People in the Diary

The following is a list of some the people mentioned in Ralph’s Diary.  I hope to add more names and details from time to time (last update October 2015, using the Grimsby and Cleethorpes District Directory for 1935–6) – M.B. 

Ralph himself was born in Grimsby on 12 September 1916, and died in Stoneleigh (Surrey) on 17 January 2010. 

Ada – Ralph’s cousin Ada Grace Kempster, daughter of his mother’s brother Walter Snelson.
Albert – Ralph’s uncle (mother’s brother) Albert Snelson.
Alice – Ralph’s cousin Bertha Alice Snelson, daughter of Albert and Lilian Snelson.
Allen family – Friends of Behrends.  “Mr. Allen” and “Norman” (see N) seem to be the same person; Mrs. Allen is his mother.
Amy – Edith Amy Freeman, future wife of Ralph’s brother Harold.
Arthur – Friend or relation of Ralph, living at Bolton.
Mr. Bishop – George Bishop, friend and (judging from the Diary) constant companion of Ralph’s father.
Bob – Ralph’s uncle (father’s brother) George Robert Berran.  Changed name from Behrend; in Royal Navy as Berran 1903–25.
Mr. Craze – William John Craze, manager of Christy’s warehouse, where Ralph worked.  Also a music teacher; taught Ralph the piano.
Dad – Walter Behrend (1878–1968).  Partner in Kiddle & Co., tailors (190 Freeman Street).  Lived in Grimsby all his life.
Denis (often “Dennis” in Diary) – Denis Hanlon Watson, Ralph’s oldest friend.  Was in the Royal Air Force.
Frank – Son of Ralph’s cousin Ada Kempster.
Mrs. Fulljames – Lizzie May Fulljames (born Hoodless), friend of Ralph’s mother.
George Glover – Ralph’s cousin, son of his father’s sister Olive.
George Kempster – Husband of Ralph’s cousin Ada.
George Lilly (born Cheffins) –  Another of Ralph’s cousins, son of his father’s sister Selina.
Harold (1) – Ralph’s brother Harold Walter Behrend (1914–1988).
Harold (2) – Friend or relation of Ralph, living at Bolton.
Johnny – Nickname of Ralph’s colleague Ada B. Richardson.  Married John W. Adlard (Diary, 1 February).
Mr. Kiddle – Alfred Thomas Kiddle, business partner of Ralph’s father.  They owned Christy’s warehouse (53 Victor Street) in addition to the shop.
Kiddle family – Arthur was Alfred’s brother; Harold’s relationship is not yet traced.
Leslie Snelson – Ralph’s cousin, son of Albert and Lilian Snelson.
Lilian – Ralph’s aunt by marriage, wife of Albert Snelson.
Margaret – Not identified.  Exchanged letters with Ralph but does not appear in person.
Mother – Bertha Ann Behrend, born Snelson (1883–1971).  Born Long Buckby, Northants.  Married Walter Behrend 1910.
Norah – Elder sister of Denis Watson.
Norman – Norman Allen, friend of Ralph.  Probably the chemist’s assistant of that name in the 1935–6 directory.
Olive (1) – Ralph’s sister Bertha Olive Behrend (1911–1951).
Olive (2) – Ralph’s aunt (father’s sister).  Married George Edwin Glover.
Olive (3) (“little Olive”) – Daughter of Ralph’s cousin Ada Kempster; born 1928.
Ray – Raymond Burman Parton, future husband of Ralph’s sister Olive.  Seems to be living with Behrends.
Rea family – Next-door neighbours of Behrends.  Henry Rea was a radio and electrical engineer.
Ron – Ron Varley, friend or relation of Ralph, living at Leeds.
Thelma – Younger sister of Ray Parton. 

Ralph’s Diary:  January 1938

Saturday 1 January 1938

Back to work after yesterday at home owing to gammy tummy which attribute to glass of wine taken at Mr. Allen’s on Thursday afternoon.  Now feeling quite fit again.  Mother, Harold & Amy attended New Year’s Eve Dance at the Yarra [Café in Cleethorpes] last night which I was sorry to miss.  All had good time but Mr. Henfrey taken ill soon after midnight & Harold took him home in car.  Understand much better to-day and back at work.  Denis goes back to Felixstowe (thanks to him for this diary) after 8 days leave. 
Town draw at home to Preston, sharing 2 goals. 
Home 6.45.  Pools very quiet this week. 
Began book today which Dennis gave (I assume) to me – “Patrol” by Philip MacDonald.  Seems good.  Weather cool but dry. 
Listened to Music-Hall – only mod.  Few games of darts with Harold & Dad. 

Sunday 2 January 1938

Up about 10.30.  Spring had been barking in night. 
Began tray for Johnnie’s wedding present & got dutchman design burnt on. 
Mr. Allen & mother came to tea and had a good time.  Went to shop with Norman at night and before coming home fixed several “potions” etc. for Amy.  Played darts for most of evening and playing cricket twice got a bull, double 20 and single 20. 
Had bath about 8.30 and shampoo.  Water very hard. 
Ran Norman & mother home about 10 o’clock and after supper made these few entries & so to bed.  (10.45)

Monday 3 January 1938

Weather still fair but wet underfoot.  Fairly quiet day at office.  Went to Holders to choose gramophone records for Mr. Allen on Harold’s behalf and bought three.  Also bought self new tie in Victoria St..  Ran Dad and Mr. Bishop to Ritz & understand picture good and hope to go with Norman to-morrow night.  Yarra at night, of course, and had a good “do” but our “section” seemed to be out of favour with the rest of the crowd.  Still, very enjoyable. 
Conked out of petrol coming home but filled up from medicine bottle at Amy’s which carried us to pumps in Fuller St..  Home soon after 11 and to bed soon after half-past.  Very tired. 

Tuesday 4 January 1938

Weather as yesterday. 
Not very busy at Office. 
Thought about going in for Dress Suit but postponed the idea owing to being late in the season.  Hope to have one later on. 
Few games of darts at dinner time with Harold. 
At night after [piano] practise (resumed after 2 weeks rest) went to Strand with Norman.  “Farewell Again” with Flora Robson & Leslie Banks.  All army and troopships.  Fair and not worth the stars the Picturegoer gives it. 
Invited to Norman’s to tea on Sunday – accepted. 
Have just finished almost the “Patrol” but leaving small finish for to-morrow as bit too bloodthirsty to sleep on.  Very good. 
Mother to bed about 10 after Epsom Salt Bath – not very well.  Dad rather better. 
Did not know one could write so much in a diary on such an “ordinary” day. 

Wednesday 5 January 1938

Finished “Patrol”.  Very good especially the latter half. 
Weather as yesterday, perhaps colder. 
Covered four new books for Ray in dinner-hour, finishing them at Office in afternoon. 
Fire in room so enjoyed practise to full.  Began painting the Dutchman design on Tray and hope to finish to-morrow. 
Very good programme on wireless including natty story by A.J. Alan – full marks.  Also Western Bros very good. 
Mother not too well but with gammy side.  Have just posted the 10/- collected for the Wireless for the Blind Fund after much delay. 
Harold gone to Amy’s.  Olive been to choir practice.  Now 10.45 and Dad & Ray messing around with reflector on car headlamp which dad is very anxious to clean so late in the night. 
No letters received. 
To Bed 10-50. 
Understand Geo. Kempster and family coming to tea on Sunday. 

Thursday 6 January 1938

Johnny off work to-day. 
Fairly busy in morning. 
After dinner helped Dad to clean car and afterwards finished painting tray.  Ran Mother to Gilliats (to join Miss Horn) but mother not at all well and apparently has the shingles.  Mr. Gilliatt orders nothing but orange juice until Monday.  Mother to bed early after Epsom Salt Bath. 
After practise went to Regal for first time with Ray, Dad & Mr. Bishop.  Pictures seen – “Easy Living” & “French Leave”.  Both moderate and only faults we have to find are bad seats, pictures too long and organist no good.  Stage lighting, however, excellent. 
Olive been to Chapel for Table Tennis.  Harold to Amy’s. 
Heard bit of “Geisha” on Wireless with Huntley-Wright very good. 
Received letter from Arthur to hear that gramophone record set, as expected, had arrived in more than one piece.  Letter very good and written at Public Library. 

Friday 7 January 1938

Mother certainly no better and having to stay in bed to-day.  Very poorly.  Bought her a few tulips and mimosa home from Freeman St. 
After five but before tea went to Holder Bros.  Bought “Gold & Silver” and got Elsie Simpson to show bill for Flotsam & Jetsam concert on Jan 23rd. 
After tea did practise (fire in room) and then few rounds of darts with Harold and Dad.  Olive & Ray to pictures.  Amy here to-night. 
Had bath but a very quick one as water was not too hot.  Helped Amy to get supper on, cleaned shoes, etc.. 
Johnny back at work.  Weather cold and showery. 
Hall & Betmead out of town for cup-tie with Swindon to-morrow owing to injury.  Guess at score 4–1. 

Saturday 8 January 1938

Mother little better and up from about 10-30 to 9.30.  Fire in room and lit fire in bedroom about 8 o’clock.  Hope will improve again to-morrow. 
Very much colder to-day but dry. 
Ada rang up to say little Olive ill & cannot come to tea to-morrow.  Has been to see Mother this afternoon & seems Olive has St. Feritice’s* Dance and will perhaps be two years before better.  Mrs Fulljames also been to see Ma. 
Town drew 1–1.  Very poor game.  Replay Wednesday.  Town will win.  Loads of winners at Christys. 
Home about 1.  Heard Palace of Varieties – very good.  Also Billy Mareyl [Mayerl]. 
Pa Bishop comes in about quarter to ten since when we have discussed football, ice-houses, refrigiating, chicken-farming and close now discussing fox-hunting.  Am much against this. 
* i.e. St. Vitus’ [footnote in original]

Sunday 9 January 1938

Up 10.30.  Not a bad day. 
In morning mooched around and did practise.  Harold cleaned car and Ray the aviaries.  Made list of Xmas Cards received for reference coming Christmas.  Mother perhaps a little better and up about 12.30. 
Heard C.H. Middleton on Vegetable Gardens after dinner & then changed to black suit for tea at Norman’s.  Arrived soon after 3.30 and home about 10-15 complete with piece of cake for mother.  Had nice time and tried on dinner suit which I am to borrow.  Good fit. 
Frank Kempster came to tea at home.  Olive & Ray went to Mr. Craze’s at night, Harold to tea at Amy’s. 

Monday 10 January 1938

Another wet and dark day.  Mother a little better in morning and seeming to improve all day. 
Very busy at Christys getting all the winners out but managed very comfortably.  Turner Layton at the Ritz this week.  Dad stays in at night and Olive & Ray to Whist-Drive at Marjorie Youngs.  Not home at time of writing (11-30)
Good crowd at Yarra and to-night particularly notable because Harold pushes his elbow though one of the glass door panels whilst dancing with Mrs. Beales.  Mustn’t complain, however, as he won half-share in Cordingley’s sweep. 
Received letter from Margaret. 
Saw Geo. Glover to-day which reminds me that I have forgotten to enter before that he got finished at the Ice House last Friday. 
Town drawn away in Cup against Scarborough or Luton if they beat Swindon on Wednesday.  Most attractive draw is Wolves v Arsenal, the two favourites.  Hope the home team wins.  Should do. 

Tuesday 11 January 1938

Weather cold.  Mother about same as yesterday.  Would be better if could have good night’s rest which does not seem to come along. 
Finished two “Sale” posters for shop in morning. 
Electric Fire comes for Mr. Allen which is a present from Mr. Craze.  Very nice job and run this down to his house after piano lesson at Mr. Craze’s.  Thought I was getting on well with the lesson. 
Meant to write to Arthur to-night but went to pictures with Norman to same place as Dad & Mr. Bishop – Regal.  Picture seen – “Captains Courageous” among the very best seen for a long time.  Cast includes Freddie Bartholomew, Spencer Tracey and Lionel Barrymore.  Splendid performance by all named. 
Received literature from the School of Accountancy. 
To bed approaching 11-30. 

Wednesday 12 January 1938

Mother about same and had no better night, staying in bed, however, until 12.  More rain. 
Mrs. Freeman & Amy come to tea and run them home about 7.30.  Dad going to Savoy with traveller, Mr. Emerson, and Mr. Kiddle.  Harold to Amy’s and Olive to choir practise.  Not very pleased with Johnny to-day but out most of morning.  Written to Arthur to-day – nearly four pages.  In afternoon helped Mr C. with some music re the Sunday Concert & arranged programme. 
My forecast of Town result in replay gone astray and they manage to lose 2–1.  Good old Town (Swindon).  At night try to fix handles to tray but split the first piece I attempted to nail together. 
Ray buys another 100 books for library from Smith & Sons. 
Took dog round square. 
Mother says she is stopping up until 12.  Not a bad idea. 
Have written to-day for advice from School of Accountancy.  Hope this will prove a wise step.  Just going to look up Prospectus.  10.30. 

Thursday 13 January 1938

Much brighter day with sunshine.  Little warmer.  Mother had much better night and think a little better. 
Not very busy in morning and took cheque to shop (Chas. Ward was there) and bought Sixpenny Edition of “Turkish Patrol” & “Turkish March” from Perritts [music shop].  Called at Aunt Olive’s for a few minutes on way home. 
In afternoon numbered some of Ray’s new books and then finished tray except for staining and finishing.  Harold busy with car.  Practise after tea and run books to Ray’s shop in car. 
Went to Mens Meeting with Harold, Dad, Ray & Mr. Jackson.  Mrs. Jackson came and stayed with mother – also Amy.  Olive to bed early to give energy for being first up in these mornings now mother is ill.  At meeting – Mr. Heeling on Escape from Turkish Prisoners Camp, (lantern) – Very good but not a very good speaker.  Coughing during lecture very bad and room cram full of smoke.  Made my eyes smart.  Going bed nearly 11-15. 

Friday 14 January 1938

Writing before supper – 9.35. 
Fairly dry up to about five when a wet night set in.  Mother not had very good night last night but a little better again to-day.  Mrs. Craze has been to see her this afternoon, Mrs. Proctor called at dinner-time and Mrs. Freeman has sent a basket of fruit. 
Ray home about 7-30 so as to get to Regal to see “Captains Courageous” of which I made a report in a previous entry.  Amy in at night & Dad re-covers one of box end of curb [on billiard table].  Harold rigs wireless up in middle room so as to be easily transported back to living-room when required. 
After practice finished cleaning off tray-frame and gave coat of opal varnish.  Should get this finished to-morrow.  Took dog round square.  Wrote to Mr. Holford in sympathy for Mrs. Holford who was taken to hospital last Sunday with stomach trouble.  Began writing to Harold but scrapped after two pages.  Not in very good mood with one thing and another to-night.  Expect letter of advice from School of Accountancy in morning.  Wonder what this will offer? 

Saturday 15 January 1938

Terrific gale has been blowing all night & continues today.  Neon lighting outside Ritz blown down.  Mother nice bit better. 
Wrote to Margaret. 
Received letter of advice from School of Accountancy recommending taking exams with London Association of Certified Accountants.  This seems a good idea but have not decided on anything yet. 
Fairly busy at Christys. 
Had bath at tea-time, changed and walked back to office.  Mr. Craze mentioned that we should have a rough journey to-night and learnt that I had to fetch Mr. Nuttall & Mr. Pyrce from Skegness to-night and not next Saturday as I had been reckoning.  However, everything went well.  Left home about 8.45 and back again soon after midnight. 
Heard some of Music Hall on wireless in which Vic Oliver was outstandingly good.  Dad re-covers other end of curb to-night so that this job now completed.  By the way, Harold and I went to Skegness and not alone as my entry suggests.  I drive there and Harold back. 
Going to bed at 12-30. 

Sunday 16 January 1938

Not up until after 10-30.  Still very windy but subsiding at night.  Mother very much better and getting about house almost as usual.  In morning mooched round and did practise for over an hour. 
Mr. Bishop came in after dinner and thrashed out the football problem with us consequence [sic].  Dad had run down dock in car with Mr. B.  Amy to tea. 
After tea played some darts and then had walk to Bathing Pool and back.  Had on new shoes and came back almost a cripple.  Walked home with Dad from Old Clee as I met him there also en trek.  Hardly any wind and very warm.  Heavy rain after ten o’clock.  Finished night with game of crib with dad.  Lost. 
Olive & Ray to hospital Concert at Queens Hall – Frank Olsen etc.  Understand very good. 
To Bed about 10-30. 

Monday 17 January 1938

Mother again on mend and Mr. Gilliatt adds four daily glasses of milk to her all-fruit diet. 
Cooler to-day.  Fairly busy at Office but only moderate number of winners.  Home soon after five and Harold has to take Mrs. Jackson to Keelby as Mr. Jackson working late.  Go with him, after practise, as far as Old Clee and to Wakelin’s for hair-cut.  Walked from here to Dance. 
Had a good time and met two new persons.  Peter — and Mrs — (names forgotten).  Nice folk.  Harold pays for window broken last week – 6/6.  Not dear, I think. 
Dad & Mr. B. to Savoy.  Decent picture – Will Fyffe. 
Home soon after 11 and to bed after entering diary at 11.30. 
Hear from Rhoda Richardson that Town have signed Hughie Gallacher but no announcement in Telegraph.  Must await to-morrow for confirmation but think the news is authentic.  Hope so.  Received letter from Harold B..  Had haircut. 

Tuesday 18 January 1938

News of Hughie Gallacher apparently well founded rumour but Town have not definitely fixed transferral – understand Bambrick of Chelsea also in running.  Mother still on mend.  Weather cold with raw wind. 
At night went to Archer’s with Mrs. Craze to see their Fancy Dresses for next dance on Feb 7th.  Very good rig-outs of antiquity.  Ran Mrs. Craze home and brought back chair back cover of Indian design to be renovated with poker work. 
Heard John Hilton on wireless on “How I began” – very good.  Did not know until know that he was a Bolton chap.  Must tell Arthur.  Dad has touch of cold. 

Wednesday 19 January 1938

Lights fuse with a bang early this morning (5-15) but only hear the resulting confusion of Ray asking where the candles where (”In the drawer with the dusters”) and something about torches and moonlight.  Very mystifying when I was very little awake.  However, Mr. Rea, comes in to repair in afternoon. 
Mother not too well after Epsom Salt Bath last evening but improves as the day goes on. 
Much dryer to-day but still cool.  Town sign Gallacher from Notts C.  Old stuff but might do the Town a bit of good. 
At night – practise – few games of darts and then to Mr. Allen’s to look at Electric Fire which does not fit.  Think this had better be changed.  Come home then and at last finished tray.  Does not look so bad. 
Olive & Dad go to choir practise.  Ray home about 8-30 and gives me hand to finish tray.  Not much on wireless except programme of good marches by Military Band.  Must fill pen with proper ink in morning. 

Thursday 20 January 1938

Nice day.  Mother nice bit better and Mr. Gilliatt put her on more solid foods.  Fairly busy at Office.  Made the 50 free tickets out for the poor children which Christys have given for the Pantomime at the Theatre Royal.  Also packed 50 bags of sweets for same purpose. 
In afternoon Dad and Ray put new spouting on shed.  Went to Shaw’s to see about some cover paper for Ray’s books but had nothing suitable.  Had been to Burnetts in morning and got some unsuitable samples.  Also went to Ray’s house for piece of spouting and then Mr. Allens to arrange to go to Ritz.  Ran mother to Gilliatts and back.  Dog gets out and find him at gate at 9.30. 
Went to Ritz – saw “It’s all Yours” only middling and the “13th Man” much better.  Organist very good.  Meet Dad, Ray and Mr. Bishop outside who had also been and got ride home.  Daff Bishop home after operation for appendicitis in London.  Good variety on wireless.  To bed about ten o’clock. 
Olive at Ray’s shop at night.  Harold to Amy’s.  Did little practise before tea. 

Friday 21 January 1938

Very nice day.  Best for a long time.  Not very busy and did some showcards for shop window.  In afternoon tried to do a caricarture of Hughie Gallacher but not very successful. 
Mother nice bit better. 
Finished with tray altogether as Olive took this to shop for errand boy to deliver.  Hope to start another soon. 
At night do practise, have bath, shampoo, etc., and then listen to radio.  Not very good including farce by Melluish Brothers.  Nothing very exciting happens. 
Began letter to Harold but scrapped so I could listen in. 
Amy in at night and has bath. 
Olive & Ray to Palace to see “Saratoga” with Jean Harlow. 
Harold wrote to Dennis yesterday. 
Dad goes in to Bishop’s at night and sees Daff who is far from better. 

Saturday 22 January 1938

Another nice day. 
Mother better and goes to Adult School Meeting in afternoon. 
Not particularly busy. 
In afternoon go to the shop to see the Electric Fire which will not fit Mr Allen’s grate.  Afraid this cannot be altered. 
Home soon after seven and listened to “In Town To-night” and “Palace of Varieties”.  Both no good. 
Mr. Bishop calls in for few minutes.  Did some practise after nine o’clock for about half-an-hour and then went for some fish & chips on Ray’s bike.  Home about ten but didn’t have any chips myself. 
Mother wins Chocolate Father Xmas in Ray’s shop raffle. 
Took Mr Allen’s Tickets for to-morrow’s concert and left note asking if he would accompany me to the Yarborough Hotel to fetch Flotsam and Jetsam in the car to the concert. 

Sunday 23 January 1938

Nice and warm but damp.  Jack Cooper rang up to see if were playing tennis.  Told him did not think so but afterwards slipped down in car to look at the court.  This was not so bad and rang Jack up to tell him we had revised our decision.  Jack Walker also turned out and we had a very good foursome.  We were all rather out of condition after such a long rest.  Home about 1-15. 
Changed to black suit and did spot of practise and then got tea ready (including cutting bread), Olive, Ray, Mother & Dad having gone for run in car to Brocklesby Park.  Home about 4.45.  Mr. Bishop in for about half-hour in afternoon with his nuts. 
At night went to concert and, as arranged, fetched (and took back) in car Flotsam & Jetsam from the Yarborough Hotel.  They are two of the best you could wish to meet.  Full of fun and very appreciative of our small action.  They were very good on the stage and the programme was altogether very good. 
Home about 10-30 and take dog round square and so to bed. 

Monday 24 January 1938

Not a bad day and mother gets her washing done, which is apparently something of an achievement.  Quite busy at Office as we have plenty of winners. 
Mother still better.  Everything as usual.  Do practise after tea, run mother to Mrs. Fulljames for practise, change and to dance.  Had a good time but did not have a particularly gay time as was not in a dancing mood.  Mother came but did not dance.  Good crowd there.  Geo. Lilly comes in at night but don’t see him.  Quite a surprise this.  Good chap, George. 
Dad and Mr B. go to Royal.  Good show.  Home soon after eleven and to bed about half after this hour. 

Tuesday 25 January 1938

Another very strong wind gets up in night and continues to about noon and then subsides.  Plenty of sun.  Mother still getting better.  Goes to practise for Concert at Leamington in afternoon. 
Steadily busy at Office. 
No piano-lesson as Mr. C. has engagement at the Royal.  Do little practise, write to Arthur, and then slip to Norman’s in car to borrow dinner-suit for Thursday night.  Come home and find George Lilly and Mr. Bishop at home.  George doesn’t look too bad and still the same.  Slip in then to see Daff Bishop for half an-hour.  Pleased to find her on the mend.  Mr. Nicholson also there and tells of bright red and green lights in the sky.  Do not see these but the wireless news tells us for splendid display of Northern Lights. 
Harold at Amy’s.  Olive & Ray to Ray’s mothers. 

Wednesday 26 January 1938

Mother about better again. 
Fairly busy and have to go to Bank in morning as Johnny off this week to get her house ready.  Went twice to bank, in fact, as I forgot P.Os on my fist visit. 
Mother goes to Leamington in afternoon and Mrs. Fulljames and Amy come home to tea (pork-pie, I thought, but had salmon). 
Have fire in middle room, had hoped to do some practise but after six o’clock run down to Mr. Craze’s via Christys with the Electric Fire we have so much trouble with.  Thinks he might keep this for himself. 
Come home and run Ma and Mrs. F. to Albert St. Adult School (Cremola [pudding powder] demonstration).  Home again and some practise and attempt some duets with Olive.  Not very good. 
Have received literature these past few days re Civil Service and wonder now whether to take this step. 
Have a bath, listen to wireless a bit and to bed about 10-15. 
Town draw 1–1 with Leeds (at Leeds) in Division match.  Craven scores. 
Letter received from Margaret. 

Thursday 27 January 1938

Not a bad day but very cold and raw.  Not as busy.  Traveller from Fry’s calls re Xmas Club.  Is sending a specialist down to see us.  In a good humour to-day somehow. 
Cup of tea after dinner to-day. 
Everyone seems very busy except self in afternoon so annoy other people.  Harold adjusts the car steering and Dad & Ray busy in the aviaries.  After tea try on H’s dinner suit and this is a good fit if the trousers had been a few inches longer.  Practise. 
Harold, Ray, Dad & Mr. Jackson go to Men’s Meeting – debate on blood sports – Abb Thomson v some official chap. 
Mother at Concert for the Blind at Old Clee but home before nine as the piano was wanted for dancing at eight o’clock.  Olive opens at Ray’s shop. 
Begin to get ready for dance (The Pharmacists Association) about 7-30 and was surprised at the rush to be ready by 8-45.  Had a good time (fairly).  Mr. & Mrs. Palmer, Norman & Mrs. M, Mrs. W. and self formed party but this was very much spoiled by Mr. Beales who arrived about 10-30.  Bad manners I thought.  Ena Burton also there and in our taxi coming home.  Mr. Palmer seems a nice chap.  Also there, Jack Swain, Ken Brown, Miss Hickman. 

Friday 28 January 1938

Warmer today but far from hot. 
Not particularly busy or particularly tired although did not get home from dance until 1-20 this morning. 
Received set of 1937 examination papers re examination for Ass. Inspector of Taxes.  Very interesting and this job does look attractive. 
In afternoon mother goes to see Olive K. who has been to Hull Infirmary for examination.  Report not yet to hand but understand can be cured.  Call @ aunt Olive’s on way home at night as hear Uncle E. has been ill.  Find him much better.  Aunt Olive comes across after tea but just in time with two hot cakes. 
Do practise and then examine my growing pile of Civil Service Literature. 
Mother goes in to Mr. Rea’s to borrow Fancy-Dress and Amy, later on, goes successfully on the same errand. 
Re-burn with poker Indian chair back-cover of Mrs. Craze’s but the paint I tried won’t take.  Olive & Ray to pictures.  Amy has bath.  Listen to “I remember” programme in which the commentator is very good.  (he interrupts a singer over the word “Babio” whilst singing).  Did’nt we laugh.  Heard also Willie Smith in the Davis v Lindrum Snooker Match.  Davis wins. 

Saturday 29 January 1938

Terrific wind gets up in night and persists all day.  Hard work cycling.  Bayon’s Manor suffers damage by fire.  Much damage done in all parts of the country. 
Fairly busy at office and find quite a good number of winners.  Lot of home wins which, however does not include Grimsby Town who manage to draw with Liverpool.  No goals.  Manchester City beat Derby C. at Derby by 7 goals to 1.  Understand Glover on the mend and referees charity match on Thursday. 
Home about seven.  Rather cold so make self a cup of cocoa – Rowntrees by the way (may be useful for advertising) and enjoyed very much.  Had, by the way, one of my favourite dinners, – ham, eggs and chips. 
After coming home – did practise and then listened to Music-Hall – only moderate.  Played darts at the same time with Dad and Harold and win two games out of three.  Toast for supper.  Amy here. 
Hear table-tennis championship on wireless but a flop, I think, from a broadcasting point of view.  Game too fast to be describable. 

Sunday 30 January 1938

Very nice day, plenty of sun but rather windy.  Played an enjoyable game of tennis in morning but rather spoilt by Jack Walker who did not manage to turn out of bed very early and rolled up about 12 o’clock. 
After dinner sat around in tennis garb, listening to Mr. Middleton & some good gramophone records.  Harold, Amy, Mother & Dad run to Immingham in car.  After changing do practise and then get tea ready, finishing just in time as they arrive home (4-45).  “Spelling B” on wireless very good – a spelling competition between university students of England & America.  Conveyed by wireless right over the Atlantic.  America wins by majority of correctly spelt words. 
After tea play darts with Harold & Dad and then walk up to Normans.  Home 10 o’clock and have bath.  To bed about 10.45. 

Monday 31 January 1938

Again plenty of wind.  Tragic news today of the loss of the “Leicestershire” with all 15 hands off Hoy in the Orkneys.  Know no one on board.  Weather must be terrible at sea with such viscous gales. 
Fairly busy.  Johnny goes early to prepare for the big event to-morrow. 
Expect every day to hear from Ron and a little concerned at not having heard from him this year.  Perhaps to-morrow. 
After tea change and do little practise then go to Bishop’s to see if Mr. B. going pictures with Dad.  Stay about half-hour (Daff still at home) then run them to the Regal.  Clark Gable – “Parnell” – very good.  So to dance, joined by our next door neighbour – Enid Rea.  Very nice girl and all have a very good night together.  Not a big crowd, Joe conspicuous by his absence.  Had Sequence Foxtrot with Mrs. Craze.  Home about 11 and to bed soon after. 

Ralph’s Diary:  February 1938

Tuesday 1 February 1938

Another gale in the night, persisting all day but nice and bright but cold.  Johnny married to Jack Adlard at All Saints (11 a.m.)  Mother, Olive & Mrs. Craze turn out and understand a pretty job.  Very sorry to hear that Mrs. Watson is seriously ill and Denis home on special leave until to-morrrow. 
Fairly busy with usual Tuesday routine.  Do few minutes practise after tea and then, in car, to Wakelin’s for haircut and to Mr. Craze’s for music lesson (not so bad).  Home about 8.15 find Dad alone who, however, goes to Porter’s with a skirt which had been left in car.  Harold to Amy’s, Olive & Ray to Cleethorpes, mother to Mrs. Lister’s. 
Recital of hymns on wireless very enjoyable particularly as on my own. 
No letters received but write to Margaret. 

Wednesday 2 February 1938

Decent weather. 
Ring Norman at dinner-time and arrange to go to Royal to-night. 
Fairly busy.  Go to Burnetts in afternoon and get Ray 50 sheets of cover paper for his library books.  Wash upstairs window at Office. 
Watch back from repair but refusing to go any length of time when worn. 
Do practise after tea, change and Harold then runs me to Royal where meet M.  Saw “Maytime” with Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy.  Passable but the machine very bad and variable. 
Home about tea.  Take dog round square.  Olive & Dad to choir practise, mother has social at school. 
To bed about 11. 
Mrs. Watson still seriously ill. 
Dennis goes back from leave in morning. 

Thursday 3 February 1938

Another nice day.  Very bright. 
Not very busy. 
After dinner Harold & I go in car with dog as far as the bathing-pool and then walk right beyond the boating lake to the sands and back to car.  Very enjoyable.  Took a ball with us.  Home about four after about hour-and-half walk.  Dad and Mr. Bishop go to Reserve match, Ray repairs shed and aviary. 
Practise after tea and arrange to go to Tivoli second house with Dad, Mr. Bishop and Ray.  Book seats early in evening.  Very good show.  Specially good are horizontal-bar artistes and troupe who do acrobatic tricks on a see-saw arrangement. 
Home about eleven, cup of tea and bed half-hour later.  Mother & Olive been to concert at Park St. 
Mrs. Watson no better. 
Received letter from Arthur. 

Friday 4 February 1938

Writing at supper table over cup of tea and scone – 9.45 and listening to Athlone on wireless. 
This has been another very fine and dry day.  Have been busy at office sorting Coupons out all day and have got fed up of sitting down.  Travellers call from Fry’s re Xmas Club and they appear very helpful and suggestive.  Mother to concert at night – Albert Street School.  Olive & Ray to Ritz to see “Victoria the Great”. 
Have bath 7-15 to 45 and then listen to the gruesome play on the wireless.  “Rope” with Ernest Milton.  Sat with light out for about an hour which made it at least more amusing. 
Amy comes in and has bath. 
Not yet heard from Ron. 
Seem to receive very few letters nowadays. 
Got new half-dozen tennis balls. 

Saturday 5 February 1938

Still fine weather.  Hope like this for tennis to-morrow. 
Johnny back from honeymoon.  Had good time and weather.  Fairly busy.  Moderate number of winners.  After leaving at night buy mother a bottle of scent (her birthday) to-day.  Olive came home later also with bottle of scent but fortunately different brand. 
Begin making “pom-poms” for my pierrot costume for fancy-dress on Monday night.  Mother and I make four of them and shall manage with these.  Have cap to make now. 
Have round of darts at night.  Olive has bath.  Dad invited to join Anti-Aircraft Gas Committee or something.  Mr. Wakelin leaves his cycle here as he breaks chain.  Calls on way home. 
Town lose 2–1 at West Brom.  Ginger Hall playing inside forward scores our goal.  Should do well in forward line. 
Mrs Fulljames sends mother some flowers for birthday. 

Sunday 6 February 1938

Unfortunate this morning.  After a good spell of dry weather have a shower this morning about 9-30 which puts “paid” to our tennis.  Arise (but don’t shine) about 10-30 and take breakfast.  Try to paint the Indian of Mrs. Craze’s chair back-cover but rather unsuccessful.  Ray, however, manages to [sic] job very well later in the day.  Do spot of practise before dinner.  Dad goes by bus to Winterton with Mr. & Mrs. Jackson to sing in the “Messiah”.  After dinner Mother, Ray & I go to Mablethorpe in car.  Home after five.  Harold at Amy’s.  After tea go to Norman at shop and then walk together to Crazes where find Mrs. Beales come to find mister.  Norman takes prizes for dance.  From here on to Norman’s house and home after supper about 10.15.  Try on fancy-dress for to-morrow night and then to bed. 
Another day gone. 

Monday 7 February 1938

Nice and fine.  Fairly busy. 
Enid Rae sends a note in to mother saying unable to come to dance to-night.  Got a bad cold. 
Home soon after five and then to practise.  Harold eventually decides to go as a tramp to the dance and gets up very well, well enough to win a prize – set of cuff-links from Christys. 
Get changed into my pierrot costume, Mother as peasant from Bulgaria or thereabouts (costume from next-door) and Amy as Swiss Peasant.  Call at Mrs. Freeman’s on way to dance.  Joe also comes as a tramp.  Very good show of costumes.  Harold & I come home about ten and change into suits and go back again very refreshed and comfortable.  Have a good time, home soon after one but long time going to sleep.  Costumes worn:– Norman – Monsieur Beaucaire, Mrs Olsen – Bulgarian –, Kath Archer – Little Old Lady – Rhoda R – Old fashioned dress with bustle – Mrs. Wilkinson – “Night” – Mrs. Middleton “Juliet” – Miss Marriotts “Quality St. and Gainsborough,– Mrs. Craze – Old lady, Brenda – Kippy — and others. 
Received very welcome & overdue letter from Ron today. 

Tuesday 8 February 1938

A very dull morning especially to get up to after a late night.  No rain, however.  Funeral to-day of six of the crew of the “Leicestershire” who have been brought home. 
Pretty gruesome murder hunt going on in River Severn.  Torso recovered with arms and legs sawn off and missing parts have been recovered by installments.  Head also missing. 
Norman & Mrs. Craze selected two electric fires from Beadle’s to-day.  Called round on way from music-lesson.  One is quite O.K. but the frame of the other is too large and will have to be changed. 
Home 8-30.  Write to Arthur and suggest taking Sunday trip to Manchester to see Harold and him again. 
Also learn of Thursday trip to Leeds which shall have to enquire into. 
Dad goes to Mr. Thomson’s at night and not home till nearly 10-30. 
Tired and going to bed 10-45. 

Wednesday 9 February 1938

Showery to-day and dull.  More tired to-day than yesterday.  Not very busy.  Trying to hurry job on to-day re Civil Service and hope to get final particulars to-morrow by writing to the School of Accountancy. 
Mother rather better but not yet O.K.  Had a diet sheet from Mr. Gilliatt yesterday which tabulates the meals she has to have.  This stipulates porridge for this morning so we all enjoyed a breakfast of this. 
Talking to Mrs. Wakelin to-day and she tells me I am getting fatter and fuller in the face.  Hope not as have worried perhaps a little about this to-night. 
Mother to School.  Dad & Olive to choir-practise, Harold to Amy’s and Ray to Bakers’ Association free cinema show at the Central Hall.  Have fire in room so do bit of extra practise.  Get bills from station re trips to Leeds & Manchester.  The Leeds trip not much good but the trip to Manchester seems a good train. 
Ray went to Tower [cinema] as could not get in the bakery show.  – full house. 

Thursday 10 February 1938

Fine but very windy. 
Not very busy in morning and go up to Mr. Craze’s (on bike) to measure up for surround for his electric-fire.  Had cup of cocoa and piece of cake with Mrs. Craze. 
Mr. Bishop comes in about 2-15 for Dad to go to match.  Dad busy trying to strengthen garden trellis against wind but finishes off and Harold & I run them to the match.  Take dog with us and go on to the sands as last Thursday.  Very windy, rough and have a shower before land back at car.  Home 4-15.  Comes over very dull and heavy rain.  Run Olive to Ray’s shop and go to meet Dad from match but miss him as comes home in another car.  All go to Men’s Meeting at night (with Mr. Jackson) in car.  Dr. Martin from Ethiopian League on Abysynnia.  Address read and not very good but question time very good and interesting.  Nice old chap – Dad says like Uncle Tom in “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”.  Home soon after ten.  Take dog round square. 

Friday 11 February 1938

Fine, not windy, but very cold.  Get Office stove going at about 12 o’clock.  Go to shop in morning to see Mr. Wroot over the Civil Service business and get his affirmation of the advantages of this job.  Almost certain to take this now.  Have to consult Leslie Snelson for advice from an Inspector of Taxes.  Also write to all Chocolate firms reference Xmas Club. 
In afternoon do a couple of posters for Mr. Craze re Dance & Whist Drive on the 23rd.  Call at Aunt Olive’s on way home.  Do practise after tea, have bath and then do two more posters re Dance.  Mother to Mrs. Allen’s.  Olive & Ray to Strand, Amy comes and has bath.  Mr. Rea comes in for tobacco and stays a good half-hour talking to pa.  In bed about ten but come down in dressing gown to enter diary and return again about 10-20. 

Saturday 12 February 1938

Again very windy with occasional heavy showers.  Very busy in morning but manage to do another Dance Bill – the last.  Have a tussle to cycle back after dinner but get a good blow home.  Walk back after tea to find a lot of winners.  Town beat Birmingham at home by four clear goals.  Harold goes to match and Town apparently overrun the opposition.  Goals by Beattie, (who was signed from Huddersfield in exchange for Hinchcliffe on Thursday) Betmead, Shaw, and Coulter.  In the Cup Arsenal are beaten at home by Preston.  York, at home, beat Middlesborough and Liverpool, also at home, go out to Huddersfield. 
Home about 7-15 and make cup of cocoa.  Hear Skipper Mogg of Grimsby in “In Town To-Night”.  Music Hall as poor as usual.  Play dad a few rounds of darts.  Harold fetches Mother from Mrs. Allen’s.  Olive wins G. Cordingley’s sweep.  Only run two weeks (30/2)
Very high tides at Cleethorpes, Railway line damaged and service suspended. 

Sunday 13 February 1938

Sunday.  Wet again and not able to tennis.  Up about 10-30 and, in morning, play piano a bit and burn design for another tray.  (ballet dancers).  Ray & Harold clean car and chafe me for not helping them.  Dad getting ready for concert on Tuesday and hunting out ‘props’.  About 1.15 Mr. Jackson calls for Dad in car and go to Ulceby for “Messiah”.  Ray & Olive at Ray’s to tea.  After dinner do practise, listen to radio (C.H. Middleton & F.W. Grisewood – very good).  Harold fetches Amy and then go with them in car to Ulceby to fetch Dad home.  Home about 5.30.  At night all except self go to hear Horace Finch, Chas. Long, etc. at the Regal.  Thought was going to have a nice quite night but Geo. Lilly comes in soon after eight.  Play him darts and push-’apenny – losing at both.  Have supper together, take dog round square.  Family home 10-30 and run George home in car.  Very bad day with snow and sleet.  To bed after 11. 

Monday 14 February 1938

Busy today.  Many winners.  Still very cold but dry until night. 
Nothing particular to report to-day.  At night go to Dance as usual.  Snow a bit at night.  Dad goes to Thomson’s (Carr Lane) at night for concert practise and arrives home at 11-45!  Bit late starting for Dance as Harold trys unsuccessfully to mend choke on car.  Pick Norman & Mrs. Allen up and arrive about 7.45.  Talking about Mazurka but they (Mr. Beales) find they do not know it.  Have good time although not many turn up.  Come home about 11, bed half-past with touch of cold I think.  Enid Rea does not come as to-day her birthday and having party among themselves. 

Tuesday 15 February 1938

Not as busy but, I think, colder than yesterday.  Very raw. 
Mother rings Dr. Lavin up in morning as I want examination before definitely enrolling for Civil Service.  Says I can go ‘any time’.  Go up to-night only to be able to make arrangements to be examined on Friday night.  On from here to Mr. Crazes for lesson.  Not too bad.  Mrs. Osbourne comes in while I’m there.  Has had burglars in shop for second time in fortnight.  Only take cigarettes each time. 
Dad to concert in car at Barnetby.  Olive to Ray’s.  Harold to Amy’s.  Mother goes to Mrs. Lister’s but home about 8-30 as remembers has left heat under porridge on stove. 
Ray has sent my dynamo back to Millers for overhaul and now wants 3/2 for repair.  Quibble over this.  Harold pays, without my consent, and then claims the dynamo. 

Wednesday 16 February 1938

Fairly busy.  Nothing particular to report.  After tea do practise and then write to School of Accountancy for cost of text-books.  Olive & Dad go to choir practise but Olive has bad cold and comes home early.  Ray and I begin pulling the staircase to pieces for modernising to box the stairs in.  Only get a few pieces pulled down. 
Mother home about 9-30 and Dad about ten.  Get to bed about 10-30. 
Shortest report to date I think. 

Thursday 17 February 1938

Fairly fine but not particularly busy.  Traveller from Appleton’s comes. 
Home soon after 1 and after dinner prepare to make, with Ray, another attack on the staircase.  Have a long conference with Dad at the bottom of the stairs as to whether we should cut the knob off the bannister post.  Dad holds his own and the knob stays.  Get this bannister pole boxed in in afternoon. 
Mrs. Parton has operation on eye this afternoon and fairly poorly.  Ray borrows car at five and home after closing shop at eight.  Go up to Norman’s about 6-45 to see him and mother who has been ill.  Home about 8 and finish, with Ray, some of the stairs.  Then have a bath.  Supper, to bed soon after ten. 
Mother & Mrs. Fulljames to Empire to see “Silver Dominoes” (very good).  Dad & Mr. Bishop to pictures.  Mr. Bishop says Geo. going to Russia over salvage trawler. 

Friday 18 February 1938

Very sunny day but fairly windy and cold.  Not particularly busy but take all afternoon to do Tickets for whist-drive and dance run by Mr. C. for Musicians Union.  “Tickets” referred to are Tickets for prizes etc. 
Home soon after five. 
Dennis hoped to get home for week-end but cannot get now. 
After tea did practise.  Ray to dinner & tea and gets some plywood for stairs. 
After practise read “Telegraph” and then go to Dr. Lavin’s for examination re Civil Service.  Find quite fit except for rupture which he says requires operation.  Going to see Mr. Gilliatt about this.  Leave Watch behind and ring about this.  Home about 9-15.  Hear Ghost play on Wireless.  Amy comes in.  All amused about my rupture.  Olive & Ray to pictures. 

Saturday 19 February 1938

Nice day, fairly busy.  Not many winners to-day.  Feel quite fit. 
At night mother goes to Mrs. Allen’s and Harold then fetches her home in car soon after eight.  Listen to Palace of Varieties on wireless.  Herman Darewski chairman.  Fairly good.  Tommy Handley best. 
Paint tray design when come home.  Finish about 9-30.  Ray finishes off part of staircase and give him hand.  Fetch fish and chips for supper on Ray’s bike at 9-45.  Amy comes in at night.  Nothing else to report. 
To bed after 11. 

Sunday 20 February 1938

Fine but dull.  Harold & I get ready and call for Jack Walker to play tennis.  Not up and sends word downstairs that he is not going to turn out.  Ring Jack Cooper up and he won’t bother so have to play singles.  Had a good game – my scores 6–1, 4–6, 7–6 and Harold hurts his ankle in last game so pack up.  Home 1-15. 
Change after dinner.  Ray, Olive, Mother & Dad go for run in car.  May Armstrong, Mary & Brenda came to tea.  Found Brenda very amusing. 
After tea go up to Norman at shop.  Buy tube tooth-paste – Colgates Dental Ribbon.  Then round to house.  Mrs. Allen fairly well.  Home, after supper, about 10-15. 
Hitler makes speech to the world.  Anthony Eden retires and under-secretary as well. 
Things seem very complex. 

Monday 21 February 1938

Fine, dry and cold.  Fairly busy and nothing particular to record. 
Do practise after tea then run Dad and Mr. Bishop to Ritz.  Two good pictures & Stainless Steven.  Go from here to Wakelin’s for haircut and home 7-15.  Harold & I then run to Mrs. Allen’s dropping Mother at Mrs. Fulljames’ on way.  So to dance.  Have good time but not many there (24, I think) – Mother comes on later.  Mrs. Middleton does not come as Mr. M. is ill.  Miss Rea was coming but father has an accident and has to stay in to answer the door (i.e. Miss Rea).  Accumulator bursts in Mr. Rea’s face.  Five stitches in lips.  Home 11 and bed soon after.  Rang Leslie Snelson up re Civil Service but get no more help or information.  Hope to enrol to-morrow. 
Received letter from Margaret. 
Wrote to Arthur gives times of trip to Manchester. 

Tuesday 22 February 1938

Perhaps most important entry to date – enrol with School of Accountancy for course for Inspector of Taxes.  Hope this will be a success. 
Fairly fine but wet at night.  Not very busy. 
Do practise after tea from about six.  Colgates chaps in for about half-hour at tea time. 
Go up to Mr. Craze’s for lesson and get on fairly well. 
Come home and do more piano-playing.  Mother & Dad at home.  Dad takes dog for walk to Old Clee.  Mrs. Parton on the mend and has stitches taken from eyes to-day. 
Harold to Amy’s. 
Olive & Ray to Mrs. Parton. 

Wednesday 23 February 1938

Fairly fine and busy.  Nothing particular to report. 
Dance & Whist Drive to-night at Gas Co’s Rooms in aid of Musicians’ Union Benevolent Fund.  Run to Mr. Craze’s about 7 and run prizes to the room from his house.  Back home 7.30 and off again 8 o’clock with Harold, Dad and call for Amy.  Mother goes to School and comes to Dance later on with Mrs. Fulljames.  Have a good time.  Had to come back for dance shoes as forgot these.  All the Yarra crowd turn up in full force and have a real good time.  Trumpet player from Tivoli comes about 11-30 and blasts on his trumpet something terrific.  Spoils the band.  Dad plays whist but does no good.  Mrs. Kiddle wins first lady’s, ¼ ton coal.  Geo. Cordingley doorman, Mrs. C. plays whist.  All stay until finish (including Dad) and home 1-20. 

Thursday 24 February 1938

Again very fine and particularly fine.  Receive letter of acknowledgement and receipt from School of Accountancy.  Lessons to follow. 
After dinner go up to Mr. Gilliatt’s re rupture and guarantees to cure.  Have to go twice weekly.  Harold & Ray busy on staircase.  Dad goes to match with Mr. Bishop (Reserves).  Take mother for run in car.  Pick Mrs. Swaby and Mrs. Tinsley up when we see them out near Hewitt’s Circus.  Appreciated the run. 
After tea to hear Henry Rose at Mens Meeting.  Record crowd but address disappointing as did not touch on sport.  All about journalism but very interesting. 
Mrs. Jackson stays with mother at night, Mr. Jackson with us.  Home 10-20.  Mr. Jackson has supper and home about 11.  Take dog round square. 

Friday 25 February 1938

Received first lessons from S. of A.  Very interesting and very pleased with them.  Study in afternoon at Office and again at night.  Have dropped piano practice and lessons for time being. 
Nothing exciting happens. 
Geo. Lilly comes down about 7-30 and have an interesting night with him.  Harold & Dad at home.  Geo. out of work at the moment.  Play darts, talk and have some good fun. 
Have bath about 9-30. 
Geo. stays supper and home about 11 after Geo. & I have attempted to beat Dad in crossword-puzzle race.  Half-inch several words from Dad on the sly and eventually finish by filling empty squared with any letters we can think of.  Dad does find this out eventually.  Amy also in here at night.  Olive & Ray to pictures. 

Saturday 26 February 1938

Fine but dull. 
Johnny does not turn up to-day as has throat bad again.  Her sister (Miriam, I think) collects the coupons in, however, very satisfactorily.  Fortunately coupons easy to make and finished about 7-30.  Home wet through as tippling down with rain. 
Town win at Home, beating Huddersfield by four goals to two.  Gallacher scores his first league goal for Town and adds a second. 
Came home & listened to “In Town To-Night” – heard talking budgie on record – and Music Hall.  Latter fairly good.  Vic Oliver best turn.  Waters sisters also on good form. 
Had fish & chips supper.  To bed about 10-30. 

Sunday 27 February 1938

As expected too wet for tennis although a very fine day.  Dried up by noon. 
Got up about 10-30 and then studied from 11 o’clock to 1.  Very enjoyable. 
Ray & Harold clean car.  Dad goes to Laceby with Mr. & Mrs. Jackson – more “Messiah”.  Harold, Mother and Amy with self go for run in car in afternoon.  Home 4-30.  Leave Mother at home and then to Laceby to fetch Dad home.  After tea play darts & mess about until seven when walk up to Norman’s.  Rain about 6 o’clock but fair later.  Home about 10-30 after nice evening. 
Dad has a stiffish neck. 
Olive & Ray go to Concert at Regal.  Harold Hemsley & other radio artistes.  Very good but on smutty side. 

Monday 28 February 1938

Still fine.  Johnny comes back to Office.  Write to Margaret. 
Fairly busy in morning but find time for some study in afternoon at Office.  This continues at home after tea.  Ray’s mother on the mend but eye still far from being right. 
At night go to Dance but not many turn up (about 20).  Miss Rea comes with us.  Have a fairly good time but slower than usual.  Norman not too well.  Working too hard with spring-cleaning. 
Home soon after 11 and to bed soon after.  Dad’s neck a bit better. 

Ralph’s Diary:  March 1938

Tuesday 1 March 1938Shrove Tuesday

Pancakes for dinner to-day of course. 
Found plenty of time for study at night as well as a good bit at Office.  Find English fairly easy.  Science fairly so – and interesting.  Accountancy – getting better as understand more – Economics seems a queer subject but perhaps most interesting of the lot. 
Go to Mr. Gilliatts at 2 o’clock and taking 2 month’s course. 
In between study at night fetch some more wallpaper samples as some mother got not suitable.  These for landing & stairs.  Ones I fetch do not get much approval.  Also run mother to Mrs. Lister’s. 
Finish study about 9-15.  Very tired and to bed about 10. 
Ray & Olive to Mrs. Parton’s who is not very well. 

Wednesday 2 March 1938

Nothing particular to report.  Fairly busy.  To Bank in morning.  Did some study and continued at home to-night.  Ran mother to School and then ran some rolls of wallpaper back to Ideal Wallpaper Stores.  Swop these for a pattern book but cannot find anything very suitable.  Ray & Dad busy on stairs.  Harold to Amy’s. 

Thursday 3 March 1938

Very nice weather.  Get some study in in morning and soon after dinner we all make an attack on the staircase and landings.  Harold chisels out the wall in top landing to take conduit tubing but creates an hole big enough to take a drainpipe.  Ray & I have to patch this up at night.  Dad goes to Reserve Match with Mr. Bishop.  Olive opens shop for Ray.  I do a bit more study at night.  Well up to date with these.  Start on stairs again about 7 o’clock and don’t finish until nearly ten.  Dash for a bath then.  Very tired. 

Friday 4 March 1938

Not particularly busy.  Nice Day and do plenty of studying. 
Go to Mr. Gilliatt’s in car at 1-20 and home 20 minutes later.  Nothing exciting until night when do study and then change and go to Gaiety to T.B.  After Care Committee Dance (2/6).  Norman was coming but unfortunately not well enough.  750 dancers and our party was Mr. & Mrs. Beales, Mr. & Mrs. Middleton, Mrs. Wilkinson & 2 friends of Mrs. Beales.  Had a good time and enjoyed looking on as much as dancing. 
Geo. Lilly comes round before going to live at Scunthorpe to-morrow. 
Mother goes to Adult School Dance at Albert St..  Harold busy on the stairs.  Amy comes in.  Olive & Ray to pictures.  Home from dance at 1-15.  Mr Middleton running me home in car. 
Mr. Middleton & Mrs. Wilkinson win prizes. 

Saturday 5 March 1938

Johnny turns up.  Rather busy and only get about 1½ hours study in to-day.  Town lose by odd goal in five at Everton.  Coulter & Gallacher score.  Town now dangerously near bottom of table.  York draw at home to Huddersfield in Cup.  Replay Wednesday.  Not many winners this week. 
Home about seven.  Mother gone to Mrs. Allen’s and fetch her home in car.  Norman bit better. 
Home again about 9.15 and find everyone in.  To bed about 10-30.  Going to Bolton to-morrow. 

Sunday 6 March 1938

Up about 8.45 and ready for trip to Bolton.  Harold runs me to station in car, train goes 8.40.  Nice day but dull at Manchester where arrive about 1.45 and find Harold & Arthur waiting together with car and friend – Stanley.  Go to Bolton in car and meet Arthur’s two sisters and mother.  From here go for run round Bolton & district & then to Arthur’s brother to tea.  (Frank & Elsie).  Meet Lewis – Arthur’s nephew. 
All very nice people and have a very good day altogether. 
Home about 1-15 a.m.  after good journey.  Arthur sends mother bowl of hyacinths which get home safely. 

Monday 7 March 1938

Up as usual and not tired.  Not very busy as not many winners. 
Home soon after five and do some study.  Change at 7-30 and then run Mrs. Allen to Dance.  Come back home then go back to Yarra with Mother, Harold & Amy.  Miss Rea not coming as has a lot of sewing to do.  Dance on until 12 o’clock.  Dad & Mr. Bishop go to Ritz.  Have good time at Dance and back home about 12-15.  Straight to bed. 

Tuesday 8 March 1938

Tuesday.  Nothing particular happens.  Do plenty of study during day and continue at night.  Dad, Mother & Mr. Bishop went to Tivoli to see “Carroll Levis’s Radio Discoveries”.  Understand very good. 
Olive & Ray to Cleethorpes.  Amy goes home ill from shop and Harold goes up at night. 
Nice weather. 
Write to Arthur at night.  Also to Dennis. 

Wednesday 9 March 1938

Usual sort of Wednesday.  To bank etc..  Study both at home & office.  At night run mother to Adult School.  Came home & went up in car to see Mrs. Parton who was not in, however.  Ran Thelma to chapel to take part in some pageant or other. 
Olive to choir practise. 
Dad busy on staircase.  Ray does a bit and listen to wireless.  Take dog round square. 
Amy not better. 

Thursday 10 March 1938

Another nice day but dull towards noon.  Do bit of study in morning and more at home at night.  Continue our now usual Thursday afternoon drive on the staircase.  Harold white-washes landing ceilings, dad paints and grains, Ray busy on light switches.  I do nothing particular except mooch about.  Did try to get the blow-lamp going (broke needle point inside nozzle when trying to clean – Ray gets it out) but unsuccessful after three times.  Do study after tea and then on to Men’s Meeting with Ray, Dad & Mr. Jackson.  Harold goes to Amy’s.  Bishop of Leicester at meeting on “Christianity and the Racial Problem”.  Very good but simply an elongated sermon.  Mr. Wood very good.  Home 10-15 & bed soon after.  Mother been to concert at Park St. 

Friday 11 March 1938

Study at office and more at home at night.  To Mr. Gilliatt’s at 1-30.  Tells me I’m improving.  Go to Mr. Wakelin’s for haircut after tea.  Home soon after 6 and then study until 7-30.  Dad does more painting on staircase.  Harold to Amy’s.  Olive & Ray to pictures.  Mother shopping.  Saw Mr. Watson this morning who tells me Dennis is coming home for week-end. 
Very bright day.  Took dog round square and then had bath. 
Received letter from Ron.  Invites me to Leeds for Easter & suggests Isle of Wight for holidays. 

Saturday 12 March 1938

Another very nice day.  Notable day for Town who beat Wolves 1–0 at home.  Wolves top of Division.  Town have only 10 men for most of game (Vincent hurt).  Coulter scores. 
Not many winners.  Home about 7-15.  Harold to Amy’s. 
Music Hall fairly good.  Turns include Ronald Frankau, Sandy Powell, Will Fyffe, Elsie Carlisle & Sam Brown.  Did not think as good as expected. 
Have a yarn at night.  Bed about 10.30. 
Grave situation in Europe where Hitler has walked into Austria and taken control. 

Sunday 13 March 1938

Was surprised to find Jack Walker almost ready when we called for him for tennis.  Was down about a quarter of an hour after us.  Had fairly good game.  Dennis walked round about 12 o’clock & had a knock with us although he wore his suit.  In afternoon Dennis comes round and go for run in car to Immingham with Mother & Dad.  Very nice day.  Harold at Amy’s.  Dennis to tea and after few games of darts and a vain attempt to strike a match with a dart go for walk to Cleethorpes.  Walk round boating lake & back home via sands & Suggitts Lane.  Home about 9-15.  Feet very tired.  To bed about 10-15.  Mother & Dad walk up to Amy’s at night. 

Monday 14 March 1938

Dennis goes back to-day. 
Received letter from Margaret. 
Very nice day.  Fairly busy up to afternoon when do study. 
Home soon after five and continue study from 5-30 to seven o’clock. 
Harold runs Dad & Mr. Bishop to Regal.  Say good picture. 
Mother & I then go on to Dance.  Harold does not come but goes to Amy’s who is much better. 
Have fairly good time but don’t feel like dancing at all.  Sit out a lot. 
Arrange to go to Royal with Norman on Thursday night. 
Home about 11 and to bed soon after. 

Tuesday 15 March 1938

Weather still very nice. 
Nothing exciting happens. 
Do study at Office and at home at night. 
Ray home about 7-30 as Olive goes to shop to relieve him.  Ray & I then start on papering landing and stairs.  Get a good lot done. 
Mrs. Fulljames comes to tea (got bad cold) & then goes to Oriental Revue at Scouts Hut in Carr Lane where she is pianist for the Scout show.  Mother goes and says it is a good show. 
Olive to Mrs Partons. 
Harold to Amy’s. 
Dad does some painting. 
To bed, very tired, 10.30. 
Write to Ron and suggest going to Leeds Thursday April 14th to Monday night. 

Wednesday 16 March 1938

Fairly busy.  To bank etc., in morning.  Study bit in afternoon.  Nearly finish all first written solutions. 
Home soon after five.  Mother been to the Leamington. 
Do more study after tea.  Harold goes to Amy’s in afternoon & has afternoon off, (don’t know why he should). 
Mother goes to School & Dad to choir practise.  Olive relieves Ray at shop again & we continue with papering.  Olive home about 8-15 and then on to choir practise. 
Get good bit more papering done.  To bed 10-45. 

Thursday 17 March 1938

Another nice Thursday. 
Olive not very well.  Goes to shop but has to come home again. 
After dinner Ray & I start papering again but things don’t go very well and get back-ache as well.  Dad does painting.  Harold takes Mr. Watson & Norah in car to see Mrs. Watson who is about the same.  Have not own car and have to borrow one from Wyatt’s as he has own under repair (brakes & steering). 
At night go to Royal, Cleethorpes with Norman, Mother & Dad.  Principle act very good – Giovanni – The World’s greatest pickpocket.  Half an hour good entertainments.  Takes a chaps braces off etc..  Other turns only fair. 
Walk home with Norman and then call at Amy’s who is much improved.  Home about 10 o’clock. 

Friday 18 March 1938

Weather still very fine but rather windy. 
Get a lot of study in at office and continue at home at night.  Olive very poorly.  Mr. G. comes to see her and says she will soon be alright.  Mother sat up with her all night. 
Go to Mr. G’s for treatment before dinner.  Home soon after five.  Study and then cut some lengths of wallpaper which Ray fixes when he comes home.  Finish pasting etc about 9.30.  Take dog round square then have a bath. 
Dad busy painting, etc.. 
Harold to Amy’s. 
To bed about 11 o’clock. 

Saturday 19 March 1938

Olive no better and send for doctor Lavin to-day.  Comes about 2-15 and orders immediate removal to hospital for operation (appendicitis).  Ring up at 7 o’clock but not operating to-day. 
Mother very worried as we all are. 
Fairly busy but finish about 7-15.  Johnny does not come today but understand has throat bad again. 
Home about 7-30.  Go to Ray’s in car about 8-15 to give result of phone message. 
Dr. Lavin rang up at night to enquire of Olive. 
Town lose by 5–1 at Arsenal.  Outclassed.  Coulter scores. 

Sunday 20 March 1938

Mother rang up hospital about 8.30 and told they were getting ready for operation.  Thought they were operating this morning but ring up again at 12 o’clock & say not operating until to-morrow.  Ray, mother & dad go to hospital in afternoon.  Find Olive fairly well. 
Play tennis in morning (Jack Walker turns up at 11.45).  Had good game. 
Home 1.30.  Had first new potatoes for dinner which Harold & I bought between us.  Very nice. 
Do bit of study in afternoon and at night go to Norman’s via the shop. 
Home soon after 10.  Very good Spelling Bee on wireless.  Under 20 versus over 40.  Young ones lose badly by 24 points to 37.  Good entertainment. 

Monday 21 March 1938

Olive has operation this afternoon.  Ring up at 5 o’clock and not out of anithestic.  Ray goes to hospital at 6.15 but still not come round.  Have to ring up at 10 o’clock.  Hear then that “condition is satisfactory” so all more settled. 
Do study in afternoon and more at night. 
Go to dance on own and only 14 others turn up.  However, have a good time.  Go to Mrs. Parton’s to let them know of latest news of Olive.  Also call at Mrs. Freeman’s. 
Bring Mr. & Mrs. Olsen home in car. 
Another very nice day – quite warm. 

Tuesday 22 March 1938

Not very busy but did plenty of studying which continued at home at night.  Olive comfortable and at night Ray goes up to see her.  As well as can be expected. 
Took some oranges for Olive to Ray’s shop on bike.  Ran dad & Mr. Bishop in car to Palace (picture no good) & then took mother to Mrs. Lister’s.  Write letters to Olive and Arthur. 
Ray home soon after 8 and finished papering upstairs and did a bit downstairs. 
Started a book from Ray’s library, “Bulpington of Blup” by H.G. Wells. 
To bed about 10.30. 
Went Mr. Gilliatts. 

Wednesday 23 March 1938

Mother, Ray, Harold, Amy and Mrs. Parton went to hospital and were all pleased to find Olive fairly well. 
All come home here & I then ran Dad to choir-practise, Amy home, Mother to Adult School & Mrs. Parton back home.  Dad been to Lincoln races.  Home about 6.45. 
Write letters to Margaret and Mr. & Mrs. Holford. 
Ray home at usual time and used all paper we had left in passage downstairs.  Find we shall want 2 more rolls of paper and mother has only ordered one. 
Tired, to bed about 10-15 together with book which read a little before putting light out. 

Thursday 24 March 1938

Weather still holds remarkably fine for time of year but little colder to-day.  Nothing particular to report. 
After dinner all became active.  Ray & I put frieze up in our bedroom, Harold busy staining, Dad does some painting (very ineffective) and then goes to Reserve match.  Glover playing centre-forward in second match of season scores 3 goals.  I do a bit of burning off near front door & Ray alters door frame. 
At night all go to Men’s Meeting.  A debate on the amalgamation of the two boroughs [Grimsby and Cleethorpes].  Councillor Hewson in favour of amalgamation puts a fine case and Croft-Baker, opposing, also good but has the worse case.  Hewson gets all the support and I favour amalgamation.  One of the best meeting of the season. 
Broadcast from Tivoli Theatre tonight but no-one hears it.  Understand, however, very good. 
Olive very comfortable. 
Mother to Ada Kempster’s at night. 

Friday 25 March 1938

Dad & Harold arrived at shop this morning to find policeman waiting for them.  Found burglars had effected entry into the night, taken the back off the safe and got away with nearly £30, mostly silver.  Girl next door heard noise in shop at 1 a.m. but just didn’t bother to do anything about it. 
Did some study at office and continued at home.  Mother took some things to Olive at hospital and had a few minutes with her.  Going on very nicely. 
Pa Bishop comes in at night and Mr. Dixon also calls.  Talk safes, burglaries & Mens Meeting most of night. 
Had a bath.  Bed about 10.30. 
Lot of rain to-day but quite a change as first wet day for several weeks. 

Saturday 26 March 1938

Fairly fine again.  Johnny not yet better and not back at work.  Olive still improving. 
Nothing exciting happens.  Mother not too well.  Has bad back and goes to Mr. Gilliatt in afternoon.  Has torn muscles in back. 
Still held up for wallpaper although we got two rolls today but they send wrong lot.  More wait. 
Study a little in morning. 
Home about 7-30.  Read a little.  Harold & Amy go to pictures. 
Take book to bed but lights out about 10.45.  (That’s wrong.  DID NOT take book)
Rain at night. 

Sunday 27 March 1938

Got out of bed about nine o’clock when it was fairly dry.  Come down for book and after reading some time find it is raining.  No tennis. 
Up finally about 10-15.  Study & read all morning & in afternoon Mother, Dad, Ray, Alice & I go to hospital in car. 
Was pleased to find Olive so well.  Walked home on own from the hospital. 
Amy to tea.  All in very good mood.  Went to Norman’s at night.  Suppered there and home about 10-15.  Ray & Dad been to Craze’s in car. 
Olive says Florence Wharton is her night nurse now.  Cannot remember her. 
Had a tune on flute & clarinet before going to Norman’s.  What a row! 
To bed about 10.30. 

Monday 28 March 1938

Nice day again to-day. 
Received letters from Ron & Dennis.  Fairly busy but found time for some study in afternoon. 
Home soon after five.  Had tea and then did more study, until about seven. 
Harold ran Dad & Mr. Bishop up to Regal to see “Prizoner of Zenda.” – very good. 
Change and to Dance with Harold, Amy, & mother.  Only sixteen there again and not so enjoyable as last week.  Mrs. Wilkinson did not come as busy cleaning. 
Home soon after eleven – car steering very groggy.  Found our beds full of coat-hangers and stuff.  Only Ray getting his own back as we put a pile of knitting needles in his bed last night. 

Tuesday 29 March 1938

Harold up soon after seven this morning to adjust steering of car, but not very successful.  Think he must have been too tired.  Spring [the dog] not very well but soon pulls round. 
Do plenty of study in morning.  Leave Office soon after half-past-four with Harold & Dad to see Town Play Sunderland.  A rotten game & town lose 2–0 although they were rather unlucky. 
Home about 6-45.  Have tea and then write to Olive.  Mr. Bishop comes in for few minutes.  Harold & Dad to committee meeting at shop. 
Ray home soon after 8 and we then finish papering landing, stairs & hall.  Finish soon after 10 after having to patch up owing to shortage of paper.  A good job done at last. 
Black pom run over at corner here. 
To bed about 11-15. 

Wednesday 30 March 1938

Not very busy.  To Bank etc. in afternoon.  Study in afternoon.  Arranged to take some music for Mr. C. to Tom Johnson’s at Cleethorpes from Dyas the auctioneer at night. 
After tea did bit of study, then run mother & dad to hospital.  Went & fetched music and – what a pile!  Filled back of car & some of front as well.  Came home, back to hospital, saw Olive for about a couple of minutes.  Back home and Ray and I did some painting – the [illegible] downstairs. 
Finished about ten.  Sup. & to bed about 10.30

Thursday 31 March 1938

Nice day – fairly busy.  Did some study, however, in morning. 
Home about 1-15 and after dinner made our usual attack on the staircase etc.  All very busy.  Harold, Dad, Ray and I all busy.  Mother scraped paper off in Olive’s bedroom. 
Did study after tea and waited for Ray coming home from shop and then went to Strand together. 
‘Souls at Sea’ with Gary Cooper – very good.  Home about 10-45.  Mother & Dad been to Concert at Park St. (Dad taking part). 
To bed soon after supper. 

Ralph’s Diary:  April 1938

Friday 1 April 1938

April 1st but no pranks such as are usually associated with this date.  New milk bar opened in Freeman St. 
Not partic. busy but only do about an hour’s study.  Start again at home about 5.30 and continue until 7-45.  This is, I think, the best sitg I have had. 
Ray & I start papering Olive’s bedroom about 8-20 and all finished at 9-50.  Very good going.  Harold & Dad busy painting. 
Had a bath at ten o’clock.  Bed at half-past with book. 

Saturday 2 April 1938

Just usual sort of Saturday.  Did some study in morning and again at home for few minutes. 
Town lost at Brentford by 6 goals to 1 (Craven) this being heaviest defeat of season to date.  Coulter hurt and off field for most of match.  Town now bottom of division. 
Listened to Music Hall, just fair. 
About ten o’clock Dad decided to varnish picture rail over landing.  Give him a hand but splash the paper and he wasn’t particularly pleased about this.  Neither was I. 
To bed about eleven. 

Sunday 3 April 1938

A strong wind persists but weather fine.  However, tennis as usual and, also as usual, Jack Walker rolls up about 11-40. 
The wind spoils the game, however, and we pack up early. 
All to hospital in afternoon.  Find Olive on the mend and very comfortable.  Mother, Dad, Harold, Ray, & Amy go in car and I walk up. 
Amused the family by cutting my eyebrow with a razor blade after shaving.  A silly sort of accident. 
Go to Norman’s at night via shop.  Listen to spelling-bee.  Women v Men.  Women win easily. 
To bed bit before eleven. 
Dad, Ray & Mr. Bishop went down docks in car to-night.  Meet young George [Bishop] home from Salvage job at Norway.  Exceptionally high tide. 

Monday 4 April 1938

A busier Monday than usual as plenty of winners.  Find time for study in afternoon. 
Home soon after five.  Have tea and then study.  Went to Pa Bishop’s to see if going to pictures with Dad but not home until 6-30.  Going to-morrow. 
Went to Wakelins for hair-cut but full house and did’nt bother. 
Came home, changed and mother and I went to Dance with Reas in car.  Harold & Amy did not come.  Had a good time.  Only sixteen there which seems to be a standard number nowadays. 
Home and to bed soon after eleven. 

Tuesday 5 April 1938

Not particularly busy. 
Mother Dad & Mr. Bishop go to Tivoli to see Blackpool Follies.  Say these are very good. 
Ray busy on kitchen door. 
Went to Ray’s shop at night for bulb for kitchen and a writing pad.  Wrote to Ron and Arthur, which took up most of night. 
Went to Mr G’s at dinner time but only there a few minutes as he was busy
Sent my second lot of solutions off to the School. 
Haircut at Wakelins after had run Mother & Dad to Tivoli.  Fetched them home again as well. 
Bought a copy of ‘Farmers Weekly’ to assist writing of question on Scientific Farming”. 

Wednesday 6 April 1938

Weather fine but cool. 
Nothing exciting happens.  Do study both at home and at Office. 
Dad takes car to Moss’s for repair and borrows “Standard” to go to hospital in.  I drive home from here.  Very nice car to drive. 
Ray, Mother, Dad & I pleased to find Olive still improving.  Mary Rutledge also visits her.  Had not seen her for a long time and she has altered a lot. 
After hospital help Ray with the kitchen door and take dog round square at about ten-o-clock. 
Harold at Amy’s. 
Jack Walker offers to fetch me home from Leeds in car on Easter Monday as he will be in the district. 

Thursday 7 April 1938

Study in morning and after tea. 
All busy in afternoon.  Dad varnishing, Harold burning off, Ray and I finishing and fixing modernised kitchen door. 
Dad takes dog on fields soon after dinner, takes him off lead and loses him.  Find him at about 6.30 in Columbia Road when going to Mens Meeting. 
Banquet night at the meeting and have a good time and not home until 11-15.  See Jack Walker there and he tells me to get a return railway Ticket when I go to Leeds and Joyce will use the return half! 
Mother stays in and writes to Arthur at Bolton and May Purser (Mrs. Crow). 
Bed 11.45. 

Friday 8 April 1938

Study all morning but fairly busy in afternoon. 
Ian Cocking comes in to Christys in afternoon to see Mr. C. who does not return from an errand until over an hour after Ian Cocking arrives although he left word that he would’nt be long.  Have a nice long talk with Mr. Cocking and find him a very nice fellow. 
Home soon after five, study until 6.30 when have bath.  Then write to Olive. 
Go to Strand with Ray to see Jeanette MacDonald in “Firefly”.  Not too bad but much too long and too much Spanish shouting, dancing, and singing for my liking. 
Mother brings some papers in and we choose those for room and kitchen. 
To bed 11-15. 

Saturday 9 April 1938

Town beat Manchester City by 3 goals to 1.  Glover in his second game of the season scores two goals.  But Town still bottom of the Division. 
Do some study at home and at office.  Ray’s mother bit better from the ’flu. 
In rather a good mood somehow at night and have a good time.  Mother to Mrs. Allens and I fetched her home in car at about 8.30. 
Ray and Amy in at night. 
Bed about 10.30. 
Pleased to know that Olive is coming home on Monday. 

Sunday 10 April 1938

Quite a respectable day for a Sunday but bit on the cold side.  Put clocks on last night. 
Harold and I call for Jack Walker for tennis but not up and arrives about 12 o’clock.  Did not matter much, however, as other Jack did’nt turn up and Harold and I had a good knock at singles. 
Mother, Dad, Ray and I go to hospital in afternoon.  Find Olive nice and comfortable.  Looking forward to coming home. 
Studied about 2 hours after tea and then went with Ray in car to see Mrs. Parton and then left car on front and had a walk on prom.  Nice night. 
Dad & Mrs. Jackson been singing at Park Con. in “Olivet to Cavalry [Calvary]. 

Monday 11 April 1938

Olive home to-day and straight to bed.  It does seem good to have her home again. 
Not specially busy and study in afternoon and after tea. 
Last night at Yarra and arrive about 8.30.  Very few more than usual turn up. 
Home again soon after 1-0 as this was a “long night”.  My night was spoilt however by Mrs. Olsen who during the Lancers took offence because she said I had deliberately refused to dance with her.  This was quite a fallacy as I did nothing of the sort.  Our set was wrong with the music which gave cause to the misunderstanding.  She would not, however, accept my explanation. 
Brought Norman & Mr. & Mrs. Olsen home in car.  Mrs. Allen in bed with a bad cold. 

Tuesday 12 April 1938

Some study in morning and again at night (shall soon be tired of making entries to this effect). 
Olive little better and seems to be improving nicely.  Mr. Craze calls to see her in afternoon.  Mrs. Craze still away at Manchester. 
Dog gets out after tea but one of the Short girls brings him back later on. 
Dashing about over wallpaper for room after tea but get fixed up eventually.  Do sign for Ray for Mr. Bascomb at the fish-shop. 
Listen to play on wireless “The mysterious cabinet of Dr. Kalligarie”.  A German thing but very ridiculous. 
Bed at 11 after having sat up to listen to the play above. 
Had a queer taste of salt in my mouth all day. 

Wednesday 13 April 1938

Not much study at Office but managed an enjoyable 2 hours after tea. 
Quite a nice day and went to Bank in afternoon.  To Ray’s and Wallpaper Shop in dinner-hour. 
Ada K. and Olive cycle down in afternoon and stay tea.  Going home about 5.30. 
Got a new pair of long white flannels to-day from shop to take to Leeds.  Also a pair of greys which, however, are too small. 
After study begin, with Ray, papering front room.  Dad busy painting.  I knock off about 9-30 to have bath, etc.  Ray carries on and does bit more after supper.  Get some of paper matched wrong as it matches across two widths.  Arrange to meet Jack Walker on Monday at 5-o’clock at Black Prince. 
Off to Leeds to-morrow! 

Thursday 14 April 1938

Thought I was going to get a free trip to Leeds to-day per Mr. Simmons of Appletons but after some deliberation decides [sic] I had better go by train.  Geo. Cordingley brought me a halibut to take with me to Leeds.  Mother cleaned this and managed very well.  Set off at 3.28 after much dashing round at home and arrived about 7.46 instead of 7.12.  Ron waiting at the station. 
Found Ron and parents quite well.  Had a nice meal and then had a walk with Ron.  Came back and played cards with Mr. & Mrs. Hildyard.  Had supper and then to bed nearing one o’clock.  Train journey very tiring and monotonous. 

Friday 15 April 1938Good Friday

Another very nice day although sun does not get through until afternoon. 
Mr. & Mrs. Varley, Ron & I set off to Scarborough at about 11 o’clock.  Stop at several places for lunch before getting fixed at the “pigeon Pie”.  Very nice lunch but the service was superiorly slow.  Was rather amused at the proprietor and his wife. 
Ron and I took tennis racquets and most we saw of Scarborough was in running round trying to find a tennis court.  Have a good game then home again.  Arrive about 8 o’clock. 
Have halibut for tea – thought this was very nice.  Then run down in [sic] Post-Office in car to post some cards of Ron’s.  See Mr. Varley’s Garage in West St.. 
Home shortly after. 

Saturday 16 April 1938

Morning:– Up soon after nine.  Ron and I then go to “Meanwood” for a game of tennis.  Have quite a good game. 
Afternoon:– Ron, Guy and I go to see Leeds v Wigan Rugby League.  This is the first Rugger Match I have seen and although quite enjoyable think soccer much better.  Two Leeds men and a Wigan chap get sent off after a free fight.  Good stuff this.  Found Ron was stood next to Mr. Emerson, traveller from Leeds.  Had a good chat with him. 
Night
Ron, Guy & I go to Leeds Empire to see Will Mahoney.  Very good show.  Home about eleven.  Very good day. 

Sunday 17 April 1938Easter Day

Come down this morning and find a nice Easter egg at my breakfast place.  Not up until after ten this morning.  Ron and I went for game of tennis at Meanwood but found Courts closed and went up to the Hollies.  Did not have a very good game as it was very cold and windy.  Ron won. 
Rather late for dinner after which we changed and rested.  Fooled about at tiddley-winks and had quite a good game especially when Guy came to tea, and joined us. 
After tea went with Guy and Ron to Golden Acre Park.  Had a “do” on the Slot Machines and shooting range.  Very cold and was pleased to catch bus home.  Had a few more games of tiddley winks when we got home until Guy went home at 10.30. 
Supper and to bed. 
French Person, an elderly lady, stopped Ron & I on way to tennis court and wanted to find cinema.  Let Ron do his best with her. 

Monday 18 April 1938

Still cold but fine.  Had game of tennis at Meanwood in the morning, changed before dinner and had a walk into Headingley in afternoon.  Intended buying a few things but all shops were closed.  Had a rest until 4 o’clock tea after which Ron and I set out to meet Jack Walker at the City Square. 
Found him about 5.15, left Ron and went on to Jack’s aunt where they had tea.  I just had a cup of tea with them.  Set off home about 6-30 and arrived soon after nine.  Jack’s lady friend who was in the car seems a nice girl. 
Found Olive improving and sat out of bed.  Dad and Ray busy papering room. 
To bed about 10-15, very tired. 
Ron & I have decided on Lyme Regis for our holidays this year.  Middle two weeks in July. 
Town lose 3–0 at Portsmouth.  Now bottom of Division 1. 

Tuesday 19 April 1938

Back to work today.  Did not go down so badly, however.  Not very busy in afternoon and study for hour and do two more hours after tea. 
Got to know that Ray had been “agitating” and upsetting things at the week end. 
After study wrote to Ron and Arthur and then took dog round the square. 
Dad & Mr. Bishop go to “Regal” at night.  Pictures fairly good.  Variety at the Royal again this week.  Nosmo King and Florence Oldham. 
Bed at nearly eleven o’clock. 
Wrote to Ron. 

Wednesday 20 April 1938

Not a bad day.  Did about 2 hours study in afternoon and more at home at night. 
Mr. Craze goes to Manchester in afternoon to see Mrs. Craze and Aunt.  Olive now downstairs and improving steadily. 
Mrs. Parton & Thelma come down at night to see Olive. 
Ray busy papering front room.  Dad gone to Barnetby with Mr. Thomson’s Concert Party.  Home soon after 11 with a chicken he has bought after a raffle. 
Amy to tea. 
Bed 11.30. 
Jack Ray [Rea?] has had an order from Gamages for a month or two arrives to-day. 

Thursday 21 April 1938

Weather fairly fine.  Little study in morning. 
All busy after dinner.  Ray finishes papering room.  Harold looks inside the car engine and Dad painting upstairs. 
I mess around a little.  Got the secretaire in middle-room now for me to study etc.  Shift this to side of room out of corner.  Take a couple of snaps in afternoon.  One of Olive and one of some anenomies (flowers).  Ray takes film to Mr. Paynes. 
After tea do 2½ hours study.  Dad and Mr. Bishop up to Tivoli. 
Mother squares the front room up but finds the curtains have shrunk about 9 inches in the wash! 
Posted a tablecloth to Mr. & Mrs. Varley. 

Friday 22 April 1938

A little rain in morning.  Rain now badly wanted all over the country as we have had a drought now for several weeks. 
Busy in morning.  Mr. Craze comes back from Manchester and back to Office in afternoon.  Did bit of study late in afternoon. 
Home soon after five. 
Fishcakes for tea, after which did about 2½ hours S. 
Been Mr. Gilliatt’s to-day. 
Ray & Amy in at night. 
Mr. Bishop also comes in and after study have game of snooker and billiards with him, Dad and Harold.  Quite enjoyed it. 
Had bath about ten o’clock.  Bed about 10.30. 
Had expected to hear from Ron before now but no letter has arrived. 

Saturday 23 April 1938

Dull but cold.  Nothing exciting to report.  Town win at home beating Blackpool by only goal of match.  Lewis scores.  But Town still at bottom of table.  Do some study in morning at [sic] more at home at night.  Olive keeps improving. 
Lot of winners to-day on all pools except 3-draws.  Home soon after seven, however, as Johnny back at work. 
Mr. Jackson came in at night to see Dad about Cycle. 
Some little rain at night.  Do not know whether we are playing tennis or not this [word deleted] to-morrow morning. 

Sunday 24 April 1938

Dull this morning.  Up at 9.30 and went to Mrs. Moss’s in car to see if we would play tennis but no one in.  Went round to Jack Walker’s but he also had heard nothing so had to call it off.  Did about 2 hours study in morning and another two hours after dinner so did fairly well. 
Olive, Mother, Ray and Alice Snelson went for run in car in afternoon.  Dad went for run in Mr. Bishop’s car.  Mr. Bishop and Alice stayed to tea.  Alice looks very different with her teeth out.  Ran her home after tea and saw Aunt Lilian and Uncle Albert at the gate.  First time for years.  Then had run to Cleethorpes.  Came home and had game of snooker with Ray, Dad & Mr. Bishop and then on to Normans about 7.30.  Saw Olga Short outside their house in Manchester St..  Had talk with her.  Arrived Norman’s about 8.  Home soon after tea.  To bed about 10.45. 

Monday 25 April 1938

Busy with the winners but soon got through them and finished third lot of papers in afternoon.  Sent these away at night.  Mother busy cleaning kitchen and was annoyed at her for not finishing before 9.30.  Got supper ready and took dog round the square.  Olive very tired and to bed at 9.30.  Ray has an easy night in the room.  Did about hour’s study at night and then wrote letters to Margaret, Dennis and Harold. 
Received letters from Ron & Mr. Varley and booked for holidays at Casens after left office at 5 o’clock.  Lyme Regis.  July 9 to 23rd. 
Harold to Amy’s and Dad & Mr. Bishop go to palace to see “The Rat”. 
Ray to bed early about 10.20. 

Tuesday 26 April 1938

Very nice day but very cold.  Not very busy and do some study at office. 
Mr. Emerson traveller calls from Spakes in afternoon. 
Home soon after five. 
Go to Wakelins in car when dad comes home.  Call at Jacksons on way home to tell Mr. Jackson about cycle. 
Mr. Bishop has wire to ring William up at London as Mrs. Bishop has been taken ill and had to call doctor in.  After Ray comes home set to to paper kitchen.  Dad and I helped and we finished the whole job by 10.20 (2 hours).  Very good going. 
Heard Scrapbook for 1928 on wireless.  Budget-day and 6D extra on income tax, now 5/6, 2D on tea and 1D on petrol.  Heard Sir John Simon discuss his budget on wireless. 
To bed 10.45.  Tired. 

Wednesday 27 April 1938

Still cold and rather dull.  2 hours in afternoon and more at home at night. 
Mrs. Fulljames came to tea. 
After an hour study and about 7 o’clock ran mother and Mrs. Fulljames to Adult School and took Olive for a run on the Prom at the same time. 
Home 7.30 and did another half-hour’s study.  Messed about at night.  Got a stain out of middle-room table with water & vinegar and cleared the wash-basin pipe upstairs.  Ray reading in room most of night. 
Olive going on nicely.  Doctor been to-day. 
To bed about 10.30. 

Thursday 29 April 1938

Study in morning and after tea.  Dad took dog on fields about seven and lost him as usual.  Home about seven and none the worse.  After dinner went with Ray to see about some library books in Lichfield Road.  Too dear, though – £30 for 500 books and fittings. 
Came back and helped Ray fit two new North British tyres on car.  Good tyres these. 
Received letter from Arthur. 
Messing about with ball in yard after tea with Harold broke window in aviary door. 
Took mother, dad and Olive for run.  Went to Arthur Kiddle’s bungalow but no one there.  Inspected new house in North Sea Lane on way home.  Home 7 o’c. 
Dad, Ray and I go to ‘Palace’ to see ‘The Rat’ with Anton Walbrook.  Very good picture with six other supporting pictures, all very good. 
Arthur Kiddle & Mrs. came to see Olive soon after we had gone to pictures.  Stayed supper but gone when we got home. 

Friday 29 April 1938

Weather seems to get colder.  Called at Mr. G’s for last time.  Says I am cured.  Did 2 hours study in morning.  Busy in afternoon. 
Home soon after five, tea and study till seven. 
Then played Harold at snooker, losing three games.  Dad came home and I beat him twice.  Harold comes in again and we have a threesome.  Had some good fun.  Think I win most games. 
Ray and Amy at home. 
Had bath about ten o’clock followed by onion gruel and did not sleep very well.  No wonder. 
Had to call mother and dad up at 8 this morning as they were both fast asleep. 

Saturday 30 April 1938

Fairly busy.  Rather cold but fine.  Town win at Derby by 2–1 and now stand a chance of staying in division 1.  Not much of a chance, however.  Preston win the Cup by beating Huddersfield by only goal of match scored in last minute of extra time with a penalty. 
Leeds lose the Rugby championship to Hunslet.  Bradman scores 258 against Worcester in first match of Australian tour.  H.W. Austin loses singles at Bournemouth to Japanese bloke [actually Chinese: Kho Sin Kie]. 
Lot of winners. 
Home soon after seven.  Study till eight and then fetch mother home in car from Mrs. Allens.  Home about 9 from there.  Mr. Bishop came in about 10 o’clock to ring Nicholsons up to get news of Mrs. Bishop.  Seems she is improving. 
To Bed about 10.20. 

Ralph’s Diary:  May 1938

Sunday 1 May 1938

Up quarter to ten.  Have seen nothing of Jack Walker in the week about tennis court as don’t bother to go down and see him.  Did a couple of hours study instead.  Harold & Ray clean car. 
After dinner change and mooch about.  Amy to tea. 
Mother, Dad, Olive & Ray go for run in car in afternoon.  Get tea ready. 
After tea have few games of snooker with Harold & Dad and then went down docks and to Cleethorpes in car with Harold, Dad and Amy.  Tide very rough and washing over prom at Cleethorpes. 
Home about 7.30 and then go with Ray to Regal to hear concert with Reginald Dixon.  Very good.  Home 10-20 and heard bit of Spelling Bee on wireless.  B.B.C. v Listeners.  Latter won. 
Bed about 11.0. 

Monday 2 May 1938

Fairly busy but get above quota of study done at home and at office. 
Home at five at [sic] then studied until about seven and then mooch around and read paper.  Resume studies 7.30 to 9.30 when Ray, Dad and I have a game snooker.  Win all the games. 
Sent some snaps on to Ron which I forgot to send when I wrote yesterday. 
Had some rain in the night but bright, cold and windy. 
Olive keeping much better and walking about as usual now. 

Tuesday 3 May 1938

Quite a nice day but still rather windy.  About 2 hours study in morning and another hour at night. 
Mr. Solomon called in about 6 o’clock to see Olive.  Olive been waiting in all day for doctor who doesn’t turn up, however.  Australians win first match of tour against Worcester. 
About 6.30 ran Mr. & Mrs. Craze for a run with Olive and mother.  Went as far as Tetney.  Rather funny happening at Holton-le-Clay level crossing where woman & boy stand gaping up the lines for trains.  One turns up after 5 minutes wait. 
Mr. Bishop at home playing snooker, with Dad and Ray. 
Bought some fish & chips home for supper from Fox’s. 
Bed 10.30. 

Wednesday 4 May 1938

Another nice but windy day. 
To Bank etc.. in morning and fairly busy all day.  Manage an hour in afternoon and finish at home at night after tea. 
Well in front with the studies now. 
Run mother to School and to fetch medicine for Olive from doctors.  Have to go twice for this and on way home conk out of petrol in Carr Lane.  Call at Mr. Jackson’s and borrow his bike to come home for petrol can. 
Ray & I slip up to Mr. Craze’s about 9 o’clock.  Home 9-30.  Ray plays snooker then with Dad & Mr. Bishop. 
Finish at 10 o’clock. 
Olive been to see a friend this afternoon whom she met in hospital. 

Thursday 5 May 1938

Did quota of study at Office this morning as not very busy.  Dad gone to Hull to have his eyes tested. 
After dinner Ray goes up in car with Harold to Mr. Craze’s to mend his step.  Harold brings the car back and does not wait.  Olive gone up and staying tea.  Ray home soon after four. 
Cut Hedge in afternoon.  Started about 2 o’clock & finished at four.  Quick work.  Dad swept up.  Harold busy in aviaries. 
Have some games of snooker etc. with Harold after tea.  Ran Dad & Mr. Bishop to Tower [cinema].  Then mooch about, did bit of study. 
Took dog round square. 

Friday 6 May 1938

Not very busy.  Study at home and at night.  Olive out most of day.  At night played snooker with Dad, Harold and Mr. Bishop.  Had some good games.  Harold and I too good for the opposition. 
Left off about 9.30 to have a bath but water not hot enough. 
Mother goes on pier to listen to Don Twidale and his band.  Harold fetches her home in car at 9-30.  Amy in here at night. 
Took dog round the square. 

Saturday 7 May 1938

Cold and showery to-day. 
Town have to beat Chelsea to-day to avoid relegation.  Do this (at home) by two clear goals (Beattie & Glover) and outplayed Chelsea.  Say we should have had about 30 goals in this match.  Result of Town’s win is that West Brom and Manchester C. change places with Aston V and Manchester from division II. 
Do 2½ hours study over the day. 
Not many winners.  Home about seven.  Listen to Music-Hall.  Flotsam and Jetsam very good.  Also Georgie Wood.  Ran up in car to Mr. Allen’s about nine o’clock to see if should go up to-morrow night (yes). 
Came home and had bath.  Heard finish of 6-day cycle-race on wireless at 4 o’clock.  Very good. 
Bed about 11.30. 

Sunday 8 May 1938

Up 9.30.  Tennis all blued in now, as club has started in the court.  Busied about all morning (washed hair, etc.).  Decided would not do any study to-day.  Harold & Ray busy on car.  Dad has walk down docks and sees 50 odd trawlers come in. 
In afternoon Ray, Dad, Mother & Olive go for run in car.  Harold to Amy’s.  I stay and get tea ready. 
After tea beat dad several times at billiards and snooker.  About 7.15 go to Normans.  Dad and others to Craze’s in car and drop me at Manchester Street end. 
Walk home, arrive soon after ten and to bed half-hour later. 

Monday 9 May 1938

Fairly busy and only do about an hours study & at night finish off other hour and a half. 
Nothing particular to report.  After ten run Dad to hospital match, Town v Hull C.  Town win 7–3.  Go to meet him at 8.10 as arranged but he must have come home at 8.9 and missed.  Sat and waited about 20 minutes in car and took dog and then came home and found dad home before I was.  Played dad a few games of billiards and snooker and won them all. 
Ray takes dog for run to fish shop and then gives him a bath. 
Nothing else to report. 
Received letter from Ron. 

Tuesday 10 May 1938

Fairly busy.  Did 1½ hours in morning and same again at night.  Nice day but still very cold. 
Get paper today for middle room and when Ray comes home at eight o’clock, put a new frieze up. 
After tea did study and then played Harold a game or two of snooker.  Ran up to Norman’s in car to deliver pair of slippers.  Did not stop but just had run up to Cleethorpes in car and then home and helped Ray as above. 
Dad & Mr. Bishop went to Savoy to see “Return of Bulldog Drummond”.  Say not very good. 
Watch stopped on Sunday and won’t go.  Have to have this repaired I expect. 

Wednesday 11 May 1938

Not a particularly exciting day and nothing particular to report. 
Study as usual over day and night. 
When Ray comes home begin papering middle-room and get quite a lot done. 
Have one game of snooker with Mr. Bishop.  Olive been at Mrs. Partons for the day. 
At night Dad goes with Mr. Kiddle and Mr. Elliott to see Mr. Elliott’s father at Louth.  Home about 8.30. 
Bed 10.30. 

Thursday 12 May 1938

Very busy somehow this morning.  No time for study.  All want goods with end of football season. 
Home soon after one o’clock and after dinner finish papering room with Ray and then begin taking some floorboards up that Ray was going to replace.  Pa began showing me how to do it so packed up and left him to it.  Changed before tea. 
After tea went to Strand with Norman to see Deanna Durbin in “100 Men and a Girl”.  Very good picture. 
Statute fair opens to-night at the top of street & mother & dad go up at night. 
Try to do some study when I come home from pictures. 
Received letter from Arthur. 

Friday 13 May 1938

Not so busy to-day and did some study which continued at home at night. 
Had a few games of snooker and then went to fair with Harold and Amy about nine o’clock.  Was surprised at the size of it and did not get home until 10.30 although I anticipated having a bath.  Had to go without and Ray had had one. 
Dad busy beating Mr. Bishop at snooker. 
Mother learns to-day that Mr. Fulljames died at 3.30 this morning.  Dad had taken Mrs. Fulljames for run in car last night.  Died in hospital from blood-poisoning. 
Bed 10.45. 
Mrs. Craze back from Manchester with Aunt (and furniture). 

Saturday 14 May 1938

Fairly busy but do study.  Money for last Saturday of football season comes in very badly. 
Weather very warm but showery towards night.  Finished to-day at half-past-four.  Played Harold a game of snooker after tea and then did some study until 8 o’clock. 
Sent my fourth lot of papers away to-day. 
Nothing else to report.  Went to bed at 10.30 but no rest until after 12 on account of the fair and lots of buses knocking about. 

Sunday 15 May 1938

Busy on billiard-table all morning.  (Up 9.30) Ironed the board, washed the balls, etc. 
Harold, Amy, mother & dad went for run in afternoon whilst I did study. 
Get tea ready. 
Could not make up my mind after tea whether to go for run in car or go up to Norman’s.  Went in car at finish and had good time at Grimsby Park.  Home 8.45. 
Ran up to Norman’s in car but no reply. 
Olive at Mrs. Partons to tea. 
Bed about 10.30.  Wrote to Ron in afternoon. 

Monday 16 May 1938

Busy in morning but manage study which continue at home after tea. 
Mother & Olive go up to the fair and Dad walks down later on.  Hear Gracie Fields in Monday Night at Seven – quite good. 
About 8.20 went for run in car to Cleethorpes leaving Ray at home playing snooker with Mr. Bishop.  Took the dog with me and walked him from pier to bathing Pool and back.  Very nice night.  Home about nine and had a few games of snooker with Dad, Ray and Mr. Bishop (now plain ‘George’ at the moment). 
Bed about 11. 

Tuesday 17 May 1938

Another nice day.  Plenty of study to-day.  More at home at night.  After dad came home ran him and Mr. Bishop to the Ritz and then on to Wakelin’s for a haircut.  Home about 7.30 and ran mother to Mrs. Listers.  Bit more study and then wrote to Arthur. 
Six killed and 50 injured to-day in accident on the London Underground. 
Ran up to Cleethorpes in car but beginning to rain.  Went up about 9.30 to meet dad out of pictures but do not see him and he does not get home till 10.20.  Seen two good pictures and stay to see some twice. 
Cut more cuttings from papers for my scrapbook which has been rather neglected of late. 
Bed 11.15. 

Wednesday 18 May 1938

Nothing particular to report.  Did some study at Office and more at home at night. 
Very wet and cold but Olive, Dad, Harry Fairbanks and Gertie went to York in car, to races, of course.  Dad wins a shilling. 
Tried my pantograph out at night, a gadget recently purchased for enlarging pictures, photographs, etc.. 
Dad home about 9 o’clock. 
Stuck the cuttings in my scrapbook which I cut out last night. 

Thursday 19 May 1938

Finished work about ten and then came home to go to York in car with Harold and Geo. Cordingley.  Set off about 10.30 but had some trouble on the way with a slipping clutch.  Harold tried to adjust it several times but an R.A.C. chap finally fixed us up.  Arrived at York at 1.30 & left car at Gertie’s and just in time for first race.  Had a good day and won just enough to cover all expenses.  Had tea at Gertie’s and home about 8.30.  Very cold, dull and showery and had a nice warm and rest when got home. 
Had read and bed about 10 o’clock.  Very tired. 

Friday 20 May 1938

Nice day but rather windy.  Plenty of study and quite made up for yesterday’s which, of course, did not get done.  When Dad & Harold come home had game of snooker with Ray, Dad, & Mr. Bishop.  Harold came in after first game and I played a few duets with Olive (tried to, that is). 
Was going to have a bath but water not hot enough. 
Amy in at night. 
Bed 10.30. 

Saturday 21 May 1938

Did some study in morning and Mr. C. said there was no need to go back in afternoon.  Home 1 o’clock, enjoyed ham eggs and chips for dinner.  Had dad a couple of games of billiards and then painted the ceiling in the place opposite the door.  Rotten job.  Also had bath before tea. 
Mrs. Fulljames came to tea, after which I had couple of games snooker with Harold.  Studied after that until 8 o’clock and then finished and just talked rest of night until I had a bath. 

Sunday 22 May 1938

Up 9.30.  Dad, Harold & Mr. Solomon go to Mr. Hackford’s at New Holland about suit.  Home bit before one. 
Studied most of morning.  Ray messed about in aviaries.  Both changed before dinner. 
After dinner Mother, Dad, Olive & Ray went for run in car to see “Minnie” at Caibourne who Olive met in hospital.  Did not get home until 5.30.  I messed about on piano, took dog to Old Clee via Fish House Lane & then got tea ready.  Heard “Ghost Spelling Bee” on wireless, not much. 
Went to Norman’s at night.  Mother (Mrs. A.) not very well.  Home 10.30.  Ray been on own to hear Henry Croudson at the Queens. 

Monday 23 May 1938

Study over day as usual.  Tried “Ghost Spelling” between ourselves at dinner-time but not very successful.  Argue too much. 
At night Dad begins doing back kitchen ceiling with Compo which Ray & I finish when he goes in Bishop’s.  Daff Bishop home until Sunday.  At 9 o’clock took dog on sands in the car.  Quite a nice evening.  Dog enjoyed a good scamper.  After supper had a few “general knowledge” questions from the Sunday papers. 
Bed at 11 o’clock. 

Tuesday 24 May 1938

Nothing particular happens to-day.  Studied in morning and at home at night until 8 o’clock with a game or two of snooker with Harold in between.  Dad & Mr. Bishop to Regal to see “Life of Emille Zola” very good picture.  Olive been to Savoy in afternoon also seen good picture. 
Listened to Carroll Levis Discoveries but not very good.  Then had a bath.  Mother to Mrs Listers & Mrs Fulljames. 
Very wet today.  Ray takes dog round square at 10.15. 
Listened to some of Royal Command Concert on wireless. 

Wednesday 25 May 1938

Did about an hour’s study at office and finished at home at night.  Typing labels most of day.  About 8 o’clock ran Mr. Solomon up to Haycroft St and Cromwell Road.  Home just before nine.  Had game of snooker with Dad, Ray and Mr. Bishop. 
Mother been to Broughton lily woods but did not find even one lily.  Home 9.30. 
Dad to Scunthorpe in morning with Harold Kiddle & Mr. Solomon.  Home before dinner. 
Hear to-day that Olive & Ray to be married in September. 
Received letter from Ron. 

Thursday 26 May 1938

Did bit of study in morning (1½ hours) and no more. 
After dinner Harold & I had a game of tennis at Barretts (2.30).  Was not much of a game.  A Draw.  My sets 6–0, 2–6. 
Home before 4.  Mother to Gilliatts to Alice Snelson.  I get tea ready. 
Ray took Olive out to Caibourne this morning in car to “Minnies” where Olive stops for day.  Dad, Mother and I go and fetch her home soon after tea.  Home 8 o’clock.  Fetch Pa Bishop for game of snooker and Daff comes as well.  Have a few games before supper. 
Dad took dog on fields and dog rolled in some dirt and had to be bathed. 
Received letter from Arthur. 

Friday 27 May 1938

Study over day as usual and more at home at night.  When Dad and Harold came home had game of snooker with them and Mr. Bishop. 
Olive goes to doctor’s to-night and gets taken off the club after ten weeks on it. 
Nothing else to report of any importance. 
Amy in at night.  Olive & Mother go to Craze’s from the doctor’s and Ray fetches them home in car. 
So to bed. 

Saturday 28 May 1938

Very wet day to-day.  Not very busy.  Home about 1 o’clock and in afternoon did study until about four o’clock.  Then had a bath and got down just in time to hear Clinton-Baddeley do his readings.  Very good. 
After ten had a game of snooker with Harold and then walked back to Christys and took dog with us.  Went back to fetch catalogue for billiard cloth as having table recovered. 
At night listened to wireless and fetched Mother home in car from Mrs Allen’s.  Mr. Bishop comes in. 

Sunday 29 May 1938

Up at 10 o’clock.  Others not up until an hour later except, of course, mother and dad.  Dad up first by the way.  Ray cleaned car, Harold the aviaries and I studied and then wrote re billiard cloth and blazer. 
Harold & Amy with Mother & Dad go for run in car.  I change, play piano a bit, and then cut bread (3.30) and get tea on.  May Armstrong comes to tea with two girls.  George Lilly also turns up tea-time from Scunthorpe.  Have few games of snooker with Harold, Dad, & Geo. and Harold then runs me up in car to Norman’s shop.  Walk home with him and have to borrow his mac to come home in over my overcoat as it tipples down with rain from 10 o’clock on. 
Bed about 11. 

Monday 30 May 1938

Another wettish day.  Fairly busy but get plenty of study done. 
Mr. Bishop and Dad go to Strand and come home disgusted. 
Harold to Amy’s. 
That’s all. 
Wrote to Harold (at Bolton)
Wrote to Ron as well. 

Tuesday 31 May 1938

Still more rain.  Put 6D each way on Portmarnock for Derby to-morrow.  Busy all day typing list out of goods in the Xmas Catalogue. 
Home soon after five.  Studied until seven.  Rather cold and Olive lit fire in room for us to have a game of snooker.  Ray and Mr. Bishop have a few games and Dad and I join in at 9 o’clock after I had been in Bishop’s about half-hour and then came home and wrote to Arthur. 
Ray pokes Mr. Bishop on his throat with his billiard cue and Mr. Bishop turns very bad but sticks the game out. 
Very gusty at night.  Bed 11 o’clock. 

Ralph’s Diary:  June 1938

Wednesday 1 June 1938

My Derby bet goes down.  Bouis Roussell wins and I am out altogether although I am in Harold’s sweep and Geo. Cordingley’s as well. 
Busy running around printers and shops for roll of labels in morning.  Telling them all at home that I have fell for the young lady in the National Cash Register shop.  Anyhow, she was nice. 
Mrs. Fulljames comes to tea with mother and goes back to school with her.  Dad goes in Mr. Bishop’s and learn that he has been at home all day with a badly swollen throat.  Ray goes in after supper.  Olive to choir practise. 
Still more rain and very heavy at night.  Shall soon be fed up of this wet weather. 
Bed 10.45. 

Thursday 2 June 1938

Have decided that further entries may as well be in pencil.  Did study in morning and also in afternoon which, by the way, was rather windy and wet.  Ray sat about whilst Dad messed about.  Mother and Olive went to “Westlands” to tea, Olive getting our tea ready before she went. 
Had some games of snooker and billiards with dad at night.  Did a bit of study but Olive and mother came home before I had done very much.  Brought some big jig-saw puzzles home with them. 
Went in to see Mr. Bishop at night who has a bad back and a bad face caused through Ray hitting under the chin with a billiard cue on Tuesday night.  Off work and not much better. 

Friday 3 June 1938

Not a bad day but still cold.  Ron coming from Leeds to-morrow morning.  Did study at office and more at home at night.  Busy typing labels in afternoon. 
At night ran to Norman’s in car with Harold (borrowed car; ours in being re-bored, took it in on Tuesday) to take a Mac back which I sent to be cleaned with my flannels. 
Olive & Ray walk to Strand. 
About 8 o’clock, Harold and I go looking for the “Biggest Ever” Procession.  Called at Moss’s to see car then walked up Freeman St and down Albion St & Oxford St where saw procession.  Home 9-45. 
Had a bath. 

Saturday 4 June 1938

Resting studies. 
Left Office at 11 o’clock and met Ron on the 11.20 train at Town.  Found him very fit and well.  Went up to Barretts and booked a court for the afternoon. 
Played couple of hours singles in afternoon and came off very tired at 2 sets each. 
Mr B. had game of snooker with Ron whilst I slipped back to Christys to do result sheets.  Ron and I then went to Palace and saw the Ritz Bros. in a picture which was far from good.  Get fed up of the Ritz Bros after about ten minutes. 
Ron & I sleeping together in front bedroom. 
Got car back to-day. 

Sunday 5 June 1938

Up about ten o’clock and at 10.45 Ron, Harold and I walk round to Denis’s who is home for the week.  Walk with Dennis round boating lake and had coffee at Bird’s Nest.  Home by bus at 1 o’clock. 
After dinner Mother, Dad, Olive & Ray go to Sutton in the car.  Ron and I walk to Old Clee, via “Fishhouse Lane” and then come home, get tea ready and have game of snooker until family arrive home. 
Dennis comes round after and Ron, Dennis, Mr. Watson and I go to Louth in car.  Looking for Manby but could not find it.  Left car on front at Cleethorpes and had walk along front.  Home before tea. 
Geo. Lilly been in and just see him before he goes. 

Monday 6 June 1938

Windy rather, but important tennis match at Baretts matures.  Harold & Dennis v Ron and self.  Losers pay and won by odd set in five after losing 2–1.  Very good game.  Challenge Ron & I to snooker etc. and win again 2–1 after being one down and same thing at darts at night.  Dennis stays tea after which Ron, Dennis & I walk to Cleethorpes.  Mother, Dad, Amy & Harold out in car.  Nothing much at Cleethorpes so went to Royal to see Jasper Maskelyne.  Not bad but rest of show very poor and smutty.  Olive & Ray thought it a good show.  So did Mr. & Mrs. Walker who were also there.  Walked home with Ron from Old Clee over the fields.  Home 11.20.  Harold in bed. 
Bed about 12 o’clock. 

Tuesday 7 June 1938

Saw Ron off with Harold at Docks station.  Went up in car.  Harold ran me to Christys and I walked back home and there and back again after dinner.  Think I shall keep it up.  Slipped up on bike to Wakelins for haircut after tea.  Did study at office and home. 
Dad & Mr. Bishop to Regal.  Picture was good.  Mother to Mrs. Lister’s.  Olive & Ray at home. 
Played piano, studied, pressed grey suit, entered diary etc. at night.  Nothing else to report. 

Wednesday 8 June 1938

Did study as usual during day.  Nothing particular to report.  Busy typing labels all afternoon. 
Dennis slipped to Office in afternoon and arranged game of tennis for night. 
Had two hours on Barretts from 7 to 9 and enjoyed very much.  We won 3 sets although Dennis held the 3–2 advantage and therefore won the match. 
Went to Blackburn’s as I came home to see if Eddie was home to make a 4th to-morrow afternoon but he was’nt.  Pedal dropped off of byke and fixed this when I got home.  Then took dog round square and then had a bath (tepid). 

Thursday 9 June 1938

Did quota of study in morning so did not have to bother in afternoon when Harold & I went to Barretts with Dennis for tennis.  Been unable to get a fourth so we mix up at singles and have some good games. 
After tea went round to see Dennis and walked up the Prom. to Bathing Pool.  Tossed a coin to see whether we should go up to boating lake or turn back to pictures.  Came down wrong and trapsed round the boating lake back up the Prom to nearly far end and back again to Ash’s where Dennis showed me how to play snooker. 
Trolley bus to Park St.  Home eleven o’clock.  Very tired. 
Received letters from Arthur and Harold. 
Ray & Dad completed covering billiard table in afternoon. 

Friday 10 June 1938

Received letter from Ron who arrived home safely and apparently had a good time at Grimsby. 
Did plenty of study and typed more labels. 
England make good start at Nottingham in the Test Match. 
Studied bit at night and had game of snooker with Dad, Harold and Mr. B.  Dennis came round about 8 o’clock and joined in.  Been to see his mother who is no better.  Playing snooker I could do nothing right at all. 
Amy had a bath. 
Bed about 11 o’clock.  Olive & Ray been to Savoy. 
Bed 11 o’clock. 

Saturday 11 June 1938

Did study in morning and after tea.  England break many records in Test Match and dec. at 658 for 8. 
Home about one.  Listened to test match reports in afternoon and Australia close at 138 for 3. 
Had a bath in afternoon as well. 
After tea did bit of study then walked to “Perrits” [music shop] in Freeman St and bought two 6D bits of music.  Walked up to Riby Square and walked home down Victor St.. 
Tried music out when I came home: Not much. 
Had a game or two on the billiard table at night. 

Sunday 12 June 1938

Up about ten.  Did not feel like swotting so helped Ray clean the car.  Ray busy mending fault in ball race of back wheel with the assistance of Mr. Bishop.  Dad gets a new washer from Moss. 
Did half-an-hours study after dinner then time to get tea ready.  Just completed as Mother, Dad, Harold & Amy get home from run in car. 
Go for run in car after tea with Harold, Amy and Mother, round Louth and about.  Games of snooker before and after.  Dad down docks with Mr. Bishop but home 7.30. 
Sat in car on prom. for about quarter-hour eating ice cream watching folk go by. 
Bed 10.30. 

Monday 13 June 1938

Study over day as usual. 
After tea ran mother & dad to the Tivoli to see the Repertory Co.  Not up to much (the play) but company not so bad. 
Olive washed her hair. 
Mr. Bishop came in soon after Dad had gone and played a few games of snooker with Harold. 
Had talk with Ray & Mr. Bishop & then go for a few games of snooker. 
Bed about 10.30. 

Tuesday 14 June 1938

Mother off to-day on bus excursion to Ilkley Moor with Adult School.  Set off at 7 o’clock. 
Nothing particular to report.  Dad & Mr. Bishop went to Ritz.  Picture not much and come home early. 
Had few games of snooker with Harold and then changed and went on pier.  Had a couple of dances and came home at 9-30 (arrived 10 o’clock) to get supper ready etc.. 
Mother home 11.20.  Dad & Mr. Bishop came from pictures early and played snooker at home. 
Bed about eleven. 
Wrote to Arthur. 

Wednesday 15 June 1938

Usual sort of day. 
Mother to Adult School. 
Olive to choir-practise but found there was’nt one when she got there.  Home soon after. 
Wrote to Ron. 
Dad and Ray played snooker at night. 
Nothing else to report. 

Thursday 16 June 1938

Studied in morning and before tea.  In afternoon did a few odd jobs and trimmed hedge up a bit. 
Harold & Ray sorted birds up.  Mother to Gilliatt’s with Alice. 
After tea had run in car with mother & dad.  Got a bit lost but landed home soon after nine.  Had a few games of snooker etc. with Dad. 
Olive & Ray home about 9-30.  Been looking at some houses.  Ray then has game of snooker with dad. 
Bed 11—

Friday 17 June 1938

Continuing nice weather we have been having lately, still very fine to-day. 
Nothing exciting happens.  Studied as usual.  Had a game or two of snooker at night and then messed about playing “cricket” in yard with Harold. 
Dad took dog for a walk and he forsook dad in favour of another dog.  Went out on my bike looking for him round Pasture St., Convamore Road etc. and eventually located him in the fields.  Came home without him as had a job to catch him.  When I hooked my handkerchief through his collar he slipped out of it very neatly leaving me with the collar hanging on the handkerchief.  Harold & I walked up street and met him coming home.  Very dirty and smelly.  Harold had to bath him.  I bathed myself.  Olive & Ray to pictures. 

Saturday 18 June 1938

Did some study in morning and finished after dinner.  Got a new pair of swimming trunks and tried them on.  Quite nice. 
Listened, as usual, to Mr. Clinton-Baddeley’s readings from Barchester Towers.  Always very good. 
After tea changed into Flannels and walked up Freeman St. to Riby Square looking at shops.  Back up to Pasture St. where had to shelter from heavy rain.  Bus got held up at Railway crossing so jumped on this and landed home soon after 7.30.  Rain soon over & dry. 
Had few games with Harold. 
Sneaked to bed about 10-30. 

Sunday 19 June 1938

Up before ten.  Dad gone fishing for the day with Mr. Bishop (in Mr. Bishop’s car) to South Somercotes.  Ray and I clean car in morning and Harold goes to see Harry Pearson’s pigs.  Evidently got about 50.  Uncle Bob came round to see dad soon after he had gone. 
About 2-15 set off in car with Ray, Olive & Mother to Skegness.  Land at Butlins Camp and have a look round.  Hear Leslie Woodgate conducting choirs (at the camp) Some musical rally.  Nice place but too big.  Prefer W.T.A. [Workers’ Travel Association]
Home about 8.30.  Dad gone to Cleethorpes.  Ran up in car but didn’t find him.  Had bit of tea in Skeg. but ready for supper which have about 9 o’clock. 
Played dad several games of crib and won them all before go to bed at 11 o’clock. 
Took dog round square.  Big fire on Blackpool pier. 

Monday 20 June 1938

Quite a nice day.  Study over day.  Fairly busy in morning. 
Dad ran Mother & Olive up to Musical Festival at Church Hall (St. Peters).  Dad then took dog for run, collected chickweed, etc. 
Mr. Bishop in for some time but went home at 9 o’clock. 
Dad & Ray had game or two of snooker then I played dad few games of crib and he was able to avenge his defeats of last night. 
Did not go to bed until after eleven.  Harold home as I went to bed. 

Tuesday 21 June 1938

Busy writing posters in morning.  Study in afternoon and after tea.  Dad and Mr. Bishop to Strand to see “Count of Monte Cristo”, very good. 
Mother to Mrs Listers and Olive to Ray’s mother’s. 
Waited until Dad came home in car (9 o’clock) and then went on the pier.  Had a good time.  Home about 11. 
Bed soon after. 

Wednesday 22 June 1938

Study over day as usual.  Started another poster.  Like writing posters in spare time. 
Mr. Bishop came in at dinner-time and arranged to go fishing. 
Raining hard at five o’clock but we set off about six when the rain has eased off.  Ran mother to Mrs. Fulljames first and went together to musical festival at Mill Road. 
Got fishing about seven o’clock.  Home 10.20.  Fishing was particularly enjoyed because I caught a couple of big fish (10″ long each and weight 9/10 oz).  Brought them home to show Harold and for Mr. Solomon to eat. 
Bed 11-15. 

Thursday 23 June 1938

Dull to-day with showers.  Sent another completed set of studies away and did not bother to do any more. 
Cut stencil for Ray at home in afternoon after I had run mother to Musical Festival on the Pier.  Received letter from Arthur who is arriving 6-10 on Saturday. 
Harold got new silencer for car from second-hand place in Columbia Road which Harold and Ray fitted.  Dad busy painting garage. 
Played a game of two of snooker at night.  Was going to the Strand and went to get my suit out of the wardrobe but changed my mind instead. 

Friday 24 June 1938

Second Test Match starts to-day.  England bat first but make a poor start but recover very well over the day.  Nothing particular to report.  Wrote to Harold & Arthur at dinner time.  Mr. Rea came in and sold us some raffle Tickets for the Toch H. 
Mother goes to Musical Festival on the pier.  Does not come home to tea but arrives at 10.30.  Did study after tea then had game of snooker, rolled garden, etc..  Had couple of games of doubles at snooker with Dad, Harold and Mr. Bishop.  Amy gets supper ready. 
Olive & Ray to pictures in the car. 
Had a bath. 

Saturday 25 June 1938

Fairly busy in morning but did some study. 
In afternoon listened to Test match which was broadcast all afternoon and also did some study.  Also listened to Mr. Clinton-Baddeley. 
After tea, changed at [sic] went in car with Harold to meet Harold & Arthur who arrived at 6-10 prompt.  Both look very well and just the same. 
After tea walk with Harold & Arthur up Fish-House Lane, via Old Clee to Cleethorpes where Harold meets us in the car at 8.30 at fountain.  Had a lot of fun watching a cricket match on the sands and also two dirty little lads who were playing ‘cricket’ with a spade and ball. 
Fish & chips for supper.  All busy talking at night. 
Bed about 11.30. 

Sunday 26 June 1938

Up about 9.30.  Went for long walk in morning with Harold, Arthur and Harold.  Up Fish House Lane, Peaks Fields, out at top of Hainton Ave., and back by Peoples Park. 
After dinner had game of “bowls” in garden with tennis balls & old golf ball.  Alice came to tea.  At about 3.30 went as far as Bathing Pool in car with Amy and boys and walked on to sands and had game with ball.  All got our shoes very muddy with going across the golden sands.  After tea finished our bowling match and whilst playing a taxi and car had a collision on the corner.  No one hurt.  Dad went to Mens Association Rally in afternoon. 
At night Harold, Amy, Mother & Alice went for run in car.  About 8 o’clock had game of solo with Dad, Harold and Arthur.  Enjoyed this very much.  Arthur gave us tune on piano whilst they were getting supper ready.  Altogether a very good day. 
Bed about 12. 

Monday 27 June 1938

Fairly busy to-day.  Did about an hours study.  Went to book a court at dinner time for to-night although weather very dull and windy. 
However, wind drops a bit and we have a very good game (Harold, Harold, Arthur and self) and only interrupted by one shower. 
Home 9 o’clock.  Harold goes to Amys.  Run mother & Olive to Cleethorpes & back while dad, Ray & others played snooker.  Arthur and I had tune in middle room for about half-hour whilst getting supper ready. 
Harold home 11.30 and begin game of solo with self, Harold, Dad and Arthur.  Finished at quarter to one after very good game. 

Tuesday 28 June 1938

Still showery and windy.  Harold & Arthur go up to Cleethorpes in morning.  Did bit of study in morning.  Harold fetched me home in car at 3.45 and went together to see Harold and Arthur off on the 4.15.  Hope they enjoyed their stay as much as we did. 
Did study after tea and then went to see Tom Walls and my own Jane Baxter in Second Best Bed at the Palace.  Very good and Jane as nice as ever. 
Ran to Cleethorpes in car with mother but raining. 
Bed about 10.30. 
Received letter from Ron. 

Wednesday 29 June 1938

Did some study over day and more at home at night until 6.30 then went to Wakelins on Bike for haircut.  Still windy.  Did bit more study when I came home and then fixed bike up with new chain wheel and crank.  Managed this quite well.  Finished 10 o’clock.  Ray & Mr. Bishop & Dad had some games of snooker. 
Harold to Amy’s in car.  Mother to School. 
Bed 10.45. 

Thursday 30 June 1938

Did couple of hours study in morning.  Not a bad sort of day.  Home soon after one.  Had dinner mooched around and looked at paper.  Tried to get sunburnt sitting in the window in the kitchen after putting some sun-tan oil on my face but it did not work. 
Harold did work in shed and had few games of snooker before tea with him.  Ray went to Smith’s in car and Dad then ran mother in car to Gilliatts to see Alice. 
Did hours study after tea and then had run down to Cleethorpes in car with Dad.  Saw Mr. [and] Mrs. Craze on the front and took them for a run.  Home about 8.30. 
Wrote to Dennis while Dad had games of snooker with Mr. Bishop.  Olive & Ray went to Johnny’s to supper. 

Ralph’s Diary:  July 1938

Friday 1 July 1938

A better to day but clouds up after dinner and heavy showers at night.  Nothing particular to report.  Sent Cigarettes back to Harold which he left behind as received letter from Arthur this morning saying they had arrived home safe.  Wrote to Ron at Dinner time.  Did a good 3 hours study over the day.  Had a bath at night and then had game of solo with Dad, Harold and Mr Bishop.  Enjoyed the game but lost 1½D. 
Olive & Ray to Palace to see the Jane Baxter picture I saw on Tuesday.  Both enjoyed it. 
Bed 11 o’clock. 

Saturday 2 July 1938

Mother off at 1 o’clock to Louth to Cleethorpes Council Meetings (Adult School).  Home 1 o’clock and sat around after dinner while Mr. Robinson came at 2 o’clock to mend taps over kitchen sink and fix new tiles.  Watched him a bit and then did study from 2.30 to 4.30.  Quite a good ‘do’ but lost £5 on an accounting study and had a job to find it. 
After study at night, about half-hour, watched Mr. Robinson and helped him as much as I could.  Washed the floor for him after he had finished (7.30) but 9 o’clock before he was ready for home. 
Got my Blazer to-day. 
Went in car with Harold to meet mother at Town Station but missed her and she landed home soon after we did. 
Bed about 10.15 with ‘Passing Show’. 
Mrs Parton & Thelma at Whitley Bay.  Olive relieving him [Ray at the shop?] for meals. 

Sunday 3 July 1938

Up about 10.30.  Dad and Mr. Bishop gone fishing in Bishop’s car in morning whilst Ray & Harold messed about with the silencer.  Finished about 12.30 and tried Blazer on with Flannels and new Shirt. 
After dinner changed to plus fours and went out with Ray, Mother and Olive to Somercotes.  Dad had taken a spare rod so I stayed whilst others went for a run and then came home in Bishop’s Car.  Arrived home 6.30.  Enjoyed a good tea.  Nobody caught much at fishing. 
About 7.30 Olive & Ray with Mother & Dad went for run in car whilst I wrote letters to Arthur & Gwen & Charlie.  Took dog round square and listened to wireless.  Home from run in car at 9.30. 
Bed about 10.30. 

Monday 4 July 1938

Nothing exciting happens. 
Study over day and after ten although rather busy packing circulars up at the office. 
Harold to Amy’s at night.  Olive shortened the sleeves of my coat.  Ordered a new Wrist Watch for myself. 
Mother to Mrs. Fulljames at night and walked up to Cleethorpes with her. 
Bed 10.30. 
Received letter & M.O. from Ron. 

Tuesday 5 July 1938

Got very wet coming home at dinner time and had a severe storm between 4 and 5 o’clock and another wet through coming home at tea-time.  Had a bath when I got home at 5 o’clock.  Just down when Eddie Blackburn came to see if I would play tennis at school field to-morrow night.  Consented. 
Went up to Casen’s at 6 o’clock to get Railway Ticket and enquire about trains.  Decided to go by the 7.16 so I shall pick Ron up at Grantham and arrive London 11.20.  Came home and did 1½ hours study and then wrote to Ron to let him know arrangements.  Booked two seats on train from London to Lyme. 
Had run down to Cleethorpes in car with Dad, Mother & Olive.  Ray had bath and playing Mr. Bishop snooker.  Dad also had some games. 
Went to Post Office in car at dinner time to take circulars from Christys. 

Wednesday 6 July 1938

More rain at tea-time and another wetting.  Did 1½ hours study at Office and an hour after tea.  Eddie round for tennis at 6.45.  Changed to white flannels and off to play at school-fields about 7.  Had quite a good game – doubles with Dan Stapp and another chap.  Home 9.30.  Found Mr. Bishop at home with Mr. Waldy. 
Got my new watch to-day.  Very nice too. 
Ray been to Town Hall at night to enrol as voluntary fireman. 
Talked quite a lot before going to bed at 10.30. 
Went to Lawson & Stockdale’s in car at dinner time and bought new tennis shorts, socks, etc. at trade discount. 

Thursday 7 July 1938

Quite used to the rain now and not at all perturbed to go to work in the rain this morning.  Did about an hour’s study and another couple of hours after tea. 
In afternoon packed my luggage (what a game) and took up to station as I ran mother to Gilliat’s.  Fetched her home again at 4.30.  Got one or two new things at shop to pack up. 
Mother & Dad to Tivoli at night.  Met Mr. & Mrs. Wales and sat with them.  Olive & Ray went up to Mrs. Parton’s in car when Dad came home.  I did some study and listened to wireless.  10 to 10.30 broadcast from the Pier at Cleethorpes with Don Twidale, Ladies Choir, Eva Westlake, Jack Middleton & others.  Very good show. 
Had a few games of crib with dad before going to bed at 11 o’clock. 

Friday 8 July 1938

Windy and dull again with only an occasional shower.  Christmas Club Catalogues arrived this morning and had a busy day packing them up.  Managed about an hour’s study. 
After tea went up to shop on bike and got a new mac to take with me to-morrow.  Slipped round to Ray’s and got a book to read. 
Came home and had Mr. Bishop a couple of games of snooker.  Then had bath and followed with a very enjoyable game of snooker with Dad, Harold & Mr. Bishop.  Finished at 10 o’clock.  Understand Ray has bought billiard-table at a sale today. 
Amy cut finger on bacon-machine and have [sic] to have two stitches in at the hospital.  Looks poorly at night.  Olive & Ray to pictures in car.  Bed 10.45. 
Tomorrow, holidays. 

Ralph’s Diary:  Photos

Ralph Behrend at his brother’s wedding in 1938

Ralph’s parents outside their house

Formal photograph of Ralph’s parents

Walter Behrend with his sons Harold and Ralph

Wedding of Ralph’s sister Olive to Ray Parton

Wedding of Ralph’s brother Harold to Amy Freeman

Walter Behrend with his friend George Bishop

Some of the family at a fancy dress party

Ralph Behrend at his brother’s wedding in 1938.

Ralph’s parents Walter and Bertha Behrend outside their house at 71 Humberstone Road, Grimsby.

Formal photograph of Ralph’s parents Walter and Bertha Behrend.

Walter Behrend with his sons Harold (left) and Ralph (right).

Wedding of Ralph’s sister Olive to Ray Parton, September 1938.  Olive’s parents are just to her right in the photo; Ralph is hidden or absent.

Wedding of Ralph’s brother Harold to Amy Freeman, late in 1938.  Left to right: Ralph, Alice Snelson (his cousin), Harold, Amy, unknown, unknown.

Walter Behrend (back) with his friend George Bishop at Croxby Pond, a favourite spot for anglers.

Some of the family at a fancy dress party similar to the one mentioned in the Diary (7 February).  Back row: Amy, Harold and Bertha are on the left, while Ralph is the American sailor fourth from the right.