A focus on family history
Monday, 12 April 1937
Cold and fine
Went to Australia House for letters then N.Z. House. Met Mrs Prentice, had lunch, then train to Buxton [sp? possibly Brixton and Brixton Markets]. Put me in mind of Colombo; men trying to drag you into the shops. In the markets bought a felt hat for 3/6. Had a good day, very tired.
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.]
APR Saturday 10 1937
Wet morning, met the crowd at 11 – walked about, had lunch, then to a picture show at Piccadilly, came home to dinner, and stopped in for the night.
Friday, 9 April 1937
A nice day but cold – went to Army & Navy stores and bought a new hat – then out to Harrods to meet the crowd. Saw mannequin parade, then afternoon tea at Harrods. Very nice feeling, very tired.
Thursday, 8 April 1937
Rang up Fay Hardy. Promised to meet her – at Australia House – gave her the parcel – looking very well. Promised to meet her next Thursday and go to her husband’s show. Saw a lot of the passengers in the reception room. Went to the pictures at night, Jack Buchanan.
Wednesday, 7 April 1937
Went to see about my ticket for coronation. Promised to meet the N.Z. folks but they did not turn up – very cold & wet. Had lunch, then to Peter Robinson. Bought a pair of shoes – afterwards went to the pictures.
[Peter Robinson’s of Oxford Circus was a well known women’s fashion store. It was badly damaged during the Blitz in the Second World War]
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]
Monday, 5 April 1937
Another day like yesterday. Took my plate to the dentist. Had to leave it all day so sat in the lounge before the fire. Just had some tomato soup, served in my bedroom. Lay down in afternoon. Got my teeth at 6 o’clock. After dinner, took bus to Russell Square. The N.Z ers were very pleased to see me. The teeth are a great success – cost 30/-.
[Thirza’s New Zealand friends from the ship were staying at St Margaret’s Hotel in Bedford Place, near Russell Square.]
Sunday, 4 April 1937
Another cold and foggy day. Went for a walk to St James’s Palace, saw the changing of the guards, hundreds there. Had a very good view, in the front like. Had a good look at Buckingham Palace. Back to dinner at 1. Afternoon, went to the National Gallery opposite Trafalgar Square. Saw Richard Tauber & his wife, very ordinary pair, both badly dressed. Came back to supper at 7. Then sat in front of the fire until 10.
Saturday, 3 April 1937
Went to the dentist. Had to take the plate to town to match the teeth so took a long bus ride out to Wood Green, very nice run. Came back, got the plate, had lunch at the A.B.C. then to the pictures. Saw Mae West in down west young man [Go West Young Man], rotten piece. Came back to dinner, and stopped in for the night, having broken teeth, did not feel like looking up any of the New Zealand folk. Still a cold foggy and wet night.