My granddad died in 1983. For the previous 20 years, he kept a diary, recording his day as a farm worker and then through his retirement. We are lucky enough to have his notebooks, all the entries in block capitals, often in pencil. He always tells us about the weather, sometimes about what is going well at the allotment. We get updates of how Liverpool are doing and the occasional political thought. He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis, was always in pain, but you would never know from these entries. My mum once described him as a contented man. Who knows, really, but certainly, there is something soothing about these entries. So I thought I would share them with you. We have a few years to cover so buckle up.
A day off today. A lovely day, warm sunshine. Went to P. Got money for plants for Bill Edwards. Dot and Nell went to see Ron. Hoping to get out Monday.
A lovely sunny day but the wind still cold. Went to Neston to get sick pay. Car washing. H. Polish. D. S.K. Making 125 to date. Harry Welsh had his operation. Good luck Harry.
Very heavy rain first thing. Strong wind blowing very cold. Got dahlias off Joss last night. Finished cleaning boilers. Painted the burners. Washed the floor.
A nice day with sunshine but the wind still blows cold. Working on the boilers again today. Swept the chimneys. Barrow full of soot. Kettle in trouble with woman.*
Another day of cloud and cool winds. Car washing again. A.Mc.K.S. making 118 to date. Sun broke through at about 4p.m. Old Bert Shaw has a broken hip. 14 wks in hospital for him.
A nice mild day with some showers. Brushed up the drive. Hoed the big gravel path. Cleaned the gutter along the tennis courts. 1 ton coke. Planted my dahlias at night.
Still cold winds blowing. Man came to see about the sludging of the oil tanks. Estimate £40. Mowing in the wood again. Will finish tomorrow. P at night. Finished bedding.