Mig's Journal 1973-1992

Tuesday March 31, 1987

2026-10-27T15:23:39.396+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

The Earl of Arundel and Surrey, heir to the Duke of Norfolk, is engaged to Georgina Gore. Ally and Dad think I am very eccentric poring over Burke's Peerage and Debrett's checking out Lord Arundel's fiancée. The future Duchess of Norfolk is a kinswoman of the Earl Temple of Stowe and a granddaughter of Lady Barbara Gore (b. 1909), and a great-granddaughter of an Earl of Eglinton & Winton. Born 1962.

Quiet day. Ally cannot understand quite how everything is finished and in order. i.e. no washing, ironing, cleaning, cooking &c. So much so that after our lunch we were twiddling our thumbs and I snoozed beneath the Daily Telegraph. Out at 8 - pouring rain - to Terry and Doreen's in Longroyd Place, for dinner of pâté, chicken breast in garlic and parmesan cheese, 'Arctic Roll', and rum &c. A tiny terrace house with rooms underground, like a rabbit warren. They do talk a lot. We were given lashings of brandy and gin &c. A nice couple. Much talk about Wenher, or 'Schultz' as they call him. A pleasant night. Home for 1am. Clementine had only just woken. Dad is a brick. He switched on the baby alarm and joined them below for a dink in the bar. It was a busy Tuesday. A coach-load of Chinese appeared in the tap room. I drank a gallon of iced water before bed to ward off any hangover.

-=-

Monday March 30, 1987

2026-10-27T15:04:48.641+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

The Castle Inn at Sheriff Hutton is up for grabs and ready for the dynamic duo - namely Ally and me. We have never visited here. Near York and Hovingham, &c. Andy Watts is area manager though. We do like LG for all his idiocyncrasies. Ally spoke to Laura Burley on Friday who was most 'stand-offish', 'toffee-nosed' and unhelpful. She immediately put us off going to any of the houses that she manages, most of which are south and rural, which is a pity. Tonight, Dad appeared at 6 o'clock wearing a dark suit and looking sombre. Yet we found him cheerful and boisterous. Usually he begins to fade after ten minutes and becomes distant and lost but tonight he remained 'on form'. V. quiet in the pub. No staff. I joined Dad at 8:30 in the bar and left Ally pulling beer. Some sad news at 10 o'clock Pat Johnson came in to say Glyn and Sharon's 6 month old son, Jack Isaac, died in his cot early on Sunday. They last saw him the day before at a wedding. They are devastated. Later we went up and watched a vid of a programme that was on earlier about the Duchess of Windsor's ostentatious jewels. What a self-indulgent couple they were. I do not see theirs as a love story. Nauseating really. Edward VIII would have been a disaster. Thank God for George VI.

Neil McCorquodale, the brother-in-law of the Princess of Wales, has been chosen as High Sheriff of Lincolnshire. A farmer from Stoke Rochford, Lincs, he is married to the Princess's sister, Lady Sarah.

Baroness Maria von Trapp, whose story inspired the stage musical and film "The Sound of Music", has died aged 82.

Patrick Troughton, the actor, who has died aged 67, was appropriately appearing at a "Dr Who" convention in Columbus, Georgia, at the time of his sudden death.

Sunday March 29, 1987

2026-10-27T14:43:43.786+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

4th Sunday in Lent

Mothering Sunday

British Summertime begins

Full Moon. Mother's Day, &c. Samuel slept with us and the Dixons had his room. We woke damp and steaming because Sam wet himself. We drove out later and got lost on Harrogate Road in search of the Queen's Arms. We met Philip and Carol Middlebrough, and Mandy and ________ for a liquid luncheon. The pub had a play room for the kiddies, and they played together outside near a bowling green. Our choice of names for our children has generated some excitement. Later, we all went to Guiseley where I placed a few plants on Mum's grave. We attempted to get into the Damn Yankee but it was too busy and so we found ourselves in the McDonald's in the St John Centre, Leeds. Awful, but Graham liked it. I loathe burgers. They left at 5. Poor Samuel was quite worn out after the excesses. He does so see eye to eye with Matthew.

-=-

Saturday March 28, 1987

2026-10-27T14:32:14.156+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Wind but sunshine. Graham phoned us from his car at 12 to say they would be with us at 12:30, when sure enough they rolled up. Matthew and Samuel seem more alike than ever, not physically, and one wouldn't think thy are separated by just over 12 months. Gill has been feeling 'under the weather' so much so that a couple of weeks ago they took the boys to the rectory and their grandparents on the Isle of Wight and went off to Paris for the weekend. It was very expensive. They are moving to West Haddon in Northants on April 5/6 after a seven month period of nomadic existence. Allt took them all to Temple Newsam. I cleaned the beer lines. Tonight John and Janette appeared and they sat with Graham and Gill while Ally and I worked. Later, John and I went for a Chinese take-way to the Golden Horn, where I saw 'Mad' Donald, who refused to speak to me. I drove John in his car and he seemed 'wary' about my driving. Naughty of him. We sat up late and retired at 3am after putting the clocks on one hour. Turgid.

The Prince of Wales arrived in Swaziland yesterday for a three-day visit during which he will hold talks with the 18-year-old King Mswati III. The tour will also take the Prince to Malawi and Kenya.

The Countess of Suffolk & Berkshire gave birth to a daughter, on March 28.

The Duchess of Somerset gave birth to a daughter at Queen Charlotte's Hospital on March 28, a sister for Sebastian.

Denisa Newborough.

A Daily Telegraph obituary deserves to be shared here in full: Denisa, Lady Newborough, who has died aged 79, was many things: wire-walker, nightclub girl, nude dancer, airpilot. She only refused to be two things - a whore and a spy "and there were attempts to make me both" she once wrote. She was also a milliner, a perfumier and an antiques dealer; but her real metier , in her early life at least, was what she called 'profitable romance'. Her opinions on the subject of presents from gentlemen would have done credit to the pen of Anita Loos: "I have never believed that jewels, any more than motor cars, can be called vulgar just because they are gigantic. Her admirers included the Kings of Spain and Bulgaria, Adolf Hitler (whose virility she doubted), Benito Mussolini (whom she described as a 'gigolo') and Sheikh ben Ghana (who gave her 500 sheep). When she lived in Paris, she had no fewer than five protectors - all 'shareholders' as she termed them - and persuaded each, who was ignorant of his fellows, to part with a flat or a house. She was earlier married to Jean Malpuech, the governor of Loas, who had died. But the climax of this stage of her career came in 1939 with her marriage to the 61-year-old fifth Lord (Tommy) Newborough, as his second wife. They were divorced in 1947. Denisa Josephine Braun was born on April Fool's Day 1913, in Subotica, Serbia. In her early teens she ran away to Budapest, where for a time she slept under bridges with tramps. Then, styling herself "Baronne de Brans", she became a nude dancer and mistress of boyars, including a pair of twins. A decade of adventures followed, in Sofia, Bucharest, Paris, St Moritz and Berlin. She spoke 14 languages. During the 1939-45 War, she served as a transport officer with the Red Cross, but was dismissed in 1941 because she was not of British birth. In 1946, shortly before her divorce, a receiving order was made against her for debts of £951, which attributed to losses at bridge when her skill had been impaired by unhappiness. She recovered her finances by designing outrageous hats ' "The Nicotine Hat", for example, which was covered with cigarettes, with half smoked imitations hanging over the bridge. In 1958 she published an autobiography, "The Fire In My Blood", the falvour of which may be surmised from such chapter headings as 'Gipsy Love', 'Elegant Sin in Bucharest', and 'On The Trail of the White Slavers'. She was convicted in 1964 of permitting her maisonette in Davies Street to be used for the purpose of habitual prostitution, though he conviction was quashed on appeal. Lady Newborough was a great beauty and she was charming and funny. By conventional standards, her morality matched her flaming red hair but she remained as proud of the one as of the other. She is survived by her daughter, Juno, who is married to a dentist.

-=-

Friday March 27, 1987

2026-10-26T14:35:14.869+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Friday. A quiet day. Samuel has developed a broad Yorkshire accent, broader than mine picked up, according to Ally, from Stephen Ayres. Spoke to Janette on the phone.

Sir Mstislav.

The Kinnocks have celebrated 20 years of marriage this week, and the leader of the opposition has had a disastrous trip to see Ron [Reagan] in Washington, where the fading president failed to recognise Mr Healey, and thought that Acland, our ambassador to the USA, was Mr Kinnock's sidekick. Healey and Acland of course have huge, bushy eyebrows. Mrs T goes to see Mr Gorbachev at the weekend to show how visits really should successfully be done.

The Prince of Wales is to spend four days trekking in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana, with his friend, Sir Laurens van der Post, at the end of a three-nation African tour which begins today.

A Frankfurt confectioner has sold out his stock of Easter bunnies containing condoms in a 'safe sex' promotion. The 3-inch high chocolate rabbits cost £1.70 each.

Mstislav Rostropovich, cellist, conductor and Russian-in-exile has been appointed a Honorary Knight Commander of the British Empire for his services to British music, the Foreign Office announced yesterday.

Thursday March 26, 1987

2026-10-26T14:16:41.118+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Clemmie.

A miracle has occurred. No, I haven't encountered the Virgin Mary on the local refuse tip, and I haven't suddenly found the ability to turn water into Old Brewery Bitter - but Clemmie has slept from 6:30pm last night until this morning. Samuel woke me at 7am and that was my first call to consciousness since 12:30am. Felt pounds better for a good nights sleep and I splashed around in the bath singing "La donna è mobile" at full throttle. Our darling Clemmie has given us eight months of sleeplessness. Ally insists that Samuel had a similar sleep pattern, but I do not remember quite so much sleeplessness.

King Fahd of Saudi Arabia is here on a State Visit. No booze at the royal banquet and so poor Denis Thatcher had to drink from his Queen Mother-style hip flask. I do wish that the PM would ask the King to confer an earldom upon her husband to celebrate the '87 victory. Disraeli ennobled his wife, and so we do have a precedent.

From the Telegraph: A restored figurehead, identified by the Prince of Wales as being of the young Queen Victoria, was unveiled yesterday by the Duke of Kent at the Royal Naval Engineering College, Manadon, Plymouth. The carved figure was always believed to be of Queen Adelaide, wife of William IV, until Prince Charles visited the college and pointed out that it could not be a consort queen because it had the orb and sceptre which denoted monarchy. Researchers from him right.

Dorothea, Viscountess Head, who has died aged 79, was a brilliant portrait painter, far above amateur status. While she excelled at painting children, perhaps her most remarkable portraits were of eminent citizens of Nigeria (where her husband the 1st Viscount Head was High Commissioner in the early 1960s), notably the charismatic Sir Abudakar Tafawa Balewa, the "golden voice of Africa", of whom she was especially fond.

Wednesday March 25, 1987

2026-10-26T13:55:04.366+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

King Fahd.

I do hope that after the Tory victory - in June/October - that Norman Tebbit will not go to the Lords and thereby emasculate his leadership ambitions. He is an obvious successor to the Blessed Margaret, who will retire in a blaze of glory in 1989 after ten years as premier. As you can see I have had my crystal balls out. The dear PM is heading for Moscow at the weekend to see Mr Gorbachev. What a stateswoman she is. Her face is known throughout the world.

A Quiet night. Alan brought a musical quiz which had everyone subdued.

King Fahd of Saudi Arabia arrived in London today on a State Visit to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh. King Fahd arrived at Gatwick Airport. The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by His Excellency the Saudi Arabian Ambassador, welcomed King Fahd on behalf of the Queen. The party travelled by the Royal Train to Victoria Railway Station. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh with the Duke and Duchess of York, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester met King Fahd at the station.

Point failure: From the Telegraph. An announcement on the crowded Central Line platform at Liverpool Street yesterday: "The next train will arrive in five minutes, we are sorry for the delay which is due to the late running of the train."

Tuesday March 24, 1987

2026-10-26T13:39:36.876+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

with Marita.

Tonight after a hectic day of culinary activity we threw a sumptuous dinner for MM and Marita, who came at about 8 o'clock. Marita was 'floral' and attractive. We dined on seafood vol au vent, Swiss veal in wine sauce, ratatouille, new potatoes, chocolate profiteroles with cream. Sumptuous. Ally is quite a cook. We chatted afterwards until almost 2am. Clemmie woke as we were retiring and we had a rough passage.

A Bill to replace the May Day Bank Holiday with a public holiday on or near May 10 commemorating Sir Winston Churchill was introduced in the Commons and given a formal first reading.

Princess Anne, patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, was at the Scotland v Wales match at Murrayfield on Saturday. Her son, Master Peter Phillips, was heard to say that he had bet one Mars bar to 12 Mars bars on a Scottish win. He has my sympathies if he is now not feeling too well.

Monday March 23, 1987

2026-10-26T13:25:14.836+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Uncle Arnold's birthday. It says so on my calendar. He would have been 55. Dad will be especially miserable today. Graham and Gill phoned and invited themselves here next weekend. We do not mind one bit. They have been wed for 6 years on Saturday, and Sunday is Mother's Day. Graham says that Carol Reed had a daughter this morning at 6 - to be named Amy. At the mention of that name I think of the lady who married by peculiar grandfather. A day of furious activity. MM and Marita come tomorrow for dinner, and we haven't had anyone here for dinner since Mum and Dad. How I miss those cosy, intimate meals with poor Mum. Almost 2 horrible years.

Kensington Palace refused to comment yesterday on speculation that the Duchess of York, 27, may be taking the fertility drug Clomid even though it could cause multiple birth. Harley Street specialist Mr Anthony Kenney, whom she has visited, also declined to comment. The Duchess and Prince Andrew are said to be eager for a family now that they have their own home, Chideock Manor, Dorset.

-=-

Sunday March 22, 1987

2026-10-26T13:15:12.138+00:00

Moorhouse Inn, LS11 5NQ

3rd Sunday in Lent

A morning and afternoon off. A 'full-English' breakfast followed by decisions as to our curriculum for the escape from the pub. We decided to go on a mystery tour and ended up doing Harrogate, Otley and Guiseley, where we presented Peter with a batch of socks and handkerchiefs. It seems that everyone has bought him socks. He is 29. Janette claims that Peter has shares in British Telecom, British Gas, British Airways, and Guinness, &c.

Oh yes, Margaret Rushton came in for her golden handshake yesterday and had a toastie and collected her P45 but with no animosity. Despite everything I do like Mrs Rushton. Ally was totally turned off by her and I know she is probably untrustworthy. Ally's instincts are invariably correct. Mrs R brought some cheer _____. We returned to the Moorhouse for our evening labours. The children suitably knackered. Carole Gosling , the stewardess at the club (Canning St) committed suicide on Saturday. She was 40. ________.

Robert Preston, who starred in more than 30 films but whose biggest success was "The Music Man" on Broadway, died in Santa Barbara on Saturday. He was 68 and had been battling against lung cancer for several months. In a statement issued from Camp David , President Reagan said: "He was a friend who will be missed."

From the Telegraph: 'Undeterred by his décolleté encounter last week, David Steel seems to be developing delusions of grandeur, judging by the invitations he has been issuing for his 'official' birthday party next month. Despite his real birthday being on March 31, guests are invited to join him on April 8 for what, according to the invitation, "may be your last chance to have a drink with David Steel before he becomes Prime Minister."

Saturday March 21, 1987

2026-10-09T14:49:09.320+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

As you have no doubt fathomed by now our plans to move from the Moorhouse have grounded on the rocks of apathy. We didn't even bother to apply for the Pig & Whistle because Scunthorpe is no different to Leeds. Since then we have received two interesting circulars - the Botolph Arms near Peterborough - a " restaurant" according to LG, and today Ye Olde White Horse at Spalding, Lincs. Bulb country. Green wellies, &c. Dad phoned tonight and asked Ally if I am unwell because I haven't phoned him since before Monday at least. His guesthouse is currently overrun with army majors, and he is morbidly waiting for the anniversary of Uncle Arnold's 55th birthday on Monday. Well, not morbidly exactly, but it is at the forefront of his mind. Margaret Isabella worked at lunch. Ally and Samuel went to Morrison's. He is a good boy these days and doesn't escape. I took Clemmie downstairs at 3 and some hideously grimacing, gurning customers crowded around her and reduced her to tears. In the screaming and gurgling chaos she clung to me and snuggled close. "Oh, she's a daddy's girl, they always are", came to response. Just Ally and I tonight. Dead.

Duc de Broglie.

WH Smith's new computer, christened Bookfinder, was being shown off at the company's Swindon offices when it was asked to find a book with the word "cat" or "dog" in its title. The machine excelled. "Catholic Dogma", it suggested.

The Duc de Broglie, who has died aged 94, was a giant in the field of physics whose 1924 PhD thesis played a leading part in the development of quantum mechanics. In Paris he was popularly regarded as France's answer to Einstein.

-=-

Friday March 20, 1987

2026-10-09T14:37:20.964+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Peter.

Peter James Nason is 29 today. Janette suggested that they should all come here, but we didn't expect a visit. Leeds is far too distant for remote country Guiseley dwellers. Spoke to Pete tonight. He was taking Sue to the Hare & Hounds for dinner. Julie was babysitting. I haven't spoken to Dad all week. Our phone was incapacitated for three days and besides, he never ever rings me. I renounced Ayingerbrau lager because of my spreading girth, which revolts me. In bygone days I could stand nude before a mirror for hours admiring my lean, yet comely frame. Now I shoot past wobbling everywhere, rolls of white dimpled flesh, &c. The author of this journal is 32 and takes no exercise. It's not that I eat too much I'm sure.

From last week's Western Gazette. "Wanted , full-sized Globe of the World on stand or similar. Good price paid ..."

Simon Brett , who has spent many hours trawling through diaries by Pepys, Queen Victoria, Evelyn Waugh and other daily writers for his new "Book of Diaries", keep a diary himself. He tells the writer of the Telegraph Peterborough column: "Took kids to school, worked on book, had lunch, worked on book, collected kids, had dinner, watched TV". And it's the same every day.

Brig. Ian Macalister, the 13th Laird of Achnacone, Argyllshire, who has died aged 91, was the first British officer to land on French soil and the first to be mentioned in despatches in 1914.

Sir Michael Gore-Booth, Bt, who has died aged 78, was the invalid ward of court whose 3,000-acrre estate at Lissadell, Co. Sligo, was the subject of a celebrated court case. [see detail in journal].

-
=-

Thursday March 19, 1987

2026-10-08T16:39:32.528+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Clemmie.

Clemmie has cut her first tooth. Ally thought she could feel it yesterday and today I felt the tiny thing whilst giving her luncheon. [Milupa 'Spring veg']. How they grow up. Thank God her eyes are bright blue. I am sure that one day she will be stunning and hopefully break a lot of hearts. But not mine. Tired. We run this vast bulwark with next to no staff hours.

Four members of the Royal family are to take part in a televised "It's a Knock Out" tournament for charity on June 15. The day of royal fun and games at Alton Towers leisure park Staffordshire was dreamed up by Prince Edward who has persuaded Princess Anne and the Duke and Duchess of York to captain international teams of personalities from the world of showbusiness and sport.

-=-

Wednesday March 18, 1987

2026-10-08T16:28:52.430+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Cheltenham Races. I do not usually talk about sport or enthuse in any way which is a pity. Joe House came in, almost suicidal, because a female jockey had won a race at Cheltenham. "Women cannot be jockeys", he scowled through his red hamster cheeks. Women cannot be, a]. Bishops, b]. Priests, c]. Jockeys, d]. Bus drivers, e]. elephant trainers. Leslie Gledhill came in very grumpy and down. He is going on holiday next week and cannot wait. The brewery has just appointed another woman area manager. He went away looking low. Things so easily get him down. Janette phoned for news of any scandal from Tony's party. John heard from Peter M that we had been ejected at 3am and that Christopher had slammed the door and left in disgust. Dear me. I must have over done things. Just Ally and I worked tonight. Terry did a quiz.

-=-

Tuesday March 17, 1987

2026-10-08T16:20:43.335+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

St Patrick

Up at 7:50 very hungover to find Bev waiting for her lift to Roundhay. I went down in my old battered dressing gown to phone a taxi but Bev insisted on going by bus. She is a saint. Ally suggests we buy her some pesetas. [She goes to Ibiza, 6/4/87]. This is a good idea because she always declines offers of cash from me. Awful day. I am constantly reminded by Ally of my naughty antics. Sliding down banisters and groping _______. I am always very predictable, consistent, call it what you will. On Tony's 30th I had the same impact. Mr Lawson's Budget. No beer up. No cig price increase, &c. An election on June 11? We'll see.

Helen Lightbody, who has died aged 79, was the redoubtable nanny of the Prince of Wales until her retirement from royal service in 1956. A strapping Scotswoman with a broad, open countenance and beetle eyebrows, Helen Lightbody was a spinster, but in accordance with custom was accorded the courtesy title of 'Mrs'.

-=-

Monday March 16, 1987

2026-10-07T13:20:24.806+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Tony.

The 40th birthday of Anthony Ronald Brotherwood. Bev came at 6 much to Samuel's delight, and after a minor drama when the hairdryer conked out, we escaped at 7:30 to the Old Red Lion, where we chatted with the new landlord [serving his three customers]. He says he took £34 this afternoon. We have never been so quiet or as bad as that. On to the Penny Fun in Moortown for 8. As usual John and Janette were an hour late. "We don't want to go to Tony's too early", said John, and so we were there until about 10. On to Ringwood Avenue. _______. The place was packed. I didn't get much chance to speak to Tony or his ____ wife Margaret, but I chatted to Michelle [ex WH Smiths] , Chris, Pete M, &c. John and Janette were strangely quiet and left at about midnight. The Coles were there. I consumed much gin and became my usual silly self. Quite OTT splashing wine everywhere, doing handstands and ________. Wow. The modern mid-twenties single girl does come across as tarty, over-painted, over confident and quite frightening. Picking girls up in clubs must be quite awful nowadays. Tony managed to get rid of us at about 3am with the words "you can't carry on like this and at this hour on a Monday. _____. Last out with us were the Coles, Chris, Pete, Michelle and three of her friends.

The Sunday Telegraph reveals, much to my relief, that the great Victoria had little time for Victorian values because she was far too busy enjoying sex, pouring whisky in her tea, and swapping saucy pictures with Prince Albert. Thank God that at least one author intends to paint a less sombre picture of Her Majesty, even if it has to come from an American biographer.

Sunday March 15, 1987

2026-10-07T12:59:28.489+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

2nd Sunday in Lent

Temple Newsam.

We phoned Susan early on and told her we would take the Nasons out for the afternoon. She didn't enthuse but we insisted. Over to see Mum's grave and then to Sue's for 12 with every intention of taking them to the Royalty for a few drinks and a roll in the mud but she was snappy and insisted we stay for a stew and Yorkshire puddings. At one point I looked at my watch and she screamed: "For God's sake, go to the bloody pub. I don't care." Is this the Sue we know and love? However, after our lunch we all did go to the Royalty for a drink and then on in the direction of Temple Newsam, where we looked at the farm and strolled around the park. The children loved it but Sue just wasn't herself at all. Stress must be the thing. She is so irritable with everyone. Surely, Peter cannot be all that bad? On to John's for 10 minutes at 5 o'clock. We arranged to meet at the Penny Fun, at Sainsbury's at Moortown tomorrow at 8. Just Ally and I worked this evening.

The former SDP leader Roy Jenkins received the consolation prize of a lifetime yesterday when he was elected the new Chancellor of Oxford University, succeeding the late Lord Stockton. An unprecedented turnout of 8,309 Oxford graduates gave Mr Jenkins victory, with historian Lord Blake, Provost of Queen's College in second place and Mr Edward Heath third. The Midlands GP Dr Mark Payne received just 38 votes.

One of the finest collection of clocks in private hands goes on permanent show at Lyme Park, in Cheshire, early next month when the National Trust opens the house for the summer season. It was formed by Sir Francis Legh, who died in 1984. A private secretary to the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, he shared a passion for clocks with his elder brother the present Lord Newton. Among the treasures in the collection are three by Tompion and one by Fromanteel. Francis was the last Legh to be christened in the chapel at Lyme, his family home for six centuries. Like so many other second sons he conceived a particular love for a property that could never be his. The collection will be handed over to Lyme on April 3, by Legh's two children Nicholas, a banker, and Laura, married to Lord Weinstock's son, Simon.

-=-

Saturday March 14, 1987

2026-10-06T15:06:14.317+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

We are such abnormal little people. Who else but we, the Rhodeses of the Moorhouse, would breakfast together, the father dressed as a jungle dweller in a ladies wig and green Wellington boots labelleld L and R, and then go along en masse, to a religious bookshop at Middleton, where I, the father, administered a large kiss and read a sickly poem to a poor 40 year-old with a familiar face [It transpires she works on the check-outs at Morrison's]. Poor Ally and the children sat in the heavily populated shop - strangely heavily populated with giggling housewives of no apparent religious leanings, call it what you will. I did my bit with a powerful delivery and the earnest Caroline was beside herself with glee and excitement. I think she set me up for this Tarzan event purely for her own pleasure. She is _____ a female Uriah Heap. She then said she had another friend who is also celebrating. I felt somewhat exploited when I was asked to do a double and give a 50 year-old dancing class instructor the surprise of her life too. Prostitution must feel quite similar. Back at the Moorhouse for 11am where Mum looked bemused. Margaret R phoned to say she couldn't get here for 12. Well, it was Margaret's 'pimp' who phoned. You know, Bill, or 'Our Billy'. This is the end of Margaret R. Maureen worked instead. The reign of Miss Rushton is over. Ally sends for the girls P45. Fin.

Cases of Aids reported around the world have risen by 1,766 during the past month, reaching 42,704 in 91 countries, the World Health Organisation said yesterday. There are now 686 cases in Britain, a rise of 48, and 31,036 in the United States, a rise of 1,500. - Reuter.

-=-

Friday March 13, 1987

2026-09-16T17:17:36.101+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Saw Caroline again. She handed me a flimsy garment for my 'Tarzan act' tomorrow. Bloody hell, I take on some jobs. I really should have been a thespian. The smell of the crowd and the roar of the grease paint, &c.

-=-

Thursday March 12, 1987

2026-09-16T17:12:59.174+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

At our recent meeting with LG he asked: "were you in last Thursday?" "Yes", quoth I. "Did the Fisherman's Hut play you at pool?" "Yes", quoth I. "Well", he quipped beaming with humour, "you are a cruel, heartless swine for allowing an old man to keel over in your porch without ceasing to trade or to tend to him with your first aid expertise." Yes, the pillock of a landlord had actually phoned LG to report upon my behaviour during the abovementioned incident. LG sides with me. I was blazing. I really should go over and reduce that hideous little Tetley's house to rubble. I took a green-nosed Sam to nursery and I saw Caroline who reminded me that I am doing a 'kissogram' at Middleton on Saturday. In a religious book shop no less.

-=-

Wednesday March, 11, 1987

2026-09-16T16:58:06.635+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS 11 5NQ

Have I told you about Anthony Ronald Brotherwood's birthday party? He is 40 on Monday and his wife Margaret the Mouth with Mr C.H. Ratcliffe has arranged a surprise party for Tony and for all his long-lost acquaintances. John has invited me and Chris has phoned to see if I can find some ale. Chris was his old "1973 self". I would be so pleased to rekindle some old friendships because life can become very insular don't you think?

Dad and Clementine.

LG came yesterday at 3pm to put a Sam Smiths 'stout' button on my PLU. He was extremely amenable. He can be nothing else when his employee is 70 per cent up on last year, and a clean, reliable 32 year-old to boot. He asked me how Dad is coping and I told him that he was upstairs. I was surprised that LG could remember all the facts about Dad, the details: Mum's passing/Horton/the police, &c. Looking seriously over his glasses he said: "Why don't we get him doing relief work?" Enough said. It isn't Dad's scene. Dad left at 2:30 for Mr Carlile's [dentist]. He is having gold teeth, like the villain in the Bond film.

Question: If male priests can be unfrocked, women priests will, when they eventually arrive, be "debagged"

The engagement is announced between Henry, Marquess of Worcester, eldest son of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, of Badminton House, Gloucestershire, and Tracy, younger daughter of the Hon. Peter Ward, of Cornwell Manor, Kingham, Oxfordshire, and the Hon. Mrs Claire Ward, of Callow Street, London.

A drugs trial involving the Countess of Cassillis was postponed yesterday when two Crown witnesses were unable to attend Ayr Sherrif Court. The Countess, 26, through Mr Ross Harper, her solicitor, denied possessing quantities of cannabis and amphetamines at her home at Kirkoswald, Strathclyde, last July.

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Tuesday March 10, 1987

2026-09-15T16:01:33.940+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Dad came at 2. I was in the cellar and he walked down with a pint of lager. Then upstairs for an hour where Clemmie wept at the sight of her long-lost grandpapa. She is so soft and only ever has a smile for Ally and I. I do not remember Sam being so timid. At 6 Ally and I went to Drighlington. Very impressed by the Valley Inn which has a lot of scope and is "our sort" of place I'm sure. Cosy corners, and cosy open fires, &c. We had four or five drinks before I had the opportunity to approach the tennant who proceeded to go green and splutter obviously unaware that LG had put us onto the scent. We Sam Smith employees are very sensitive people. We can smell rats from great distances. We spotted a couple on Saturday who were obviously Sam Smith recruits sussing us out. It made us uncomfortable. We left Drighlington at 8. Drank with Dad and went to the Chinese take-away.

The seventh Lord Ventry, the engaging "lighter than air" Irish peer who has died aged 88, was a certified 'aeronaut', a balloonist, and an inveterate champion of the airship. In 1949 he began work om the Bournemouth, the first airship to be built in Britain since the ill-fated R-101 crashed in 1930. The sausage-shaped dirigible, with an envelope 108 ft long and a capacity of 45,000 cubic feet, was all set to make its maiden flight at Cardington, Beds, in July 1951 ....

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Monday March 9, 1987

2026-09-15T15:38:50.136+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Stocktake. Mr. Crump came. What a Dickensian name, eh? Very sensible. He gave us a £58 surplus. I planned this eventuality. Dad is slowly driving us insane. It was planned that he would come here tomorrow so enabling us to go minus children to the Pig & Whistle again, but he has taken in some dreadful walkers at Waltergarth, and has now asked to be excused. He is going to come late tomorrow so that we can go to Drighlington and inspect the Valley Inn which LG has mentioned. I do have the impression that father's nearest and dearest are fading in his affections somewhat. He doesn't seem to find any pleasure in the fact that we may be venturing forth on life's pot-holed highway.

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Sunday March 8, 1987

2026-09-14T13:41:00.092+01:00

Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

1st Sunday in Lent

David Andrew Baker is 31. Aunty Mabel is 68. The two Margarets opened up and we went to Auntie Mabel's where we were joined by Auntie Hilda. I was reprimanded by H. We haven't seen her since John and Janette's wedding last September. The Gadsbys have just had a new fitted kitchen at Wilsby, but H isn't enthusiastic. They say Clemmie resembles Frank and that Sam is a Wilson. A Wilson! He is the image of his Dixon mother. On to MM and Marita's at 3. They are having a lunch party for old friends David and Fay - garlic was wafting everywhere. Large gin and tonics and two hours later we left at 5. Ally very pissed on g & t's she took to her bed and collapsed until 8, leaving me and Samuel with a chicken and Yorkshire puddings. Ally came down to the bar groggy at 8:30. Just the two us worked.

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Friday March 6, 1987

2026-09-14T13:34:27.553+01:00

Moorhouse Inn

Stricken: Herald of Free Enterprise.

"Our" Lynn is 29 today. She phoned at breakfast time to say thank you for the cards but when Ally asked whether she liked her birthday present which we left with her in January [table mats from County Durham] she went very quiet and had quite forgotten to open the parcel. She told us that Jacq is pregnant and due on September 6.

This evening a terrible tragedy occurred. A Channel ferry from Zeebrugge, Belgium, sank minutes after sailing with the loss of life of almost 200 Britons. Watched newsflashes at one and 2 in the morning and went to bed very morose. What a ghastly way to go.

Viscount Brookeborough has died aged 64.

Viscount Morpeth, who resigned his commission in protest at the Government's defence policy, wants to become a Liberal MP, it was revealed yesterday.

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