Busy morning in Southampton on Xitan accounts and people problems, then rush to London to chair BMMG meeting with Commodore being declined membership and home late to children’s problems struggling with hard school work. 3% public sector pay caps and Israel’s begin resigns.

A hot night in the Hotel but outside very wet and cooler but still muggy. Even after a 12pm retirement to bed I was awake by 6.00am and soon down to breakfast with Peter and John. The drive to Cumberland Place was interesting as I saw for the first time the partial old walls of the City and the gate towers. The Byte Shop Southampton meeting demonstrated good sales and profit results and a resolve to try to bring product policy back in line with other branches. Principal dispute over the admin staff with a will to obstruct the Accounts Supervisor from taking up the planned transfer to Xitan.

A fine salad lunch at Totton and then a Xitan Board Meeting. Good progress in establishment at the new premises but, with many new people and holiday commitments, still a lot of stress on existing staff. If the accounts supervisor does not transfer I anticipate acute difficulties. A brief introduction to all new staff and then a mad rush by car to London to chair a BMMG Council Meeting, phoning ahead my apologies as I was to be late. A good BMMG meeting but all council members very busy and not very much achieved. No new members this time and we turn down an application by Commodore Business Machines. A new BMMG logo has been chosen and will appear on all members stands at the forthcoming Compec exhibition.

Home by 10.00pm to hear of troubles with the children over their schools – they are being worked harder than they are used to!

News tonight of a government policy to constrain Public Sector pay increases to 3%. Also of Premier Begin’s resignation as Israel’s Prime Minister with his physical and mental health in decay.