Della aged 1 in the garden
Della aged 1 in the garden

Off to Westminster again today, and on to the BT Tower for a visit with MP’s after a 1st birthday celebration with baby Della first thing this morning and before my journey back where I enjoy the young ladies in their summer dresses on a warm and sunny day and hear of France’s objections to the US closing down Lebanon’s airport, and of the Football league’s objection to identity cards for fans but better news as Ford opt to produce the new Lead Burn cars for Europe at Dagenham

Awake after a sound night’s sleep and then my morning tea. Diana brought up Daniella and all of her presents to open as it is her birthday today – her first. The other children joined us and we all helped Della open her presents and she enjoyed it thoroughly. She liked a ‘Big Tap’ best and can now play with it at bath times. Then the morning paper, which I just finish rather late for breakfast. Then showered, shaved and, whilst dressing, I decide to go to London after all today – even though it is going to be another fine and hot day. I had the alternative of staying at home to do some work on The Lady, but the thought of the British Telecom getting only friendly questions from the PITCOM delegation drove me to it. Dressed in my best suit and took the car to St Neots station. Parked and bought my tickets just in time for the 9.03 train. Managed to catch up on my reading en route and then took the tube across to Westminster to arrive in the New Palace Yard in time for the 11 o’clock coach to the British Telecom Tower. I was the only non-parliamentarian on the coach, which ended up with about 5 Lordships and a few more MPs.

A rather uncomfortable journey as they were well known to each other and I was alone. Eventually, amongst very tight security, out of the coach at the BT Tower, through security checks and up 620 feet by lifts to the Tower Suite on level 34. Breath taking views of London, although the heat haze restricted visibility a bit. Quickly into Sir George Jefferson’s speech and he defended BT’s record, complained of the regulatory restrictions, and defended his purchasing of non-UK equipment. Many questions asked by the distinguished guests, but I managed to get in with one on the need for OFTEL controls and the reasons for it. A nice buffet lunch after (I selected the cold buffet with prawns, salmon etc) and then back to Kings Cross by taxi and home by train and car. How the hot weather undresses the girls effectively – all legs and necklines, which is a joy to see after the colder weather. London full of tourists and Wimbledon fans, but I managed to miss them effectively. Once home, I chat to the landscapers, who are progressing and then take videos of their progress and also of Della on her birthday, playing with her toys. Out to The Lady to strip some varnish and fill some cracks and then to question Daniel on his exam results and read Deborah a bedtime story. Also to liaise with the BMMG secretariat on the COMECON seminar next week and no success yet in finding another speaker. News tonight of US/UK action against hijackers. The Americans consider offering a cash award for catching hijackers and the two are seeking to close down the Lebanese airport, but France are unlikely to go along with it. In Israel, 300 of the Lebanese Shiite hostages are released, still leaving more in custody against the likelihood of further incidents. John McEnroe is out of the Wimbledon men’s singles, losing to the No 8 seed, Curren. Football league club chairmen have rejected the Prime Minister’s proposals for identity cards, saying they will not work. At the NUM conference in Sheffield, the delegates voted to sack the Nottinghamshire miners leaders, Lenk and Prendergast, which seems to speed the breakaway of the Notts. area to form a separate union. Fords have opted for Dagenham to produce European supplies of the new ‘Lean Burn’ petrol car engine. The weather is forecast to stay warm and dry tomorrow, but the warm spell will end with rain tomorrow night.