CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Christmas lights, 1960s  Photo: Alamy

M O N D A Y,  4  D E C E M B E R

Day off for Xmas shopping.

About 11, Ma, Chump and me left for Kingston - we didn’t go to London because of go-slow on the railways.

Shopped mostly in Bentalls. Didn’t have any lunch as queues dreadful, but I did get a milk-shake and an ice-cream. I didn’t see any good dresses, so went to Richard Shops where I saw that beautiful brown crepe-y dress I tried on with Lucy. There was also a pink one with bell sleeves and it was even better - so I got it! With my gold pendant it will be lovely for Covent Garden. Then got shoes to match: mauve with a pink border and a pink heel and a strap around the ankle. All the dresses Chump tried on were too big, so she got some brown velvet and Ma’s going to make her one. Chump also got some fab material for the gorgeous dress she’s making for dressing-up.

“Saw Keith Relf with his wife and baby in Bentalls!”

Changed into my dress and at quarter to 8 we all left for the motel at Reigate. We had a marvellous meal - I had tomato soup with masses of cream on top, salmon with hollandaise sauce, and orange water-ice. The place was absolutely full with Christmas party people, there were even long dresses! Some people danced but the music was dreadful. There were millions of lights in the distance and every time I just glanced at them it seemed like we were in Monte Carlo, with the huge harbour at night! It was great fun because everyone was in a party mood, I even told Ma and Pa the filthy joke about the Scotsman that I heard from Johnnie Walker on Caroline.

Home at 10. I’m listening to J.W., as usual, and he’s just said he can’t go on much longer. They can’t wash with hot water and they haven’t had contact with land for four weeks. He says it’s driving him insane. I’m not surprised. That’s the reason why he’s only been giving half-rate shows, he said. It’s a rotten life. It’s so unnatural to spend three-quarters of your life away from civilization. I don’t know how they can stand it, honestly I don’t.

I’ve displayed my Polnareff LP on my chair as propaganda (!) - the painters are doing my room tomorrow.

Spotted in Bentalls: Keith Relf of the Yardbirds