Monday, 31 May 1937
Lovely day, went to Australia House, no letters. Had lunch, then to picture show. Back to dinner, then to Russian Ballet. Met Mrs Cantor, sat for 2 hours in Lyons.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 30 May: Went to see the Coronation Robes
Sunday, 30 May 1937
Lovely warm day, stayed in bed until 11. Had tea & toast brought up. Had dinner at 1.30. Mrs Everett, Molly & Dot Hall, all went out to see the Coronation Robes. Had to wait ½ hour in the Tul.? Paid 1/6 to see them, very grand. Had tea at Lyons came home, hot bath in bed by 8.
Very tired
Mrs Hall not too well.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 4 May: Amsterdam sights then return to Brussels
Tuesday, 4 May 1937
Lovely sunshine, went into town by bus to see the shops. All traffic was stopped so we hopped out too. Saw all King Leopold’s soldiers march out to the Review ground, a most impressive march. Went through all the shops after, got back for lunch at 12.30. Car called at 1 to take us to the train then to Bruges & Ostend, the steamer Princess Astrid for the White Cliffs of Dover. Smooth trip, got back to London at 10. No buses on the road. Had a cup of tea at Lyons, then back to 130. Feeling worn out.
[On 21 June 1949, the Princess Astrid sank after striking a mine in the English Channel, three miles off Dunkirk – 1949 ‘BELGIAN STEAMER SUNK.’, Cairns Post (Qld. : 1909 – 1954), 23 June, p. 1, viewed 26 April, 2013, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42629286 – See article on line at Trove]
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 27 April: The Royal Mint
Tuesday, 27 April 1937
Nice morning, met the N.Z. folks at 12. Had lunch at 12. Had lunch at Lyons, then bus out to the [Royal] Mint – opposite the Tower of London. Long walk, all very tired. Had afternoon tea there and went back to St Margaret’s Hotel to dinner and had a game of bridge at night. Raining heavy as I left, borrowed umbrella from Mrs Everett.
Went to several churches in the morning, the Temple and Temple Bar.
[St Margaret’s Hotel was situated at 26 Bedford Place. Thirza’s New Zealand friends were based there. After her visit to the Continent, Thirza relocated from 130 Belgrave Street to St Margaret’s.]
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 26 April: Sherry party at Eaton Square
Monday, 26 April 1937
Nice sunny morning but very cold. Called at Australia house for letters. Met Mrs Carter & Miss Dunbar. All had lunch together then to Overseas Club, where they joined up. Had afternoon tea at Lyons at Marble Arch. Left them at 5 – had to race back to dress for sherry party at Lady Barron’s in Eaton Square. About 40 there, met lots of Lords & Ladies. Lady Swadling drove me home in her Rolls Royce. Asked me to tea on Friday, had to refuse as I am going to Holland. Met young Lord Jersey, nice boy, very chatty.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 21 April: Regent and Bond Streets and Mayfair
Wednesday, 21 April 1937
First bit of sun today but very cold; nearly frozen. Met Edith Rotherham. Took her to lunch at Lyons Brassiere, then did the shops in Regent & Bond, back to the overseas club for afternoon tea then out to Miss Cuhh? in Mayfair to cocktail party at 6. About 100 there, left at 8 when the young people started dancing. Had no dinner, too cold, feeling very tired. Had a big day, writing letters to Sydney tonight, feeling very tired and easy.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 19 April: Piccadilly
Monday, 19 April 1937
A little sun but very cold still. Went to get mail. Met Mrs Davidson in Australia House, asked me to go and visit them. Paid for my coronation seat, 10/-, then took bus to London Bridge, back again to Piccadilly. Had lunch at Lyons, then met the Davidsons again. Bought some wool to make knee pads, feel the cold in my knees. Arrived home at 5 feeling very tired. Spent about 2 hours in Swan and Edgar, a lovely shop. Took Mrs Roberts to supper.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 16 April: Joined the Overseas Visitors Club
Friday, 16 April 1937
Still wet and cold. Went with Mrs David & joined the Overseas Club; 15 / to join & 10/ sub. Had lunch at the Brassiere at Lyons, then went to a picture show. Back in time for dinner.
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 11 April: Memorial service at the Royal Military Chapel
Sunday, 11 April 1937
Went to Royal Military chapel to memorial service for an Australian soldier killed yesterday, very impressive, home for dinner. Met crowd at 6 at Lyons, Piccadilly. Had dinner there then Mrs Everett & I went to the arts theatre to a show. Had spot at interval with Col’s brother & sister. Good show, got home at midnight. Supper at Lyons at midnight.
[It would appear that the reference to the memorial service was for Arthur Sullivan, VC, who was in London to attend as a representative, the King’s Coronation and who was accidentally killed on 9 April, 1937.]
Thirza Pidgeon’s 1937 World Tour – 6 April: Saw the Queen and Princesses
Tuesday, 6 April 1937
Still very foggy, met the N.Z. folks and went to see the Queen and the 2 Princesses. Great crowd watching, had a very good view. Had lunch at Lyons – then took bus out to Harrods a lovely store. Spent nearly all the afternoon in the store. Came home to dinner and stayed at home – very tired.
[For more information on Lyons see The Corner Houses]