Monday, 1 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		next day
		last day

French was dead boring as usual.

In Latin, Kingcup gave me a couple of sheets of paper to fill with principle parts.

Maths was yet another 'O' Level paper.

After that, we had to get started on the field day. We went by coach, and almost as soon as we got there, we had to walk through some forest, and were then sent through even thicker stuff on a compass bearing. We took 21 minutes to do it, but others took only 16. Ah well. Lunch then after which we went up a hill for a map reading exercice, and then amused ourselves watching what was going on below, which was quite a bit. Soon, however, we had to go down, I sliding a lot of the way after Winter had shoved me with his phallic symbol. After that, we had to capture an NCO, which we failed to do dismally. Once more up the hill, and attacking this time. The whole thing was absolutely pointless, and I got soaked.

Got a letter from Mum, saying that Dad was seeing about getting the CRO.

In prep, Mott decided that he knew better than Poop, and hauled me into the study, and pinched my valve data.

Tuesday, 2 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

In assembly this morning, before reading out the list of previleges, the Weed read out a few names of boys with too many detentions. I have, apparently, more than anybody else in the school. I will soon be in trouble.

In maths, we had to prove a theorem, and after that, we went about the syllabus.

In Deutsch, we did some extensive work in our books, for the first time in a long time.

In Latin, Kingcup took us through a bit of verse, just to show how easy it was. He was right too, but then, he did help us.

Double physics was in room 1, and in the middle of it I went to a clarinet lesson.

Green, Callow, and Rees had 'O' Level chemistry practical today, and as a result Green was not present at lunch.

In the afternoon Boris was not present for English. I doubt, however, that anything would keep Popsy from turning up.

I had to go for games after tea, and discovered that we were playing the Fox and the outlook was rather dismal. Even if we did beat them it wouldn't make much odds. Went for a haircut at 5.45, and got out at 6.00.

Choir practice for Exeter after supper. Leaving directly after lunch.

Wednesday, 3 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

In double chemistry this morning we actually managed to persuade Clod to let us do yesterday's 'O' level practical, or at least the second half, which was very interesting.

In latin, for about the 10th time this term, Kingcup revised conditional clauses.

In english, we went back to last Tuesdays prep and talked about it.

Yet another 'O' level paper in maths, and I for one am getting rather bored.

Almost directly after lunch, as promised, the coach left for Exeter. When we got there, to the quire immediately, and we then had a practice. It is a beautiful place.

After that, we were allowed to do the town, and Harrison was lending 10/- to any three who applied. Chapman, Hazlehurst ad I did so, and had tea, after which we looked around, I mainly at the birds who had turned out.

After the service, in which we did very well, I looked round the cathedral itself, and, among other things, noticed a wood carving of a fellow playing a Blockflöte. In supper, Chivers had saved me a place, and I discovered what goes on at the end of the school during meals.

Thursday, 4 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Double Deutsch today, and I was feeling lousy, although it was probably just because Mott had given me a detention for reading physics books in prep. I wonder if I will get mumps again. Another Diktat, in which I don't think I did too badly.

English was a revision of all the sheets we had tucked away in our books. Boris' tie looked as if it had been cut from a road map. Not bad, actually.

Divvers was a memory test, and we had to memorise I: Corinthians XIII. I did not do very well.

Chemistry with Honeybourne, and he seems to be a good teacher - better than Clod anyway. I wonder why he doesn't take the "A" stream.

World history was a few notes, and Wodge talking all about it. He takes his time.

In maths, yet another 'O' level paper, but this time we would hand it in, and not look up the answers. I did not do too well - less than 100%.

Freeday today, as house photographs were in the offing, and before my flûte lesson I went to the tuckshop and bought some clothes. After my flûte lesson, house photographs, and ours took 30 minutes instead of the normal 10 minutes.

Friday, 5 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Got the information from RCA today. Hell of a lot of paper, but they want some money. Will probably send it within a month.

In double latin, Kingcup did not test us on our prep, thank God. The second period, however, was a test on something we had not done.

Physics, as have all periods lately, was a revision period. I can definitely not find my book on light.

In double art, I decided to design a receiver from 10 kc/s - 120 Mc/s, plus converter for 2 and ¾ meters. However, I did not get far, and soon started reading the RCA books.

After rest, French, which was absolutely dead boring. If Popsy hurried up a bit, we would do it in ¼ time.

Deutsch, and a revelation: I did even worse than last time's Übersetzung. However, I did quite well in the Diktat.

As it was pouring with rain, it was a free day, and I decided to do a bit of work, but didn't. I did, however, tidy my scob out slightly, and managed to borrow Lloyds hole puncher, and punched holes in divers things. In the Henrys radio catalogues (the old one), I noticed an RF26 unit going for 25/-. Could be quite interesting. Discovered Green had Junes P.W..

Saturday, 6 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Physics first this morning, and we carried on with our revision of light. I managed to get my maths instruments back from Poop.

What was he doing with them?

As it was freezing, I was not looking forward to swimming, but Mike said that once we had done a length, we could go and change, and this I did, cleaning my Gym shoes in the process.

I did not do too well in the Maths test, I must be more careful about it next time.

The chaplain was not present for divvers so we had Chodzko walking around. Quite amusing.

Popsy is intent on getting us to be able to speak french.

That never worked. I didn't really learn to speak French until I met Yvonne and discovered how the vowels really sounded, and how the stress fell. We still make fun of English pronunciation of French.

It was pouring with rain in the afternoon, so once more it was a free day, and I was at a loose end, so I wrote a letter to Mum & Dad, which took me a fair amount of time. Then I began to wonder what to do with the book token which Mr Honeybourne had given me, and managed to send it off to the people who were selling radio books.

Detention after roll call, and I spent most of my time reading our World History book. Most interesting. After that, I did little except make a nuisance of myself.

In prep, got 40 Lines from Dobney for getting a book from Walker.

Trying to substitute for EF39 in second prep.

Sunday, 7 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Today, I spent most of my time at a loose end. I did little of importance before chapel — just hung around in the Common Room trying to pass the time.

In robing up, Sandercock gave out a notice that there would be a wind band practice today, and so I rolled up. We were doing Holst suite in F for military band - a most interesting piece, but I wish I could be given the 1st Clarinet part - nobody else has yet claimed it.

The practice finished early, and when I got back to the common room I spent 20 minutes looking at the Brimar [?] handbook.

After lunch I tired to make some alterations to increase the HT voltage of the PCR, but it did not do much to the filtering. Must get a couple of new electros. At least it made it sound a bit louder.

Did a bit of music practice from 2.30 but finished at about 3.10 and spoke to Rees.

After tea, I hardly did anything until Callow came back, and then only talked.

After supper, where I had 14 sardines, I started talking to Green about the 52. Thinking of putting in a 15 pf. tuning condenser with added condensers switched in to complete the band, but it would need trimmers for any reasonable tracking.

Monday, 8 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

French this morning was in room 21, and at least it added a new odour to the boredom. Latin, next door, and Kingcup gave us back our books. 32% is my normal figure, it seems.

In maths, Jimmy went through stocks and shares, and I learnt a few things that I did not know before.

In break, Callow II [Nigel, non-identical twin brother of Paul Callow I], Green and I decided that Callow I should go science. Rees is said to agree with us.

After 'O' levels (in other words, in the next term in Paul's case), we had to decide whether to specialize in “arts” or science. Paul had the same dilemma that I did. We both chose science in the end.

In chemistry, we discovered that the new master who looks a bit like Hessey [lab assistant] is in fact a chemistry master. Made a most dramatic entry.

PE was swimming, but not as bad as Saturday.

No test in the afternoon, and after a bit of field craft we did some drill. What a laugh.

In the evening, French once more, and then Deutsch, which was more amusing than usual, as everybody was complaining about the school food. What a hall of a laugh! but he gave us a Prüfung on it.

In the evening, Green gave me his 'O' Level paper (english lit) but I could not look at it, as Mott was looking intently at me.

Tuesday, 9 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Algebra first this morning, but Jimmy wanted to go on with stocks and shares. Did 22 problems, and only got one wrong. Deutsch, and I did not do exceptionally well, getting 22/30, but what about the kalte Würste?

Latin, and I did better than I thought I would, getting 25/40.

In break, I read the books that I received this morning. Not bad service, but they sent MATS's instead of the PW circuits. Ah well. Still very interesting.

In double physics we did one of the 'O' level practical questions. Poop seems to think it was the easiest. I disagree. I wonder when we will get on to electricity.

In rest, I had a clarinet lesson which, in actual fact, lasted until 2.45 and by the time I turned up for games it was nearly 3.00 (Winter routine from now on).

When games finished, I got down to Dobsons 40 Lines, and finished them in 21 minutes flat, which is probably a record.

In english, Boris told us about the exam syllabus, and did little else.

Only got 6 in the french test, and Popsy got a bit fed up, and threatened me with a 1 hr detention.

In the evening, I was reading Little's “Guard your Daughters”, which is very good.

Wednesday, 10 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

First thing this morning, I went over to the san for my Typhoid jab. Absolutely no pain at all.

Chemistry, Mr Can again, and tests for acid radicals. Most interesting, but I wish we had been allowed to do them ourselves.

In latin, my arm began to hurt a bit from the jab, and during break it got worse.

In english, Moore was noticed also to be suffering, and by maths mine was almost unbearable.

In the afternoon, I spent most of my time reading the Oscilloscope book, and test instruments, but at abut 1400 hrs we were kicked out of the buildings, whereupon I found Callow, and started talking. He is taking Physics tomorrow. Wonder how he will go.

I felt too sick to go to tea and just carried on reading “Guard your Daughters”.

After roll call, however, Green wanted to talk to me, and we ended up outside the Wireless club, talking about Wobbulators etc.

In the evening, I felt absolutely lousy, and was almost tempted to go to the san for an early bed chit, but did not bother.

Thursday, 11 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

I was still feeling rather lousy today, but the san could not help. Got a letter from Dad in which he said that he had ordered the OS-1 for me, will be coming in a few days, but wants to help me build it. He is also going nautical - 2 boats, 16' and 35'. Should be interesting.

Little of interest happened in double Deutsch, except that Tyson told me that the line voltage in Germany was 250V, so that is all right.

In fact at the time it was 220 V.

English, yet another going through of the verse. It is getting a bit boring.

In Divvers, had to write down what we had learned, which was not much.

Chemistry, no test. Cann is slacking.

In the afternoon, despite the fact that I was off games, I had to watch the swimming standards, which were dead boring, but it seems that they are easy enough to get - only the very slow ones didn't get them. I must try sooner or later.

After that, despite Akhavan, I managed to read a bit of the Oscilloscope book. Also, in the evening, after trying to find out π, I wondered what power limit was normal for this type of transmitter (marine). Being optimistic I looked at the highest power limits.

Friday, 12 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Double latin first today, and I got 26/30 for a test, which was pretty good for me. The rest was just a hell of a farce, though, and we were talking most of the time.

In physics, I had still not got my light book back from Green. If he is not careful, I am going to be much more so about tending him things.

In break, we were observing Callows egotism from a distance. Very amusing.

In art, I decided to draw a circuit of the OS-1, but gave up, and read for the rest of the time. Learnt a bit more about alignment of receivers with a wobbulator. I must build one of some type or another

In the afternoon, I still felt a bit sore on the left arm, so I did not go in swimming, although Green insisted that I did.

It was bitterly wet, and this seems to have had an effect on Green and Rees's moods, and they gave up trying to make Callow to go science. Well, if they can't do anything, I can't.

French - nil. Deutsch, amongst other things, we had to learn a poem, after which we heard a recording of it to music. In the evening, I was showing Green the OS-1 circuit.

Saturday, 13 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Physics first this morning - nothing much of interest, and I was thinking about the radio equipment for the boat Dad is going to build. I wonder what type of antenna would be the best.

I did not bother to turn up for PE, and it eventuated that Mike didn't mind, and, in fact, was glad.

In maths we had to do a section B paper, which I found rather more difficult than section 'A'. Ah well! We get 2 hours in the real thing.

In divvers, although the Chaplain threatened me with a drill for not sitting up straight, I got the memorising, which I did in last night's congregation practice, absolutely right.

French, and we did not have a word test, thank God.

In the afternoon, got Alvis to have Skiv sign my exeat.

It was rather damp in the afternoon, and I carried on reading “Guard your Daughters”.

While I was trying to finish it off, in came Callow and told me that he had beaten up Green. Then along came Green and told me his version of it. However, by supper they had made up again, and I spent a fair amount of time trying to persuade Little to take up numismatics, but the subject soon changed to tape recording, and we carried on until Prep.

Sunday, 14 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

This morning I did a bit of reading in bed and set my heart on building a 6-Xistor superhet of matchbox size.

Before chapel, wrote a letter to Dad and after, went to wait for Van to arrive. He took his time, and did not arrive until 12.15 with an Italian girl (wow!) and spanish and belgian boys, the latter of whom is a bit nuts. We went to the castle, where we had lunch, which was most typically english. After that, we decided to to to Wellington to see a film. When we got there, all that was on was Bingo, so we headed to Exeter, which was not much better, as there was a hell of a queue of Teddy-boys, etc. So, defeated, we decided to head back, and picked up a hitchhiker on the way, who had just been down to St Ives to see his girlfriend - hitchhiked both ways.

When we got back, after a bit of searching we had tea at the County, but the catering was appaling - some of the plates had not even been washed. Ah well. teaches you to appreciate school food. On the way back, I was still feeling hungry, and got some cheese sandwiches, and 6 packets of crisps. Reading MAT's again. Daw became interested, and asked me to build him one - this term!

Monday, 15 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Popsy, for what must have been about the first time in his life, missed nearly all of the french period today. I think he must have been invigilating.

In latin, we were supposed to translate a piece of verse, and Kingcup was blowing his top right, left and center.

In maths, as Jimmy had not corrected the papers, he just went over them, and gave us another prep to finish the rest of the paper.

In break, I had a fair amount to eat, for the first time in weeks.

Chemistry, and I am sure of one of Cann's faults - he corrects in the period, and expects us to revise meanwhile. Bloody cold in PE.

In the afternoon, we had a bumper corps test, in which I surprised myself by getting 17/29, although I did absolutely no study!

After the test, I could not find Green, and he did not turn up for tea. Exam must have been at 4.00.

Popsy did turn up for french, and blew me up for not studying, although I got full marks.

In Deutsch, being the last Monday evening period, we did little work, just listening to Lieder.

Tuesday, 16 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

The CRO still does not seem to have arrived. I hope that it does soon.

Algebra first, but Jimmy spent most of this time telling us which theorems we should learn for Geometry. He still has not given back the test papers.

Deutsch, and the usual routine, complete with Diktat. Tyson will have a strong verb sheet by tonight.

In latin, Kingcup made us do yesterdays verse again, but I still did not finish, although I got a lot further.

After break, double physics, and, as I had suspected, a double revision period, broken only by a Tyson-type “Pause”.

In games time, I had to change, and I was fully intent on trying for backstroke and freestyle, but for some reason, I did not, although Little, to whom I was talking, did try.

After games, I got my first chance to wear my new shoes, which arrived today.

I then started to consider the Knight Kit T-150, which is now available in England. I must get Dad to use his influence on this friend of Katravas, who is the malayan agent for them - might be able to get it for less than £30.

In the evening, Akhavan making a nuisance of himself, I decided to do something about it, and beat him up.

Wednesday, 17 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Double chemistry this morning was to find out various acid radicals contained in various substances, which was very interesting, although Mr Cann cheated by giving us a nitrite, which we were not supposed to have done. Nevertheless Howlett & I got it out.

In latin, Kingcup finally got round to telling us what the verse meant, which was not much.

In english, we revised what the exam was going to be, and talked a bit about memorial sonnets.

In maths, we finally got back our test papers from Monday, and I got the highest mark - 16.

In rest, I saw Skiv about joining the Pioneers, and he does not object, so now all I have to do is wait until next term. Also, got off my drill from Clod.

Swimming standards in the afternoon, but it was bitterly cold, and so I did not go in.

After roll call, I went down to Jeramiahs, bought an Ernst August thaler and one of Maria Theresia, as well as a postal order of 7/- for a 32+32 electro. I hope it is not too large, or I may not be able to fit it onto the chassis. It will not, apparently take one more than 4.8" [12.2 cm] high, but I may be able to drop it through the chassis.

Thursday, 18 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

The CRO has still not arrived, and I am getting a bit worried. I will mention it when I write to Dad on Sunday, if it has not arrived by then.

In double Deutsch, all went well until I yawned (I was feeling very tired anyway) and Tyson made me sit in the corner. Eventually, my feet went to sleep, and when I got up, I could hardly walk. Ah well. No Prüfung, at least, and he spent the second period revising, as did Boris.

After break, however, the chaplain, who was away, set up some work to do, which was really rather boring.

Chemistry was also a test, and rather boring, but then a bit of revision.

In the afternoon, I made sure that I would try for some standard, and, despite the fact that I was hindered by my pants falling down, I still managed to catch up and beat everybody else, and thus now have one standard.

In the evening, world history - more notes, but there will probably be no test.

In maths, Jimmy was invigilating, and so we had Mr Cann taking us for a revision, in which I started to fill up my new note book, and finished in prep, which I consider sufficient revision.

Friday, 19 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Exams today, and as a result we had to get up at 7.15 - I don't know why, as assembly was at the usual time, and the exam didn't start until 9.15. First was chemistry, and a very easy paper, which I had finished by half time, and spent the rest of it trying to work out √1/2, and got as far as the 11th place.

English was next, after break, and not too nice a paper, which I again finished too soon for comfort, and, what was more, I don't think I did enough. Anyway I will see.

Lunch was rather late, and I had a chance to listen to the radio, in which I had put the new 32μf+32μf condenser, which I had got this morning. Much better - everything is not 20 dB down in hum.

Swimming standards again in the afternoon, but I did not go in, as I had not taken a Franol tablet.

Maths in the evening, which was a very nice paper, but did take me all my time. I think I did pretty well, but I did at least make one mistake.

In the evening, no first prep, and second was the first friday second prep I have been present at - not that it was any different from the others.

Presumably I had always been at choir practice on the other Fridays.

Saturday, 20 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Exams seem almost more boring than the ordinary school routine. First this morning was physics, in which I did not not make too many bishes, and did really enjoy myself, getting really stuck into one of the juciest problems - about optics. However, I cannot see Poops idea that we never get enough time to finish - I was rather bored towards the end.

Latin, however, was not so pleasant, and once more I finished early, which was rather distressing. The unseen, however, was very easy - I am sure I did fairly well on it, though I doubt that I will do as well as I did at the end of the Michealmas term.

Before lunch, english and maths results had gone up - 14th with 51 in the former, 1st with 98 in the latter. It seems that I forgot to subtract the difference for a cot - got sect. B without any mistakes.

In the afternoon, Green and Rees had an argument with me, and so I left them to cool down for a while and had a discussion with Callow about what to do. It seems that Green was in a very bad mood all afternoon, and behaved very childishly about it. We made up in the evening, however, but I doubt I could completely forgive him for his childish actions.

Sunday, 21 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Today was extremely boring, and I spent most of my time at a loose end.

Before chapel, I had an argument with Akhavan, and tied his pjamas in knots, and gave him an apple pie bed.

Was talking to Callow about our reconciliation, and he doubted it would last long. It didn't, either. Broken up again by chapel time.

After chapel, I felt too hot for wind band - it was a hot day - and so I first examined Littles tape recorder and then proceeded to try and use the mains as an aerial, but there was far too much interference, and I had to remove it again.

After lunch, Cookson asked me to try charging a few electros, and then to spark them off again. Quite fun, but then we tried shorting out the rectifier, which produced a blue glow inside.

Went for tea, and had quite an argument with Green, and this carried on after roll call when Großcurth and I were listening to “pick of the pops”. I have decided to just ignore him.

In the evening, I tried to draw the circuit diagram of the transistor communication receiver, but it was not very good.

Monday, 22 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

At last! The CRO has finally arrived. All very tightly packed and all that, and all first grade components. The instruction manual even teaches you how to solder.

Deutsch was the first exam, but, for some reason, I was thinking of Istanbul. The paper itself was a stinker, and obscene. All about breast-feeding babies.

In break, I discovered that Woolacott had a rather low opinion of Heathkits - ah well - he doesn't count.

French paper reflected on Popsy - dead boring, and we had done most of it already. However, I managed to sit through it, and decided to build the CRO here.

Corps in the afternoon - a film.

In the middle of french, the Weeds sec. came in and told me that there was a phone call for me - from Mum. She is now in Hamburg, and was in Istanbul during the Deutsch exam - had and thinking greatly of me! What better example of telepathy?

She gave me the go-ahead on the CRO, and said that she would be coming down on Sat to see me, and a) take me home and on b) come to the service on Sun, and then take me away.

Another reconciliation with Green, but I wonder how long it will last.

Tuesday, 23 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Today was a rather boring day to begin with, starting off with Maths, in which Jimmy let us see our papers. That cot. was a bloody nuisance.

Deutsch papers were handed back in Deutsch, all nicely covered in multicoloured biro. Tyson wants us to learn all the words, etc, that we got wrong for prep.

Latin, and Kingcup blew me up for being inconsistent in my excellence.

I suppose, apart from Popsy, Poop is about the only master who can take a double period over a paper, and not finish it.

I saw him after lunch about the CRO, but I cannot go there today, as there is a practical on, but I can tomorrow. I headed back to the common room and put the first 3 pots on.

Then to standards, but I could not find my PT shorts, and so I had to change again and go and eat with Callow. At 3.30, I carried on, with help from Cookson and carrying on until 6.15, was halfway through the printed circuit board, and nearly halfway through the whole thing.

The printed circuit board is a most delightful object. It is so easy to do, and I can hardly see how anybody could make a mistake on it. I should have it finished by Friday or Saturday.

Wednesday, 24 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Today started off badly, with the second Typhoid [inoculation], and then I made a fool of myself in chemistry. I did not do much better in Latin, and Kingcup said I had a detention this afternoon, but it did not go up [on the detention board].

In english, Boris was doing marks, and enlisted my help to do it - using my slide rule.

In maths, we had a test of how many figures we could remember. Got as far as 8 at a time - Lennox remembers the last 4, I do the first 4.

In the afternoon, we started doing the CRO with undesirable QRM. During games, however, Poop suggested I take it up to the physics lab and let Cookson & Großcurth help me. This we did, starting at about 3.00. We carried on like this until 4, by which time we were just fitting the circuit board onto the chassis. Poop, as promised, came up at about 4.30, and helped for a while. He soon, however, after showing me where to put it, went, and we carried on until about 6.00, by which time we had just fitted the front panel on. It is really beginning to take shape now.

Poop gave me permission to borrow a couple of books from the science library.

Thursday, 25 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Double Deutsch first today, and, after a preliminary test - not very long - we were asked if we wanted to take up Russian, to which I, for one, agreed. The second period was engaged in singing - die Deutsche [sic] lieben Lieder, as Tyson would say.

In english, Boris read us an American story, which was rather interesting, but too long for our purposes.

The chaplain also read a story, this time about religion, and I quite enjoyed it. Chem. was a revision from yesterday.

In the afternoon, back onto the CRO and carried on very well, until, a little after 4.0, we had it finished. I then turned it on, and nothing seemed to happen, until Großcurth told me that I had farted, and I denied it, and then it turned out that the EHT rectifier was doing something funny.

After lessons, I discovered that I had wired it the wrong way round, and I promptly remedied this.

After prep we tried i on again, but it started going funny again, worse than before, and Winter ordered me to put it in the back cupboard.

Friday, 26 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Double latin this morning was an absolute and utter farce - Kingcup was collecting in all the books, and gave us some verse to translate into Latin. Of course, I did not even get the first line, and was still on the second at the end of the period.

Poop offered to lend me his AVO multimeter to test the scope in the afternoon, and told the class that I would demonstrate it to them tomorrow. He was optimistic.

Double art after break, and I spent most of my time reading books about radio, and tried to make rubbings of a few coins. I must try to clean up the Maria Theresa.

In the afternoon, Poop lent us the AVO, and we (Green & I) got down to it. However, as we turned it on, the EHT rectifier once more objected by sparking to another point on its body, so, after consulting Drax, we decided that it must have been faulty for some time - since I got it, anyway.

It couldn't possibly have been the result of being connected the wrong way round, after all.

In French, Popsy gave me the first compliment of the year - told me I could be good at French if I wanted to.

In Deutsch, we had more music and started singing again.

Harrison got a bit fed up with the altos in choir practice - all given voice tests.

Saturday, 27 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

I spent most of this morning wondering if Mum would come.

Very little of interest happened, and I was feeling rather bored, although in divvers we did have a quiz with the chaplain, who beat us hollow.

However, in french, after going over the papers, Popsy actually gave us permission to read. I was quite startled, but dragged out my “Kommt Mit” and discovered the names of all the chemical elements in german. Most enlightening.

In rest, we got our photos, and I had quite a hectic time getting them signed. Then, however, I was told to get an exeat, and before I knew where I was, Mum had arrived, and we were watching the swimming sports. After that we walked into town, went to Jeramiahs [sic], bought a half-groat for Green, and were soon lying talking about what had happened to Mum, and all the MP's, etc that she had met. Bev was rather scared that Mum had fallen in love with some of them. However, we disillusioned her, and went to a chinese restaurant, where we quite enjoyed ourselves. After returning for the hotel for a while, we set off for school, and arrived late.

Sunday, 28 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Before chapel this morning I did little but get an exeat written out.

After chapel, Mum arrived rather late, and I showed her round the school. At 12.00, however, she had to see the weed, and, after he had given me couple of notices to put up, I went outside and talked to Bev. About half an bour later, out came Mum with Skiv and my exeat signed. Once more we walked into town, and decided to have lunch at the Castle Hotel, but they would not cash travellers cheques, so, after trying another place, with a similar result, we returned to the Burlington and went upstairs after lunch, whereupon Mum promptly went to sleep, and Bev, after a little knitting did the same, and left me listening to the radio and thinking.

At about 4.15, I woke Mum, and Bev a little later, and after about half an hour we set out for food, and then for school, where both Mum&Bev attended evensong, and Henton fell head over heels in love with Bev.

Mum came by herself to the leavers concert, in which Rose appeared in all but 2 of the items on programme.

Honeybourne ended off the show with a few songs, including “An Irish Ballard” (Lehrer)

Monday, 29 July 1963	KT
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

Late rising this morning, but I did not know this, and washed at 7.30.

In latin, Kingcup read us a story which he apparently wrote himself.

In maths, we were left to do what we wanted to, and Howlett and I read PW.

Chemistry, and, as of old, nobody turned up, after which we had to go back to Kingcup who gave us our final term order - I came 4th, and then finished off history.

In the afternoon, packing, and as Mum had promised, she turned up and went over to the san to see sister. After helping me pack, she asked if I could come out again this afternoon. Skiv was rather surprised, as it was so near the end of term, but granted it nevertheless.

We did little in the afternoon, and ended up, per usual, at the Wimpy bar, where I polished off a phenomenal amount of food.

When I got back, people said that Skiv wanted to see me about my scob, and when I did see him, he admitted to being furious with me. Supper was very good, but having polished off 3 Wimpys, I hardly felt like it.

The film was also extremely good, and house celebrations were immediately after that. Quite enjoyable really, and I got a full glass of cider, contrary to Callow's expectations. Stripped the prefect's beds for them.

Tuesday, 30 July 1963	KT - Taunton - London
		Top of page
		previous day
		next day
		last day

GMT In Holidays

As soon as we got up this morning, we messed up Pauls bed for him, after which I discovered that I had an unusually large number of things to do, and proceeded to do most of them.

After breakfast, I waited until 8.250725 hrs for Mum, at which time she arrived, and we headed to the Burlington for another breakfast. After that, we headed for a dentist's and had our teeth seen to, then decided to head for London today, and got some money out of the bank, after making sure that we would be on the 1334 train.

I got our lunch (from the Wimpy bar) and then we started packing, and were finished by 1300, and proceeded to have a drink downstairs, and then just sat around waiting for the taxi.

When we got into London, we had a bit of trouble getting a hotel, but, through the Royal Commonwealth society, we both cashed a cheque and got our passports and found a hotel in the Victoria region so that we would not have to go so far when we left on the boat train.

Looking for food in the evening, we came across a couple of Deutsche who were also on the same tracks. Fortunately an American put us on the right track.

Wednesday, 31 July 1963	London
		Top of page
		previous day

I woke up at about 8.300730 hrs, but did not get down for breakfast for about another hour, and then decided to go shopping immediately, first to the bank, where we stayed quite some time, while Mum drew out £100 and another £100 in travellers cheques.

We then headed for Oxford street and took quite some time finding it. When we did, however, get there, Mum started looking at all the dresses and things that she could, and even started looking for flats to spend next easter holidays with us.

Then we started trying to get some cloth for her turkish boyfriend, Sevgen, after which we bought some jeans, and I then left to round the radio shops of town, first to Webbs radio, where I examined the Eddystone 898 dial, which is a beautiful peice [sic] of work. I then, with a bit of trouble, found my way to Lisle st, and bought a couple of soldering bits for the gun, and a small one for the Antex.

When I got back, I managed to blow a fuse, and was left in the dark.

My recollection was that there was only a single fuse for the whole floor, and that the hotel staff was correspondingly upset.

When Mum finally came back, we had a really good Makan, actually at the hotel, and when I had recovered, headed to the Victoria station. Leaving for Hamburg tomorrow 11.002200hrs, arriving 1800 hrs Friday.

Do you have a comment about something I have written? This is a diary, not a “blog”, and there is deliberately no provision for directly adding comments. It's also not a vehicle for third-party content. But I welcome feedback and try to reply to all messages I receive. See the diary overview for more details. If you do send me a message relating to something I have written, please indicate whether you'd prefer me not to mention your name. Otherwise I'll assume that it's OK to do so.