank £15 w.present. Mrs Rees re number of people Fridays (10 at best). Quiet day. Mr Musgrove came in the afternoon. I fed the animals early. Mummy and I went to Tom Jones at the Plaza, Dorchester. Fairly good, colour poor - what next. Someone bumped into my car in Dorchester. Lord Home made Prime Minister.

Saturday 19th October 1963

Fairly good day, although neck stiff from jolt in car last night. Mr Redford did not turn up. TV poor.

Sunday 20th October 1963

Mummy and I went to early service. Mrs Brinkworth there. Rested in the afternoon. Good programme TV, especially "Dig that Rhubarb."

Monday 21st October 1963

Letter from Daddy from New York - plane crowded. Raining morning, one lot of washing done. Took car to Maiden Newton in the afternoon. Walked back with Danny. Choral Society in the evening with Mrs Robinson, we went in Daddy's car, very wet going, not so bad coming back. Gypsy songs still not very good.

Tuesday 22nd October 1963

Letter from Daddy from Auckland. Spending night in hotel there, then on with Dora and girl friend the next day. Nice sunny day here. Mrs Cake came in and helped me with sick duck. Mrs Spencer came in with Chloe to bring a pill for the puppy. Saw Mrs Craft. Good programme on TV. Also music late. Mozart and Dvorzak Czechoslovak orchestra wiht no conductor.

Wednesday 23rd October 1963

Art class as usual. Mrs Hereward did not go.

Thursday 24th October 1963

Mrs Brinkworth popped in to see us.

Friday 25th October 1963

Went into Dorchester with Mrs Brinkworth for half an hour. The Brinkworths came to lunch and rested afterwards. Took Mummy to the lecture on biology which Mr Hawthorn gave at Maiden Newton. She did not think much of it. Got the ar stuck on the way back.

Saturday 26th October 1963

A very startling letter arrived from Daddy by first post. Ros arrived just before lunch. Had a rather bad week, due to differences over taking the children to school.

Sunday 27th October 1963

Mummy and I went to Holy Communion. Sat behind Mrs Brinkworth. Ros did not feel very well - and went after lunch. Quiet evening. Not a very good day.

Monday 28th October 1963

Letter from Daddy. Had a bad headache. Stayed in bed most of the day with aspros. Letter from Daddy in the afternoon, hopes to be back this week.

Tuesday 29th October 1963

Stayed in bed for breakfast. Got up for lunch. Felt pretty weak. Sat and read in the afternoon. Mummy did room. Cable from Daddy, he is due in Thursday evening. Library came in the afternoon. Mrs Brown - senior called in to say good bye. Also Mrs Cake called in. Dull wet day.

Wednesday 30th October 1963

Despatched cheque to Woollands (did not). Day fairly fine to start with. Developed into dreadful storm and wind in the afternoon. Did not go to art. Wayne walked down by himself. Mummy rang Skyways Hotel, but it was booked out. Charing Cross Station now. Went to bed after

playing piano 11.30pm.

Thursday 31st October 1963

Quite fine in the afternoon. Had bonfire. Mummy rang the airport to arrange for message to be given to Daddy. Brinky rang up in the middle which annoyed Mum a lot. Beggar's Opera in the evening. Heavy rain.

Friday 1st November 1963

Exciting day, though wet. Lily made a sponge cake. I made some 'American Breakfast biscuits." Alexis Rowden camein and had lunch here. Mummy and I left for Yeovil Junction at 1.30pm. Met Pop at station who looked very tired. Talked most of the rest of day about Dora and Jimmy. Went to WEA lecture by bike, only four there. Moonlight night, though showery. Mrs Seyman left the puppies. Postcard from Lois.

Saturday 2nd November 1963

Dreadful day. Curse came on again badly. Had headache. Managed to sleep in the morning and afternoon. Daddy very sleepy. Heavy rain and thunder once.

Sunday 3rd November 1963

First thing was Daddy found that there were dead drakes and one duck. None of us went to church. Daddy very sleepy. "Dig that Rhubarb" quite good. Felt very tired still.

Monday 4th November 1963

Slept in the afternoon. Windy, wet day. Lightning as Mrs Robison and I went to Blandford. Thunder as we arrived. Good rehearsal.

Tuesday 5th November 1963

Bicycle to Maiden Newton to get bill for car insurance fixed. Took Mum to Dorchester where we bought more things for Daddy. Iposted short letter to Dora inclosed in card for Michael whose birthday is somewhere now. Concert late. Balin tennion.

Wednesday 6th November 1963

Good day. Sent a parcel to Dora - materials. Did poster for concert. Lily made cake for Daddy. Art in the evening - did Mrs Hereward's father - rather fun. Took Jane back to Beaminster, as her car is being mended.

Thursday 7th November 1963

Daddy's birthday. He had a pipe from Ros. Jumper and scarf from Mummy and I. Nice afternoon. Took Mum and Dad to Jane's, drinks - went to W.I. very late.

Friday 8th November 1963

Quiet day. Went to lecture in evening. About eight of us. A bit better. Bike back.

Saturday 9th November 1963

Bed letter from Dora saying she would not sign for Jimmy. Gillian Pratt, Dochester Hospital.

Sunday 10th November 1963

Find out no tickets for concert. Early service with Mummy and Daddy. Watched TV. Cenotaph, also art course at 12mid. Got ready forMr and Mrs Marsh who came for tea. I liked him. Very windy night.

Monday 11th November 1963

Had a headache - result of sherry(?)! Depressing day - very windy and wet out. Lil did washing. Wrote to Danny. Peggy rang up. Out in the afternoon. Called on Mrs Shergold. Rang Mrs Ronald. Got tins. Very wet, cold night - terrible rain - got to Blandford alright. Good practice. Mary O'Neill ill.

Tuesday 12th November 1963

Better day though still a bit of a wind. The Ronalds called in early, had 'cuppa.' After lunch Mrs Wharton called in and saw Mummy. She is in a bit of a stew again over lawyers, Williams etc. Cleaned leaves, did washing. Fairly good programme TV. Mr Holly rushed in at 9pm for us to get the doctor as she had fainted.

Wednesday 13th November 1963

Quite a nice day. Opening meet in the morning. Pat Measures came in. Daddy and Mummy went to Dorchester. Took cup of tea over to Mrs Holly. Lovely fine day, rested in the afternoon. Out in the evening, took Wayne, quite a good picture of Mrs Hereward's father.

Thursday 14th November 1963

Fair day. Nothing very much done! Went to see Mrs Shergold in the afternoon.

Friday 15th November 1963

Good day, went into Dorchester and bought a white blouse. Also went to W.I. market. Hawthorne lecture in the evening, quite good about monsters (prehistoric).

Saturday 16th November 1963

1st concert, Country Modern School, Blandford. * see end account. Had hair set at Maiden Newton 9am. Twinkle had his second injection. Set off at 3pm with Mrs Robinson for rehearsal. Helped set tea. Mum came for final with Mrs Ronald, Shergold and Wills. Successful concert for end of Handel.

Sunday 17th November 1963

Quiet day. Went to 11 o'clcok with Daddy. Listened to "Rhubarb" programme, all about Gettysburg.

Monday 18th November 1963

Denham College, Mersham, Abingdon,Berks. Frilford Heath 219. See C.B.C. Newell, Warden, M.Moller. Art course begins. Lily arrived with frightful cold. Sent home at 11am. Mummy started washing machine which overflowed. I picked up Mrs Hereward at 2pm - very wet windy day, arrived Denman Collage at 5.30pm. Helpful talk about things from Mrs Ayers. Did not sleep well.

Tuesday 19th November 1963

"Still Life."!! Went on all day - rather fun. After tea had demondstration on technique, how to do a head. Illustrated talk on painting.

Wednesday 20th November 1963

Carried on with 'sill life.' Model came at 11.30am. Dark and not very thrilling! After lunch went to see the Ashmolean Museum. Very good. Rang John who did not want me to see Danny! Went over to Nancy's (Sheldon's) and saw Danny for a few minutes. Back at 10pm but was locked out. Got in at 10.30pm.

Thursday 21st November 1963

Eventually finished picture in the afternoon.Then got car fixed. Had critiscism in the evening - mine was good they said. Then a very good illustrated talk on "Self Portrait" by a Mrs Prins (Dutchman). Went to Abingdon to phone.

Friday 22nd November 1963

Art course end. Got away at 10.30am finally after losing my key. Went to Abingdon to phone Johm Charlton who was awful and did not want me to go to them, so phoned Ros and landed there for lunch. Ros rang John. She was sweet, so was John in the evening. The ASSASSINATION of President KENNEDY. No NATIONAL ANTHEM. Good speeches by Alex Doughlas-Hume, Wilson, Grinwood.

Saturday 23rd November 1963

Up early to go to see twins dancing class - great fun. Went there at 60 mph. Walk in afternoon. John mending electricity. John Charlton rang in the evening and spoke to Ros. Danny having treatment and being under doctors orders! Ros and John very kind about it.

Sunday 24th November 1963

Ros and John went to early service but were too late. I left at 12mid. Here by 5pm. Went to church. The Archdeacon was good.

Monday 25th November 1963

Wet, windy day. Washed clothes. Wrote to Ros and Danny. Ordered flowers for Mary O'Neill and Danny. Went to singing in the evening with Mrs Robinson. Listened to The President's Funeral - very solemn and tragic.

Tuesday 26th November 1963

Better day. Sat and talked to Daddy for quite a lot of morning, about Jim. Rested in the afternoon, slept. No more news from Lois who was going to ring me up.

Wednesday 27th November 1963

Good day. Mum and Dad went into Dorchester. I painted Lily in afternoon. Went and fetched Jane from B.B.C. We drew Mrs Herewood - I made her look very old. They didn't like it much! Wayne Marshall did not come, out hunting that day. Danny and John rang up when I was out.

Thursday 28th November 1963

No news from lawyer or Jimmy.

Friday 29th November 1963

Took Mum to coffee with the Herewards at 10am. Her brother (deaf aid man called Jones) was there - said that his was no good. Did some shopping in Maiden Newton. Letters from Cooksons -due next week. Also Bee as Grace is very ill. Last lecture by Mr Hawthorn in the evening. Quite interesting. Daddy rang to Trowbridge's. Not going there this weekend.

Saturday 30th November 1963

Still no news. Met Bo in shop. Distressed about Mary O'Neill who has written her awful letters. The flowers did not get through which I ordered for her. Did she have an operation? Perhaps she did not.

Sunday 1st December 1963

Went to the early service. Daddy went to 11am.

Monday 2nd December 1963

Fari day - quite fine for a change. Did bonfire in morning and washed hair. After lunch tried to do WEA treasurer, not much good. Concert practice in the evening.

Tuesday 3rd December 1963

Good letter from Jimmy. Went into Dorchester in the afternoon for shopping - came back and went on to tea with Mrs Leader. The Cooksons rang at 6pm and arrived at 3am to stay!!

Wednesday 4th December 1963

Got up latish. Went into Dorchester in the afternoon. Went down to the art class in the evening - took the Cooksons to drinks at the Greenaways. Back by 10pm. Slept well!!

Thursday 5th December 1963

Cooksons went into Maiden Newton to the factory (milk) which they enjoyed. Nothing much after lunch. W.I. in the evening. Welcomed Mrs Cookson! and gave her a present.

Friday 6th December 1963

Went to coffee party at Mrs Hereward's. After lunch Dorchester. Mr Redfern let down Jack over price of car. Letter from Colin and Mr McCarthy, Dad's lawyer in New Zealand.

Saturday 7th December 1963

Good day. Lily came in to help in am. Enid and Jack and I went into Dorchester. After lunch took Enid for a walk on downs. Beatles on TV in the evening.

Sunday 8th December 1963

Daddy and Mum went to early service. We had chicken for lunch. Took Enid for a walk in the afternoon with Twinkle and Danny. Silly play on TV. (Mrs Brennan came round about TV, BBC in the morninmg.)

Monday 9th December 1963

Cooksons left at 10.30am wiht a flat tire! (Redfern again). Mummy did washing allday, etc! Blackford with Mrs Robinson in the evening. Stayed till 9.20pm. Clear night. Copy Johnson's carol. Mrs Trendall (ticket? or Miss Brown?) Poster. Hair set. Parcel to Danny. Christmas cards get off. ?Honey. Brown paper(drawings) Bridge flower shop. Ring Jane. Brooch - Samuels.

Tuesday 10th December 1963

Cannot remember what I did but I think it rained hard. Sent off large parcel to Danny.

Wednesday 11th December 1963

Went to Maiden Newton on bike. Called at Mrs Cake's, who is making a proper sofa. Expecting the electricians. Nothing much in the aftenroon. Went to art without Wayne. Did Mrs Jones(Mrs Hereward's mother) Jane doesn't seem to think she is coming, does she need encouraging?

Letter - 11th December 1963

To - Mrs Heath-Caldwell, The Pound House, Cattistock, Dorset, England

from Rev. Fred Palmer, St. Pauls Rectory, Maitland, NSW

My dear Violet,

We were very glad to hear from you - I am afraid I am a little late in replying - We have had quite a hectic time here and shortly will have an even more hectic one when what will seem like an avanlanche of children arrive here for Xmas. Norah is even now making cakes, puddings, etc, doing lots of shopping - polishing up the silver (not solid). My goodness, how that wife works. Certainly in that respect - as you say "exceptional." Am afraid I have got the 'meditation stage.' However, I have done a lot of painting.

I am so glad Pat is so keen. It is hard work if one works sincerely and not as a mere pastime. We were both very concerned to hear of Jimmy's trouble.

I have faith that all will turn out OK for Jimmy in due course. Nervous troubles beset lots of people. Especially nowadays. However, one thing we can say. it was caused by that domestic trouble so common the world over. No doubt happy and co-operative married life must always depend on both parties.

As I do not know all the circumstances I fear I cannot offer advice, but we are truly sympathetic and if I could I would do something about it. As to my prayers - you already have them, my dear Violet. I am praying hard for Jimmy. Try not to worry overmuch. I think we need to pray for our own selves also - especially when we have extra burdens to bear. 

Thank you very much for the family news. They seem to be on the whole as well off as most of us in this hardish world! We would like to have had Pat along - however, she is yet young and I trust has a long life before her.

Would you please tell Cuthbert I still have very happy memories of the 'Clarence Tower' visit and still visualise Cuthbert sampling the bather hole there. Ah! How quickly time goes! Would we, could we recapture the happy moments of our days - yet even pleasant memories are something and doubtless there will (be) many happy occasions in our lives which as yet are not mere memories. 

Heavens, how prosy one can get. 
A very happy Christmas to you,
Love, Fred.

Diary of Miss P. Heath-Caldwell

Thursday 12th December 1963

2nd concert - Corn Exchange. * see accounts. Took car to Maiden Newton for petrol. News came from the solicitor, and the doctor at Tokanui and from Jim that he is now at Collin's house. Eltham Road, Kaponga. Washed hair in morning. Lily set it. Set off at 3pm with Mrs Robinson. Cold, fine day. Had tea at "The Gay Pavilion," 4, the Plocks, Blandford Forum. (Mrs Adisage Hutton). Then tea at Mrs Stickland's. Took her and friend to concert - good! Cold. Spoke to Dr Johnson afterwards.

Friday 13th December 1963

Good day considering the date!! Biked to Mrs Cake - slept in the afternoon. Went to tea with the Spencers wiht dogs. Met Mrs McPherson from the Bell House where she is cooking. Mrs Kennard rang up because her nurse is leaving tomorrow. However, I said that I was busy because of Cooksons who are not here yet.

Saturday 14th December 1963

Cooksons back. Cold day. Joe Palmer rang pm. Uncle Alex had died (Admiral Alexander Palmer) Funeral next Thursday. Mum and Dad not going. Then Uncle Irving rang. Cooksons arrived at 4.15pm from Scotland. Show us their pictures.

Sunday 15th December 1963

Mummy, Daddy and I went to early service. After lunch set out for Mr and Mrs Marsh, 16 College Road, Bournemouth, reached there 4pm. Left 7pm. Snow on way back. Enid had a bad attack of sneezing, brought on by injection.

Monday 16th December 1963

Wet day. Mr Watts came early to get car from Jack. After lunch they caught 3.42pm train to Waterloo from Yeovil. Mummy stayed behind. Cold day. Listened to wireless in kitchen, while washing up.

Tuesday 17th December 1963

Fair day. Good letter from Fred to Mum, more cards. They went into Dorchester. I didn't, but played the piano, had a chat with Lily. Rested in the afternoon. Watched TV in the evening. Carol singers from the school came round.

Wednesday 18th December 1963

Cold day. Went for a walk in the afernoon up to Mrs Ardagh's with Christmas card with Mummy. 6 degrees frost at 10pm.

Thursday 19th December 1963

Froday day. 12 degree frost again - no snow. Mr Watts rang up, Jack C, had gone off with the heater - £30. Daddy gave him his address. Card from Marion Machie - Isle of Man. Uncle Alex was buried today at Benennden, Kent. Moved wood in the afternoon. Lily away for the day in Bournemouth.

Friday 20th December 1963

12 degree frost. Went into Dorchester with Mummy for a quick trip - very cold. Lily spent £15 in Bournemouth yesterday! Moved wood in the afternoon. Moved into sitting room. Hot as hell in there (70 degrees).

Saturday 21st December 1963

Have horrible cold. Cooked in the morning. Slept all afternoon. Were in the front room.

Sunday 22nd December 1963

POst came today, another letter from the solicitor - only repetition. Pill for horrible cold. Did not

go carol singing, they came here.

Monday 23rd December 1963

Beastly headache. Mum got Dr Hereward who came in the afternoon. Stayed in bed all day. Listened to wireless in the evening. Lovely parcel from Louise and Brian Cuff. Cold day.

Tuesday 24th December 1963

Stayed in bed till 11.30am. Rest in afternoon. Felt very exhausted. Watched television in the evening. Did not get half done which I intended.

Wednesday 25th December 1963

Up at 7am. Went to the early service at 8am. Daddy took it. Also 11am with Mummy.Singing poor. Brought Mrs Wills back. Gave her rather a large drink of brandy, so escorted her home. Christmas lunch good. TV good. Danny rang us up in the evening. I made a mistake about Twinkle! Pop awful about it on the phone. Mummy in a good temper. Much warmer, tempurature 47degrees. Raining hard in the morning. Walked to Lily's in the afternoon. Quite pleasant.

Thursday 26th December 1963

Good day. Had a late breakfast. Damp, foggy. Late lunch. Mummy made a cake. Sponge. Fine for a bit in the afternoon. Cleared up, then got foggy. Good TV programme Brian Rix in "High Tempurature."

Friday 27th December 1963

Still foggy. Lily came until 12mid. Mrs Goringe called in in the evening for bed subscriptions. Went round to the rocks to find out about the present to Amelia. Took present to Mr Hatcher, also to Mrs Robinson.

Saturday 28th December 1963

Quiet day. Went down shopping in the afternoon. Bonfire and get the wood in. Fine day. Mrs Craft rang up, asked herself to tea.

Sunday 29th December 1963

Mummy and Daddy went to early service. Mum cooked lunch. Sunday papers interesting. Mollie Kennard asked herself to tea. Good tea party. Went to church - carols - rather poor. Not bad sermon.

Monday 30th December 1963

The year is drawing to a close and I won't be sorry for one. Dull, rather windy day. Daddy had letter from the lawyer in the afternoon. Jim had been to see him for cash. Took Mum to hairdressor in the afternoon. Went on to Dorchester myself, forgot the bill for fishmonger.

Tuesday 31st December 1963

The end of a very disastrous year, I think. However moderately fine day. Walked to the Cakes with the two dogs, and went up the hill with them fencing. DId not see the New Year in. Bell ringing. Frosty night.

Christmas cards.

Jim (c/o Colin's)

Danny and Family. (Charltons)

Lois and Bruce Sharp, Lands Departmen, Box 61, P.O. Rabaul, New Guinea.

Jane Ainley

Bo Foster

Beryl Barrow & family

Mrs Holly

Rev & Miss Willis

Anne Fraser and Stella

Ros and Family (Attwoods)

Marion Machie, Isle of Man

Charmian

Jess Jones

Elizabeth Turner

Mrs Davies

Cousin Fred

Tab

Roy and Mary Charlton

Nancy Codrington

Christopher and Gladys

Barbara McDonald

Miss Mac

Beryl Gamble

Miss Scott (Australia)

Mrs Scott (England)

Mrs Phillips (Seaton)

Giles

Boys

The Higgins

Joyce Padwick

SIster Porter

Christmas Present Sent.

Danny - Black petticoat & pants

Amanda - £5

Giles - £5

Sophie - £5

Twins - Chocolates

David Attwood - Dog's lead

Anthony Attwood - Book on Weather

Ros Attwood - Gardening apron (Dec 30th)

3 Cakes - Small book - Dec 30th

Mary Cake - Canvas

Lily Cake - Brooch

Alexis Cake - Book and hardly

Old Batten - Port

Mrs Robinson - Scarf

John Attwood - Subscription to New Daily

John Charlton - Subscription to New Daily

Christmas Presents Received

Cousin Posy - Scarf

E.Turner - Hangers

Maddocks - Chocolates

Louise and Brian Cuff - Scarf, talc

Ros and John Attwood - Night dress

Mrs Hereward - Silver spoon

Mrs Robinson - Toilet set

Lily - soap - Soap

Grace and Bee - Chocolates

Elizabeth T. - Coathangers

Cousin Posy - Scarf

Daddy - Cheque

Danny Charlton - Frozxlone

Ros - photo - Photo

$\ £