Rather hectic progress for the builders as the heavy rain falls and Diana and I shopping for Christmas and house things in equal measure with a new electric drill for me as Kenneth Baker does the equitable thing over urban grants and Heseltine gets parliamentary support for a European helicopter industry against Thatcher’s will and South African police pursue journalists to the extreme
Up to find the rain pouring down. The seepages that get through the balcony cover last night had stained certain of the undercoating in the utility area. Tired after the late nights and physical exhaustion of recent days and could hardly wake up. I pledged myself an early night. Had a go at the painters when they arrived about missing the chance to do outside and also about not doing the stairs after I had cleared them. Then out to the doves and to prepare the rest of the house with coverings and carpets for their muddy boots. Cheeseborough did some more tiling in the bathroom, and the lads cemented the post foundation for the balcony. John sorted out the down-pipes and a pair of handles for the balcony doors and then the plumber sorted out John as he had not done the former properly! The plumbing is now finished, apart from having to drain the system tomorrow to cure a leak in a solder weld. Diana and I off today to do some more shopping in St Neots. We collected some more Lambeth ware from Fine Things, a buzzer from Claytons, and then I went off to buy a variety in equal measure of Christmas cards for the family and door stops for the house. We then stopped at the Eaton Socon pub, the ‘Stephenson’s Rocket’, for lunch of turkey in the restaurant as Della slept in the car – one of the few chances we have had.
On to Biggleswade and Texas Homecare and to buy a magnificent, modular shelving system for the playroom. Also two bathroom cabinets and a new electric hammer drill for me from Di for Christmas. Only just in time, we raced back and collected Debbie from school and then I spent the evening cleaning up the house and putting up the shelf supports. My drill worked perfectly and the effect is very good, but the shelves have to be trimmed and shaped. Tired and sorry that I could not do more, I settled down to my journal & TV. News tonight of the projected funding plans for local authorities next year. Kenneth Baker is switching funds from the counties to the inner cities. It will mean 20% rate rises in the shire counties. He is also abolishing spending targets and grant penalties but ‘rate capping’ is still continuing. Although there are criticisms from all sides, I believe it is quite right that money is spent in the cities. Ten INLA men are convicted of murder today and the sentences range from 25 years to 7 years for six murders. A supergrass helped convict them. Heseltine has won the support of the Defence Select Committee on the European solution for Westland and also that of the senior conservatives; but Paddy Ashdown has spoken out against the government meddling in Westland’s affairs. The TUC has changed its mind and backed off at a dispute with the engineering union over accepting government cash for ballots. Lady Diana and showbiz stars attended an award ceremony today for heroic actions by children and others in the Bradford football fire. One girl ran through flames to save a pensioner. South African police are now pursuing TV journalists everywhere, even outside the ‘so called’ emergency areas. Three days ago they shot a cameraman and today arrested an American camera team with no just cause. They are hoping to tie up the international press and keep them otherwise engaged, but they will not succeed.