Week of 25 April 196

Tuesday, 26 April

47 Hamilton Terrace

Anne, Sarah, Peter and Paul slept here

Sarah worked here all morning and Anne took the boys to the Science Museum and then on to Lil.

Sarah has gone on her own to the French film at the Academy this evening.

Wednesday, 27 April

Anne worked like a slave all morning to leave everything straight for me. I drove them all down to catch the 2.40 train to Ramsgate from Victoria.

Friday, 28 April

Letters from Bet, Anne and Wilma today. Wuff asks me to go down there and I think I may decide to go on Thursday till Monday as the house will be completely empty then.

Hester came and sat with me this evening whilst I had my supper. She insists on coming in on Monday to give the house a bit of a clean and discuss plans. They are going to Ringshall on Tuesday.

Week of 18 April 1960

Monday, 18 April
Ringshall Grange
Sat out befpre lunch and met the Turners - the new purchasers.
Pont played golf at Ipswich but brought the car back in time for Bet to drive Alice and me to tea with Daphne, Christopher and family. Very nice, though sad. Afterwards we drove over to Winifred, but of course she was out. Then round to Edwardstone. I enjoyed it all.
A lovely evening.
Tuesday, 19 April
In spite of a good night I felt as tired as ever, and did not come down till after 12 à'clock when Awly, Jamie and Angus had already arrived. Awly's birthday. She is 26.
A very pleasant party. The boys mostly indoors, playing with numerous motor cars. They left about 4.30.
Pont left early this morning for Braintree.

Wednesday, 20 April

Bram, Anne, Sarah, Peter and Paul slept at No. 47

A very lovely day, and I Actually lay out all the afternoon on a rug on the lawn, and Bet and I had tea out of doors. I enjoyed it more than anything on my visit. Alice went back to work this morning but will be down again on Friday for the weekend.

Winifred came over to supper - her husband drove her over but did not come in. She is as nice as ever and is going to try and find me a maid.

Bram rang up to say goodbye. They are all going to drive down tomorrow morning to see him off - Gatwick, I think.

Thursday, 21 April

Ringshall - 47 Hamilton Terrace

Anne, Sarah, Peter and Paul slept here

Lovely day. Boys went off early to Ipswich. Bet drove with me to Stowmarket where I caught the 11.28 to Liverpool St. Lunched in train which arrived half an hour late. Did not get home till 2.30. Found Anne and the boys. Sarah was lunching with Alice. They had all drive to London Airport to see Bram off by KLM.

Friday, 22 April

47 Hamilton Terrace

Anne, Sarah, Peter and Paul slept here

Alice phoned. She has decided to after all to go down to Ringshall tonight, so won't be able to go to the theatre with Sarah tomorrow.

Saturday, 23 April

Anne, Sarah, Peter and Paul slept here

Sarah is 17 today and Jamie is 4.

Anne and Sarah went to The Complaisant Lover at the Globe.

Week of 11 April 1960

Monday, 11 April 
47 Hamilton Terrace
Alice slept here
Shopped in morning before lunching with Enid for her birthday (88). A mass of floral tributes and other presents.
Alice back for supper and much less tired today. I have taken tickets for her and me for Stowmarket on Good Friday.
Wednesday, 13 April
Alice slept here
Phoned Pips this evening who seemed in very good form. James flying to Germany tomorrow for the varsity hockey matches.
Pippa came in for a drink and was looking better and very pretty. She had got me two slips for my birthday present for Awly.
Thursday, 14 April
Alice slept here
Muff is now ill - but Gordon is there. He is very kindly driving Alice and me to Liverpool St to catch our 10.20 train to Stowmarket. Rang up Bet and fixed it all up.
Friday, 15 April
47 Hamilton Terrace - Ringshall Grange
Up early to finish packing, shut up house etc. Alice very helpful. Gordon fetched us at 9.15 and drove us to Liverpool St station (Monga came too) and saw us into the 10.20 train to Stowmarket. Very empty, our first class tickets quite unnecessary! Lunched in train. Pont and Johnny met us at Stowmarket. Lovely to get to Ringshall and see Bet, but I was dead to the world, and after coffee went up to rest in my delightful little room upstairs overlooking the meadow. Had tea upstairs (home-made hot X buns!). Much discussion with Bet about alternative plans for next week. She has gone to endless trouble about them.
She phoned Daphne and we are to drive over to Bentions ? on Easter Monday when we shall also see Christopher and his family. It turned into a perfect afternoon and they played rounders with their new tenants, the Haworths.
Saturday, 16 April
Ringshall Grange
Pont and Barnaby played golf at Ipswich.
Sunday, 17 April
Bet drove me to a tiny village church for Easter Communion and Pont and Barnaby fetched me back.
In the afternoon Bet drove Alice and me over to tea at Hill House, Marlesford. I was awfully pleased with everything there - house - garden - family. Awly looking so well and pretty and the children delightful, including the new baby. Name not quite fixed yet. "Polly" perhaps or "Sophy".

Week of 4 April 1960

Monday, 4 April
47 Hamilton Terrace
Hester brought me daffodils from Notley, but would not wait. She looked awfully seedy, and Gordon is giving her penicillin for a sore throat. Monga seedy too and both children are away from school.
Budget day. No change in income tax.
Wednesday, 6 April
Home soon after 6 o'clock to receive the shattering news that Clara's sister has to go into hospital on Sunday, and she (Clara) must leave me on Saturday!!
Bet phoned later and at once suggested that I should go to them over Easter! Hester will look in tomorrow to discuss plans.
Thursday, 7 April
Nicky phoned. She had been listening to General de Gaulles speech to the Houses of Parliament and was thrilled to the marrow.
Edward Fitzgerald has promised to mow my lawn tomorrow, weather permitting.
Friday, 8 April
Bet phoned and all is fixed up for Alice and me to go down to Ringshall on Good Friday.
Later Nicky turned up to bring me my belated birthday present - a lovely box of brandy cherries.

Week of 28 March 1960

Monday, 28 March
47 Hamilton Terrace
James Mac rang up just before 9 am to say that Awly had had a daughter just before midnight yesterday, both doing well. Alice just got the news before leaving, Hester a little later when she looked in.
Tuesday, 29 March
I am 84 today. A ghastly birthday as far as weather goes, but otherwise very nice, and loved all my presents, flowers, messages, etc.
Pippa and Bettu both rang me up tonight - Bet with the great news that Ringshall is sold - a good price and they will be clearing out in May.
Pippa has suggested my going down to her for Easter, and if Clara had to leave me and the house was empty, it might be a very nice plan. But at the moment Clara seems very happily installed here.
Wednesday, 30 May
Anne and Bram slept here
I got down by mid-day and Anne and Bram arrived in good time for lunch, both looking very well and very excited. They have sold Westacre but not till end of July. Bram's contract is for 20th April so he will be here for Easter.
Clara gave us a very good lunch which they loved. They have been out all afternoon shopping etc, but came back so that Anne could change before going off to dine before going to The Amorous Prawn. I rang up Bet wh had been over ot lunch with Awly. Everything well there, and a very nice baby.
Friday, 1 April
Anne and Bram caught the 2.40 train to Ramsgate. Bram had to go unexpectedly to Elstree to be examined by the Huntings doctor. All went satisfactorily. His year's contract signed for April 20th. They are both in the highest spirits.
Sunday, 3 April
Hester drove me to church - stayed for both services and bussed back. H was on her way to Notley with the Ms and Woof. Hoped to get back early as she was not feeling well with sore throat.

Week of 21 March 1960

Monday, 21 March
47 Hamilton Terrace
Betty slept here
Bet stayed for dinner and then went over to Hester - Alice is staying the night there.
Saturday, 26 March
Alice slept here
Alice arrived for a fine hot lunch and afterwards went to local cinema.
Had supper with Alice in kitchen but went ot bed immediately afterwards.
Anne rang up up to say that Bram has got a year's contract with Hunlings (?) and will be going to N Persia in the next 2 or 3 weeks. They will come here on Wednesday for a couple of nights for his yellow fever inoculation etc.
Sunday, 27 March
Alice slept here
Alice slept till nearly lunch-time and was out most of the morning with a friend who took her to tea with his parents in Wandsworth (she finds him very boring but we had an interesting talk this evening over a drink).

Week of 14 March 1960

Tuesday, 15 March
47 Hamilton Terrace
After supper Bet rang up to tell me that Dick Pemberton died quite suddenly today. The funeral is at Chelsworth on Thursday followed by cremation. Jeremy is there and Roger is arriving tomorrow.
Wednesday, 16 March
After lunch I met Mabel at 116 Harley St for her interview with Dr Anthony Storr.
Awly rang up just to exchange news and sounded in very good form. The baby is due on Sunday.
Sunday, 20 Marrch
Bet phoned to ask if she could dine and sleep here tomorrow night. They are coming up for one night but Pont is staying with his friends in Chelsea. This is splendid news for me as there is a great deal I want to discuss with her. Clara vry pleased and excited.

Week of 7 March 1960

Tuesday, 8 March
47 Hamilton Terrace
Bet and Pont slept here
Bet and Pont turned up at 4 o'clock in high spirits. Hester came along for drinks and stayed to supper, and then all 3 drove to a film.
Wednesday, 9 March
Bet and Pont slept here
Bet and Pont went off about 10 o'clock and got back soon after 6. They had been to the Ideal Home Exhibition.
Thursday, 10 March
Bet and Pont left about 11 am. Before getting underway for Ringshall, they went to look for a possible hostel for Alice, as Bet was not very satisfied with the WY. They then picked up Alice who is seedy and took her back with them to Ringshall for the weekend.
Friday, 11 March
Clara slept here
Ina left after lunch. Very sorry to go and I to lose her. She was awfully pleased with my presents and we had a sherry together.
Got home soon after 6 o'clock. Clara arrived about 8 o'clock. I think very pleased to be here - very garrulous, very approving of kitchen etc.
Saturday, 12 March
Clara insisted working non stop all day (talking non-stop too!) and I think has greatly enjoyed herself. James Flecker, Hester and Muff came to tea. James and the three other undergraduates start for their month in Greece at 4.30 am tomorrow.
Marvellous news!! It looks as if Bram has really got a job and an extremely good one. If it comes off it will mean Persia, and possibly possibly Pakistan and India. Very good pay, 2 months home leave each year. Great excitement all round! I phoned Bet this evening who is "wholly stammed".

Week of 29 February 1960

Monday, 29 February
47 Hamilton Terrace
Slept well with my new sedative and a cup of Horlicks (Bet's idea) and felt much better today - quite different.
House feels horrible without Bet. She and Pont left for Ringshall at 10 am in a very laden car.
A perfectly lovely day and very mild. Rang up Hester this morning. She was just back from her weekend with Awly which had been a tremendous success, and they were able to be out al day.
Tuesday, 1 March
Pippa slept here
Pippa arrived at 5 o'clock with flowers and boughs and later Nicky came to supper. Later still went back on her scooter to listen to a debate in the House of Commons.
Bet rang up from Ringshall - all going well - much colder of course than in London.
Wednesday, 2 nd March
Pippa slept here
Pippa left early: shopping, lunch with Nicky, debate in the House of Lords, tea with Capt Mackintosh, home about 6 o'cl. I went to the meditation meeting in Lower Sloane Street. Miss Dunlop took it. Very nice.
Lil's maid left after 2 nights, by her own request, completely hysterical!! Lil thankful to get her out of the house.
Friday, 4 March
Pont blew in quite unexpectedly this morning just as I was about to leave the house. Great news. He has got a job as cashier at the Westminster Bank in Braintree, to start at the end of the month. It will mean having to leave Ringshall, I think.
Bet rang up later - delighted about Pont's job. They hope to come up here on Tuesday.

Week of 22 February 1960

Monday, 22 February
47 Hamilton Terrace
Betty slept here
I had just finished an early lunch when Bet and Pont arrived from Studley armed with steak which they cooked in the kitchen. Bet and I have had a very pleasant tête à tête evening interrupted with telephoning.
Wednesday, 24 February
Betty slept here
Taxied to the first of four additional meditation meetings in Lower Sloane St. It was taken by Miss Linds and was awfully nice.
Back in time for tea. Much colder and heavy rain in afternoon. Bet and Pont had been at Hendon, Pont playing golf - very well and glad of bath and tea before going off to pick up Alice for a play - Roar Like a Dove.
Thursday, 25 February
Bet and Alice slept here
Great news in the post. Cosh has left Anne $100 and his solicitor has written to ask me for her name and address.
A sad account of Dick Pemberton from Daphne.
Wrote 4 letters to English maids and interviewed a fifth, but neith Betty nor I liked her, so we are no forrader!
Betty went down to Guildford and had lunch with Betty Ross of Ringshall days.
Friday, 26th February
Betty slept here
After lunch Bet and I went to Selfridges and came back laden with lovely things for the kitchen. After this Pont and she did splendid work putting on the Paylon fabrics on tables, shelves and lift. It really looks lovely.
Great news this evening, Princess Margaret engaged. Hurrah!
The Rector of Beaumont is allowing Barnaby to come up tomorrow for one night and he will arrive after lunch. Alice is spending the weekend at Clifton Court to keep Sigrid company as Hester is going to take the children down to Awly in the morning for their half term.
Saturday, 27th February
Bet and Barnaby slept here
Hester started off at 10 o'clock in the car with the children and Wuff to spend the half term weekend with Awly. Alice at the flat to keep Sigrid company. She (Alice) brought me lovely daffodils. Pont and Barnaby turned up almost simultaneously at 5 o'clock, and a German girl, Gerda Manger, at the same time. Bet and I liked her but northing is fixed.
Pippa rang up; she had brought James back from Oxford. Bet, Pont, Alice, Barnaby and Sigrid went to a film and had supper in the kitchen afterwards.
Sunday, 28th February
Bet and Pont slept here
Bet and Rudge went to 8 o'clock mass. Pont came over later and they all went to Richmond equipped with a picnic lunch to play golf, but the course was terribly crowded. Rudge went back to Beaumont via Richmond, and Bet and Pont came back here in time for tea.

Week of 15 February 1960

Thursday, 18 February
47 Hamilton Terrace
Bet slept here
Alice turned up later and had a bath before supper and afterwards she and Bet helped me going through my wardrobe and drawers for jumble.
Friday, 19 February
Bet and Pont arrived here about 4.30 and gulped down tea before driving down to Studley. Bet was the first to tell me that the Queen had a son.
Sunday, 21 February
I spent most of the afternoon coping with letters; everything heavy weather somehow! Have been phoning a lot to Mab who is still in bed with flu. So is Monga! Lil has had a good day and had Diana to lunch. Enid pretty well too.I have phoned Pippa. She drove Nicky back from Birmingham today. They had been staying with the Mabeys as James was playing hockey. 

Week of 8 February 1960

Monday, 8 February
47 Hamilton Terrace
Bet and Pont slept here
Bet better but cancelled work and stayed in bed till teatime. Down for the arrival of Pips and Tig. Pips looking so well. Delightful to have her. Pont was here for an hour going through papers with Bet. Pips had only met him once years ago, so of course would not have known him but found hi quite easy and pleasant.
Tuesday, 9 February
Pippa and Bet slept here
Bet went to her work and was none the worse for it. She got back in time for tea after trying in vain to buy me a plate rack. Pont came and fetched her to dine with his sister, Olga. Great progress in the kitchen and it will be finished tomorrow thank goodness.
Pippa had a hairdo at Evans at 9.45 - bought some things at Maternally Yours by Pounce, and then lunched with Capt Mackintosh in his huge flat in the House of Lords, and met his daughter and of course Nicky. She got back in time to take the Tig for a run in Regent's Park before tea.
Wednesday, 10 February
Betty slept here
Pippa lunched here after a very successful morning's shopping, and she and Tigger left for Orchard House after 2 o'clock.
I rested during the afternoon, and Hester unexpectedly buzzed in when I was half asleep - and a few minutes later the M's whom she had left in the car.
Thursday, 11 February
Betty slept here
Moore removed his impediments today and I paid the bill, and we are back in the kitchen again - delighted. Pont arrived and said there was something wrong with the car but it should be all right tomorrow in time for their trip to Ramsgate. Pont cheered up after masses of strong tea
Bet back in time to iron things before drinks. She has heard their dog [the wonderful Tinker] is very ill with an ulcer in quarantine.
Friday, 12 February
Bet said goodbye at 10 o'clock, as she was meeting Pont after her work to drive down to Ramsgate for the weekend.
Sunday, 14 February
Betty slept here
Bet and Pont turned up with all the luggage from Ramsgate. After tea they went to a newsreel. I phoned Hester and asked her to come along for supper which she did. Just the three of us as Pont did not stay for it.

Week of 1 February 1960

Tuesday, 2 February
47 Hamilton Terrace
Bet slept here
Bet worked overtime at her job, as they were short-handed.
This evening Moore the painter came and gave an estimate for doing kitchen and larder - £32. He will start work on Thursday. Bet was splendid. I couldn't have coped with it without her.
Wednesday, 3 February
Bet slept here
Ina cleared everything out of kitchen and larder into the passage and cupboards, and work will start tomorrow morning.
Bet left early to clock in at her job at 9 o'clock. Worked till 5 when she bussed down to Enid and sat with her for an hour or so, thought her very little changed, but very low to start with. She (Bet) was back soon after 7, and we had drinks and then an early supper. She had been going to dine with Pont, but he phoned her at Enid's that he was feeling sick and going home.
Phoned Pips after supper. She had been to Savernake Hospital and the specialist found nothing wrong, thank goodness.
Thursday, 4 February
Bet slept here
Bet left at 8.30 - went to Mab for a drink after her work after her work, and Pont met her to tidy up before going on to Hester. They both looked very tired and I feel the same. Moore, decorator, failed to turn up and did not even phone till lunch time to explain why.
Friday, 5 February
Bet and Pont slept here
I got home about 4 o'clock - found "Ken" the merry painter still here - great work in the kitchen!
Saturday, 6 February
Bet and Pont slept here
Bet and Pont got back from golf at Highgate. I'm afraid Bet is shaping for a cold and I feel off colour myself.
Sunday, 7 February
Bet slept here
Pont being here was a great help as he coped with the boiler and the drawing-room fire. Bet still feeling lousy, but got up though did not go out.
Pont left after tea.

Week of 25 January 1960

Monday, 25 January
47 Hamilton Terrace
Reg slept here
Slept all right but woke completely exhausted and only got up in time for lunch. Bet came back for it, but not Reg.
Got home soon after 6 o'clock and found Bet and Pont here, but Pont went off after a drink. Reg just saw him on his return from having tea with Mabel.
Bet saw to our supper and we were a very pleasant threesome.
Bet has got a job (half-day) at Unilivers canteen in Portman Square and is to start tomorrow!
Tuesday, 26 January
Reg and Bet slept here
Bet put in her first day's work at Hesketh House, Portman Sq. and came back in time for tea, saying it had been fun and she was not overtired.
Pont arrived a few minutes later saying he was in the dumps and he certainly seemed so! Bet and he went off soon after to a cinema which I hope will pull him round.
Reg gave me a very pleasant meal at the Minute Grill in the Regent Palace?
Thursday, 28 January
Reg and Bet slept here
No Ina today but Bet saw to everything before starting for her work - beds, washing up, laying fire, seeing to boiler etc.
Lunched with Enid and sat and sat with her for a couple of hours, but came back here for tea with Bet. We have had a very nice tête à tête together. 
Friday, 29th January
Reg and Bet slept here
Rested and had tea upstairs. Pont came in for a drink, and he and Bet went off to take his sister out to dinner. Phonned Pippa. I felt worried about her for fear it might be jaundice but she seems definitely better.
Saturday, 30th January
Bet and Pont slept here
Reg caught the 11.18 train to Horsham. Bet had left already to meet Pont, and she drove with him to Windsor for golf. They got back in time for a luscious high tea with a barbecue chicken and found me sound asleep.
Wireless and papers full of de Gaulle's speech. It almost looks as if it was going to work.
Sunday 31st January
Bet slept her
Bet and Pont drove off to Beaumont at 11 am with picnic lunch and golf clubs - met a delighted Barnaby and had a very happy day. Home before 7 pm but Pont only stayed to pick up his things and have a drink. Monga is six today. They have been in the country but Huss rang up in the morning and said she was delighted with all her presents.
Phoned Nicky this evening to get news of Pippa, but heard from Libby she was not expected back till 10 o'clock, so asked her to phone me in the morning.
Rather better news from Algiers.

Week of 18 January 1960

Monday, 18 January
47 Hamilton Terrace
Anne slept here
Anne and Sarah out shopping this morning and back for one of Ina's super lunches. Afterwards they bussed to Liverpool St and Anne saw Sarah off by the 5.30 school train. Anne was back for tea and afterwards went over to Hester where she had a few people in for drinks. Hester has been strapped up at the Middlesex and hopes not to need plaster of Paris.
Alas Ina will be leaving in six weeks if Mike gets a house he has offered for. Still, that gives me time to look around.
Tuesday, 19 January
Anne left after tea for Ramsgate. I felt very low and tired and shall go early to bed.
Pippa rang me up, back from Oxford where she had left James' things. She will come to tea on Saturday after David Bolton's wedding. Lovely.
Wednesday, 20 January
Slept well and felt better and much less gloomy today. Phoned Hester. She is more comfortable and hopes to get down to Notley tomorrow and bring back Woof. Caroline miles better and may be back at school tomorrow.
Pips rang up tonight. Kind of her,as she realised I was depressed last night. It is snowing don there again.
Saturday, 23 January
Vivien is taking Huss and Monga tonight to Covent Garden to see Margot Fonteyn in Cinderella. 
Sunday, 24 January
Reg and Bet slept here
Bet turned up just before 6 o'clock, and Reg and minute or two later. Quite a bit later Pont and Alice arrived for drinks, and then they all arrived for drinks. Reg and I had a nice tête à tête in the evening.

Week of 11 January 1960

Monday, 11 January
47 Hamilton Terrace
Bet came round for elevenses and to say goodbye. She hopes to get down to Ramsgate with the boys this afternoon. Hester is due back for lunch. Vivien is driving her and the children up.
Phoned Hester when I got home. She seemed pretty fair. Is to go to Oxfor for a second X-ray later in the week. No slipped disk, but torn muscles and a small none broken! She expects to go to Vivien's for Mona's funeral on Wednesday. The service will be in the chapel of the convent where she was living. Pippa rang up this evening to ask after Hester
Tuesday, 12 January
Phoned Hester morning and evening. The children can't go to school as the central heating has gone wrong. Infuriating! H very tired and uncomfortable but drove the car to get her new licence.
Hester was rung up from Ramsgate - by Anne as Bet is in bed with a chill. They are completely snowed up!
Wednesday, 13 January
Hester went with Vivien to Mona's funeral service at Chiswick and this afternoon took the children to an animal cinema. I don't think she sounds much better. She is to see a Harley St doctor tomorrow.
Thursday, 14 January
Rosemary Webb slept here
Colder than ever but no snow to speak of.
Phoned Pips chiefly to give her a message from Jounce who had rung up just before I started for Enid to say all hockey was cancelled and he was going straight off to Brasenose. A foot of snow at OH but Pippa seemed all right.
Had a long phone talk with Hester. Everything rather worrying and involved. "Gordon" had come and gone with her to orthopaedic surgeon in Harley St who is consultant at the Middlesex. He thinks it is a slipped disc! and she is to have a further X-ray, and also to see a neurologist - also at the Middlesex. "Gordon" still sceptical about it being a slipped disc.
Friday, 15 February
Rosemary Webb slept here
Looked in on Hester this morning on the way to the bank. She looked very poorly. All plans changed and she went down by train this afternoon for an X-ray at the Radcliffe and an interview with a neurologist who has treated her previously. The whole affair seems very involved and unsatisfactory.
Sigrid brought the chikdren this afternoon and they were very good and happy and I read to them. S fetched them back for tea.
Hester did not get back from Oxford till quite late so I did not phone her. She had to stand all the way down to Oxford on the train. It is a split disc after all!!
Saturday, 16 January
Rosemary Webb slept here
Hester has seen the local doctor and is to go to the Middlesex Hospital on Monday and hopes Mr Boyle will agree not to put her in plaster of Paris, but to let her have a jacket instead. Dickie had to wear one.
Monga was at a RNVR party on the river and Huss was being driven down there for cocktails and to bring Monga back.
Bet rang up this evening. She is 51 today. Pont and Alice did not drive down today as the roads are still treacherous.
I phoned Pips who spoke cheerfully, but confessed that she felt a bit alone.
Sunday, 17th January
Anne and Sarah slept here
At 6.30 decided to go to bed when the phone rang. It was Sarah to ask if it would be all right for her and Anne to come along, arriving at 10.30 and would I leave the key under the door!

Week of 2 January 1960

Saturday, 2 January
47 Hamilton Terrace
Alice moved over to Hester quite early as we heard that she had suddenly become incapable of any movement!! The doctor came and said it was either a) lumbago b) slipped disk c) torn muscle! I wired Betty to ring me up this evening which she did and we arranged that she should come up tomorrow morning and see to things. Monga is seedy too with inflammation in her ear. Lucky that Alice and Sigrid are there.
Sunday, 3 January
Betty had arrived at lunchtime but had not much news of her. She is very uncomfortable. I have not seen her yet. Alice has come back to sleep here.
Monday, 4 January
Alice slept here
Bet came in for drinks and we had a splendid talk. Hester is a lot better and has had a bath. The doctor did not come again! She thinks it was lumbago. Bet is driving Monga and Woof down to Notley tomorrow, and Alice will go with her. If well enough, Hester will go to Awly on Wednesday and will leave the flat for Bet, Pont and the two boys till Monday.
Tuesday, 5 January
Alice slept here
Bet arrived at 9am in the car with Monga and Woof for Notley, and Alice had had breakfast and was quite ready for them. She and Bet were back here again by 2pm, and I told them that Huss had seen the doctor, and it IS a slipped disc and he has injected morphia, and she was to go back to bed. She was in great pain and drove straight here where Nicky was here so was able to drive her back to her flat and help her upstairs before coming back to me.
We have arranged that Pont and the two boys shall sleep here and Bet will feed them all at Hester's.
Wednesday, 6 January
Pont, Barnaby and Johnny slept here

A glorious sunny day at last. Pont drove the boys up from Ramsgate and after lunching at Clive Court, came round here with a luggage. Bet brought Muff round and helped Alice pack for WYCA. After she left, they stayed on for tea

Have not seen Hester. But she sounds a lot better. Dickie’s stepmother much worse - the hospital thinks she's dying.
Thursday, 7 January

Pont, Barnaby, Johnny slept here

Pont coped with the boys’ breakfast and they went over to Hester’s and I haven't seen them since.. Gorden St John Ives drove up from Oxford and is almost certain that Hester has not got a slipped disc She is to go to Notley for the weekend and will have an x-ray at the Ratcliffe.
Friday, 8 January
Pont, Barnaby and Johnny slept here
Alice has got a job it - it sounds very nice and is quite close to the YWCA which will save the expense. Anne rang up from Ramsgate on reverse charges. It is her birthday and Sarah went down this morning. She had been spending a couple of days with Mon.
Saturday, 9 January
Bet and Pont slept here
Hester's car not functioning so she went with Muff by train to Oxford and straight on to the Ratcliffe where she is to have an X-ray and then drive over to Notley Priory for the weekend. Alice who is spending the day at Clive Court went with them to Marylebone Station only to find the train was off, so they had to come back and go by a later one.
Dickie's stepmother died last night at the West London Hospital.
Sunday, 10 January
Barnaby went to Westminster Cathedral, but Bet, Pont and Johnny went to Awly's wedding church, having dropped me first at mine. Pont fetched me back afterwards. Bet, Pont, Alice and boys came to tea - a very good one. Then B and P took Alice to her YWCA and Pont moved his things over to his friends at Chelsea. Alice starts a job tomorrow with Museums Journal.
Heard from Bet late this evening that Hester's report from the Ratcliffe is fairly satisfactory, and she and the children are coming back tomorrow.

Week of 30 December 1959

Wednesday, 30 December
47 Hamilton Terrace
I have seen no-one though I have phoned Hester and the three sisters. In the evening I listened to part of Peer Gynt starring Michael Redgrave - magnificent. Phoned Nicky at the House of Lords. Wrote combined thank you and New Year letters to Pips, Bets, Anne and Wilma.

Week of 21 December 1959

Tuesday, 22 December
47 Hamilton Terrace
Barnaby turned up soon after 10am and Pont a bit later, and they filled up the car with presents etc. and started off for Ramsgate, B leaving his mac and cap behind him.
Hester still very off colour but has been out and about Christmassing.
Wednesday, 23 December
I opened my parcels - 18! Phoned Hester who said she was much better, though she didn't sound up to much. Phoned Nicky at the House of Lords - off to OH tonight. A letter from Pounce to tell me she is expecting another baby in July.
Thursday, 24 December
47 Hamilton Terrace - Milton Court Hotel
Mabel came at about 12. We had tea and later came to fetch us. We had a lovely lunch in her flat, Christmas trees, crackers, presents etc. Mabel was enchanted. We succeeded in getting a taxi to take us to Milton Court. I have a very nice room next door to Huss.
Friday, 25 December
Milton Court Hotel
Cold buffet lunch and pouring rain.
A terrific dinner here - very well done but somehow a bit depressing. Both Mabel and I very tired. Early to bed.

Week of 14 December 1959

Tuesday, 15 December
47 Hamilton Terrace
Betty slept here
Geraldine arrived for lunch and Bet almost immediately afterwards. They both left soon after lunch. Pont turned up in the car and he and Bet went off shopping. Hester looked in with the children on their way back from school, and Bet is spending the evening with her.
Wednesday, 16 December
Betty slept here
Pont came to lunch. I rested till Geraldine arrived for tea and crumpets and brought me her present, a charming bunch of everlastings. Bet got back soon after and when Geraldine left we settled down to a solid evening's work of doing up parcels. Wilma rang up to say she would come up tomorrow with the Xmas parcels.
Thursday, 17 December
Betty and Johnny slept here.
Bet and Pont met Wilma and Johnny and drove them back to lunch. Afterwards they took Johnny to see his granny and then on to Harrods, and finished up with a cinema and supper.
Friday, 18 December
Bet and I overslept and only awoke when Pont arrived at 9.15. He took Johnny off toy-seeing, and Bet had a hair-do etc. Sarah arrived about 12 o'clock in great form. We all had an early lunch and Pont drove them all to Victoria Station for the 2.40 to Ramsgate, stopping at Hester's en route to deposit toys.
Rang up Nicky in the evening.
Sunday, 20 December
A most interesting letter from Reg - a change of investment which should make Enid, Mab and me better off by approx. £150 nett! Marvellous. I have sent off 100 Xmas cards and about finished my Christmas letters