A young Glenn Hoddle leaves Spurs to ply his trade in Europe
A young Glenn Hoddle leaves Spurs to ply his trade in Europe

Indexing my Little Paxton History script and adding sketches on a pouring wet and cold day, the first day of Daniel’s school holiday, whilst also shopping and going to the dentist and then taking Debbie for a disorganised Xmas riding party before she then enjoyed a combined Brownies/Scouts disco party as the Cabinet Committee backs the US AWACS project, Reagan is undergoing a prostate operation and Glen Hoddle leaves Spurs for Europe

Daniel did not have to go to school today, but this did not seem to make much difference to our getting up time. All up, washed and dressed with our breakfast at the normal time and then I started reading the paper. I had thought of going out this morning, or later in the day, but in the end I opted for my office and more work on the history book. Di and I felt tired after yesterday’s excesses and, in addition, most of the family have colds. A fair morning’s work, improving the index and contents list, before a lunch of scrambled egg. This afternoon I started taking sketches and mounting them in the text.

An early tea at 4.00pm and then I took Debbie to her riding lesson at Offord. The rain was pouring and the weather cold, both going and coming back. It was a poor affair. Billed as a chance for some Christmas games, and with the riders in fancy dress, there were far too many riders – about 11 I think – and Debbie was given Rumpold, who is rather difficult as Debbie is nervous of him. An assistant had to run round with her, but worse for another girl riding Edwin, who unseated her twice in nasty falls. I hope that they are more organised in the New Year. Home and then Debbie went off to a Brownie and Scouts disco, which she enjoyed. I resumed my toils and by the end of the evening had mounted all of my information in the lever arch jumbo file. Joined Di in the playroom to watch the TV and write my journal. Daniel had spent the whole day watching the TV, but had come into town with Di and I this morning when we did some shopping and went to the dentist. Both Di and I have to make follow up visits to the dental hygienist to have our teeth descaled on Christmas Eve. The news today is of the Cabinet Defence Committee backing the US AWACS (as of course they would) and it goes before the full Cabinet tomorrow. Reagan is going into hospital for a prostate gland operation, as his latest medical problem. More embarrassing evidence before the Australian courts in the MI5 case; and Glen Hoddle seems set to leave Tottenham Hotspur FC for a European club