London trip to support U-Micro delayed by traffic jam but I arrive only to have my car clamped for parking illegally. On to Cahners to discuss their BIT’85 micro show cancellation and then home to relax and hear news of last-minute pit talks and OPEC’s move to support oil as South Africa sends in 7000 troops to the back townships
Up early and after washing, dressing and eating breakfast, I set off by car for London. After ten minutes, between Biggleswade and Sandy, the A1 was hopelessly blocked by an overturned lorry and I lost a half hour almost stationery in a traffic queue. Eventually on to London where the traffic was as congested as much as I have known it as I struggled to South Kensington and the Stanhope Court Hotel, a quarter hour late at 10.15am. I heard the presentation by Dr Bill Unsworth and colleagues at this U-Micro press conference before assisting with questions and declarations of support from the BMMG. After, I had the chance to talk to Adrian Grillee of the DTI and the Digital Research representative as well to spread the word on BMMG causes. Outside to my car and, horror of horrors, I find that a wheel clamp has been fitted (to immobilise it) by the authorities for illegal parking in a residents parking bay.
I abandon the car and proceed by tube to Richmond and by taxi to Twickenham for my appointment with Cahner’s Exhibitions. They are on the point of cancelling arrangements for the BIT’85 computer trade show in March, and I advise them of the consequences without offering anything other than moral support. Then to leave and return to Marble Arch by tube to the police car park where, accepting credit cards, the penalty office transmit instructions to un-clamp my car. Home in early evening to have tea with the family and relax with the television. News tonight of talks tomorrow between the NUM and NCB and NACODS. Talks go on with only a day to the deadlines. OPEC leaders work to support the oil price, S Africa sends 7000 troops into the black townships and BBC news shows a horrific film of Ethiopian starvation.