We had an Arithmetic exam. this morning.

   In J.T.C. it rained so we did map-reading all morning.

   After school I went to St Andrews. B’ham were playing Allmanna Ideotto Klubben, Stockholm. B’ham played A.I.K. in Sweden in 1946 winning 2–1 (Dougall & Mulraney).

   The two teams lined up while the band played the Swedish National Anthem & God Save the King. B’ham, scored first from a Jordan free-kick then inside-right Almqvist scored two good goals for A.I.K. In the second-half Stewart scored. Final score: 2–2. A.I.K were the better team slightly, being extremely clever with their ground passing which was a delight to watch. The visiting forwards were leading B’ham a lively dance. A.I.K. were very fast but inclined to be flashy — they often attempted to back-heel the ball. Incidentally the teams were:—

   After the game both teams lined up once more and gave three cheers for each other.

   In P.T. this morning we went for a run down Park Vale and back up the Head’s drive. Then I played Basketball in the Gym.

   In Geography we went to have a look at the weather station.

   In the dinner hour I bought four school christmas cards (very poor compared with last year’s) & scored two goals playing football.

   This afternoon I had a History Essay exam and an Algebra exam. I came home on the S.B.

   In the Arithmetic test yesterday I got 27/33, top mark being 28/33.

   This evening I am going to “swot” for an hour now.

   At school today we had a Geometry exam, French exam, and a Physics exam. I don’t think I did very well though in any of them.

   I got home for 1.15pm then cycled to the match. B’ham City were playing Charlton Athletic. Blues team was:— Merrick; Badham, Jennings; Carr, Atkins, Harris; Stewart, Jordan, Higgins, Brennan, Berry. There was a great roar when Berry scored in the first half — an even greater one when Stewart netted the second. The final result was 2–nil. It was only B’ham’s 2nd victory and the first since August 24th. Their record is: P19, W2, L12, Dr5, For 13, Ag 34, Points 9. They have 5 points less than Everton [and are bottom of the table].

   Last night there was a gale & one of the rose-bushes was lying across the garden — I should say “mud” — this morning.

   Nothing much happened all day. Before dinner we took the dogs for a run.

   This afternoon I did one or two odd jobs which I wanted to do, then this evening I wrote a letter and minced up some bread.

   Mr. Bennett did not give us all the information we required in our Geometry exam. so we did part of the exam. again.

   At 12.30pm I had Choir practice as usual. Donald Tipper and I are the only sopranos in the fifth form.

   First two periods [in the afternoon] we had our Chemistry exam.

   I came home on the S.B. This evening I did some revision.

   After House meetings today we had our Regional Geography examination. Mr. Nicholson took the History period.

   I came home through town & got my hair cut [in Acocks Green]. Mam was out so I went down the village to buy the Wizard & a refill for my Biro.

   I spent the afternoon reading [“The Forbidden Quest of the Man Named Wilson” and “Smith of the Lower Third” in the Wizard. Last week’s was a special Christmas issue, No. 1242, out early]; then tonight I did some homework.

   Nothing happened at school today. We have several exam. results now — these I shall include later when the exams are over.

   At dinner time I played football in the rain, then cleaned my rifle.

   First period this afternoon [English with Mr. Vaughan] we had an “Essay & Appreciation” examination.

   I came home on the Special Bus as usual.

   First period today was English Literature and Shakespeare exam, followed by General Geography exam.

   In J.T.C. we did H.A.T. etc. & drill for the Docker Cup.

   This afternoon I played for Copland’s 2nd XII v Nicholson’s. We lost in the last ten minutes by 21 points to 14.

   I can now give my examination results.

   In Gym today we played a game. At 12.30 I had a Choir practice.

   We had the first snowfall today. By dinner time there was plenty for a beautiful snow-ball fight all through the dinner hour.

   After school today I went to town where I had arranged to have dinner with Bob at the Central Restaurant in Corporation Street. We had roast duck for dinner together with soup & then I had some damsons & custard. Then Bob met his girl-friend and we went to Villa Park to see Villa v B’ham. We went into the stand.

   Blues:— Merrick; Badham, Jennings; Boyd, Atkins, Dorman; Stewart, Jordan, Higgins, Brennan, Berry. Villa:— Rutherford; Parkes, Dorsett; Powell, Martin, F. Moss; Dixon, J.C. Harrison, Ford, Edwards, L. Smith. Ford scored in 35 minutes then 5 mins. later Jordan [shot] from 25 yards & the Villa keeper dropped the ball & it trickled into the net.

   After breakfast this morning we took the hounds for a run in the park.

   This afternoon we went to the Mission — the first time since July 17th. Mr. J. Harkness was the Speaker.

   This evening I minced up some bread.

   In this week’s Radio Times there are Television Programmes. The B.B.C.’s Sutton Coldfield transmitter comes into service at 8.0pm next Saturday. The mast is 750 ft. high. Yesterday in Aston we watched a TV show. I have seen three all together now. How I wish we were able to have a TV set. They are so expensive though, anything from £50 upwards.

   In English today we received the results of our “English Essay & Appreciation” exam on Dec. 7th. I got 85% — 2nd. (Clare was top with 90%). I was Amazed!!!

   At 12.30 I had a short Choir practice in the Gallery. Owing to injuries received in a car accident Dr. Willis Grant will be unable to conduct the Concert for tomorrow evening so it has therefore been cancelled.

   In Chem. I worked with Morant. We did some experiments with Hydroxides. I managed to catch the Special Bus home.

   Tonight I am finishing one or two school notes.

   First period today — Geography — Mr. Benett showed us a filmstrip of the Lake District & the Pennines. We went into the library for History to get information for lectures that everyone is giving tomorrow.

   Third period [usually Chemistry but this is the end of term] we had a Jumble Sale which raised 25/6d for the Cot-Fund. It is rather a coincidence that I organised a U.M.D. Auction on December 13th last year. We got 32/9d then.

   Last period — Maths — we did what we wanted.

   This afternoon I played for the form v V.B. at soccer. The least said about this game, the better. We lost by about 8–3. I scored the first goal. The pitch was an absolute quagmire [and our garden is too].

   Third period today Mr. Bennett read to us. It was the last time he took us because he is leaving tomorrow [to become Senior Chemistry Master at Royal School, Dungannon]. He wished us all the best of luck.

   Fourth period I had a special Choir practice in the Gallery. Mr. W. Barlow is temporarily in charge of the Choir owing to the absence of Dr. Willis Grant.

   In English we had a discussion — “This house is of the opinion that the Labour Govt. is leading us down the drain” — won by 13 votes to 6.

   In French we went down to the Gym to see the Gym Competition.

   I decided to take the History period off. I was told Mr. Osborne was very angry — but there’s no more History this term.

   My B.O.P. [Boy’s Own Paper] Diary 1950 arrived this morning. It is a very fine effort.

   We went to form room at 9.15am then at 9.30 we paraded for the J.T.C. Docker Cup. this was won by 4 platoon. 3–Plat. were 2nd & 5–Platoon 3rd.

   At 11.20 we had a Carol Service in Big School in which the Choir sang on several occasions. Afterwards the Head awarded medals for K.E. Scholarships & for Foundation Scholarships. I am still waiting for my medal [awarded in 1947]. We also received the December 1949 edition of the Chronicle. INSERT REPORT (full page)

   I came home through town. Nothing happened for the remainder of the day.

   This morning I decided to go to Smith’s Bookshop [in Corporation Street] to see Wilfred Pickles who was going there to autograph copies of his book Between You and Me. There were hundreds of people buying copies.

   I bought a copy of the B.B.C. Year Book 1950.

   This afternoon Mam went out so I washed up then read this afternoon. This evening as Mam, Dad and Bob went out I did two paintings until nine o’clock.

   This morning I went shopping with Mam & Dad down the village. How quickly Christmas comes and goes. All the shops are packed with Christmas wares and gaily decorated. At 11.0am I listened to the omnibus edition of “Dick Barton”. Then just before dinner we took Ginger and Tess for a run in the park. Tess is quite able to hold her own with Ginger running.

   We had fish and chips for dinner.

   This afternoon I stuck some photos in my Soccer Album and listened to the Cardiff City v Blackburn Rovers match commentary.

   This evening I listened to “Music Hall”. Grandad came for tea.

   My school report has come:—

ENGLISH   Has done some good work this term. (Mr. J.P. Vaughan)

HISTORY   Not at all a strong subject with him, but he tries his best. Place 14/16. (Mr. R.M. Osborne)

GEOGRAPHY   Regional. Only fair. (Mr. J.F. Benett)

   General. Rather disappointing. Has tried & must try more. (Mr. W.L. Whalley)

FRENCH   Good. (Mr. A.C. Gosling)

MATHEMATICS   Has worked hard; good progress. (Mr. W.T. Bennett)

PHYSICS   Has worked very hard & made some progress. Position 20/25 (Mr. A.J. Gess)

CHEMISTRY   A keen worker, but spent too much time in drawing diagrams in exam. Posn. 23/25 (Mr. A.J. Gess)

FORM MASTER    He has weak subjects, but has given ample evidence of a will to improve. (Mr. A.J. Gess)

HEADMASTER   This is MILES better! T.E.B.H. (Mr. Howarth)

   This morning I took down the latest weather readings and worked out totals for sunshine and rainfall. After dinner I made out lists for 1950.

   Tonight I looked through my stamp album.

   P.S. We took Ginger and Tess to the park for a run, though it was raining. The rain continued all through the afternoon and evening.

   This morning after going round the corner to (Mr.Verrier) the chemist & fetching my January B.O.P. I took the brownhounds out. I went down Warwick Road to Golden Hillock Road. I carried on through Small Heath Park on to Coventry Road, then back home via Yardley. Tess broke off her lead on Coventry Road and Ginger all but ate two cats. I met Mam in the village.

   This afternoon it poured with rain so I stayed in and did one or two odd jobs.

   This evening I listened to the radio.

   After washing up this morning I cycled down the village, then I read this week’s Wizard. Later Mam & I went down the village & Mam carried on to town [on the 44 bus].

   I gave Clarice and Julia their dinner then walked to Tyseley with Ginger & Tess.

   This evening Tess has been taken to a show by Mam and Dad, though I doubt whether they will bring a prize back.

   A hot water bottle burst in Clarice and Julia’s bed tonight [sic, last night] and they were somewhat delayed and most probably missed a few classes. Clarice and Julia are sleeping in my bed — I shall sleep in the bed-chair.

   Toast to Brownhound Minor! Tess was entered in three classes last night and won a cup and two thirds. She was third best in the show.

   I slept well last night in the bed-chair.

   This morning I went down the village Christmas shopping with Mam, then at 12 o’clock I cycled to Aunt Greta’s in Weston Lane [Greet].

   This afternoon I went to the Hartfield Crescent Party consisting of various entertainments in the hall.

   We have received and sent several Christmas cards. I have sent seven myself, to Grace & Joyce, Aunt Daisy, Grandad, Alan Hiley, Fred Oxley, Kipper & Phil, and John.

   This evening I listened to a programme entitled “Ghosts”.

   This morning I had to take a dish to Lewis’s in town so that it can be filled with Trifle for Christmas. I came home from town on the 44 bus and tried to get some oranges but without any luck.

   After dinner I went to Hartfield Crescent, then at 4.15pm I went shopping.

   This evening I went Carol Singing with Phil, Kipper, Dave Walker, Hunt, and another in aid of Dr. Barnardo’s Homes. I also went last year. This year we had a good selection of carols — we had requests to sing Silent Night. Many gave us “eatabilities”, apples, sweets, mince-pies, biscuits and coffee & Ginger wine! We finished at 11 o’clock.

   I got into bed at 15 minutes to midnight.

   My voice had partly disappeared when I got up today. After breakfast I washed up then Clarice & Julia. came with me to take Ginger and Tess for a walk. We walked down Shaftmoor Lane, Cateswell Rd. & Tynedale Rd. to Tyseley, saw a few trains, then came home. One loco we saw was No. 7026 Tenby Castle — only recently placed in service.

   At dinner time I noticed four greenfinches on the berry tree [cotoneaster]. In previous years we have only seen one who has visited us annually. He came this morning — alone — but brought some relatives this afternoon. Some tits have been pecking the strings of nuts I put up on Monday.

   I got up at 8.30am today. After breakfast i washed up then when Mam and Dad had gone to town I cycled to Stratford Road to get some horse-meat for the dogs.

   At one o’clock Mam and Dad had still not come back home so I got myself some dinner & then cycled to the B’ham City v Stoke City match. Birmingham City:— Merrick; Badham, Green; Boyd, Atkins,Dorman; Stewart, Jordan, Higgins, Brennan (capt.), Berry. Higgins scored his first goal for Blues midway through the second-half. Result: 1–nil. B’ham have now obtained 5 out of the last eight points, making their record P22, W3, D6, L13, F15, A38, Pts 12.

   Tonight Clarice & Julia are very excited & are waiting eagerly for Father Christmas!

   Clarice and Julia had looked at their presents by 1.30am last night. I left mine until this morning. I had three books including Wilfred Pickles Between You and Me [autographed by him and Mabel]. The other two were Sub-Chaser by Josef Berger and Children of the New Forest by Captain Marryat. The latter was sent to me from Freda.

   My other presents were a 1950 Letts Diary [like this one], a chess set, and an autograph book from Bob. I also had a pair of socks, a box of Chocolates and some fruit & nuts.

   It was a beautiful morning when I got up at about 10.30. After breakfast I read & went to the park with Dad to give the dogs a run.

   For dinner we had Chicken and peas.

   This afternoon I listened to the Radio. There are many special programmes. We listened to H.M. the King at 3.0pm. of course. At 4.15 I heard an adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

   For tea we had mince-pies and trifle as well as Christmas cake.

   This evening I listened to a Christmas Party with many radio personalities taking part.

   It is 9.30 now and so ends Christmas Day 1949. We have at least had a pleasant Christmas if only a quiet one. Apart from the usual crackers and paper hats, fruit and nuts, we had a coconut and for the first time I tasted coconut milk.

   I woke up at about 9.0am this morning. When I got up it was 11.30 and much too late for breakfast so we had dinner instead.

   This afternoon Dad and I went to the B’ham City v Derby County match. Blues team was:— Merrick; Badham, Green; Boyd, Atkins, Dorman; Stewart, Jordan, Duckhouse, Brennan, Berry. At half-time Blues led by 2–nil, Boyd, & Brennan having scored from a penalty. The games was thrown away within the first ten minutes of the second half when Derby scored the equalising goals. Result 2–2.

   Tonight I listened to the last of the present series of “P.C.49” and “Panto-mania”.

   I got up at about 10 o’clock today and made the fire. Mam and Dad got up at 11.30. Like yesterday we had no breakfast but had an early dinner instead.

   After dinner Dad and I took Ginger for a run in the park. Tess ate a bone yesterday and is not at all well today, so we left her in the shed. Grandad came while we were at the park. When we got home I played a game of chess as best as I was able.

   This evening Dad took us to the Olton where we saw Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire in Holiday Inn. There was also a supporting film of the Aquashow at Blackpool with Johnny Weismuller.

   Before breakfast this morning I cycled down the village to the Post Office. After breakfast I made a telephone call and then read a comic & played Draughts.

   After dinner I washed up. This evening I listened to the radio.

   After breakfast today I washed up and then did some shopping for Mam, and made a telephone call to Mrs. Moore. Then I cycled to Tyseley and saw the Midday Expresses. Many “Kings” are appearing with blue liveries, while several 5100 class tanks have received the B.R. emblem of the “lion and wheel”. locomotives

   Mrs. Harris came just before dinner and stayed until 4.45. I washed up again and then read the Rover. I also made a list of my cigarette cards [writing them down in pencil on pages 50–52 of my Challenge Duplicate Book. Altogether there are 1159 cards from 62 sets, including three of the five albums given me by Fred Oxley in April; I seem to have missed the other two.

   I have also been collecting Turf cigarette cards. Due to the paper shortage few cards have been printed since the War started, but Cavander’s have solved the problem by printing two cards on the back of the tray in each cigarette packet. So I have been picking them up in the street and cutting them out. So far I have got:— “Footballers”, 25/50, and “Olympics 1948”, 13/50, both issued last year, and “Sports Series”, 17/50, and “Famous Film Stars”, 8/50, which have started coming out this year.]

   This morning I washed up and then as Mam had to go to Hospital I took Clarice and Julia to see a Marionette show at Lewis’s. We missed part of the 2 o’clock performance of “Hansel and Gretel” so we saw it complete at 3.0pm. We got home just after 4 o’clock.

   This evening Mam and Dad went to the pictures so I did one or two things I wanted to do. It is 8.30 now and I shall go to bed soon.

   This morning I received a letter from the B.B.C. I shall probably be broadcasting again in “Midland Magazine” in February next. I hope so.

   Last day of the half-century. This morning I took Tess for a walk down the village. Dad took Ginger to Warwick where she ran 3rd in the 3rd race.

   This afternoon I went to the Ian Allan Locospotters Club Rally at the Midland Institute. It was the first one held in Birmingham. Among the well-known personalities there was Mr. O.S. Nock who gave a talk illustrated by lantern slides, Mr. O.J. Morris and Mr. Baldwin — chairman in the absence of Ian Allan who is ill. There was another talk by Mr. R.H. Briggs of the Midland Red, a quiz, and two films as well as tea. A most enjoyable Rally.

   Here endeth this Diary 1949.