Fine, but cool, day in Cambridge researching local and manorial history about Linton and then a visit there on the way home before home to write up my notes and letters before reading to Debbie in front of a log fire after her ballet. P.W. Botha has replaced many of his cabinet in South Africa with younger and less reactionary ministers to provide some hope of reform
Awoke sluggishly to my morning tea, after a late night watching the television. Dressed and down to breakfast with the others and shared some marmalade toast with Della, who has become most fond of it lately. A little time reading the paper and reviewing the post, before it was time for our trip to Cambridge in the Range Rover. An unfortunate episode on the way, as a young driver pulled out without care and we got yet another scratch on our beautiful car. To Eaden Lilley’s for coffee in time to meet Di’s mother, but her father was not very pleased, as it interrupted the booking of a holiday at the travel agent.
Left Di shopping and I went to see the Cambridge Collection (local history library) to look up Linton and its manorial history. The extent of information was very wide, with at least two local historians having researched it deeply. I was also able to trace a wealth of manorial records at the County Records Office and could see Linton was a significant place in the past. Lunch back at the Copper Kettle and then we drove off to Linton itself for a look around. It was not immediately obvious where a resurrected market would be held, but it is nice enough as a place. Home late for Diana’s meeting with her friends and then I settled down to type up some letters on Little Paxton local history matters, in my manorial searches there. A long session before and after tea. It was quite chilly and so I light the fire in my office and kept in its glow. Debbie came back from ballet and joined me with her tea in the office and later I read more from her Country Companion for her, before putting her to bed. A late retirement, mind active with this question of Manors and had some trouble getting to sleep. Not much time for the television tonight, but the news is not yet through of the US congressional elections. Most news is from South Africa, where P W Botha has replaced most of his senior ministers with deputies, removing a half dozen older men and putting in his supporters, who may be a little less reactionary. At least today’s weather was fine, if not very warm. Also managed to write up most of my recent history notes, as it is so difficult once you get behind.