8th May 1943

Saturday

Terrible S.W. wind, heavy rain at 6.  Joy and Parrington off to London today.  Went in by bus, feeling very ill, throat like sand paper.  

Called at E. Stockwell Street this morning and found that the Ministry of Labour have now taken No. 9, on the E. side of the street, a plain brick front about 1750, but very fine panelling inside.  I remarked to a girl clerk what a pleasant room it was, and she replied “I’m afraid it’s awfully old.”

A Mr. Law from Gt. Horkesley called this morning, driving a very good hunter-type horse in a high-dog-cart.  Told me it was only the second time he had had it in harness, yet he brought him right through the town.

Home to lunch.  Mother talking about an alarm there had been this morning, between 6 and 7, which I had not heard.  It was raining heavily at the time.  Saw in evening papers that 6 planes came over Essex, and that two were shot down at Romford and Southend.

Felt bad all day, legs painful, headache, throat very bad.  Back on 4 o’clock bus.  Had some tea, fed dogs, hens, pony, and went to bed with a roaring fire in the room at 8 o’clock.