Up early and to London to chair BMMG St Ermine’s Hotel Breakfast meeting and then on to the CCTA for Director meetings on BMMG LAN project and their procurement plans before some more family history research and to bed unwell as London demonstrations take place against the government’s GLC and Cruise Missile plans and six more unions support the NUM and refuse to transport or import coal

Up very early this morning and to catch the 6.57 train from St Neots to Kings Cross. On the journey I managed to read through my BMMG papers and CCTA report and prepare a brief; but the train was full as it reached London for such an early hour. By taxi to the St Ermine’s Hotel and there to chair a BMMG Breakfast Meeting of only 4 attendees. Then five minutes late to Riverwalk House and a meeting with Director Dr Paul Freeman, Contracts Manager Bill Holdsworth, Microsystems Manager Geoff Webb and a standards expert called David. A good meeting covering the new Directors Report on the CCTA then Standards and Microcomputer Procurement Policy.

I see a greater shift to Departmental decision making away from the Agency but not so dramatic as might previously appear -  Although the computer press might herald the change more significantly that it is and give the impression that the CCTA is no longer in control. By car back to St Ermine’s and discussing with Nigel Smith and Graham Clifton the plans for our LAN project and also our AGM. Then to St Catherine’s House in Aldwych by taxi to research some marriage certificates and phone the office. After a long standing wait and some poor sandwiches I felt quite unwell and by train home and to bed in early evening. Today the government faced two demonstrations in London over the GLC; more trouble at Greenham Common as the Cruise Missiles are blockaded by peace women; and a day of action in Liverpool with mass public rally over budget cuts. Also six more unions support the NUM strike and pledge not to transport or import coal.