10th August 1943

Tuesday

Went in by bus this morning.  Fine but cloudy.  This afternoon out with the District Officer and Poulter to take photos of harvest.  

The carting at Layer Marney Hall was being done by two Fordsons with three trailers, but seems to me to be very slow, with long delays when changing over the tractors. 

Down to Abbots Wick, and surprised to see some horses turned out in the meadow, in the middle of harvest.  Apparently we now have more horses than horsemen, and so cannot use them.  Saw Nott, and took him on to Abbott’s Hall.  

Marsh Barn is becoming more and more derelict, and Writtle have no intention of doing any repairs.  Then on to Copt Hall, and met Cutting driving my Robin.  He looked very well, and stood as quiet as a lamb.  The old buck-cart is coming to pieces.

Then went down Copt Hall Lane to the main road and so to Peldon “Rose” for a good tea – quantities of sugar, cucumbers and tomatoes.  Back to Colchester over Pete Tye, and saw the engines ploughing up Nymann’s big field.  The old man refuses to part with his cattle, which were standing miserably about on the clods.  He has nowhere to put them yet refuses to sell.  

Amusing incident in St. Botolph’s Street.  Met the Chairman in his car, so we stopped.  He got out, holding the car door open, so I crossed the road to speak to him.  As I did so a woman cycling down the street wobbled to avoid me, skidded, and fell off.  I picked up her cycle, expecting her to make some pointed remarks about my crossing the road, but it was the Chairman she flew at, saying: “Why you want to stand there holding that bloody door open I don't know.”  He was furious.

Back to office till 6, then home.  Parents both well.  

Dashed back to Dedham.  Joy rang up to say I can't go back next week.  Very awkward, as can't stay at Dedham after Friday, Sissons going away.  Felt terribly nervous and apprehensive tonight, for no reason at all.