Week 48: 29th November 1959 – 5th December 1959

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., preached his final sermon as pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, resigning to devote more time to the civil rights movement.
• The Antarctic Treaty was signed by all 12 nations that had stations in Antarctica. It came into force on June 23, 1961. Article I provides that “Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only.”
• The collapse of a dam at Malpasset released the waters of the Reyran River and killed 433 people in the French city of Fréjus. 48 million cubic metres of water were released twelve kilometres from Fréjus.
• U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower departed the United States for a “mission of peace and goodwill” that would last nearly three weeks, take him 35,000km (22,000 miles) and bring him to eleven nations on three continents. The American president visited Italy, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, India, Greece, Tunisia, France, Spain and Morocco.
• “Sam”, a rhesus monkey, was launched toward space from Wallops Island, Virginia on a suborbital flight to test an emergency escape mechanism. At 19 miles (31 km) altitude, the capsule was jettisoned and climbed further to reach 53 miles (85 km), then returned to Earth. The capsule was recovered by the USS Borie with Sam in good health.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 29th November 1959
It’s been a filthy day – I’ve only been as far as the dustbin! I’m very pleased with the Christmas cake! Have shampooed Gillian’s hair this afternoon – Philip is having a bit of fuss on Cyril’s lap!

Monday 30th November 1959
It’s been fine today but very cold. I managed to finish cleaning the paintwork in the kitchen & cleaned the downstairs windows inside. The children have been very good – there is such a difference in Philip now. Letters from Joan & Doris.

Tuesday 1st December 1959
Thick fog all day today. I was glad Mrs Mott came round before she went to the village – she collected the meat for me. I wouldn’t have been able to take the children out in this. I wonder how Cyril will fare getting home – he has a dental appointment at 4.45.

Wednesday 2nd December 1959
Fog had dispersed this morning so we were able to go out this pm. Philip has gained 2 1/2ozs this week – I’m going to increase his food – Dr. Lyttle has prescribed some tablets to dry up my supply so I shall completely feed Phil by bottle & solids – see how he does then.

Thursday 3rd December 1959
Both children slept all night last night. Gillian was first to waken at 515. Nice morning & I was able to put the washing out. However it soon clouded over & has poured all afternoon. We got very wet going to the village.   

Friday 4th December 1959
I’ve started taking the pills to dry up the milk supply & I’ve felt rotten all day. It’s awfully cold & I’ve done a pile of washing. This afternoon we went to the village – I’m going to bed early tonight.

Saturday 5th December 1959
Cyril’s been to Leatherhead for the normal shopping & I’ve been to Kingston this afternoon. It was terrible – so crowded one could hardly move on the pavement. Still – I did a bit of Xmas shopping – spent nearly £3 any way!!
I was back by 5.10 – in time to get the little one’s feed. Cyril had managed very well & had a cup of tea ready! My “top” is still very uncomfortable. I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t mentioned it to the Doc!!

 

Week 47: 22nd November 1959 – 29th November 1959

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The Curtiss-Wright Corporation announced that it had developed a new internal combustion engine, in conjunction with NSU Motorenwerke AG of Germany. With only two moving parts (the rotor and the crankshaft) this would later become known as the Wankel rotary engine.
• TWA Flight 595, a cargo plane with three crew members on board, crashed into a Chicago neighborhood adjacent to Midway Airport. At 5:37 a.m., the Constellation airplane crashed at the corner of 64th Street and Knox Avenue, and destroyed apartments and bungalows. In addition to the crew, eight people on the ground were killed and 13 more injured.
• Charles Kennedy, Scottish member of the British House of Commons and Leader of the Liberal Democrats from 1999 to 2006 was born in in Inverness.
• Nazi war criminal Dr. Josef Mengele, the “Angel of Death” at the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps, was granted citizenship by Paraguay, whose dictator Alfredo Stroessner refused to allow the extradition of a Paraguayan citizen. Mengele later fled to Brazil, and was never captured, living until 1979 when he drowned.
• The first of the Nashville sit-ins, aimed at ending the policy of discrimination against African-Americans at lunch counters, began with a test run at Harveys Department Store in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. By 1960, the nonviolent protests were being duplicated, successfully and nationwide.
• More than 20,000 protesters in Tokyo, demanding that Japan end its military ties with the United States, stormed the grounds of the Japanese parliament. In the ensuing riot, 159 policemen and 212 civilians were injured in the worst violence in Japan since the May Day riots of 1952.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 22nd November 1959
I’ve done well with letter writing tonight. Have written to Matty, Molly & Dick & Phyllis. So at last I’m pretty well up to date. We’ve all been out on the heath this afternoon – Daphne came to walk with us. Its been quite mild again. 

Monday 23rd November 1959
I didn’t have such a big wash so I decided to wash the kitchen curtains & clean the paintwork – I only had time to do half the kitchen. What a long job!! Quite mild again – we only went as far as Browns this pm.

Tuesday 24th November 1959
Another fine day – I hate Tuesdays though – my brass cleaning & floor polishing day. Gillian is still a bit irritable – Philip has been very good again. We’ve had a walk in the village this afternoon. What a drag up that hill. Letters from Dad, Joan & Mur. 

Wednesday 25th November 1959
Hospital with Phil.
Quite a jaunt today taking Philip to Kingston – I had transport but what a wait at the clinic. I didn’t get home until quarter past two – Mrs Mott gave Gillian her dinner – I was very glad of that. Philip was good but awfully hungry by the time I got home. 

Thursday 26th November 1959
Raining hard when we got up – but it had stopped by 1030 so Philip was able to sleep out in his pram. We’ve been to the village this pm – both children have been very good all day.
BOTH CHILDREN SLEPT ALL NIGHT X X X  

Friday 27th November 1959
It was lovely having such a good night – couldn’t believe my ears when the alarm went off! Don’t know why but I’m feeling proper miserable these days – I have had a lot of back ache- maybe that’s why. Hope it soon goes & I can cheer myself up!!

Ruby Murray (presumably before she became short-hand for a curry)

Saturday 28th November 1959
Cyril went to Esher this morning about 11.20 – I went with Mrs Chapman to the village Christmas fair – quite a big do & very crowded. We were too late to see Ruby Murray perform the opening ceremony. This afternoon Cyril & I took Jill & Philip out & looked in again but it was very crowded.
I’ve made the Christmas Cake and its turned out very nice.

 

Week 46: 15th November 1959 – 21st November 1959

Apologies again for last week’s false start of a blank post. The complete post did eventually arrive and can be found here. 

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The Sound of Music, written by Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music and lyrics, premiered on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Mary Martin starred as Maria von Trapp.
• The London Daily Herald revealed a plot to kidnap Prince Charles, the 11-year-old heir to the British throne, from his boarding school. Most observers scoffed at the exclusive story. Beneath the headline “ROYAL KIDNAP QUIZ” came the story that the Irish Nationalist group Fianna Uladh planned to raid the school to take Charles hostage. A spokesman for Scotland Yard opined that the story had been made up by the Herald, “because we refused to give information about why security measures were increased at School”. The newspaper ceased publication in 1964.
• Ben-Hur, which would go on to become the most popular film of the year and would win a record 12 Academy Awards, debuted at New York’s Loews Theater in 70 mm Ultra Panavision, before nationwide and then worldwide release.
• Ornette Coleman became a sensation in the world of jazz with his East Coast debut at the “Five Spot Cafe” in New York’s Greenwich Village. Described by one critic as “the only really new thing in jazz since … the mid 40s”, the alto saxophonist’s style received a mixed reaction.
• The Declaration of the Rights of the Child, a set of ten principles introduced by the resolution, “Whereas, mankind owes to the child the best it has to give”, was passed unanimously by the United Nations, as Resolution 1386 of the 14th Session.
• The career of US DJ Alan Freed ended with his firing from New York’s most popular rock station, WABC (AM), after he refused to sign an affidavit denying involvement in the “payola” scandal in which Freed had promoted selected singles for financial gain.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 15th November 1959
Gillian is very heavy eyed this morning – but apart from the fact that she doesn’t want anything to eat she seems well enough. No more sickness – she slept for three hours this morning – & so did Philip. Olive & Frank came this pm. Nice seeing them.

Monday 16th November 1959
Philip slept right through last night – then went & brought his feed back at 6.30am! He’s been allright all through the day though. The Health Visitor called and advised weaning him so he’s started on mixed feeding today. Gillian hasn’t regained her appetite yet – but seems well enough.

Tuesday 17th November 1959
Another cold day. Gillian has been a bit miserable – I think she’s not quite well yet. Philip slept most of the morning & has been awake nearly all afternoon. We’ve all been to the village – first time for ages. I was glad to get back as it started to fog up! The “road” is terrible.

Wednesday 18th November 1959
Cyril wasn’t well today – I think the chicken he & Gillian had must have been to blame. He’s going to bed – had nothing to eat. took Gillian & Phil to the clinic as the weather brightened up. Philip weighs 12lb 1ozs – so he has put on 7ozs in a month. 

Thursday 19th November 1959
I don’t know what ails Gillian – can only presume its teeth – she’s very irritable. Pouring with rain today – T.G. we don’t have to go out, Philip has been very good – I’m so happy to see him looking so much better. PHILIP SEPT 6pm – 620am Gillian awake half the night!! 

Friday 20th November 1959
Dentist 11.30
Bit of a tear around to get to the dentist! Gillian fell off the bed & had a huge lump on her forehead. Lovely morning – Philip has been out in the am – & this afternoon. Thank goodness all the washing is dry & ironed. Cyril’s tummy not better yet. 

Constance Chapman

Saturday 21st November 1959
Cyril went off to Leatherhead this morning – he’s feeling better today & has done some gardening. Gillian has been out all day & was fit to drop with fatigue by half past five. They’ve both gone to bed quite happily & we’ve been watching a play on TV  (Bed & Breakfast starring Constance Chapman). It’s taken me all evening to write a letter to Mother-in-law.

 

Week 45: 8th November 1959 – 14th November 1959

Apologies for the accidental incomplete post earlier today. Here’s the full version!

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The first Ski-doo, a snowmobile with a new, light-weight (14 kg) engine, was manufactured in Valcourt, Quebec, one of 250 made on the first day of production. The lighter engine made snowmobiling more practical, and within a decade, more than 200,000 Ski-doos were being sold annually in North America.
• British comedian and TV actor, Tony Slattery was born in Stonebridge, London.
• USS Triton, at 447 feet in length and 5,000 tons the largest submarine to that time, joined the U.S. Navy’s nuclear sub force. With two nuclear reactors, the Triton had cost $100,000,000 to build.
• Werner Heyde, a psychiatrist who had guided the euthanising of more than 100,000 handicapped persons in Nazi Germany, surrendered to police in Frankfurt after 13 years as a fugitive. Sentenced in absentia to death, Heyde had been practicing in Flensburg as “Dr. Fritz Sawade”. On February 13, 1964, five days before his trial was to start, Dr. Heyde hanged himself at the prison in Butzbach.
• William Morrison, 1st Viscount Dunrossil was selected to become the new Governor-General of Australia. Morrison, a native of Scotland, had retired earlier in the year as Speaker of the British House of Commons.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 8th November 1959
Thank goodness the fog has cleared. We had an early lunch – Mick dropped us off at Kingston about 1.25 & they then hit the road for home. We went to see Philip – he only took 3 1/2ozs feed but he looked and seemed better. He gave me some lovely smiles! Gillian has been very good – poor kid – she was tired out tonight.

Monday 9th November 1959
Pouring with rain today & I’ve a heavy cold so am unable to feed Philip. I’ve taken the milk in – Mrs Mott had Gillian while I went in. They told me Phil is anaemic now so is having to have iron to see if it will bring his blood count up!

Tuesday 10th November 1959
Good news at last. I took Gillian with me to hospital this morning and Doctor said we could have the baby home in a day or so – we’ve provisionally made it Thursday afternoon! What a joy it will be to have him with us once again. Gillian was very good – and so tired.

Wednesday 11th November 1959
I took Gillian with me to hospital this am. We found Philip happily having his bottle. I’m going in for the 2pm feed tomorrow & to bring him home Thur afternoon. I’ve done a boiler full of washing & other chores before going out to the village. Gillian walked there and back. She’s been very good again.

Thursday 12th November 1959
Philip comes home.
Thick fog today – I waited an hour for a train at Oxshott! – too late to feed Phil when I got to hospital. I didn’t think I was going to be able to bring him home because of fog grounding transport. However it turned up & we have our darling at home. 

Friday 13th November 1959
Dentist 11.30.
All behind it’s Sunday now!! What did I do on Friday Oh – we had a lazy sort of day not having to rush off to Kingston I shampoo-ed Gillians hair. Philip hasn’t been very happy this afternoon.  

Saturday 14th November 1959
I haven’t been out again today. Cyril went to Esher – & I tackled the chores. During the afternoon I started on the Xmas puds – & boiled two Mrs Chapman came along to see Phil & stayed to tea with us.

Poor Gillian – about 9.15 she cried out & she had been very sick in her pillow. She stayed in our bed all night & had one or two more attacks – consequently we didn’t have much of a night – Philip awoke at 3.15 & was awake on & off from then on.

 

Week 44: 1st November 1959 – 7th November 1959

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• In Rwanda, violence between the Hutu and Tutsi people was triggered by an attack upon Hutu activist Dominique Mbonyumutwa. Over the next two weeks 300 people, mostly Tutsi, were killed, in what was known as the wind of destruction.
• The government of Morocco imposed emergency measures after more than 6,700 people were paralysed by tainted cooking oil. The emergency measures included the death penalty for manufacturers who had sold the oil in Meknes during the feast of Ramadan in September and October. Peanut oil had been mixed with a jet aircraft engine rinse purchased as surplus from a United States Air Force base at Nouasseur, and the victims were poisoned by tricresyl phosphate More than 10,000 people eventually required treatment for injuries. Five of the manufacturers were sentenced to death, but never executed.
• In Boston, USA, Dr. Bernard Lown was inspired to create the direct current heart defibrillator after using a 400 volt shock to restore the heart rhythm of a patient, known to history only as “Mr. C___”.
• Speaking at France’s École Militaire, President Charles de Gaulle announced that France would build its own nuclear strike force, the “force de frappe”, “whether we make it ourselves or buy it”.
• Cliff Richard and The Shadows’ ‘Travellin’ Light’ became UK No. 1 single, replacing Bobby Darin’s ‘Mack The Knife’.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 1st November 1959
We’ve all been to Kingston this pm. Cyril & I had a peep at Philip – he is comfortable & taking his food – with only a little sickness . I longed to go into his “room” & pick him up! Jill, I fear, has a cold on the way – she’s a bit irritable poor girl.

Monday 2nd November 1959
Jill & I went into the hospital this afternoon – we were there by two o’clock. I didn’t think Philip was looking very well – saw the Doctor who said he was being treated for a temperature. He’s taking 2ozs food every 2 hours so is having to have a supplement – I haven’t enough for him.

Tuesday 3rd November 1959
Today I’ve nursed my baby for half an hour – I went in to give him his two o’clock feed – he wasn’t patient, only anxious to have it – but I think he enjoyed being on his Mum’s lap for half an hour. He is still looking very yellow & far from well. I hope he soon picks up. Mrs Mott had Gillian for me as its been such a cold wet afternoon.

Wednesday 4th November 1959
Today I saw an improvement in our darling boy – he wasn’t so yellow looking. Sister said he temperature is normal now & he’s keeping his food down. He will have his stitches out next Tuesday so should be home soon after that. Jill & I were in Kingston soon after nine – she’s been very good. Dr L examined her this afternoon & she’s quite fit.

Thursday 5th November 1959
I didn’t enjoy nursing Philip so much today as my poor little Gillian was sobbing so in the waiting room – she was in such a state when I went to her. We went to see Father Xmas afterwards but she didn’t like him! Philip didn’t take a very big feed – only 4ozs. He looks much about the same.

Friday 6th November 1959
Mrs Mott looked after Gillian today so I enjoyed my 1/2 hr with Philip much more than yesterday. He took 5oz feed – & I don’t think it will be long before we have him home. I’m wondering if Dad & the boys will be coming tomorrow. 

Saturday 7th November 1959
Dad & Mick
I went off to Kingston in thick fog this morning & found Philip quite well. He’s taking his feed satisfactorily & Sister said it shouldn’t be long now before he’s home. Jill has a bit of a cold. Found a letter from Dad saying he & Mick would arrive about 3.30pm – hope it won’t be a foggy journey for them.
Dad & Mick arrived in thick fog – which they had encountered at Henley – about 5pm. It was nice seeing them – we had a card session this evening.

 

Week 43: 25th October 1959 – 31st October 1959

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• A propeller driven plane served as Air Force One for the last time. President Eisenhower flew from Augusta, Georgia, back to Washington on the “Columbine”, a VC-121E Super Constellation.
• Pakistan’s President Muhammad Ayub Khan instituted the program he called “Basic Democracy”, whereby the nation would be divided into 80,000 constituencies, each of which would elect its own representative. These 80,000 persons would elect members of parliament and provincial legislatures, as well as the President, and would carry out governmental programs.
• The synthetic fabric spandex (trademarked as Lycra) was introduced by DuPont, relying upon a “Fiber K”, a synthetic elastomer that was lighter and more durable than conventional elastic, making it ideal for swimsuits.
• Television was seen in Africa for the first time, as the Western Nigeria Television Service started commercial broadcasting on WNTV in Ibadan.
• Lee Harvey Oswald entered the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and told officer Richard Edward Snyder that he wished to renounce his American citizenship. Snyder accepted Oswald’s passport and a written note, but told Oswald that further paperwork would need to be completed. Oswald did not complete the process and returned to the United States in 1962.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 25th October 1959
Fine but cold. I was up with Philip before six – so stayed up & gave himself & Gillian a shampoo before breakfast!- so Cyril had a little lie-in, Molly & Ted came for half an hour at 2pm & brought Gillian a very nice cardigan which Molly had made her. 

Monday 26th October 1959
Poor Philip was awfully sick last night – I took him to the Doctor this morning & he’s given me some medicine for him – & I’ve only to give him sugar water for 24hrs. I’ve felt very sorry for the poor little scrap today – I’ve managed to do the wash & iron – have to go to the Doc again tomorrow.   

Tuesday 27th October 1959
A/N. Clinic for Post Natal.
Cyril for half day.
Took Phil to the Doc again who said he should be alright now but was disappointed to hear he had been sick while I was at the clinic. I took Jill with me & she was very good. I saw Mrs Macnamara & Mrs Watson again – also two or three other new Mums. Jill was very good.

Wednesday 28th October 1959
A sad day. Dr. Lyttle has been twice – the second time to tell me to take Phil to Kingston hospital. The ambulance came at 3.30 & it nearly broke my heart to leave my darling lying in his hospital cot. The Doctor examined Philip & said he may have Pyloric Stenosis

Thursday 29th October 1959
I went into the hospital this morning to feed Phil – but wasn’t allowed to as he’s only on glucose. I peeped at him & he looked so sweet – & helpless. I have to take the milk in again at 10am. tomorrow. Mrs Mott had had Jill while I was away. She’s been a very good little girl – I may take her with me tomorrow.

Friday 30th October 1959
We’ve had a day of it today Gillian & I we’ve been to Surbiton Kingston Esher & finally London to lunch with Daddy. Philip was just the same today – he didn’t look so bright we can ring this evening to see what the specialist has to say. Gillian was thrilled to see the little one. 

Saturday 31st October 1959
Doris & Will
What a load off my mind today – our little darling has been operated on – & when I rang at twelve he was cosy & warm in his cot. Sister said he will be fine now – she also said he certainly needed the operation – it was Pyloric Stenosis. He should take a drop of milk tonight. I was in there for 9.30 this morning. Did the shopping in Kingston – a bit of a tear. I was back about 12.15 – Doris & Will had arrived & we all had a pleasant day. Jill doesn’t seem well tonight – I think she may be cutting her back teeth.

Week 40, 41 & 42: 4th October 1959 – 25th October 1959

 

We’ve got behind again so here’s a bonus three weeks of Peggy.

Here’s what’s going on in the world this week in 1959

• The IBM 1401 computer and data processing system was introduced, providing the first fully transistorized computer intended for business use. The three piece system, which could be rented for $2,500 a month, had a memory ranging from 1.4 KB to 16KB, could read 800 punchcards per minute and could print 600 lines per minute. More than 14,000 units were installed.
• On Baghdad’s al-Rashid Street, Iraq’s President Abd al-Karim Qasim was ambushed on his way to the East German embassy. The five man team, led by future Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, killed Qasim’s driver and wounded Qasim. One assassin died and Saddam himself was injured, but escaped to a farm. After the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Saddam fled to the same farm, where he was captured on December 13th of that year.
• A Taiwanese RB-57 surveillance plane, flying at an altitude of 20,000 meters, was downed by three V-750 missiles as it flew near Beijing. It was the first time that a surface-to-air missile (SAM) had brought down an aircraft.
• In the British general election, the Conservatives, led by Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, increased their majority in Parliament, capturing 365 of the 630 seats. Labour had won seats, followed by the Liberals (6) and the Independent Conservative Party (1).
• James Earl Ray was arrested after robbing a supermarket in St. Louis, and given a 20-year sentence in the Missouri State Penitentiary. With more than twelve years remaining on his jail term, Ray would escape on April 23, 1967, and assassinate Dr. Martin Luther King the following year.
• Kirsty MacColl, British singer/songwriter and daughter of folk singer and Ewan MacColl, was born in Croydon. She died in a boating accident in 2000.
• The Russian Lunik 3 probe took the first pictures of the far side of the Moon, 29 images that were later transmitted back to Earth.
• An American B-52F bomber and KC-135 tanker plane collided during refuelling and crashed in Kentucky. The two nuclear weapons on the bomber were recovered without release of radiation.
• The University of Oxford revised its rules to elevate its five affiliated women’s colleges (Lady Margaret Hall or LMH, Somerville, St Anne’s, St Hugh’s and St Hilda’s) to equal status with its men’s colleges.
• Ex Nazi rocket engineer Wernher von Braun’s and his team were transferred from the US Army Ballistic Missile Agency to NASA where they designed the Saturn V rocket that enabled the 1969 Moon landing.
• Ten members of India’s Central Reserve Police Force were killed near Ladakh at Hot Springs, while defending an incursion by soldiers from neighbouring China. The other members of the 21 man patrol were taken prisoner, though later released. October 21 is now observed as Police Commemoration Day throughout India.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 4th October 1959
Mum & Eileen arrived about 11.30 – just before they came, Olive Frank, Valerie & Pete turned up so we were quite a houseful! Both children have been very well behaved – its 7.30 now & Philip isn’t crying!!!! I’m just going to write to Muriel.

Monday 5th October 1959
The children weren’t any trouble this morning – except that Gillian will insist on going into the garden at the bottom. Its very close again – I feel quite worn out after walking to the village Philip hasn’t slept this afternoon so maybe we’ll have a quiet evening.  

Tuesday 6th October 1959
Robert J (Birthday)
I drew our family allowance today for the first time! Its been another warm day but tends to turn chilly. Note from Joan in the M G (morning?) to say she may be paying me a visit one day this week. The children have been well behaved today – except that Phil has cried most of the pm!

Wednesday 7th October 1959
Philip has put on 13ozs this week & now weighs 11.3!! Dr. Lyttle examined him & said he will have to go on cereals when he weighs 12lbs to satisfy him!! Both children have been good – its been another hot day Letter from Dad.

Thursday 8th October 1959
Election day – but its very quiet here – we made our own votes by post. Philip slept all morning – but he has cried most of the afternoon – He’s gone down well this evening. Anne came home with Cyril – I’m tired out again tonight.  No letters – I wonder if Joan will come Tomorrow?

Friday 9th October 1959
Took Philip to the Doctor today to have his foreskin pulled back. It was a nasty job – & bled quite a lot. He hasn’t been very happy since. I was very pleased when Joan turned up about 12.15 We went to the village this pm – & her friends called for her about 6.30.

Saturday 10th October 1959
Raining today – the first time for ages. Cyril went to Leatherhead & I carried on here. The children have been very good. Daphne took Jill out this pm – I took Sue to Browns. It started to pour with rain so I went to the village to meet Jill & Daphne. We were all soaked to the skin – I hope Jill wont catch cold. I rang Pages to see if they would like to come over tomorrow – Frank & Kath were out but Anne said they would probably come.

Sunday 11th October 1959
Another bad night last night has given us all the miseries today! Philip has been crying on & off all day. Frank and Kath Page & Anne came to tea but they didn’t arrive until nearly 5.30 – we’d had our tea.

Monday 12th October 1959
Thank goodness for the Spin Dryer – without it I would never have got the washing dried & ironed today – its been raining hard all morning. This afternoon its a bit brighter so Gillian is having a spell in the garden – both she and Philip have been very good today. Letter from Dad & Joan.

Tuesday 13th October 1959
A bit better day than yesterday – we’ve been able to go up to the village Philip & Gillian were very good this morning. Jill was in disgrace last night & awake at 5am! No letters. I’ve posted my entry to the Anglia competition! Philip is yelling now – 4.30pm

Wednesday 14th October 1959
Better day today – I’ve been to the clinic this am – Philip gained 7ozs this week & is 11.10 now. I decided to do my mid week wash when I got back so have had a very busy day – have ironed some of it too. Feel quite worn out tonight. No letters.

Thursday 15th October 1959
I’ve had a day of it today – 5.15 now how glad I shall be when Phil & Jill are asleep. I hope Jill isn’t sickening for anything but she has been a grizzled & wouldn’t rest this morning. It was very foggy first thing but cleared & has been a sunny afternoon.

Friday 16th October 1959
Doctor with Philip
Up & out by 8.15 – Doctor Lyttle is quite satisfied with Philip’s little “Tinkler” – he gave Gillian her second polio injection to save me a trip tomorrow. She didn’t cry but gave him an old fashioned look! I gave her one too about an hour later when she made a mess in her pants!!

Saturday 17th October 1959
Fine day – but quite windy. Cyril has been to L’head – I didn’t get on so well in his absence – both children needed attention. However had baked & washed (Cyril ironed) before lunch. This afternoon I took Gillian & Philip out for a while – had a bath on my return & went to the dentist at 5.45 – put Philip down before I went & Cyril had Gillian bathed & down by the time I got back

Sunday 18th October 1959
I reckon I didn’t have much more than 4 hours sleep last night with getting up to Phil – & Jill had us awake from 5am!! I feel tired out & am just going to bed 9pm Dodger & Gee Gee came for a couple of hours this pm. Nice to see them again.

Monday 19th October 1959
Poured in the night – but has been fine all day so the washing is dried & ironed. We haven’t been far today only to the phone box The children have both been very good. Philip is having his cry session now – 5pm Letters from Dad & Joan. 

Tuesday 20th October 1959
Fine but cold – we need a fire early evening now. Jill & Philip have behaved well – except that Phil started his session a little early today – about 3.30! & went on until 5.30!! Cyril home a bit earlier as he’d been to the dentist. Gillian had four birthday cards today.

Wednesday 21st October 1959
Its poured all day today & we haven’t been anywhere – I’ve even missed clinic for the first time – Gillian has been tormenting poor Sue – & Philip is having a cry session. I’ve washed, ironed some of it & iced a cake for Jill – with her help!!

Thursday 22nd October 1959
Our darling Gillian’s second birthday.
Great excitement today – Gillian has had I think 26 cards & lots of presents – and a party with Jennifer, Gillian M & Micheal – Andrew couldn’t come as he has a cold. Cyril had a half day & has taken photos.

Friday 23rd October 1959
Gillian was too excited – she wouldn’t settle in the evening last night – we had Philip up too – but they were both quiet when Cyril got back from seeing Anne onto the train. Two more cards for Jill today – making her total 28 – she has been very good & so has young Philip. Letter from Mur.
Lousy night with Philip.

Saturday 24th October 1959
Quite a change today – we were up very early with the children. I had a bath then did some washing – & boiling – bathed Phil, settled him – put Jill to rest & then went to Esher on the 11 o clock bus. Had an enjoyable hour’s shopping – bought nylons & a pair of red trews for Jill. Got home at 12.45 to find Cyril nursing Philip – the lad hasn’t had much sleep today. Cyril has had an hour in the garden this pm – he’s also started a cold!