Alec’s diary continues:

Did not go to bed but amused the household by sleeping on sofa most of the morning. Don Hewlett looked down in early afternoon so decided to take him for a ride with us out to Portishead. We all met at East Clevedon Tree at 6.15 p.m. Cycled out to Possett*. My lamp working OK (I think). Stopped at the White Hart Walton [Weston] in Gordano. Had a few quick ones and a game of table skittles. Out to the Royal at Possett, a few more drinks then on to the Como. Some weird and assorted wenches there so did the piano act and went down to the local hall for a dance. Packed in about 11.00 p.m. then walked all the way back to Redcliffe Bay. My lamp not working. Managed to put same right then set course for home. Donald nowhere around but Cedric and John intact.

*This had me flummoxed until I realised it’s his version of ‘Bristle‘ for Portishead – except that ‘Port Zed’ tends to be the local pronunciation. Alec’s parents were both Devonian, though, so ‘Possett’ may derive from the accents they grew up with.

Alec’s diary continues:

Caught 6.38 a.m. from Clevedon. Started ball rolling at Temple Meads not very busy there. George Burgi came round several times and relieved me to get a cup of coffee. Mr Hill also in evidence at different times. Chas turned up at 3.5 p.m. just enabled me to catch 3.10 p.m. for home. Had a jam session with Cedric and John. Doug looking very bored with himself. Went to Salthouse afterwards. Cedric did not stop.

Alec’s diary continues:

Caught 8.0 a.m. had no cards as most of fellows not on train. Had coffee. Gordon turned up again after being on the sick list. Understand Mr Ching has got my old motor bike going again. Went to collect my new Clarinet. Johnny thinks it is quite good. Had a musical evening with him, thence to Salthouse.

Alec’s diary continues:

No Home Guard this morning so did not get up until 10.0 a.m. Had bath and shave eventually getting downstairs at 11.0 a.m. Played Clara and piano. John came round at 2.0 p.m. says he has been mending car and looks like it. Joined the party and went to Brockley Combe in afternoon, suspected case of anthrax. Blood test made on spot, no trace. Was permitted to look at slide. Most interesting. Returned to their house to tea. Had a game of billiards. Quite good little table, wants some getting used to however. Packed up there at 7.30 p.m. Had slight musical moments until 8.30 p.m. then to Salthouse. Place crowded not much amusement. Met Mrs Hobbs, Pat, Jimmy, Don Hack, Mrs Fletcher and friend also Ted Drewitt. Gladys Yandell was also present. Finished up there at 9.30 p.m. to home, read then filled up diary till 11.11 p.m.

Alec’s diary continues:

Caught 8.0 a.m. Played solo to Bristol John in No. 9 rooms then [he?] went on 9.0 a.m. Did a bit more to SG and Friary finish both lots on Monday. Caught 12.15 p.m. Met Mrs Simpson on Clevedon train. Home at 1.30 p.m. John and Cedric turned up at 2.0 p.m. Had a bit of music til 3.0 p.m. then rang up Mick who was in two minds about coming down. Had pretty good jam session latter delighted. His trumpet playing getting on very well. Cedric, Kay and John called round at 6.30 p.m. Kay must hear Clara so demonstrated. Repaired to Salthouse. John complained to Ken re: overcharging latter looks murderous. Packed up at 9.0 p.m. then went home.