Early morning run to collect my election leaflets on a very windy day and then Michael Pope called and collected four rounds plus Southoe/Diddington and then I and family/friends delivered more later in the day after which I set up my office as a committee room. The funerals of the two British Army corporals, more Dover ferry disruption, the Guinness stockbroker is arrested upon arrival back in Britain as the stock market plunges 50pts and two Reagan aides at the heart of the Irangate scandal, Col North and Admiral Poindexter, have been brought to trial for defrauding the US government.
Up early this morning, as I was due to drive over to Cambridge first thing to collect my first leaflet. Managed the preparation and the journey OK and was back here soon after 9.00am. Out to feed the ducks and doves on a day when the wind was blowing very strongly indeed – virtually gale force. Michael Pope came round and Daniel helped him count out the leaflets for the delivery rounds, whilst I tried to get the room in some order. Then Mike delivered the four batches for other deliverers, kept the Southoe/Diddington pile for himself and left three bales with us.
I decided to walk out this morning and delivered Round 1 along the Haylings, Mill Lane and this end of Gordon Road. A bit tiring, but achieved it in less time than scheduled. Lunch with the family and Daniel's friend Steve, and then Di did another leaflet round with the girls, whilst Daniel and Steve did another. Later, I set out my office as a committee room, putting up maps, notices and instructions on the walls. I have still to tidy my desk, which is full of all sorts of information. Relaxed for an hour this evening and am finding this campaign interesting, but very hard work to do properly. No sign of our opposition yet! News today is of the funerals of the two British Army Corporals, killed by the IRA. As they took place, police in Ulster attended the office of the Irish Broadcasting TV company, IRE, and confiscated more film of the attack. An army observation helicopter may also have high-resolution film of the incident. There will be disruption to Dover ferries, as the seamen’s industrial action continues. A cross-channel ferry caught on fire today and had to be towed home. Anthony Parries, the Guinness affair stockbroker, has flown back to Britain voluntarily and has been arrested on 19 charges of dishonesty and deception. The two Reagan aides at the heart of the Irangate scandal, Col North and Admiral Poindexter, have been brought to trial for defrauding the US government. There are rumours that Terry Waite and John McCarthy are still alive and in captivity. The stock exchange dropped sharply today, down almost 50 points, ahead of feared bad trade figures.