Cold, windy day. [War Agricultural] Committee meeting at Birch. Frightful row about Langenhoe Hall, the Chairman threatens to resign. It is certainly a scandal if old Tuke can evade his liabilities by allowing the Committee to take possession.
In consequence of this row, got home early and had supper and much pleasant conversation at Molly Blomfield’s in Trinity Street.
26th October 1941
Drove Bob over to Boxted, to Harry Holmes’ place, for a load of corn chaff. Left him there, and cycled on to the Rushbury’s house at Higham, where I had tea. Rushbury is rather a pompous little man at close quarters. Cycled back to Boxted, called at Roses’ cottage for a few minutes, picked up Bob, then back to Colchester by 6.30. Got two dozen bags of chaff.
23rd October 1941
Had another dream last night about bombs. Once again I was in some building that was being terribly shaken by explosions. As I lay awake about 4 o’clock this morning the idea suddenly came to me to write a diary which might be called “Twenty One Years” based on these journals, covering the period from 1920 to 1941. “Twenty One Wasted Years” would perhaps be a better title.
The Indians are very popular in the town, crowds of small children following them everywhere.
The Indians are very popular in the town, crowds of small children following them everywhere.
22nd October 1941
Decided I had not given Mother anything worth having on Monday, so bought her a very good bag and put £2 in the purse of it.
Went to tea at Jacklin’s, and saw Mrs. Betty Prior, looking very charming, just about to leave for London on the motor coach. Saw her off, just across the street, and then to the Mill to feed Bob.
Lovely starlight night. Many searchlights out. Supper in the Oven [at the Castle], and about 10 o’clock Penelope ‘phoned to thank me for the book. Wished she was having supper with me. What a wonderful invention the telephone is.
Went to tea at Jacklin’s, and saw Mrs. Betty Prior, looking very charming, just about to leave for London on the motor coach. Saw her off, just across the street, and then to the Mill to feed Bob.
Lovely starlight night. Many searchlights out. Supper in the Oven [at the Castle], and about 10 o’clock Penelope ‘phoned to thank me for the book. Wished she was having supper with me. What a wonderful invention the telephone is.
21st October 1941
Glorious weather, though cold. View from the office window made grander every day by the ever changing autumn tints. A lady artist appeared this morning, with sketching board and folding stool, and sat on the Holly Trees Lawn, apparently sketching the E. end of the Castle. Much interest was taken by a crowd of little boys, who sprang up from nowhere, and two tall Indians, walking through the Park, stopped to speak to her.
EJR's book 'E.J. Rudsdale's Journals of Wartime Colchester' records that the first Indian soldiers arrived in Colchester by 17th October 1941.
EJR's book 'E.J. Rudsdale's Journals of Wartime Colchester' records that the first Indian soldiers arrived in Colchester by 17th October 1941.
20th October 1941
Dear Mother’s birthday. Gave her a few little gifts, which seemed to please her, and she had one or two from friends and relations.
I find that we are still carting barley at Abraham’s Farm, Gt. Tey.
I find that we are still carting barley at Abraham’s Farm, Gt. Tey.
19th October 1941
Lay later than I intended, but got down to the stables before Maura arrived. Got busy cutting chaff. Wonderful what two pairs of hands can do, we got through a whole truss in half an hour. Then carted it to Bourne Mill with Bob. Sat on the hay in the granary and discussed the future of the Mill property, which seems to be very bleak.
Lunch, washed, and away to Lawford with a set of harness for Mrs. Parrington. Fine warm day, and was carried there on the wings of the wind, scudding along in fine style. Stopped at Old Shields Farm, Ardleigh, to inspect the dead stock set out for sale tomorrow. Nice cob-size van and tumbrel which I should like.
Got to Sherbourne Mill at 4, and drove out with Roger [the Parrington's horse] in the ralli. He went very well, with a lot of shying. Going round by Humberlands, met little Rosemary, who remembered me from last year. Tea at the farmhouse, and then down to Dedham. Sisson there alone. Heard alarm in far distance, but no planes until nearly 10, when two went over, very low above heavy racing clouds, flying east. Back in the Castle by midnight, after a most enjoyable day.
Lunch, washed, and away to Lawford with a set of harness for Mrs. Parrington. Fine warm day, and was carried there on the wings of the wind, scudding along in fine style. Stopped at Old Shields Farm, Ardleigh, to inspect the dead stock set out for sale tomorrow. Nice cob-size van and tumbrel which I should like.
Got to Sherbourne Mill at 4, and drove out with Roger [the Parrington's horse] in the ralli. He went very well, with a lot of shying. Going round by Humberlands, met little Rosemary, who remembered me from last year. Tea at the farmhouse, and then down to Dedham. Sisson there alone. Heard alarm in far distance, but no planes until nearly 10, when two went over, very low above heavy racing clouds, flying east. Back in the Castle by midnight, after a most enjoyable day.
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