Poor Health Began to Limit Grandad’s Practical Work
During this period, grandad continued with practical work but the extent to which he could do this decreased over time, particularly in 1974, reflecting his relatively poor health (see Chapter 100). Activities took him longer and he more often relied on others to do things which he previously would have done.
Anemometer
Nailed to a Tree
In January 1970, grandad continued to work on the anemometer started in December 1969 (see Chapter 94). By the 7th, he had finished except for painting. The next day, he made a bracket to nail the anemometer to a tree. It is generally taboo now to nail anything to a tree but I think it was commonplace then.
Tundishes for Cups
He bought some tundishes to act as cups for the anemometer (see Chapter 108). But, when he fixed them in place, he could not assess them initially as there was not much wind. He also thought they might work better if he fixed them higher up on a tree. He did this the next day and also creosoted the anemometer and then painted it. But, it did not work and he thought this might have been because it was too near the tree so he extended the bracket. But, he was still not happy with it. So, he refitted the cups and thought it would be a success. But, the next day, when it was windier, he noted that the wind was being deflected by the tree and sometimes this meant that the anemometer went backwards.
Three or Four Cups
So, he then made a smaller anemometer with three cups instead of four. But, lack of wind meant he could not test that initially either. Nevertheless, he determined to remake the original anemometer with three cups and a thinner spindle which he did. He thought it would be OK. But, the following day, he changed his mind and went back to the original four-cup design as he thought he liked this better.
Nesting Box
On 31 January 1970, grandad made a nesting box and table out of parts of the anemometer that were left over. He painted these in early February and he fixed the nest box to the veranda post.
I am not sure if the bird table was part of the next box, i.e. it was a nest box and table combined or if the table was separate. Grandma and grandad certainly had a separate bird table. Grandad made one in 1968 and pulled it apart in 1970 to put it on a new stand. He pulled it apart again in 1973. I tend to think that the table mentioned here was part of the nest box.
Windmills
Maintenance and Repair
During this period, grandad spent a considerable amount of time maintaining and repairing the windmills he had made in the late sixties (see Chapter 94).
Fairly Well-known Locally
These were fairly well-known locally. They were sometimes borrowed for events, e.g. by the Salvation Army for their Harvest Thanksgivings (see Chapter 107).
General Wear And Tear
The windmills required a degree of general maintenance. This is perhaps an understatement! When a vicar came to see the windmills in April 1974, grandad told him that it took some time keeping them in repair (see Chapter 107). This is evident from the diaries. Given this, it is perhaps remarkable that one of the original windmills is still there at the house. I have been in contact with the current owner, Patrick Brown, who explained that while it is based on the original windmill grandad made, it has required repeated repairs and renovations over the years.
Routine Maintenance and Repairs
In April 1971, grandad replaced the tower mill veranda as this had weathered. Later that same month, he made a new sail for the tower mill and overhauled the post mill, replacing it on its site on 1 May. That month, in May 1971, he replaced the tail wheel on the tower windmill. In April 1972, he painted parts of the windmill at the front although I am not sure which one this was at this stage!
Later that year, in November 1972, he put a ball race in the post mill. These were from the wheels of a pram that Ron Douglas had given him. But, he was not happy with them so, a few days later, he took a ball race out of the tower mill to put in the post mill. The following year, in September 1973, grandad had to make some repairs to the post mill. The next month, in October 1973, he repaired the base of the tower mill as this had gone rotten. He also did further repairs to the post mill.
Strong Winds
The windmills quite often sustained damage as a result of gales and high winds. For example, overnight between 1 and 2 February 1970, the wind blew their garden seat over and this knocked three sails off the windmill. Grandad repaired this more or less immediately and, by the 4th, was ready to paint the repaired windmill which he did on the 5th and 6th. The next day, he got the windmill ready to assemble. On the ninth, he fixed the windmill at the bottom of the garden. I am pretty sure this refers to the end of their garden where it joined a field. However, it is a bit confusing as grandad also referred to that as the top of the garden (see Chapter 85)!
Similarly, in December 1972, on the 2nd, it was very windy and blew a sail off the post mill. Then, on the 5th, it was windy again and broke the tower mill. He spent the next ten days repairing the damage. The next year, in April 1973, it was rainy and very windy. The front windmill was blown over and three sails were broken off. This took grandad more than a month to repair. Grandad was in hospital from 24 January to 5 February 1974 (see Chapter 100). During that time, strong winds damaged the windmills. He carried out some repairs on 22 February 1974 but he only repaired the post mill in mid-March.
Vandalism
On at least one occasion, one of the windmills was deliberately vandalised. Although grandad does not specify, I think this was probably the new smock mill. Overnight, between 20 and 21 September 1973, someone pushed over the front windmill. They broke one sail and took the small wheel from the back. Also, someone threw a brick through Ken Bell’s lounge window. Because it was double-glazed, it only broke the outer pane. They phoned the police. The repairs needed took grandad several days stretching into October 1973. He and Arthur Elsegood were only able to replace the windmill in the front garden on the 9th.
Help with Windmills
Sometimes, grandad’s friends and neighbours helped him with the windmills. His most frequent helper was Arthur Elsegood. For example, in May 1973, he helped grandad fix the windmill back in the front garden along with giving general help with work on the windmill. As mentioned above, in September and October 1973, Arthur helped grandad repair the windmill after it had been vandalised. Also, in May 1973, Mr Beckett brought grandad some hard wood for the windmill and Ron Douglas brought him an eight-inch bolt from Dixons which cost 22½p (see Chapter 108).
Mr Beckett
The name is hard to read and looks more like Beccles than anything else. But, there is no other mention of a Mr Beccles in the diaries. On the other hand, Mr Beckett lived next door to Ron Douglas, that is at 170 Drayton High Road. What makes this more likely is that he also supplied grandad with a piece of hardwood for his post mill in 1968 (see Chapter 94).
New Smock Mill
During this period, grandad also made another windmill, a smock windmill which he started in August 1970. He noted it would take a long time to make. A few days after he started, he bought a 100 foot roll of aluminium lawn edging for covering the windmill sides (see Chapter 108). He worked on the windmill over the next three months. By the end of October, he finished putting the lawn edging on the windmill.
He then seemed to take a winter break as he only painted the windmill and concreted the base in March 1971. On the 20th, he put the windmill on the concrete slab. But, four days later, he decided to switch the windmills round. He moved the tower mill to the back garden and the new smock mill to the front. He moved the windmills around periodically. In July 1971, he noted fixing the tower mill back in its first position but I am not entirely sure where this was!
One-stringed Fiddle
In March 1971, Arthur Elsegood brought grandad a one-stringed fiddle with a horn on it. I think this was a Stroh violin. This was also referred to as a “jap” fiddle.
Arthur Decided Not to Sell It
He left it with grandad so he could play it. Grandad was interested in buying it but Arthur decided not to sell it as his mother bought it for him when he was seventeen. It seems that they might have been planning some form of exchange – Arthur’s violin for grandad’s accordion. In the end, Arthur bought the accordion for £10. Arthur did leave it with grandad so that he could play it.
Grandad Makes a One-stringed Fiddle
So, in April 1971, grandad made himself a one-stringed fiddle. Grandad got advice on this from Arthur and also took it to show him once he had finished. Arthur offered to stain it and paint it which he did. It seems that Arthur may have had at least two of these, one his mother gave him and another he made. Grandad felt Arthur had made a good job of it.
In June 1971, grandad and Auntie Dolly put some nails in the fiddle to show the exact placement of notes. That year, in December, grandad took his violin to Arthur’s to see about some slight repairs. At the end of that month, Arthur brought grandad’s violin back. He had made a good job of it. The repairs cost £1.75 and grandad gave him £2.00.
But, in January 1972, grandad pulled part of it apart as he wanted to make a two-stringed violin. Arthur Elsegood helped him with this and they completed this over four to five days. Grandma bought grandad a new violin bow for £3.00 from Willson’s (see Chapter 108). In March 1974, Arthur brought grandad a one-stringed fiddle he had made for him. Grandad made a rest and stand for it.
Arthur Elsegood Made a Variety of Musical Instruments
It seems that Arthur Elsegood made a variety of musical instruments. For example, in October 1971, he was making a ukulele and, in October 1972, he made a violin. When Jack Attwood visited grandma and grandad in May 1972, he brought his violin for Arthur to repair. Tom and Amy took it back to Jack in June 1972. In November 1972, Arthur brought another fiddle for grandad to see. Grandad noted that the sound came from a coconut but it was not very strong.
Grandad’s C Recorder
In July 1971, grandma brought back grandad’s C recorder from ours. He replaced two wooden keys on it noting that Tricia had pulled the others off. Grandad had originally put these on to make fingering easier (see Chapter 94).
Selling an Organ
In August 1973, grandad sold Arthur his organ for £5.
Practical Tasks in and Around the House
During this period, grandad did a variety of practical tasks in and around the house.
New Fluorescent Bulb in the Lounge
In January 1970, grandad installed a new fluorescent bulb in the lounge. This was a very distinctive, circular, fluorescent light (see Chapter 93).
Maintaining and Repairing the Central Heating
In February 1970, the motor pulley on the central heating started slipping on the shaft. So, grandma and grandad pulled part of the cabinet to pieces and repaired it. They also oiled all the small pulleys on the sliding doors.
Repairing the Convector Fire
In November 1970, grandad “had a go” at the convector fire and got it going.
Decorating
In April 1970, grandma and grandad washed the veranda and re-painted it. That same day, mum brought Tricia and Alan and they washed the shed ready for painting. Also that month, grandma started painting the rear of their bungalow. In July 1972, grandma painted the lounge window inside.
Making, Repairing and Modifying Furniture
A Wooden Seat
For example, in April 1970, grandad repaired a wooden seat that he had made in Kirkby. Parts of it had gone rotten.
Raising a Chair
In May 1970, grandad made a frame to lift the seat of a chair 3½ inches. Grandma’s mother had bought the chair for them in 1933 when they were living in Station Street.
Moving a Door Slide
The next month, In June 1970, grandad moved the door slide of the hall-robe from the bottom to the top.
Castors for a Trolley
In November 1970, grandad made two wooden castors for “the trolley”. I am not entirely sure what this trolley was whether a piece of furniture, such as a tea trolley, or something we played with, similar to a go-cart (see Chapter 85).
Drawer for Three-core Wire
In June 1971, grandad enlarged a drawer to hold some three core wire. This may have been in his cabin.
Drawers for a Photo Cabinet
In October 1971, he made two drawers for his photo cabinet. He made a third in January 1972.
Drawer for a Bookcase
Also, in January 1972, he made a drawer to fit in the bookcase.
Making and Modifying Tables
In April 1972, grandad and Tom went to Dixons and he bought a piece of Formica with a chess board on it (see Chapter 108). Later, he also bought a piece of blockboard and legs and adhesive for the table. He and grandma made that table over two days that month. In July 1972, grandad changed the legs on the table he made so they would close. In September 1972, grandma bought a piece of Formica that grandad was going to use to make a table. That same month, grandad made a folding table out of the one they had from Barringers when they lived in Kirkby (see Chapter 108). In July 1973, grandad reassembled that same table. I am not sure exactly what this means but perhaps he changed the modifications back.
A Rubber Sheet Under His Chair
In January 1974, he put a rubber sheet under his chair in the lounge
Clearing Launders and Guttering
In June 1970, grandad cleared out the front launder (guttering). A few days later, he cleared the back launder.
Repairing and Making New Equipment, Tools and Gadgets
In September 1970, grandad made a new box for the bowls. Two years later, in January 1972, he made grandma a gadget for turning on the bath taps. The next year, in December 1973, grandad took the handle out of a broken shovel and put “the other one” onto the old handle.
Carrying Out Electrical Repairs
For example, in December 1970, the bulb in the kitchen fused, Grandad tried five more without success. The next day, he discovered that a fuse had gone. In December 1973, grandad and Arthur Elsegood put a new flex on grandma’s iron. In October 1974, grandad changed sockets on the electric rolls.
Maintaining and Repairing Clocks
In December 1970, grandma and grandad’s bedroom clock stopped working. Grandad took it to pieces and oiled it. It worked after that.
Installing a Door Bell
Grandad installed a door bell on the back door in July 1971. He had been given this bell by Arthur Elsegood.
Making Shelves
In January 1972, grandad made a small shelf for the digital clock. A few days later, he made a drawer in his cabin to fit under the shelf.
Clearing up and Making Some Modifications Following Conversion to North Sea Gas
At the end of 1972, grandma and grandad’s house was converted to natural gas (see Chapter 102). In December 1972, grandad cleared up all the old pipes left by the fitter of the conversion firm. In February 1973, he made the gas meter cover higher as the gas board had put a gadget on top.
Making Extensions for Electrical Equipment
In December 1973, grandma and Auntie Dolly brought grandad three yards of cable to make an extension for his razor. He made this on Christmas Eve 1973.
Attempting to Repair his Tape Recorder
In February 1974, grandad and Arthur Elsegood tried to repair the tape recorder but without success.
Replacing Batteries
In March 1974, grandad put a new battery in grandma’s radio.
Bike Repairs
During this period, grandad carried out a range of bike repairs including on our bikes. In May 1971, grandad repaired Alan’s bike. In July 1972, grandad overhauled a bike of Tricia’s for Liz. He finished this on 1 August.
Wooden Pedals and Tricycles
In March 1970, grandad made a wooden pedal for Alan’s bike. That same month, he made another pedal for the wooden tricycle. I am not sure if both these pedals were for the wooden tricycle. The implication of the way the diary is worded is that they were not.
Tyres and Punctures
Many of the repairs grandad carried out related to tyres and punctures. For example, In December 1970, grandad fixed a new tyre on my bike. The next year, in June 1971, he tried to repair my bike which had a front wheel puncture. But, despite trying seven patches, he was unsuccessful. He was much more persistent than I could ever be. While I have sometimes patched punctures, more often than not, I just replace the tube. I am pretty sure that the maximum number of times I would have tried to patch a particular puncture would be two and even that would be highly unusual. Mum brought a new tube the next day and he used that.
In October 1971, grandad repaired a puncture on a bike that dad had brought him. In August 1972, he repaired a puncture on my bike for me. Then, in October 1973, he repaired a puncture on Alan’s bike over two days. The next month, in November 1973, mum brought Liz’s bike and mine for grandad to repair. He got a new tube for my bike for 66p. Arthur brought the tube from Dixons. He also gave grandad a hand with the bikes. In January 1974, grandad repaired a puncture in my bike. Arthur Elsegood helped him.
Brake Repairs
In July 1971, grandad repaired the back brake on my bike. In November1973, he repaired the rear brake blocks of the green bike but noted he would need to get new ones.
The Raleigh 16
The next year, in January 1972, grandad repaired a puncture and also the stand on the Raleigh 16 bike (see Chapter 95).
Graham’s bike
Later that year, in May 1972, grandad put a piece of hose pipe on the back wheel of the bike they had bought from Graham to make a tyre. This is a strange entry. I assume Graham is Graham Douglas but, as far as I can see, there is no entry for grandma and grandad buying this bike. I cannot really see how hosepipe could be used as a bike tyre!
Bike Chain Problems
In December 1973, we brought my bike to grandad to mend the chain.
Shoes and Boots
Grandad did not much use his skills and experience making shoes and boots during this period. He did occasionally put soles and heels on shoes. For example, in December 1970, he fixed a pair of stitch-on soles and O pads on his boots. I confess I am not exactly sure what O pads were.
In October 1972, grandad fixed stick-on rubber soles onto two pairs of shoes for himself and one for grandma. The following year, in October 1973, he put a pair of stick-on soles and heels on his boots. He occasionally worked on shoes for others, including Tom Wilson. For example, in July 1970, grandad put a pair of stick-on rubber soles and heels onto his shoes for Tom.
Odd Jobs
Quite often, grandad did not specify the particular jobs he did but referred to doing odd, small, various, several, other or little jobs, often in his cabin (see Chapter 85) but sometimes in the garden. On 14 February 1973, he noted putting overalls on to do odd jobs in his cabin and noted that it was the first time he had done that that year. Sometimes, he noted having a tidy up or clear up in the cabin.
Cold in the Cabin
It was often cold in grandad’s cabin in winter. For example, on 5 January 1970, he noted that it was 31° Fahrenheit (-0.6° Celsius) in the cabin. Sometimes, it was simply too cold for him to work in there, for example, on 30 November and 11 and 31 December 1973. He was also unable to work in his cabin on 25 September 1973 but this was because he had had a poor night and had been up to the toilet nine times.
The Paul Warma
But, mostly, to enable him to work in there in the winter, he used a Paul Warma paraffin stove (see Chapters 67 and 108). Some years, he noted when he started using it, for example, on 20 October 1970, 18 October 1971, 30 September 1972 and 1 October 1973, and when he put it away for the summer, for example on 2 May 1970. He noted buying paraffin and wicks (see Chapter 108). In December 1970, he lent us the Paul Warma to use when there were power cuts. I think we needed it because we relied on central heating while grandma and grandad also had gas fires.
Pulling Things Apart
Grandad frequently pulled things apart to get pieces he could use for other things, particularly wood, motors and bearings. Examples of things he pulled to pieces during this period included…
Desks
Dad brought him these in March and April 1970.
The Car Port He Had Previously Made for Us
Mum brought him this in August 1970. Grandad had made this for me and Alan in December 1966 (see Chapter 94). He noted that we had had our play out of it and he was going to pull it to pieces (see Chapter 108).
Two Beds
Grandad bought these from a Methodist Church jumble sale (see Chapter 107).
An Old Fridge
Ken Bell gave him this in January 1971. Grandad wanted the motor out of it but found it was a complete unit so thought it was of no use to him. But, he managed to get the motor out by sawing the unit in half! However, he could not then get the motor to work.
The Wooden Tricycle
The one referred to above which grandad made in October 1967.
A Record Player
This was mum’s old record player (see Chapter 64) and grandad pulled it apart over June and July 1971. He wanted the motor which he managed to get out.
Televisions
In January 1972, grandad pulled to pieces a TV set that Ron Douglas had given him. In March 1972, he pulled his old Bush television to pieces.
Pram Wheels
Ron Douglas gave grandad these in July 1972. Grandad noted that they had ball bearings in them. In addition, in March 1970, grandad also pulled to pieces a small pram/push chair that mum had given to him.
Tea Chests
In May 1973, Barbara Carpenter gave grandad three tea chests. He pulled them to pieces in June.
Trunk Trays
In June 1973, Arthur Elsegood and grandad pulled some trunk trays to pieces.
A Bird Table
In June 1970, grandad pulled the bird table to pieces, that he had made in June 1968 (see Chapter 94), to put it on a new base. He concreted a drain pipe to fix the bird table in. Grandma painted it. In August 1973, grandad pulled the bird table to pieces as it had rotted badly. He was going to make a new one. He worked on this from August through to October with Arthur Elsegood helping him. When he first put it up, the birds would not go to it because it had been painted.
A Radio
In November 1973, Arthur brought grandad the valve for his Ferranti radio but, when grandad replaced it, the set would not work. So, he gave Arthur all the valves (five of them) and pulled the set to bits. I don’t seem to have a record of grandad having a Ferranti radio although they did have a Ferranti television (see Chapter 53). Perhaps that also had a radio?
A Vacuum Cleaner
Grandad pulled this apart in March 1974.
Wood from a Piano
On one occasion, in January 1971, mum brought him wood from our old piano. Grandad was going to sort out what he wanted and would then give the rest back to mum for firewood. He did start sorting through it but found that some of the wood was glued together. He tried to separate four pieces by soaking them in Ron Douglas’ pond for 24 hours! But, this was not successful. He finally separated the pieces using a chisel and a circular saw!
Eleven Drawers
In July 1971, mum brought grandad eleven drawers that dad had been given by the Norwich Union, presumably for the wood.
Pulling Old Tools to Pieces
Grandad also sometimes pulled old tools to pieces including his old Bridges power drill (see Chapter 93) and an old motor mower. In December 1973, he had collected his old motor mower from Waverley Road. When he pulled it apart, he noted that the motor was in good condition. He got the motor working but it ran clockwise while he wanted it to run anticlockwise. In February 1974, Mr Claxton, the decorator, reversed the motor for him. In March 1974, grandad put it into his planer.
Making and Improving Tools
Also, during this period, grandad made or improved a number of tools.
A Fret Saw Machine
In August 1971, grandad started to make a fret saw machine. He also referred to this as a fret machine. Arthur Elsegood brought his for grandad to copy. Grandad noted that the other one was no good but I am not sure which one he was referring to.
Grandad got a ¼ HP electric motor for it (see Chapter 108) and, with this, got the fret machine running. On the bank holiday, on the 30th, he started putting ball races in his fret machine. He finished this the next day. A few days later, on 2 September 1971, Ron Douglas took grandad and the fret saw to Arthur Elsegood’s, presumably to show it to Arthur.
After this, grandad painted the fret saw and, ten days after that, went into Norwich and bought a piece of plating for it and some fret saw blades. He got the piece of plating from Boddys for 55p and a dozen fret blades No 4 for16p (see Chapter 108). For some reason, grandad decided to swap fret saws with Arthur Elsegood with Arthur paying grandad £3 in addition.
A Band Saw
In November 1971, Tom took grandad to Sergent’s in Costessey to enquire about a band saw (see Chapter 108). A week later, Tom took grandad back to Sergent’s. Grandad bought a band saw blade for 75p and started to make his own band saw. But, he did not make much progress. He could not get the saw wheels to turn truly on the bearings. He kept trying but discovered he needed ball bearings. But, instead of buying them, he decided to have the two-wheeled kit (see Chapter 108) from Sergent’s which he would then build.
But a few days after that, Robin Harrison took grandad back to Sergent’s where he bought a kit for a three-wheeled band saw (see Chapter 108). I found an article explaining the difference between two- and three-wheeled bandsaws but I confess to not fully understanding it.
Grandad started to make the band saw using the motor from his planer. At the end of November, Arthur Elsegood came to see it and was the first to cut wood with it. On 1 December 1971, grandad himself cut wood on it for the first time although he noted he had not finished making it. He did more on it subsequently including making a stand for it. He finished it on the 9th ready for painting. In the next few days, he used it to cut wood before finally painting it on 18 and 20 December.
Other Tools Modified
Other tools he modified during this period included…
Black and Decker Bench
In May 1971, he modified his old Black and Decker bench to fit the Black and Decker drill he bought in November 1968.
A Guard for Sanding Protection
He also made a guard for sanding protection for his saw in September 1970.
New Tools and Equipment
He also bought new tools and equipment during this period. For example, in June 1970, he bought a ladder (see Chapter 108) and, in July, he put some brackets up in his cabin to hold the ladder near the roof.
A Frame for His Electric Drill
In May 1971, he “fixed the frame to the wall of my electric drill which I had made.” I am not entirely sure what this means. Presumably, he had made some kind of frame for his electric drill and he fixed this to the wall. I assume this was to hold and store the drill.
Lending out Tools
Sometimes, grandad loaned out tools. For example, in April 1970, Tricia and Robin Harrison borrowed grandad’s garden roller. In June 1974, mum borrowed “the saws”. The next month, in July 1974, we brought back the saws, the mower and the incinerator.
Fined for Visiting Grandad!
Others were sometimes interested in the tools that grandad had. For example, in December 1970, when grandad went to get his hair cut, the barber told him that he had been fined £15 and had his licence endorsed for parking on the High Road when visiting grandad about making a circular saw!
Jobs for Others
Sometimes grandad did work for family, friends and neighbours. He also did jobs for Drayton Methodist Church (see Chapter 107).
Jobs for Mum and Our Family
One of the most frequent beneficiaries of grandad doing jobs was of course our family, in general, and mum, in particular. Things grandad did for us and mum included…
Making Shelves
In March 1970, grandad came to ours to measure a space to make some shelves for mum. He started making them the same day. He finished them the next day and applied a coat of priming paint.
Repairing Her Vacuum
Grandad did this in October 1970. He did further work on this in August 1972.
Jobs Associated with Moving to a New House
In November and December 1970, grandad worked to remove panelling at the new house in Waverley Road (see Chapter 102). He also did odd jobs there in December 1970.
Jobs Associated with Moving from an Old House
Grandad sorted out some problems with the electrics at the old house in Middletons Lane in December 1970. In January 1971, he also went there with mum to dismantle the climbing frame (see Chapter 102).
Repairing Her Bean Slicer
Grandad did this in December 1970.
Repairing and Painting a Table
In December 1970, grandma and grandad repaired a table that grandad had made for mum in 1937 (see Chapter 19). Grandma painted it.
Converting a Fridge to a Cupboard
Grandad did this in January 1971.
Installing New Window Cords
In May 1971, grandad put new cords in the windows in Alan’s and my bedrooms. He also did the same for one window on the attic landing. He came back a few days later to finish the sash cords.
Repairing Chairs
In June 1971, grandad repaired a chair for mum. Then, in June 1973, grandad repaired the chair of a suite they had bought off Brays and which they exchanged with mum for her suite when they came to Norwich (see Chapter 108). In July 1973, grandad repaired another chair for mum. He had done one the previous day. A week later, mum and Tricia came to collect the chairs..
Making a Tape Case
In June 1971, grandad made a tape case for a tape of dad’s father. I don’t really know what this was especially as Grandad Drew had died more than a year previously.
Making a New Knife Handle
Grandad did this in October 1971.
Repairing a Machine for Polishing Pebbles
He did this in October 1971. Initially, he could not get it to work but, after a couple of days, he was successful.
Repairing the Garage Door
He did this in November 1971.
Cutting Logs and Wood
He did this in December 1971 with Robin Harrison.
Making a Table
He did this in October 1972. This was to hold a small printing machine that mum had bought. Sometimes, grandad appeared to refer to this as a cupboard and sometimes as a cabinet.
Placing Castors on a Leather Chair
He did this for dad in October 1972.
Repairing a Clock
On Christmas Day 1972, grandad brought home for repairs a clock that they had given to mum. Grandad noted that he got it going before bedtime.
Repairing a Radio
In October 1973, grandad repaired the handle of the Bush radio that they gave to mum when they bought “the Roger’s”. While he might have meant Roger’s, i.e. a radio for me, I suspect he meant Roberts (see Chapter 108).
Doing Odd Jobs
For example, he noted doing odd jobs, in October 1973, at College Road.
Making Things for One of Us
Sometimes, grandad made things specifically for one or more of us, mostly Alan!. In January 1971, grandad made Alan a table which grandma painted. That same year, in May, grandad made Liz a cupboard out of their old Ferranti TV cabinet. This was their first television in 1951 (see Chapter 53). The cabinet then seemed to have a second life as mum’s record player/radiogram from 1959 (see Chapters 64 and 67)
In June of that year, dad brought some of his father’s tools for grandad to sort out for Alan. This was over a year after Grandad Drew died, in March 1970. I don’t know why these tools went to Alan rather than to me or one of my sisters. Perhaps it was because Alan appeared interested in tools. Alternatively, it could have just been favouritism!!
In April 1973, grandad made a four-wheeled runabout trolley for Alan. A few days after Alan received it, he asked for some changes to the front which grandad noted would be about a day’s work. In August 1973, grandad carried out some repairs to this trolley.
Jobs for Neighbours
Grandad also did jobs and made things for his neighbours.
Ron Douglas
He particularly helped Ron Douglas with his lawn mower. Indeed, quite a lot of the help grandad gave his neighbours related to mowers!
In March 1970, grandad tried to get Ron Douglas’ Atco mower working as it seemed to have no compression. Grandad noted that he had sold Ron this mower on 4 April 1969. He had originally bought it in April 1965 (see Chapter 94). He thought he had got it working but noted that he would check the next day when Ron had got some petrol. In May 1971, grandad again helped Ron with his mower. Again, there was no compression but they managed to get it going. In May 1973, on the Bank Holiday, grandad repaired the clutch on Ron’s Atco mower.
Grandad helped Ron with a number of other things. In August 1970, grandad helped Ron pull his coal bunker to pieces. Ron had sold it to Irene Bell’s niece, Wendy, for 46 shillings. In July 1972, grandad gave Ron a hand with some woodwork. Then, in September 1973, grandad repaired a fan torch for Ron which he had bought when he was in Aden. In November 1973, grandad got Ron’s fire going.
Grandad also sometimes did things for other Douglases, for example, in July 1970, grandad fixed a lid on a box for Graham Douglas.
Barbara Carpenter
In May 1970, grandad cut a small barrel in two for Barbara Carpenter. She wanted to plant plants in it. The next month, in June 1970, Barbara had lost her door key. So, grandad forced a small window and opened a larger one which grandma got through. She then opened the back door. That same month, Barbara bought a transformer from Woolworths so grandad could make her photo viewer run from the mains rather than from batteries, like he had done for his (see Chapter 108). In November that year, Barbara’s central heating motor would not work. Grandad had a try and got it going.
Dennis
n July 1971, Barbara brought grandad a set of legs from which she wanted him to make her a stool. That same month, grandad helped Dennis put up a wire fence for Barbara against the field. I am not entirely sure who Dennis was. It could have been the Carpenters’ son but I have not found evidence of this. Or, it might have been Barbara’s friend.
Barbara Carpenter’s Mower
At the end of March 1973, grandad cleaned and adjusted Barbara’s mower. He commented that the jockey pulley to the cutters was too tight. In July 1973, grandad repaired Barbara’s mower switch. Two months later, in September 1973, Barbara brought a wooden elephant for grandad to adjust the hinges. I am not quite sure why a wooden elephant would have hinges unless it was a box. Then, in November 1973, grandad fitted an element to Barbara’s electric fire. The following year, in April 1974, grandad lent Barbara their mower as hers was not satisfactory. The diary entry is difficult to read. Grandad was unwell (see Chapter 100). Grandma took over writing his diaries for a time soon after.
Irene and Ken Bell
In January 1970, grandad tried to get Irene Bell’s spin drier, that was on her Hotpoint washing machine, working but without success. That same year, in July, he put a new flex on a radiator for her. In May 1972, he repaired Ken Bell’s lawn mower. The drive belt had come off the jockey wheel. The following month, in June 1972, Ken Bell had a greenhouse delivered. He had to assemble it. That same month, grandad fixed two slides on Ken’s greenhouse door. I am not entirely sure what these were.
Friends and Family
Grandad also made things for friends and family, particularly when they visited.
Auntie Dolly
In April 1970, grandad made four bed supports for Auntie Dolly.
Tom and Amy
That same year, in September 1970, grandad made a tray to fit in Tom’s car. Also, in December 1970, he got a shade from Dixons and fixed Amy up with a reading lamp (see Chapter 108). That same month, grandad repaired a Ewbank carpet sweeper that Amy had sent with dad. In August 1972, grandad made two blocks of wood to lift up the head of Amy’s bed.
Auntie Bertha
In September 1971, grandad chopped some wood for Auntie Bertha.
Local Friends
Grandad also made things for local friends.
Rev Hayman
In August 1970, grandad bought some plywood at Dixons to make a box for Rev Hayman’s son who was starting at a new school (see Chapter 108). He made this over the next few days. The materials cost 26 shillings and Rev Hayman gave him thirty.
A Beith
In October 1970, grandma and grandad repaired two chair seats for A Beith. I don’t know who this is.
Miss Cooke
The next month, in November 1970, grandad put a set of screws-on legs on a top for Miss Cooke.
Mr Kemp
In July 1971, grandad fixed an emery wheel on some wood for Mr Kemp’s fret saw machine. He turned it on the lathe. In November 1973, grandad did a job in his cabin for Mr Kemp. He did not specify what it was. That same month, Mr Kemp brought grandad a motor to test what speed it worked at. Grandad said he would test it the next day which he did. He got it working although he thought it might be too fast. A few days later, Mr Kemp collected his motor.
Robin Harrison
In June 1972, grandad made Robin Harrison a case to hold a picnic stove.
Mrs Davis
In March 1973, grandad made a bird table for Mrs Davis. It took him just over a week. In October 1973, Mrs Davis’ electric fire went “wonky” . Grandad had a look at it but could not fix it so grandma phoned for an electrician.
Arthur Elsegood
In particular, grandad did things with and for Arthur Elsegood. In October 1971, Arthur came to grandad for him to saw some oak for a ukulele he was making. The following year, in December 1972, Arthur came for some glass which grandad had “begged” from Ron Douglas. Grandad cut it into two pieces both of which were 21” by 8”. Then, in January 1974, grandad and Arthur cut up part of the garden seat. He gave some of the wood to Arthur as firewood. Later that month, Arthur came and they cut more wood for Arthur.
Grandma Helped Mum with Practical Tasks
Grandma sometimes helped mum with practical tasks. For example, in March 1970, mum was wallpapering our staircase and grandma came to help. Two months later, in May 1970, grandma came to ours all day to help with some painting. Then, in September 1973, she came by bus to College Road to paint a cupboard for mum. A month later, in October 1973, grandma came to help mum. Arthur Elsegood came with her to pull a mirror out of a wardrobe.
Grandad Noted Work Done by Others
Grandad occasionally noted work others did without his help.
Ken Bell
For example, in November 1970, grandad noted that Ken Bell tarmacked his drive.
Men Fixing Lamp Posts
The next year, in May 1971, grandad noted that men were fixing lamp posts on the High Road. He noted that they fixed a lamp post against the wall pillar of their front wall. It appears to still be there although it is not fixed to the wall. Possibly the wall is newer.
Ron Douglas
That same month, in May 1971, Ron Douglas got the fountain working in his garden pool.
Arthur Elsegood
In July 1973, Arthur Elsegood begged some wood from grandad to make a small fence.
Grandad Sometimes Worked with Others
Sometimes, grandad worked with others.
Setting a Mole Trap with Dennis
In January 1971, grandad and Dennis set a mole trap in the front lawn. I am not entirely sure if this was grandma and grandad’s front lawn or Barbara Carpenter’s.
Arthur Elsegood and a Picture Frame
In July 1972, Arthur Elsegood came to help grandad frame a picture but Arthur took it home to put the frame together leaving the picture and glass with grandad.
Getting Others to Do Work for Them
Sometimes, grandma and grandad had others come and do work for them.
A Plumber
In January 1970, the plumber came and fixed two gas points for fires that mum had given them when we had had central heating installed. This work cost £6.
The Man from the Gas Board
That same year, in March 1970, a man came from the Gas Board to service the water heater and the central heating.
Robin Harrison
Then, in May 1970, Robin Harrison cut some branches off a fir tree at the bottom of the garden. Ken Bell lent them a ladder to do this. The next day, grandad cut up the branches. In April 1972, Robin came and pruned their rose trees. The following year, in February 1973, Robin again pruned their roses for them and this time charged them one pound.
Dennis
In August 1970, Dennis dug up a wasp nest in grandma and grandad’s garden.
Dad (and Tricia)
In February 1972, dad and Tricia went to grandma and grandad’s. Dad whitened the ceilings of the kitchen and bathroom. He came back in early March to whiten the hall ceiling.
Arthur Elsegood
Later that year, in November 1972, Arthur Elsegood came and fixed tiles on the wall near the cupboard. Then, in April 1973, Arthur came and fixed the tiles in the window.
Ron Douglas
Later that year, in August 1973, Ron Douglas put a mole trap in grandma and grandad’s garden.
Mr Claxton
In January and February 1974, they had Mr Claxton come to do decorating for them.
Tricia
That year, in June 1974, Tricia came and cleaned the launders out. She had just turned 16.
Extensive Gardens
Grandma and grandad’s bungalow had quite extensive front and back gardens, particularly at the back. Both grandma and grandad spent quite a lot of time gardening, particularly, in grandad’s case, in the early part of this period. Other people sometimes helped them including Auntie Dolly when she visited.
Trouble with Conifers
The garden took quite a lot of effort to maintain. It was surrounded by conifers. Clearing branches, twigs, cones and needles from the lawns was required frequently, particularly after storms, and prior to mowing.
Grandad often noted the number of barrow loads he collected. The largest number recorded was four barrow loads in both August and September 1970 and in October 1971, when he got these from the back lawn only. Sometimes, other people helped grandad clear the lawns, e.g. Arthur Elsegood in April 1973.
Grandad Loved a Bonfire
Grandad often burned these and other garden rubbish in a bonfire. Other garden rubbish included rose cuttings, for example, in February 1973.
Pine Needles in a Bag
For some reason, in March 1974, grandad put some pine needles in a bag for the dustman. I don’t know if this was because the dustman wanted them or because they were getting rid of them this way. I suspect it might have been the former.
The Trouble with Bonfires
While you do occasionally encounter bonfires these days, they are less common than they were. Broadly, they are discouraged because of the harm they cause and because of the alternatives of composting and recycling. I don’t recall that we have ever had a bonfire here. We do pay £50 per year for a brown bin which allows collection of garden waste. Grandad’s main way of getting rid of garden waste seemed to be to burn it! Sometimes, other people helped grandad with the fires, e.g. mum in November 1970.
Coal Brickettes
On one occasion, in February 1970, grandad used the fire to make some small brickettes for Barbara Carpenter from some coal riddlings. By 4 March 1970, he noted that he made 194 brickettes for Barbara.
Other Maintenance Tasks
Other maintenance tasks grandma and grandad carried out included…
Pruning the Roses
They sometimes did this themselves but they also got Robin to do it on at least two occasions.
Weeding and Applying Weedkiller
Some occasions when grandma and grandad bought weedkiller are described in Chapter 108. In March 1970, grandad bought Weedex from Dixons to kill weeds on their gravel.
Applying Lawn Sand to Kill Moss
In March 1971, grandad had two stone of mercurial sand delivered from Ken’s Corn Store at a cost of 24 shillings. I had no idea what this was especially as the entry is spelled “murcural”. So, I posted a question on the Norwich Remembers Facebook Group and received various suggestions including “miracle”, “my usual” and “manicural”. However, the most plausible is mercurial as mercury was used in lawn sand although its use is now banned.
Painting the Front Gates
In May 1970, grandad scraped one of the front gates ready for painting. Grandma then painted this while grandad scraped the other one. Grandma then painted that one. Perhaps surprisingly, they painted them again in March 1971 and April 1972.
Watering and Fertilising the Lawns
For example, in July 1972, grandma and grandad watered the back lawn and put fertiliser on it one day. The next day, they did the same at the front.
Repairing Garden Chairs
In June 1970, grandad repaired two garden chairs which had belonged to grandma’s mother.
Painting Garden Seats
In June 1970, grandad scraped the garden seats for grandma to paint which she started to do that same day.
Creating Frameworks on which Creepers could Grow
In June 1970, grandad fixed two pieces of wood to the tree stumps for “the creepers”. Then, in July 1970, grandad fixed some (more) wood on the tree stumps for climbers to spread and he noted that the ivy was going on well..
Cutting Wood
In July 1970, grandad cut some wood, that mum had got from “an old lady in Norwich”, into logs. I wondered if this was Mrs Tilsley who mum worked for during this period (see Chapter 105). But, this provision of wood pre-dated mum working for her by three to four years.
Strengthening Their Incinerator
They had bought this from Bonds in 1967 (see Chapter 93). In July 1970, grandad put iron at the top and bottom of their incinerator to strengthen it.
Clearing Out Launders/Gutters
They did this, for example, in July 1971, April 1972 and July 1972. These also got filled with pine needles. In July 1972, grandad also cleaned the fascia board.
Cleaning the Veranda Roof
They did this in August 1971.
Cleaning the Veranda Woodwork
They did this in July 1972.
Painting the Fascia Boards and Back Door
Grandma painted these in July 1972.
Clearing the Lawns of Exploded Fireworks.
Grandad this on the day after a family firework display, for example, on 6 November 1972 and 5 November 1973 (see Chapter 106).
Collecting Apples
They also collected apples from Ron Douglas’ trees, for example, in October 1970, September 1973 and in both September and October 1974. On one occasion, Mr Winspear collected apples with grandma. I am not entirely sure who that is. The name is not completely clear in the diary but that is what it looks like.
More Major Garden Work
Sometimes, grandma and grandad did more major work in the gardens.
Cutting Down Four Elm Trees
For example, in March 1970, grandad cut down four small trees in the front garden as Robin Harrison had told him they were elm trees. Grandad was concerned that they would grow too big and that, in the summer, they were drawing moisture away from the lawn leaving the grass brown. As was his practice, he burned the small branches and twigs in a garden bonfire. In early April, Robin Harrison came with a chain saw to deal with the stumps. Grandad noted that Robin did not charge but grandad insisted on giving him ten shillings. After this, grandad cut pieces off the stumps so that the lawn could be re-turfed.
Buying More Slabs
In April 1970, grandad laid some more slabs in the garden. He ordered slabs, sand and cement from Curtis’s. Also, he exchanged a barrow of sand with Ron Douglas for a barrow of small gravel.
The slabs were delivered the next day. There were 12 slabs at 5/4 each. There was also one bag of cement and a ¼ yard of sand. The slabs totalled £3 4 0 while the cement cost ten shillings and the sand 7/6. They paid a total of £4 1 6 cash on delivery.
Laying More Slabs
The day after delivery, grandad laid nine slabs in the top left hand corner of the garden. I am not entirely sure if these slabs formed a path or a square. Two days later, he got the slabs ready for concreting and concreted them the day after that. At the beginning of May 1970, grandad lifted a few slabs on the garden path to make them level with the slab square he had made. Later in May, he made a ten-inch concrete wall on the slabs. To do this, he got a bag of cement for eleven shillings from Ken Bell.
In July 1971, he and grandma laid 12 more slabs at the bottom of the garden. Curtis delivered 20 2’x2’ slabs at 33p each. They also delivered 5 cwt of broken slabs and 8 cwt of fine gravel for Ron. It is worth noting that this was post-decimalisation hence the price in new pence. That year, in August, they laid more slabs. In May and June 1973, Arthur Elsegood helped grandad do some slabbing at the top of the garden. Grandad referred to this as a slab garden.
Tools and Gadgets for the Garden
Grandad also made tools and gadgets to use in the garden. For example, in May 1970, he made a revolving holder for the hosepipe. Grandma bought the hosepipe and fittings the same month (see Chapter 108). Grandad made a gadget to hold the hosepipe while spraying the lawns but he was not thrilled with it. So, he improved it. However, I am not sure he was happy with it as, in June 1970, grandma bought an oscillating lawn sprayer (see Chapter 108).
Cutting the Grass
As noted previously (see Chapter 94), grandma and grandad had large lawns at both the front and back of their house. These needed to be cut roughly once a week from around February to November although this depended a bit on the weather. For example, grandad noted that the lawns did not need to be cut so much during the heatwave in 1970. When it rained, grandad was not able to cut the lawns even if they needed doing.
Grandad Was Cutting the Grass at the Start of This Period…
At the start of this period, it was mostly grandad who cut the lawns. Grandma sometimes helped. On 9 April 1972, grandad noted that mum did this with a little “help” from Tricia, me and Alan. At this point, Tricia was 13, I was 11 and Alan was nine.
…But Mum Gradually Took Over
Later that month, on the 21st, mum and Tricia cut the lawns. From this point on, it was increasingly mum who cut the lawns. Others also sometimes cut the lawns, for example, Auntie Dolly in August 1972 and 1974 and Tricia[4] in April 1974. Tricia also sometimes helped mum, for example, in July 1974. In September 1974, mum, Tricia and Alan cleaned and cut the lawns. Grandma paid mum £1 and Tricia and Alan 50p each.
I Cut the Grass at Least Once
On 2 November 1973, grandad noted that I finished cutting the back lawn and that I did it well. I don’t recall grandad being lavish with praise. So, this is a comment to treasure particularly on a topic that he considered so important! I was 13 at this time.
Trimming Lawn Edges
After the lawns had been cut, the edges needed to be trimmed. I believe this was mostly done manually with shears. But, in 1974, they got a lawn edger from Leach & Son (see Chapter 108) and I presume this was electric.
The Patch at the Front
Also, the grass at the front of the wall by the road had to be cut. From June 1973, he cut this using his new rotary mower. This little patch in front of the wall still exists.
Grass Between Slabs
Periodically, grass growing between slabs needed to be cut.
Cleaning the Mower
Grandad also used to clean the mower after use and he overhauled it periodically particularly ahead of spring and summer use, e.g. in February 1971.
Lawn Mowers
There is quite a lot about lawn mowers in the diaries (see Chapter 108).
Qualcast Rotary Mower
Grandma and grandad bought a Qualcast rotary mower in June 1973. I am not sure what triggered this but, in March 1973, Arthur Elsegood came round to tell grandad about his new Flymo electric mower.
In November of that year, grandad altered the wheels on the mower, replacing the roller with wheels. In March 1974, he moved the back wheels of the rotary mower to the outside. Arthur Elsegood helped him do this.
It seems grandma, grandad and mum were all pleased with the rotary mower although they still used the cylinder mower to finish off. The model of rotary mower they had did not pick the grass up but it cut really well even if the grass was long and wet.
Grandma’s Other Practical Skills
While there are some details of practical things grandma did, these appear more when she was writing grandad’s diary for him than when he was doing it himself. This applies particularly to washing which grandad never mentions but grandma usually did.
Sewing
There is almost no mention of her doing sewing or knitting but it seems likely she was still sewing as, in April 1972, she took her sewing machine to the ladies’ meeting to help with repairing cushions.
In November 1972, she made covers for the arms of their suite using material she had bought from Bonds (see Chapter 108).
It seems that Auntie Dolly might have been particularly good at sewing as, in August 1974, she finished making grandma’s green dress.
Butterflies
The day before this, Auntie Dolly “made butterflies” but I don’t know what this refers to or even if it refers to sewing or cooking or something else!
Cooking and Baking
Also, there is almost no mention of grandma cooking or baking but she clearly still did these. In May 1974, for example, she made marmalade.
Washing
Grandma did washing one day per week on a Monday. Sometimes she did washing for us, for example, in May 1972, when mum was away on holiday in Scotland (see Chapter 106) and, in November 1974, when mum was in hospital (see Chapter 100). Conversely, mum sometimes did washing for them when grandma was not well, for example, in January 1973 (see Chapter 100).
Auntie Dolly Helped When She Visited
When Auntie Dolly visited, she helped grandma with practical tasks, e.g. doing ironing in August 1974.
A Bit of Vacuuming
I don’t think grandad helped much with housework but, in October 1974, he noted that he did “a bit of vacuuming” when grandma was away in the Isle of Wight (see Chapter 106).