Staff illnesses cause hassle on a fine and sunny day hinder Comart board preparation with the Engineering department the last to report as the Aussies win the America’s Cup

Another very fine and sunny day with the barometer above 1025. Early to the office, having got up to the darker light of this autumn morning. There to get my papers in order and work closely with June to prioritise the time for the little work that we could do. Today both a senior secretary and the telephonist/receptionist were off ill and, with board reports to prepare ahead of tomorrow morning, there was a great muddle of concern. Peter King arrived from Manchester at 10.30am having spent four hours and driving in fog from early morning. It was Peter’s first glimpse of the winter’s fate.

A long day reviewing all Byte Shop matters and agreeing the personnel action required for we have 16 Byte Shop vacancies. I also briefed him about my plans for trademarks and trading styles for the group. Geoff Lynch phoned from Southampton, having interviewed Barry Lock, to report on the result. I consulted with Peter King and Derek Weatherby and decided to transfer Barry to Xitan to avoid any further continuance of doubt. A fuss in late afternoon obtaining all the Comart Board Reports with Ian’s R&D Department bringing up the rear for lack of up-to-date information and also many changes in Product Policy. In the end the remainder of the reports circulated without it and the engineering secretary takes home a word processor to complete it tonight. First report today from the new Manufacturing Manager who has identified what our production requirements really are – He now has the task of fulfilling them and introducing a modular production system to befit our modular computers.

This evening studying the board reports and also meeting an architect about installing a fireplace, garden wall and balcony. He ruled out a loft extension due to the house’s design as I had anticipated.

More concern today over the escaped IRA prisoners with further fact revealed suggesting a breakdown of security. Australia II beat Victory in the last race of the America’s Cup and hence won the trophy. There is a rumour that should the US lose, the captain’s head would replace the trophy which has lain for 130 years in the New York Yacht club – we shall see.