COD Donnington fires in 1988 after lessons had not been learnt from the 1983 on site
COD Donnington fires in 1988 after lessons had not been learnt from the 1983 on site

After nursing my painful side and bleeding hand overnight, I checked the flag-boards and then spent some more time canvassing Southoe and chatted to local families before calling back in Little Paxton to electors who had asked my canvassers for me to call. Thatcher’s Poll Tax Bill passes its third reading on the Commons and now only the Lords can stop it, The Uk might join the Euro-fighter project, P&O sacks the striking ferry workers and will field big trouble from other unions and  huge MOD fire in Shropshire releases clouds of asbestos smoke with people warned to stay inside

I slept reasonably well considering my painful left side and bleeding hand. I awoke to find the sheet spotted, but nothing worse. Was up, showered and shaved in time for a cereal breakfast and the I used the bathroom etc and settled down in my office to start a morning’s work. Soon broke off to use the Range Rover to make a tour of the village to check on my election signs and then let Diana have its use whilst I went back and she went shopping. I read a backlog of local papers today and cut out the relevant press cuttings. Later I sorted out my canvass cards again and photocopied a number of things for my campaign. Lunch was of salad and then this afternoon, I made for Southoe to do some canvassing. I started in Lees Lane and had a good reception from the people there, before walking along to the top. There was the odd ‘Anti’ who had had a bad day and later apologised for his uncivil behaviour. Finally made my way along the High Street and met the Roberts who are related to the old Little Paxton Clarke and Robert families and we had quite a good chat about it. Thus late home to tea! After the cold wind of this morning, this afternoon was milder and better suited to canvassing.

Back again tonight to meet a variety of people, all friendly, apart from the shop owner, who was upset about me calling during his tea time! Ended up with a grand old gentleman, Mr Parker, who was once Parish Council Chairman and lives in the old cottage by and opposite the church. Came home via a few visits in Lt Paxton to people wanting to see me. I ended up with Linda Nagle, to see how the rear of the Paxton Hall enlargement would affect her house and garden. Once home, I tried to telephone John Mathewman about my A3 leaflet, but met with no reply. Hope it is done OK. Then phoned Mrs Pamela Dodman, Parish Clerk of Southoe & Diddington, to confirm the date for Wednesday and also seed the idea of Mr Parker rejoining their Parish Council. Late writing my journal and getting an update on the news. Late tonight, the Poll Tax passed its Commons Third Reading and now the only resistance can come from the House of Lords. Britain has predictably decided to join the European Consortium to build the next generation of fighter aircraft. More trouble with P&O, as the management sacks the strikers, employs non-union labour and a reception committee of 2000 NUS pickets will greet the relief crews returning to the UK. There has been a huge fire at an MOD depot in Shropshire and there are fears that the massive pall of smoke contains asbestos dust. People living nearby have been advised to stay inside and keep their doors and windows shut. The weather is forecast to get cloudier and showerier tomorrow, but at least Pete finished off the lawns today.