50YON: Sunday, 11th April 1976
Five-Year Diary: Appleby, age 14
I read. Science fiction.Also books about magic, the black arts, and spirits. My Diary says I’m reading ‘2001’. Also, The Villains Piece by Graham Shelby—an epic set during England’s 1134 civil war between Empress Matilda and Stephen of Blois. Amid the snow and chaos, Brien Fitz Count remains steadfast to Matilda, defending Wallingford Castle with his wife Alyse, and holding out at immense personal cost. I read this, looking out over the castle courtyard to the Keep, built in 1172. I have no need to imagine the scene; I have it before my eyes. All it’s missing is snow. The outdoor swimming pool would also look out of place.
Raining, hardly surprising. This is Cumbria—it rains all the time. If the sun comes out for more than three days in April, May, June or July, we call it summer, as it won’t be back until next year.
I play guitar. I have sheet music for the Beatles, Bowie, Elton John and Cat Stevens. I play to accompany my own singing of my favourite songs.
I listen to Tubular Bells and Abba.
Breakfast in the Refectory.
As it is raining, there’ll be no painting of the estate fences today.
Instead, I end up watching Open University programmes. Absurd, really, given where I am and all the things I might do, but we have no library. I could play bar billiards on my own. Even practice table tennis or darts.
Lunch.
Some people came in the morning for Dad. I was never introduced.
Television. Still raining. Eat.
Pack stuff. We’re headed back to Newcastle in the morning.
Very tired.
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