Week 40: 2nd October 1960 – 8th October 1960

Here’s what was going on in the world this weeks in 1960

• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the antibiotic-resistant form of bacteria known as MRSA, was first isolated. Dr. M. Patricia Jevons, of the Staphylococcus Reference Laboratory in Colindale, London, found the resistant form in six of 5,440 strains supplied from hospitals in southeastern England. On October 2, “Patient A” had an infection following a nephrectomy, and on the same ward, “Nurse B” had an infected skin lesion.
• Eastern Air Lines Flight 375 crashed moments after takeoff from Boston, after a bird strike. The Lockheed Electra turboprop encountered a flock of starlings, which were sucked into, and stopped, three of its four engines. The plane plunged into Winthrop Bay, killing 62 of the 72 people on board. FAA investigators theorised in April, 1962, that the unique sound of the Electra’s engines was similar to that made by crickets, which starlings sought for food.
• James Tidwell was admitted to the Cincinnati General Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, for treatment of cancer, and became the first of 88 unwitting victims of an experiment by the University of Cincinnati and the Atomic Support Agency of the United States Department of Defence. On October 28, he would be subjected to his first of many doses of ionising radiation over his entire body, starting at 100 rads, and increasing gradually to 250 rads, and on November 7, doses of 300 rads to his brain. He would die on November 29, 1960, 32 days after treatment began, the first fatality of the program, which would continue until 1971. The existence of the experiments would not be revealed to the public until 1994.
• Spartacus, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas in the title role, premiered at the DeMille Theatre in New York City before being released nationwide the next day. The film would become the highest money earner of the year.
• The Central Intelligence Agency prepared a box of poison cigars as one of several plans to assassinate Cuban dictator Fidel Castro. The cigars were delivered to a contact in Cuba on February 13, 1961, but were never used.
• ‘Tell Laura I Love Her’ by Ricky Valance was No. 1 in the UK.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 2nd October 1960
We were about bright & early owing to the clocks going back an hour. Cyril cleaned & polished the car & suggested we went to see Molly & Ted. I rang Molly & we were away at 1.15. I’ve had a very enjoyable afternoon with them home at 7.30. Philip started a cold.

Monday 3rd October 1960
Poor Philip is very sneezy & spluttery. I’ve kept him in today. Mrs Chapman sat with him while I went to the phone. Letter from Mur & Doris. Gillian hasn’t been very happy today. I have an idea she is starting a cold too.

Tuesday 4th October 1960
Disquieting news from home regarding Ted’s affairs and the general state at 37. Feel I should go so have written asking Rob to put me & the children up for a few days from next Saturday. Philip seems a bit better but is looking pale and heavy. Gillian sneezing now.

Wednesday 5th October 1960
Gillian’s cold has developed now so we haven’t been out at all today. Philip seems better. Had a parcel of “outgrowns” from Muriel today – they will come in nicely for Gillian.

Thursday 6th October 1960
Robert’s B’day.
A lovely morning. I’ve done a big wash in readiness for Saturday & defrosted frig. Children’s colds better so we’ve been to the village unfortunately it has started raining. Letter from Rob with the OK for Saturday.

Friday 7th October 1960
Jackie Creed’s B’day. I’ve had a very busy day today – “flashed” the kitchen all over & how I perspired! Baked, washed, ironed & attempted the packing with the help of Jill & Phil!! Both children in bed early. Phil had a session from 10pm – nearly midnight (I think)

Saturday 8th October 1960
Trip to Malvern?
We were awake bright & early – I was up at 5am. & we left at 7.30. It was a dirty morning not very nice for driving. However we made good time & the children behaved well. Got to Joan’s at quarter to eleven to their surprise! – Left about quarter to twelve & at Rob & Marg’s just before one. Have seen Dad & Mick& Ted & Jacking this evening. Jackie’s mum & dad have been to see us. Children gone to bed nicely.

Week 39: 25th September 1960 – 1st October 1960

Here’s what was going on in the world this weeks in 1960

• Geothermal energy was used to generate electricity for the first time in the United States, as a power unit was placed online by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, drawing power from steam generated at The Geysers in northern California.
• The two leading U.S. presidential candidates, Republican Richard M. Nixon and Democrat John F. Kennedy, participated in the first televised presidential debate, which took place in Chicago at the television studios of WBBM-TV. The one-hour-long event began at 8:30 pm local time. The first debate demonstrated the power of television in influencing voters. Kennedy appeared tan and charismatic, while Nixon, due in part to poor makeup and a recent hospitalization, looked unkempt and tense.
• English suffrage campaigner, anti-fascist activist and artist, Sylvia Pankhurst, died aged 78 in Addis Ababa where she had moved 1956. She received a full state funeral at which Haile Selassie named her, ‘an honorary Ethiopian’. She became the only foreigner buried in front of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa.
• At the United Nations General Assembly, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev angrily interrupted British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. Ever the gentleman, Macmillan calmly waited for Khrushchev to finish the harangue in Russian, smiled and commented, “I should like that to be translated”, then finished his address.
• American television viewers were invited to meet The Flintstones, “a modern Stone Age family”, with the premiere of the cartoon as a prime time series on ABC.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 25th September 1960
Molly (birthday)
Another lovely day – we took our time getting up & Cyril has helped indoors all morning. We haven’t been out. Cyril, Gillian & Philip have been in the garden all afternoon.

Monday 26th September 1960
A fine day but getting cold now – 3.45pm. I’ve dried all the washing but have yet to tackle the huge pile of ironing! We’ve only been for a short walk this afternoon. Letters from Dad & Joan.

Tuesday 27th September 1960
Fine day at the moment I’m having troubles with the fire – the coal they delivered yesterday is so wet. Am wondering if Gillian will sleep this evening as she went to bed for 1 1/2 this morning. Voluntarily! VERY BAD NIGHT WITH BOTH!!!

Wednesday 28th September 1960
Fine day but very cold again. Cyril & I are both very tired after our up & down night! Haven’t been far today – only to the post box. Letter from Mur – but no news as to when she’s likely to visit as Dave not home yet.

Thursday 29th September 1960
Fred. (birthday)
I thought we were in for a cold wet day so lit the fire early. However its cleared up & is dry & sunny. We’ve only been as far the phone I’ve done my washing & ironing today as we’re all going to Kingston tomorrow Cyril brought me home a twin set.

Friday 30th September 1960
Anne.(birthday)
Cyril had a day off today & we’ve had a whale of a time – spending money! Its rained all day – the children have been very good – I’ve bought a skirt – undies and the most expensive pair of shoes I’ve ever had.  I shall be afraid to wear them!!! They’re lovely. We were all very tired when we got home.

Saturday 1st October 1960
We had another good night with the nippers – & had a lie in until 8am! Then a trip to Leatherhead to buy Philip’s suits – home to all the house-work at 11.10. Cyril did lots of it though – he’s made a record today & done all the washing & drying up! Philip has been miserable this afternoon. Tired after his day out no doubt. Just going to have a shampoo & bath.

Week 38: 18th September 1960 – 24th September 1960

Here’s what was going on in the world this weeks in 1960

• Nikita Khrushchev and other Communist Bloc leaders arrived in the United States on the Soviet ocean liner Baltika, which docked at New York City. Accompanied by János Kádár of Hungary, Todor Zhivkov of Bulgaria, Gheorghe Gheorghiu-Dej of Romania, Khrushchev stepped off the ship to a mixture of cheers and boos, and then was driven to the Soviet consulate. Khrushchev and other leaders had arrived for the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly, and could travel to New York at any time under the terms of the United Nations Treaty. Though the United States government could not bar Khrushchev, it asked television networks to minimise coverage of the Khrushchev’s visit, and restricted him from traveling outside of Manhattan and Long Island.
• The opening of the new term of the United Nations General Assembly brought an unprecedented number of the world’s leaders to New York City. The first ever meeting between Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev and Cuba’s Fidel Castro took place, not in Moscow or Havana, but at the Hotel Theresa in Harlem, where Castro and his entourage were staying during their visit. Fifteen new members were admitted to the U.N., with the newly independent African nations of Dahomey, Upper Volta, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo (Leopoldville), Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), Côte d’Ivoire, Gabon, Madagascar, Niger, Somalia, Togo, Mali and Senegal, bringing that body’s membership to 98.
• Dr. Albert Starr, along with Dr. Dwight Harken, performed the first successful implantation of an artificial mitral heart valve. The Starr-Edwards valve, designed by retired engineer Miles Edwards and Dr. Starr, was implanted into Philip Amundson, a 52-year-old farmer, in surgery at the University of Oregon. Amundson survived for ten years before dying in an accident.
• USS Enterprise, the first atomic-powered aircraft carrier in history, and the largest ship ever built up to that time, was launched at Newport News, Virginia, after being christened by Mrs. William B. Franke, wife of the U.S. Secretary of the Navy.
• Dr. Ernest Goodpasture, died aged 73. Goodpasture invented the method of mass production of vaccines using fertilized chicken eggs, but never patented the process.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 18th September 1960
Mum. (birthday)
A lovely day- Cyril & I took the children over to Welling for Mum’s birthday – found her looking not too good. Rob & Marg took Robert to Bushey Park but they said there was a great deal of traffic about.

Monday 19th September 1960
Ted. (birthday)
We thought it was going to be a fine day but it has turned out very miserable & cold. Rob & May took Gillian & Robert to Kingston this morning while I got on with the wash. This afternoon we’ve been to Chessington Zoo – the children enjoyed themselves.
Bad night with Philip again.

Tuesday 20th September 1960
Very cold – we’ve had to have a fire all day today. Rob took RJ (Rob Junior) to London Airport this morning & this afternoon we went to the village & to a “toy” sale. Gillian & Philip very irritable.

Wednesday 21st September 1960
Its been a lovely day today – we’ve had an early lunch & been over to Frimley to see Jackos for five minutes & had a laughable hour with Gee Gee. Home at 5.00pm.
Bad night again with Philip.

Thursday 22nd September 1960
A fine day but I’ve had a lousy headache ever since I arose! – Rob Marg & RJ have been to London for the day. They got home at 5pm. Very tired. Gillian & Philip in bed on time.

Friday 23rd September 1960
Post Molly’s card.
After writing that I’ve forgotten to post Molly’s cards! Blow! Rob & Marg went into L’head this morning while I prepared an early lunch – they left at 2.5pm – & I did the washing then – & dried it. Gillian played in mud & was so filthy I had to bath her at 3.30pm.

Saturday 24th September 1960
A lovely sunny day after a foggy start we had a leisurely get up and didn’t go out this morning – a quick trip to Kingston this afternoon to buy Molly a birthday present – Cyril went back to his digging when we got home!
Gillian is now calling me “Auntie”! Up three times to her in the night & twice to Philip!

Week 37: 11th September 1960 – 17th September 1960

Here’s what was going on in the world this weeks in 1960

• The 1960 Summer Olympics closed in Rome.
• The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, was created at the conclusion of a conference in Baghdad between representatives from Iraq, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
• Cuba nationalized its signature industry, seizing 16 cigar factories, 14 cigarette factories and 20 tobacco warehouses. Those manufacturers who could depart got a new start in other nations, and the famed “fine Cuban cigars” were replaced by Dominican, Nicaraguan, Honduran and other cigars.
• Two dogs, Pal’ma and Malek, were launched into space aboard an R-2 rocket by the USSR.
• East African Airways commenced a jet service with Comet 4 aircraft between London and Nairobi.
• Lee Harvey Oswald’s honorable discharge from the United States Marines, granted on September 11, 1959, was revised to an “undesirable discharge” based on bringing “discredit to the Marine Corps through adverse newspaper publicity” since defecting to the Soviet Union. Although William B. Franke was the United States Secretary of the Navy at the time the revision was ordered, Oswald would not learn of the action until 1961, when John Connally was appointed to the position by President John F. Kennedy, and would write to Connally several times to seek a reversal. Connally would later win the office of Governor of Texas, and on November 22, 1963, Oswald would shoot both Kennedy and Connally; at least one author, James Reston Jr., would theorize that Oswald was actually trying to assassinate Governor Connally rather than President Kennedy.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 11th September 1960
A lovely day- hope its like this all next week for Rob & Marg’s visit. Cyril has laid the front lawn & also planted out some pansies. Its looking very neat. We went out on the Hogs Back this afternoon – found 1/2 lb sloes for some gin. Have written to Mrs C.

Monday 12th September 1960
Gillian & Philip both went to sleep after lunch (Phil had been awake most of the morning) – so I did the ironing before going out. We only went as far as Weedons. Gillian took her byke so it was just as well! Letter from Dad.

Tuesday 13th September 1960
Another lovely day. We’ve been to the village & Mrs Chapman has taken Philip round to the farm. The heat has given Gillian the ?miseries. She went to sleep for an hour after lunch so probably won’t want to go to bed tonight. Bad evening with Jill and Phil.

Wednesday 14th September 1960
What a change to the weather today its so cold & dismal that we’ve only been as far as the phone this afternoon. I’ve just put a match to the fire. Philip has had a good sleep this morning. Let’s hope they both do the same thing this evening.

Thursday 15th September 1960
Lovely day today – just right for the lawn the rain & then the sun. Phil is a bit niggley – Cyril is bringing Anne home for a couple of hours this evening so he will have to share his dinner. Letter from Mur.

Friday 16th September 1960
Post Mum’s cards today. A filthy day – 2.5pm now & it hasn’t stopped raining once. I put a match to the fire this morning & have been drying the washing by it! Needless to say we’re not going out! I’m going to do a bit of ironing.

Saturday 17th September 1960
Post Ted’s card.
Up & out early this morning to L’head for some shopping – home before ten – we’ve been expecting Rob & Marg since about 1230 & I was becoming quite anxious when they weren’t here by 4.30. Anyway they arrived at 6pm having been let down by the car hire people. Still all well that ends well. I had a letter from ____ apologising.

Week 33, 34, 35 & 36: 14th August 1960 – 10th September 1960

We’ve been a little remiss with Peggy’s Diaries updates recently so here’s a four week catch up. Also loyal readers, for the first time we’ve decided to suppress some names in a couple of diary entries. Peggy writes about some sensitive issues that concern people who are still around and it seemed respectful to make them anonymous. 

Here’s what was going on in the world these weeks in 1960

• North Korea’s President Kim Il-sung made his first proposal for the reunification of his nation and South Korea under a “North–South Confederation” or “Confederal Republic of Koryo”. The plan, proposed again in 1971, 1980 and 1991, envisioned both nations initially keeping their political systems, with a “Supreme National Committee” to guide cultural and economic development.
• The Republic of the Congo, an autonomous colony of France since 1958, formerly known as the French Congo or a part of French Equatorial Africa, attained independence under that name, becoming the second nation to use it. In that the Belgian Congo was also referred to as the Republic of the Congo, reference to the nation’s capital was made as Congo (Brazzaville), to distinguish it from Congo (Léopoldville) (later Zaire), and now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Former Roman Catholic priest Fulbert Youlou became the nation’s first President.
• Joseph Kittinger parachuted from a balloon over New Mexico at 31,333m (102,800 feet). He set records, which stood for 52 years, for highest altitude jump; longest free-fall by falling 25.7 km (16 miles) over a period of 4 minutes and 38 seconds before opening his parachute; and fastest speed by a human without motorised assistance (320 mph).
• After 82 years as a British colony, the Mediterranean island of Cyprus was proclaimed independent by its last British Governor, Sir Hugh Foot. The new state, populated by Cypriots of Greek and Turkish descent, had Greek Cypriot Archbishop Makarios III as its President, and Turkish Cypriot Fazıl Küçük as its Vice-President.
• The first successful running of a computer program written in COBOL was carried out on an RCA 501 computer. COBOL, the “Common Business Oriented Language”, was an improvement in the adaptation of the FLOW-MATIC computer language developed by Grace Hopper.
• The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 5 into orbit, with the dogs Belka and Strelka (Russian for “Squirrel” and “Little Arrow”), 40 mice, 2 rats and a variety of plants. Recovered the next day after 18 orbits, the menagerie became the first living animals to return safely to Earth after being placed into orbit.
• Hans Peter Luhn was awarded U.S. Patent No 2,950,048 for “a computer for verifying numbers”. The Luhn algorithm checksum formula, assigned to the IBM Corporation, provides a method for validating credit card numbers.
• Oscar Hammerstein II, died aged 65. A week later, the lights of Times Square were turned off for one minute, and London’s West End lights were dimmed in recognition of his contribution to the musical.
• The Sabin polio vaccine, designed by Dr. Albert Sabin to be taken orally rather than the polio shots developed by Dr. Jonas Salk, was announced as “suitable for use in the United States” by Surgeon General Leroy E. Burney.
• In Washington, reporters asked President Eisenhower about Vice-President (and Republican presidential candidate) Richard Nixon’s experience. Charles Mohr of TIME Magazine asked Ike, “if you could give us an example of a major idea of his that you had adopted …” and the President replied “If you give me a week, I might think of one.”
• Cassius Clay of the United States (later Muhammad Ali), defeated Zbigniew Pietrzykowski of Poland to win the gold medal in the Olympic light heavyweight boxing competition. Franco De Piccoli of Italy was the Olympic heavyweight boxing medalist.
• The Richardson-Merrell pharmaceutical company submitted an application to the FDA for approval of selling thalidomide in the United States, which it intended to market under the name Kevadon, beginning on March 6, 1961.
• Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia won the Olympic marathon, setting a world record (2 hours, 15 minutes, 16.2 seconds) and running the entire 26 miles and 385 yards (42.195 km) while barefoot, becoming the first person from Sub-Saharan Africa to win an Olympic gold medal.
• ITV inaugurated regular television broadcasts of English professional football matches, starting with the Football League First Division match between Blackpool and visiting Bolton Wanderers. Wanderers won the match, 1–0.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 14th August 1960
We’ve had a dirty Sunday! – have stayed in our working togs all day! I’ve washed & ironed as much as I can so as not to have it hanging around for the visitors for tomorrow. Showery day but not too bad.

Monday 15th August 1960
Joan & family Bringing Eileen
Joan & family arrived at 10.50 – lunch at 11.45 – they were away at one pm – making for Bury S.E. I was surprised to hear the car Prefect 53 they arrived in is their own. Very nice too. Eileen & I took the children for a long walk.

Tuesday 16th August 1960
Nice day – we have been to the village this afternoon. Its nice having Eileen for company – Philip is getting used to her now – he is having a bad teething spell & is very miserable. I’m hoping to make jam tonight & bottle plums & made 10lb jam 6 Bottle ?vics?

Wednesday 17th August
A nice surprise this afternoon – a parcel from Ted & Jackie containing a lovely Worcester Ash Tray!
Another fine day – we’ve been to the clinic & village. I made another 6lbs jam this morning  so have used all the plums.

Thursday 18th August 1960
Jim & GeeGee (Birthdays)
Gillian had a bad night last night & Cyril ended up in her bed & she with me! Its been stormy today and is chilly. We’ve been out as far as Browns & round Little heath Rd. Gillian is very irritable.
Up from 11.30 – 2am with Philip.

Friday 19th August 1960
We’ve been hoping the Lyons Coffee Couple (advertising gag) would call on us today with a free £5!! But of course no luck. Feeling very tired after Phil’s effort last night. Expect Cyril is too. Haven’t been out. Mowed the lawn this pm & ironed. Letter from Dad. Eileen has gone all Home Sick on us. – or something.

Saturday 20th August 1960
Rang Joan last night about Eileen going home – & again this evening to confirm it. We’ve been to L’head this morning & to Welling this after-noon. Found Cyril’s mother almost her old self – looking very well. Nice tea with Doris & Will- left them at 6 – home 7.15. Children not settling very well this evening. Gillian is overtired.

Sunday 21st August 1960
It’s been a funny sort of Sunday with our having to go to Paddington this morning. We put Eileen on the 10am train. Late lunch & a later one still for Philip as he slept late on our return. We’ve all been in the garden this afternoon.

Monday 22nd August 1960
A very dull & depressing sort of day. Letter from Joan which doesn’t seem as bright & friendly as usual. Maybe its my imagination. Have had a heavy wash & am not looking forward to ironing tonight! We’ve been as far as the village.

Tuesday 23rd August 1960
Philip played up during the night – consequently we were tired & overslept this am. – the morning Cyril had to leave early to take the car for service. It’s a dull showery day. We’ve been to the village. Letter from Rob.

Wednesday 24th August
Another stormy day. Heard from Mrs G that she is expecting me tomorrow so shall make an early start. Only been as far as Weedons this afternoon.

Thursday 25th August 1960
9am train to Frimly
We’ve had a very nice day out at Frimley & my how that place has changed – shops everywhere. The children have been very good. We called on Olive for half an hour – I met Cyril at Oxshott & he brought Gillian home. We all had a bit of a meal & Gillian & Phil in bed by 7.20.

Friday 26th August 1960
Heavy thunderstorm at lunch time but its cleared & become quite warm & sunny. Philip had a crying spell this morning but he has been all right since his sleep. We’ve been to the village. I went to bed very early.

Saturday 27th August 1960
Miserable start to the day – Cyril & I had a “difference”! last night & the atmosphere is very strained. Took the children to the village – early lunch & off to Welling. Our poor little Gillian had her finger trapped in the car door. We took her to hospital & she had her hand x rayed – no bones broken – but the poor darling – it did hurt her.
Found Mum looking well & hoping to be out soon. Home at 7.15pm.

Sunday 28th August 1960
Gillian none the worse for her accident yesterday – she slept late this morning. A heavy storm put paid to Cyril’s gardening. We went over to Chertsey to Pages this afternoon & stayed to tea – Home about 6.40pm

Monday 29th August 1960
Bad start with the weather but it has cleared up & the washing is all dried & ironed. Philip has been very good – slept all morning after a shaky start Gillian has been quite happy. I rang Doris this afternoon to let her know Gillian’s hand is O.K. Letter from Joan.

Tuesday 30th August 1960
Philip is worrying me a bit – he brought up all his breakfast this morning but has seemed quite all right since. Its a changeable day again – blowing hot then cold. We’ve been to the village & to Browns.

Wednesday 31st August
We went out early today – had Philip weighed at the clinic – he has gained in spite of his sickness & teething trouble.
Letter from Dad – a birthday card from Edna for Philip – with the news that she is expecting a baby in Nov! Good for her.

Thursday 1st September 1960
Very stormy day & I’ve had a “messy” sort of day – in & out with the washing etc! – defrosting the fridge at the same time!!! Philip had £2 for his birthday today from Molly & Ted. I’ve been very busy this evening icing cakes.

Friday 2nd September 1960
Day off for Cyril
Our dear Philip is one year old today.
Philip has had a very nice day – & is a lucky boy. Lots of cards – 21 – £3.10 – & several presents. I’ve a big job of thank you letters to write now!! We had Andrew & Gillian to tea – went to the zoo this afternoon to Gillian’s delight – she has been good – very excited. Cyril went to Esher this morning.

Saturday 3rd September 1960
What a night with Philip until 2.30 this morning. Just after he had gone off (we came down for a cuppa about 1.30am) Gillian fell out of bed!! We could hardly keep our eyes open all morning. Pouring when we went to L’head. Cyril kept the infants in the car while I shopped. Cleared up this afternoon – I took Jill & Phil to the fete while Cyril cemented the path.

Sunday 4th September 1960
Lovely morning – but heavy showers since lunch. We’ve been out in the country for an hour – Headley way – picked some sloes for Gin – all we need now is the gin!

Monday 5th September 1960
Dull morning but it cleared up & its been quite hot this afternoon. We took a walk to the village – took Gillian’s coat to be cleaned as I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will fit her at least for part of the winter. She has been a bit miserable today. Letter from Jacq.

Tuesday 6th September 1960
Susie Macnamara (Birthday).
Its been raining all day today – we’ve had to go out in it too. Philip slept very well this morning but Gillian has been irritable. I’m not feeling so good myself! Letter from Mur.
Awful night with Philip.

Wednesday 7th September 1960
Dad (Birthday).
Dr. L saw Philip this afternoon & has prescribed some medicine – 4 junior Disprin at night! He thinks its teeth giving the trouble. Have just put a match to the fire & now the sun is shining! Letters from Joan & Dodo.

Thursday 8th September 1960
I was stunned today with the news in a letter from ____ that ____ is to have a baby. What on earth she & ____ are going to do I don’t know – her people must be very upset – Apparently marriage is out of the question. ____ is so young – Only 17 – in fact I don’t think she is 17 yet.

Friday 9th September 1960
We had a surprise run to Welling last night to see Mum settled in Doris’. Home at 9.30 with two sleepy heads! Gill very miserable today. Rang ____ last night. ____’s mother is hoping to get her into a home to have the baby & get it adopted straight away. What an unhappy situation. Another letter from Joan today. I’ve written to her. Warm & sunny again – we’ve been to the village.

Saturday 10th September 1960
Philip’s second polio injection 2pm
A warm sunny day again & we’ve been very busy. At least Cyril has. The front garden is dug now & the one side ready for seed. We went to Hensham this morning & bought some good seed. I baked afterwards – then took Philip for his Polio injection. He made a great to do about it! Afterwards Cyril minded them both for an hour while I went to the jumble sale. Nothing much there though. Mowed the lawn when I got back. Rang Doris – Mum is quite well & trying to get around on her crutches. I haven’t composed a letter to Mrs. ____ & ____ – or ____ yet! Difficult task.

Week 32: 7th August 1960 – 13th August 1960

Here’s what was going on in the world this week in 1960

• The Bluebell Railway, in Sussex, England, began regular operation as the first standard gauge steam-operated passenger preserved railway in the world. It’s still going.
• Côte d’Ivoire (also referred to as the Ivory Coast), formerly part of French West Africa, became independent of France, with Félix Houphouët-Boigny as its first President. Similaraly, the Republic of Chad, formerly part of French Equatorial Africa as French Chad, became independent, with François Tombalbaye as its first President. And there’s more: the Central African Republic, formerly Ubangi-Shari in the colony of French Equatorial Africa, became independent, with David Dacko as its President.
• Echo 1, the first communications satellite, was successfully launched by NASA. Weighing 137 pounds, Echo was a 100-foot-diameter (30 m) Mylar balloon, inflated after it reached orbit when the Sun’s heat converted powders inside the balloon into gas. A pre-recorded message from U.S. President Eisenhower was transmitted from Goldstone, California, bounced off of Echo, and received at a station in Holmdel, New Jersey. The largest satellite launched up to that time, Echo was big enough that it could be seen from the Earth as it orbited at an average altitude of 1,000 miles.
• USAF Major Robert M. White set a record by flying an X-15 rocket plane to an altitude of 136,500 feet (26.85 miles or 41.6 kilometers), besting the mark of 126,200 feet set by Iven C. Kincheloe in an X-2 in 1956.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 7th August 1960
Welling pm.
We went over to see Mum this afternoon. Found her sitting up & quite cheerful. Had some fun coming home. We ran into floods!! – terrific lot of water in the Kingston-Surbiton area. Had to wait awhile before we could get through. Home 8.20.

Monday 8th August 1960
Surprise letter from Rob today saying they may be paying us a visit tomorrow. I’ve sent a telegram suggesting they stay overnight. Warm day – & no more rain – yet! We’ve been for a walk to the village. Letter from Father too.

Tuesday 9th August 1960
3.30. Rob & May haven’t arrived yet – I’m feeling disappointed I shouldn’t be at all surprised to hear they haven’t been able to find us. A warm day, but showery. We’ve been to the village & back without getting wet.

Wednesday 10th August
Rob & May arrived about 3.30 yesterday afternoon & went back – in wet weather at 3pm today. Nice seeing them – & RJ. Gillian had a bad night  – over excitement & consequently is very touchy this afternoon.

Thursday 11th August 1960
It has rained now – without ceasing for two days & I’m  heartily sick of it – it’s difficult keeping the children happy indoors all the time. We’ve been upstairs for a couple of hours this afternoon. Philip is niggly – teething. Cyril has fibrositis in his back.

Friday 12th August 1960
Thank goodness its stopped raining & we’ve been able to get away from the four walls for a spell! Have dried the washing & been out for a short walk. Philip not quite so troublesome today.

Saturday 13th August 1960
Cyril & Gillian went into L’head this morning – Cyril had to buy a pair of flannels. We set off for Welling at quarter to one & made pretty good time. Found Mum quite cheerful although Doris says she has a thrombosis on her knee. We left Fairwater at 6.15 – home at 7.3 – no floods or wrong turnings! Children have been very good. We did a bit of shopping in Welling.

Week 31: 31st July 1960 – 6th August 1960

Here’s what was going on in the world this week in 1960

• Lieutenant Columbo, the fictional TV detective who would be famously portrayed by actor Peter Falk, was introduced in a 90-minute episode titled, ‘Enough Rope’. Bert Freed was the first to portray Lieutenant Columbo, though actor Richard Carlson (who portrayed a psychiatrist who murdered his wife), received top billing in the episode.
• The Republic of Dahomey, formerly part of French West Africa as French Dahomey, became independent, with Hubert Maga as its first President. In 1975, it would change its name to the Republic of Benin. Similarly, the  Republic of Niger, also formerly part of French West Africa, became independent, with Hamani Diori as its first President. And again, the Republic of Upper Volta, formerly part of French West Africa as French Upper Volta, became independent, with Maurice Yaméogo as its first President. In 1984, the nation changed its name to the Burkina Faso.
• NASA test pilot Joseph A. Walker became the fastest man in history as he flew an X-15 at a speed of 2,196 miles per hour, breaking a record set in 1956 by Milburn Apt, who had been killed while flying an X-2.
• At a dinner at the Swiss Embassy in Beijing, Communist Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai proposed negotiating a peace treaty with the United States, to create “a non-nuclear zone in Asia and the Western Pacific” region. A press officer for the U.S. State Department rejected the idea as “another meaningless propaganda gesture”.
• In response to a United States embargo against Cuba, Fidel Castro nationalized American and foreign-owned property in the nation.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 31st July 1960
A very nice warm day. This afternoon we’ve spent a couple of hours in Bushey Park – Gillian enjoyed the childrens playground! Lots of traffic around the Hampton Court area.

Monday 1st August 1960
Ring Doc. Glover this week re Polio shots. Philip.
Showery day – I’ve done a big pile of washing but haven’t dried any of it. We haven’t been far today – just to take Ted & Jackie for the 2.45 train. Cyril not feeling so good.

Tuesday 2nd August 1960
Quite summery this morning – so much so that Gillian wanted her pool out. However it has been trying to rain since lunch & there have been some rumbles of thunder. Have had a walk to the village. Letter from Joan.

Wednesday 3rd August
I’ve been to the doctor this morning with my aching shoulders! He says its a slight slipped disc of the neck & I’ve lots of tablets to take. Also have some hydrocortisone for Philips eczema. Didn’t feel like work when I got back. Haven’t been out this afternoon.

Thursday 4th August 1960
A hot day – almost like summer. Philip surprised – & worried me a little by bringing back all his dinner. We’ve been up to the village – it was a weary walk. My aches & pains are still with me!

Friday 5th August 1960
A very hot morning. Gillian was able to have her pool out much to her delight. We’ve been up to the village – very hot walk. Wonder if the Taylors & Smiths are ready for their northern trek. Letter from Ted.

Saturday 6th August 1960
Dr Glover. Philips 1st Polio 2.10pm
We’ve had a pleasant Saturday – all except poor Philip who cried a great deal when he had his jab! We went on into L’head and I’ve bought wool to start knitting! Waistcoat for Cyril in bottle green & blue & white for a cardigan for Philip. Wonder when I’ll finish them!!

Week 29 and 30: 17th July 1960 – 30th July 1960

Another bonus two week instalment!

Here’s what was going on in the world this fortnight in 1960

• Congolese leaders Joseph Kasavubu and Patrice Lumumba, unhappy with the United Nations’ progress in pressuring Belgium to withdraw its troops from the former Belgian Congo, added a new dimension to the crisis with an ultimatum: if Belgian troops did not withdraw within 48 hours, they would invite the Soviet Union to send troops to the African nation.
• Thirty-nine of the 43 Belgian Air Force servicemen, on board a Fairchild C-119G “Flying Boxcar” were killed, when their plane struck a mountain near Goma during the Congo Crisis.
• Sirimavo Bandaranaike became the world’s first elected female head of government, after her Sri Lanka Freedom Party won a majority in elections in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). Mrs. Bandaranaike, whose husband S.W.D. Bandaranaike had been Prime Minister until his assassination in 1959, took office as Prime Minister of Ceylon the next day, and also assumed the jobs of Defence Minister and External Affairs Minister.
• Francis Chichester, English navigator and yachtsman, arrived in New York aboard Gypsy Moth II, forty days after sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, setting a new record.
• The first television station in Egypt began broadcasting. After a verse from the Koran was read, United Arab Republic President Gamal Abdel Nasser was shown live, making a speech during celebrations of the eighth anniversary of the 1952 revolution.
• The lunch counter at the Woolworth’s store in Greensboro, North Carolina, where the “Greensboro Four” had started the first sit-in in January, began service to African-American customers (actually, three store employees) at 2:30 p.m.. Integration of Greensboro’s other restaurants did not happen until 1963.
• Fifteen months after U.S. President Eisenhower had proposed that the Soviet Union and the United States be allowed to inspect their opponents’ missile sites, the Soviets made a counteroffer “to allow international inspection teams to carry out three on-site inspections annually on its territory.” The U.S. and its allies considered the number to be inadequate, but saw it as the basis for negotiations. Actual inspections would not take place until more than 25 years later.
• The Republic of Ireland ended its policy of neutrality with the dispatch of soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Battalion to Africa to join United Nations peacekeeping forces during the Congo Crisis.
• Number 10 Downing Street, the official London residence of the British Prime Minister was closed for renovations expected to last at least two years. Harold Macmillan’s home was transferred for the interim to Admiralty House.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 17th July 1960
We were up with the lark – & Gillian!! – had an early lunch & I went over to see Mum! Left here at 1pm & got back 5.40pm. I didn’t think Mum looked very well – but she seemed fairly cheerful. All well here in my absence.

Monday 18th July 1960
Cyril Foster (birthday).
Cyril has been having a look at a car in his lunchtime – so he told me on the phone. 57/58 Anglia £425 – green. He is going to see it again on Weds. Stormy & windy again today – but the washing has dried. Shall iron tonight as Cyril will be late – going to see his Mum.

Tuesday 19th July 1960
Very heavy thundery showers today – am expecting Valerie tonight just for the evening – she is coming with Cyril – a bit earlier than his usual time I think. Heard from Ted today – he & his girlfriend are coming next Tuesday.

Wednesday 20th July 1960
Stormy again – Cyril is having a half day to go & look at a car – & then he’s going on to see his Mum – so I shall be in suspense until nearly ten o’ clock tonight! Showery again. Mum very bright and looking very much better.

Peggy & Cyril’s Anglia (UXB 765) was, even down to the AA badge on the grille, exactly the same as this one. The £425 it cost them is equivalent to about £9800 today. No wonder they needed a bank loan.

Thursday 21st July 1960
Joan (birthday).
Tonight is the night! Cyril parted with just over £450 yesterday & tax, insurance etc etc & tonight he brings home the car. I don’t expect he will be here much before seven. Windy & showery. Letter from Mur. Very nice car & in good condition.

Friday 22nd July 1960
Another very wet day. Gillian was so excited when she saw the car – she’s been asking all day ‘when is Daddy coming home”. I’ve ironed this afternoon as the thunderstorm kept us in.

Saturday 23rd July 1960
It was nice having the car for a trip into Esher – we were away at 9.10 & back 10.15. Philip went to sleep on the way home so I was able to pop him into the pram straight away & Cyril has gone into the garden for a couple of hours. We left here at quarter past two for Frimley – had a very nice afternoon out at Olive & Franks – called in on Greenies for a few minutes only as the nippers were very tired. Home at ten to eight & children both asleep by 8.15.

Sunday 24th July 1960
Have had another good day out (73 miles) – to Welling – left here at 9.45 – at Eileens 11am! Car runs beautifully. Saw Mum & thought she looks well enough – better than last week. Children have behaved well.

Monday 25th July 1960
Miserable Monday morning with no letters! My fibrositis is still very painful. A better day today – its been warm & windy. Washed, ironed & mowed the lawn this afternoon.

Tuesday 26th July 1960
Ted & Jackie coming.
Ted & Jackie arrived about quarter to four – its very nice having them here – & Gillian has been quite friendly. We have been up to the village & back before they got here. Quite warm today – a bit like summer. Cyril took Paul Mott to Surbiton eye hospital tonight – a boy hit him in the eye with an arrow.

Wednesday 27th July 1960
We slept all right last night – Gillian with Cyril – me with Jackie! Gillian slept for a couple of hours this morning! We’ve all been for a walk in the woods this afternoon. Ted & Jackie have gone out tonight. Gillian had a billious attack tonight.

Thursday 28th July 1960
I was up until the early hours with Philip – and am feeling very tired today. T.G. it didn’t disturb Jackie. Gillian is fit & well after her attack of vomit!! Ted & Jackie have had a day in town. They both looked weary when they came in. We may pop over & see Dick & Phyllis later this evening.

Friday 29th July 1960
Cyril had a day off today & has been to Esher this morning. This afternoon we’ve been to Bushey Park & seen the deer & then on to Richmond Park – it was a nice afternoon out. Seems like Saturday today.

Saturday 30th July 1960
Had an early lunch. We set off for Welling – took the children in to see Mum & we found her looking much better. Had tea with Doris left at 6pm – home at 7.20 Ted & Jackie have been to Kingston.

Week 27 and 28: 3rd July 1960 – 16th July 1960

Another bonus two week instalment!

Here’s what was going on in the world this fortnight in 1960

• The French Grand Prix was held at Reims-Gueux and won by Jack Brabham.
• A bolt of lightning struck a group of religious pilgrims as they carried a statue of the Virgin Mary to the summit of Mount Bisalta, near Cuneo in Italy. Four were killed and 30 injured.
• Aneurin Bevan, Welsh politician, British Minister of Health (1945–51), and chief architect of the UK’s National Health Service died, aged 62.
• Rodger Woodward, a seven-year-old boy, became the first person known to survive an accidental plunge over Niagara Falls. Roger had been a passenger in a boat on the Niagara River, when the outboard motor failed. He fell 165 feet over the Falls but sustained only minor injuries and was released from a hospital two days later.
• The “Congo Crisis” began as the army in the newly independent Republic of Congo mutinied and attacked European civilians after the Belgian commander, Lt. Gen. Émile Janssens, tried to enforce discipline. Europeans fled from Léopoldville where the mutiny started. The Belgian national airline Sabena began airlifting Belgian citizens out of the Congo. Over the next three weeks, 25,711 flew home.
• Police fired on a crowd of Italian demonstrators in Reggio Emilia, killing five people and injuring 30.
• The first UEFA European Football Championship was won in Paris by the the Soviet Union who beat Yugoslavia 2-1 in extra time.
• Harper Lee’s classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird was published.
• The Etch A Sketch was first manufactured. Licensed to the Ohio Art Company by French inventor André Cassagnes, it quickly became one of the most popular toys of all time.
• The Pilkington Committee on Broadcasting was set up in the UK to review the state of broadcasting. After two years, the Pilkington Committee concluded that the British public did not want commercial broadcasting.
• British journalist and broadcaster Ian Hislop was born in Mumbles, Swansea.
• Khieu Samphan, editor of the Phnom Penh newspaper L’Observatueur, was arrested and beaten by ten members of Cambodia’s security police. As one author would note later, “There is no telling how many people later paid with their lives for this insult.” Samphan would later help found the Communist Khmer Rouge and, 15 years later as the leader of the revolutionary government, would oversee a program of genocide in Cambodia.
• Jimmy Jones’ ‘Good Timin’ began its three weeks as UK No.1 single. Click here to listen – if you dare.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 3rd July 1960
Our tenth wedding anniversary – & we’ve had five cards!! Warm day – we were up quite early – Philip had a sleep after lunch & then we all went for a walk through the woods to the station for Cyril’s season ticket.

Monday 4th July 1960
Carolyn’s T & A op. (Tonsils and Adenoids)
Disappointed tonight – I thought Cyril would bring home the holiday photos – but they weren’t ready. Mr Mott gave us a lovely trout last night so Cyril had a very tasty dinner tonight. Had the children in bed before Cyril got home.

Tuesday 5th July 1960
Thought we might have heard from Mur today about Carolyn’s Op – but no letter so maybe tomorrow. Its been a showery day – & quite windy this afternoon. We’ve been to the village – the first time since we came home. Its still a dickens of a pill up that hill. Card from Joan.

Wednesday 6th July 1960
Very blustery day – & is to be hoped its better in Dorset for Joan & Fred. Cyril brought home the photos last night – very good. Also the news that he is promoted w.e.f. Monday in his present establishment. Good – no move.

Thursday 7th July 1960
A very rough & showery day, but it warmed up this afternoon. Gillian has been very good all day – we went to the village this afternoon. Have just written to Muriel. Philip didn’t settle very well this evening.

Friday 8th July 1960
Very wet day – haven’t been able to put my washing out – except for a short spell this afternoon. Did some baking after lunch – with Gillian’s help? – Philip has been irritable this afternoon & hasn’t slept at all.

Saturday 9th July 1960
2.5pm Philip’s 3rd Dip etc
Very showery again – hope the Motts have it better than this as they have gone to Bournemouth for a fortnight. Took Philip for his final Dip shot. I left the two with Cyril for an hour & half this afternoon while I went to the jumble sale – Had an enjoyable mooch & bought one or two ‘articles’! Philip very niggly – but he’s gone off to sleep without any fuss. Philip very feverish & fretful during the evening.

Sunday 10th July 1960
Cyril has had a tummy upset this weekend – its a good thing its been wet this afternoon – & most of the morning – so that made him stay in! Philip seems better today – we only went for a short walk this afternoon.

Monday 11th July 1960
A filthy day – very heavy showers. Its been a day of in & out with the washing! We went out to Browns but got caught in the heaviest one of the day! Valerie rang Cyril today – Olive & Frank are on holiday – Letter from Mur – Carolyn went home last Thursday.

Tuesday 12th July 1960
Bad news from Welling today – Cyril’s Mother had a fall on Sunday night – Doris found her at 4.30pm Monday after the neighbours phoned her. Now Mum is in hospital with a broken femur. She has had an operation today & is satisfactory. Cyril is going to see her tonight. Letter from Joan. Olive & Frank came for an hour.

Wednesday 13th July 1960
Very wet again – rained all day. Mum’s condition is satisfactory and she has a reasonable chance. Cyril won’t be going tonight. I haven’t been able to put the washing out at all – had a flood in the kitchen this morning – left the tap running while I was upstairs!

Thursday 14th July 1960
More like a summer’s day today. It hasn’t rained at all (yet – 4pm now) & the sun has been shining, Better news of Cyril’s mother. she is taking a little nourishment & is bright and cheerful. I shall probably get to see her on Sunday (Wrote to Beryl).

Friday 15th July 1960
Will (birthday)
Another warm day – but its clouding over a little now (4pm). Philip has had very little sleep today so I’m hoping he will go off early tonight. No letters & nothing of any import has happened. Cyril’s mother’s condition is entirely satisfactory.

Saturday 16th July 1960
Nice morning – Cyril has gone to Esher to see the bank manager about a loan. The rest of us have been round to Browns. Have written to ask Ted if he would like a holiday here. I wonder if he will reply!! I’ve been doing a bit of baking in the afternoon while Cyril laid the tiles in the bathroom – they look very nice. We’re OK for the bank loan so we can now go ahead & buy a car – Yipee!! 

Week 26 : 26th June 1960 – 2nd July 1960

Here’s what was going on in the world this week in 1960

• The State of Somaliland, led by Prime Minister Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal, attained independence from the United Kingdom. The former British Somaliland protectorate united with the UN Trust Territory in the former Italian Somalia, to create the Somali Republic.
• The island of Madagascar, attained full independence from France, with Philibert Tsiranana as President.
• Forty-five miners were killed in an explosion at Six Bells Colliery, Monmouthshire, Wales.
• The Belgian Congo was proclaimed independent by Belgium’s King Baudouin. The new Congolese Prime Minister, Patrice Lumumba, then delivered an angry speech about colonial rule. Two days later, rioting began, followed by an army mutiny and civil war.
• Lionel Bart’s musical, Oliver!, based on the 1838 Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, opened on London’s West End. It was joined by a Broadway production in January 1963.
• Ghana became a republic, with Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah as its first President. The Earl of Listowel had served on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II as Governor-General of Ghana.
• A Soviet MiG fighter north of Murmansk in the Barents Sea shot down a 6-man US Air force RB-47. Two Air Force officers, First Lts. John R. McKone and Freeman B. Olmstead, survived and were imprisoned in Moscow’s Lubyanka prison. The Soviets announced the capture of the men ten days later. The men were released in January 1961.
• A riot broke out during the Newport Jazz Festival in Newport, Rhode Island, after a crowd of about 3,000 people, mostly white, were angry about a lack of seating for the concerts. Order was not restored until three companies of the state National Guard were sent in.

And here’s what was keeping Peggy busy:

Sunday 26th June 1960
Had a good nights sleep – and a lazy morning – Joan gave me a shampoo & set – & Cyril gave the car a shampoo! Left at 2.15pm – had a very good trip – arriving here at 5.20pm – its nice being home – we’ve done some of the wash & iron!

Monday 27th June 1960
Ring Dr L this week re Philips vac.
I seem to have been washing and ironing all day long! – but T.G. its all done. The infants have both been very tearful today – must be after holiday reaction!  They’ve gone to bed quite peaceably tho’ – let’s hope they sleep it off. Cyril has been busy re-claiming the lawn!!

Tuesday 28th June 1960
I’m feeling better today now all that washing & ironing is out of the way! Cyril has more or less reclaimed the garden! Gillian & Philip have been better behaved today – & have gone to bed early again.

Wednesday 29th June 1960
Another busy washing day. Fortunately I didn’t have to go to the village – Cyril went & took Gillian. I’ve been to the clinic – Philip has put on a colossal weight again – I’m cutting out his cereals!
Anne came during the evening Brought nice presents for us all from Majorca.

Thursday 30th June 1960
Jacques (birthday)
Philip doesn’t sleep so well in the mornings now – but he’s been quite good & so has Gillian. We went for a walk in the woods – met Mrs. Roberts with her three so we walked together. Cyril’s first day back – but no news of his posting.

Friday 1st July 1960
A damp day – I mean afternoon it was quite hot in the morning but started trying to rain while we were out this afternoon. Gillian went to sleep on the sofa for an hour after lunch so she probably won’t want to go to bed tonight.

Saturday 2nd July 1960
We were up quite early this morning – I put nipper out to sleep then Gillian & I went to Esher. She was very good – left the pushchair at the station. We had a pretty hectic hours shopping as it was very crowded! I made cakes this afternoon – half expected Anne But she didn’t come. I went to bed in the middle of the film as I had a bad headache.

(Looks from this link as if the film might have been, ‘Bronco: Death of an Outlaw’ staring Ty Hardin’. Not surprised Peggy had a headache.)