26th April 1944

Wednesday

Brilliant morning, but cold.  ‘Planes going out in hundreds from 6 o’clock onwards.  As I cycled up Military Road, saw Maisie Farmer, with a bright yellow scarf round her head.

Snowball came in and discussed the possibility of holding some sort of agricultural show in August, under the auspices of the Committee.  A good idea, and I showed what enthusiasm I could, but where shall I be in August?

Had to phone to Cuckney, the so-called “Director of Education”, about his refusal to release a schoolboy for agricultural work.  He informed me in calm and precise tones that the Borough Education Committee were not falling in with the Ministry’s scheme, as they did not feel that it applied to town schools.  He is just the type of bureaucratic official who delights in willful pigheaded obstruction.  A perfect fool.

This afternoon a Miss Lane called from West Bergholt, a pleasant little girl of about 18.  I remember her mother several years ago acting Lady Macbeth in the play which was performed outside the Castle.

Left early, and went to Mrs. Pat Green’s to see a friend of Mrs Sissons, Miss Walshall, who is interested in farming.  Turned out to be a prim young woman of about 23, who apparently has some sort of work in connection with the R.E.C.I. Research Department.  Found myself committed to take her to tea at the Regal, which I did at a cost of 4/9.  Then showed her Sheepen Farm.  She was very intelligent, but extremely dull.  Made me envious by saying that she is going to a job in Dumbarton in June.

Lovely evening, and magnificent views across the Colne Valley.  Had to go home to take £15 for Father which I drew for him today.  He is gradually eating into his deposit money, but I don't see that it matters, providing he is happy.  Found letter from Proudfoot at home, giving me release from the shelters so filled in enrolment forms for the Observer Corps.

 

Boxted at 10.  Landing lights on, and ‘planes flying round in the dusk, red and green lights on their wing-tips.  Nightingales singing loudly in the plantation.