4th May 1944

Thursday
Dull.  Rather cold.  Up late.  The usual ‘planes going out, above clouds.  People in from Writtle this morning, about Mortimer of Abbott’s Hall, who now refuses to pay the Committee for work done in 1941.  This man is an utter scoundrel, yet he is treated with every consideration by both Writtle and the Ministry.

About 12, a ‘phone-call from Poulter to say that the Revd. Wade-Evans of Wrabness, the Welsh Nationalist, was at Holly Trees, and would like me to go out to lunch.  Rushed out as soon as I could.  He is a short, grey-haired man, about 70, very courteous and affable.  We had an excellent lunch at the “Lion”, talking so much we hardly had time to eat.  When the waiter said there was no sugar with the coffee, “Y Parchedig” turned to me with a most comical expression and said “Ach a vi!  Dim swcar yma!” to the man’s intense astonishment.

We talked of Nenwins, Bede, Welsh archaeology, the Welsh language, museums, “yma Thraw, curs y byd”.  He knows Iorwerth Peate, Saunders Lewis, Valentine, and all the other leading Nationalists.  Finally got away at 2, having accepted an invitation to go over to see him at Wrabness on Saturday.

This afternoon was surprised to see Uncle Frank Webb [Rudsdale's mother's brother] walk into the office.  He had come down to see Annie Ralling, and had actually spoken to her for a few minutes.  I think he realised there is no hope for her.  Told him I had been to Selattyn, and how the memory of James Jones still maintains there.  He remembered James Jones well.  [James Jones was one of Rudsdale's Welsh ancestors on his mother's side of the family].

Had a late tea at home, and then to Holly Trees for an hour.  Heavy rain, and every hope for a quiet night.  Strong cold, S.W. night wind.

[Apologies for any mistakes in transcribing the Welsh language in this extract - CP]

No comments: