Civil Servants Social

Yesterday I went with Meg to Charlton House to the Civil Servants Social – for retired Civil Servants. She is nervous of going places on her own so I went as Meg’s `Guest’. I felt quite at ease with all the `Oldies’, especially after being chatted up recently by an old Jew who aske me if I had an OAP bus pass! It was the first time I’d been inside Charlton House and I was fascinated by the history of the place. It had a nice `atmosphere’. The Mulberry tree in the grounds is reputed to be the oldest Mulberry in the Country, and it still bears fruit apparently. We were given a glass of sherry when we arrived and someone played the piano for a Sing Song. Then we had a nice buffet and a cup of tea and a Bring & Buy stall. This was followed by a singing family called the Stockwells. They were very good. We left at 10:30 and I went back to Meg’s for a coffee, arriving home to my place at about midnight.

Today has been very quiet – haven’t set foot outside the front or back doors. Justice dame for Sheba at 11 o’clock but it started to rain not long after and they came back inside half an hour, both looking like drowned rats. I had a nice dinner – chicken piece, sitting on a bed of sweet corn, mushrooms, lemon slices and tomatoes, sprinkled with garlic and pepper. It was gorgeous and I only hope the garlic won’t cause the same problem as last time! It will be awkward if it does, but I can’t go through the rest of my life never eating garlic again. Should have gone to the launderette this weekend. Will have to `re-cycle’ some of the clothes to last out another week.

Recently I broke my glasses – one of the arms came off. When I took them in fore repair they wanted a minimum of £10 just for replacing a side arm! So I ordered a new pair for £16.50 - £8 for the frames and £8.50 for the lens – National Health of course. There will no doubt be some comment in the office when I first get them, because they are metal framed - Granny Glasses straight across the top!

Grace Russ - 23rd May 1982