Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
Diary Page 1
Preface.
It is some years since I first wished to keep a diary. My one great drawback to starting is that I have heard that, although the commencement is not so bad, to keep the journal going for more than two or three months is very hard. The beginning is generally profuse in its wording but after a week or two the entries become wider apart and less verbose until there is a standstill. But in making this bold decision to start one I shall bear in mind the fact that a diary need not necessarily be kept from day to day. Indeed, one might go almost for more than a week without an entry. I hope to be able to give any reader of these notes some idea of my character, habits, etc. merely by the tone of my writings. I shall censure all entries so that they may be fit for publication without any curtailment or omission. No secret private matter will be entered but sufficient private detail to show the main principles of keeping this diary. I shall not “talk shop” but shall relate any suitable anecdotes as they occur dealing with any individuals engaged in my line of business. If ever I Page 2 am imbued with politics, which seems unlikely enough at present, I shall give my opinions freely as such things are very useful afterwards both to myself and to any would-be blackmailers! I shall also give details of my hobbies, such as wireless, reading, etc., so as to give others some idea of my interests and for future reference to me. I shall also try to dispel the misconception that “the weather is always worse now than ever before” – not that I shall write “The weather is wet (or fine)” every day that the journal is kept but shall record the details of the more important and exceptional weather conditions and changes. I think I have now dealt with all the principles of this diary which begins, as will be seen, on the first day of January, 1932, which is a date well known for the passing of resolutions – let’s hope this one will be profitable and successful. Sydney Thomas Albert Flinn, 142, Kingsland Road, Plaistow (London), E.13. 29th December, 1931. 1/1/32. Page 3 Well! I was beginning to realize that the commencement of this business was going to be awkward but I now have ample matter to write about. To begin with, after a period of excessive cold the weather has suddenly changed to a very mild state. Also I have begun the new year well – I don’t think! p.m. 3.45. This afternoon I went to pay the income tax of one of the clerks at the Office (who will hereinafter be called “b”) and it was decided that I should bring back with me the receipt and some change. I had previously been to pay the income tax of the Office Manager (hereinafter termed “O.M.) at the same place. Now, when I reached the income tax man’s abode I found, outside the almost closed door several men talking, one of whom carried a bundle of cheques and another was what seemed to be the chief man there on the previous occasion I visited the building. After waiting for a minute the latter gentleman took the envelope I was holding and said “I’ll send the Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
receipt on,” at which I replied “Allright” and, forgetting all about the change, I vamosed. When I told these things to b he did not seem pleased – I wonder why? 4.45. Later on P had in his office the caretaker’s cat in his office and while I was there said he would call the owner to 1/1/32 fetch it but told me not to touch it as it would scratch. While he was gone the Page 4 cat, a very nervous one, rushed round the room and tried to get out of the closed window. I, who cannot bear to see animals worried, immediately opened the window whereupon the feline skedaddled into oblivion. When P. returned he was none too pleased because, he said, the cat had been a nuisance in his office for some time past and he (P) had thought it a good opportunity to let the caretaker see the cat there; all of which was news to me. Let’s hope to-morrow will be better.
2/1/32. To-day I have entered the first day’s progress. Written This afternoon Dad and I have to fix a H&TV night latch to the front door @ 10.0. and shall require an 1¼” centre bit from work wherewith to drill a hole for it. . Also I have to buy two 60-volt H.T. dry batteries for Grandma’s wireless and take them over to Clapham to fix up. I sent P.O. to Brighton in payment for pianoforte at 8.30 a.m. 3.0. Assisted Dad to fix latch to front door and realized afterwards that should anybody wish to break in they have only to break the glass panel and undo the door from the inside! 4.30. Went to Clapham with two 60-volt “Ever Ready’s” and fixed up the new hightension for grandma. Also took over a few valves and left my Page 5 Cossor power in the last stage. If I think of it must get this valve back and substitute an ordinary L.F. 8.30. Dad followed later and we got home at about eleven o’clock. Note I cannot make out why Grandma’s set is so inefficient. It works on an indoor aerial and there is about fifty feet of earthwire and yet even while London is on the foreigners roll in without even touching reaction knob. Between 6.30 and 8.0 p.m. I logged Rome, Sottens, Heilsburg, Trieste, Turin, etc.
3/1/32. Spent the whole day at home. Cannot get many foreigners either on long or short waves. Especially on long waves. We must wait and see what happens when the aerial mast is up again before altering the circuit. Spent most of the evening looking at different circuits and discussing such matters as screen-grids, pentodes, H.F. Transformers etc. Tried to decide what set I should rig up for Bradford. Thought of trying a single valver using a pentode but the consumption is too much. Almost decided to try the straight Telsen three. There is a Gecophone three-valver complete with valves, batteries, aerial etc. going for £4-15-0.
4/1/32. Returned the drill borrowed for fixing latch to front door. Page 6 9.0 a.m. Saw Belch and asked what results with the Telson Aerial Coil and he replies he is not using it as the existing coils give such good results. So instead of returning it I shall buy it from him (Incidentally, I didn’t – SF/6-2- 32) 3.0 p.m. Went along to the Income Tax office to collect the change and receipt for Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
b – glad this matter is settled. 7.30 p.m. Went to the Premier to see the “Ghost Train.” About the best British film I have seen and marvellous acting by Jack Hulbert, Cicely Courtneidge and Donald Calthrop to say nothing of the actress who took the part of Julia whose real name I do not know. A well proportioned film, the only exaggeration being the free fight towards the end which was a little too prolonged. This talkie version was much nearer to the play as regards sequence and dialogue than the silent. The companion picture “Transatlantic” was also very good and well acted.
5/1/32. Heard a very good play by L. du Garde Peach called “Love One Another” p.m. 7.45. about a scientist who discovers a ray which obliterates all hate throughout the world and the chaos which naturally followed. A very well thought out work. (This play by radio.) p.m. 8.0. George came over this evening and we mucked about with the mike. He Page 7 invited me to go with him to South Kens. to see the Telephone Exhibition and we have arranged to meet in the booking office at S. Kens. station as soon after one o’clock as I can get there. He also brought over his trickle charger to be changed as the silver oxide rectifyer has conked. Expect I shall have to get one of the new ones for him so he has lent me the sum of four shillings to go on with.
6/1/32. Went round to Parker Street, Kingsway to change George’s trickler but 12.0 noon found a notice on the outside of the shop to the effect that it was “to be let.” However a poster stuck on the window informed the world that after 1st January, 1932 the business would be conducted at Stal House, Judd Street, Euston Road N.W.1. So I returned pausing on my way back to Baker Street to purchase a book “Beltane, the Smith” by J. Farnol (2/-) for le.1 5.0. p.m. George rang up during the afternoon and I gave my report and informed him I would go to Judd Street to-morrow. 9.0 p.m. Played chess with Dad and we each won a game. Having dinner out to-morrow. 7/1/32. Went with le to Judd Street to change George’s trickler but was Page 8 12.0 noon unsuccessful. It appears they are now making them in the country and will not have any in stock until about three weeks’ time. 1.0 p.m. Had dinner at the fish shop. George is coming over this evening for his trickler – I don’t know what he is going to do about his accums.[?accumulators] during these three weeks. Charges to George: - 4d for lost journey yesterday 6d for ditto to-day, total 10d. Rainy weather continues though it is fine this afternoon. Yesterday evening I was caught in a cloudburst coming home from Upton Park with the result that I was too late to go to Evening Classes and my clothes are so wet that I have had to wear a “mac” that is too short for me and my old grey trousers to-day. 8.0 p.m George came this evening and I told him about the Stal business. We are settling up on Saturday. 10.0 p.m. Helped Mum knit the intricate pattern of my new jumper.
8/1/32 When I left home this morning there was no sign of mist but there was a
1 le, although clearly referring to a person, is written throughout apparently with a lower case initial letter. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
7.45 a.m. sharp nip in the air. At Upton Park it was clear but at Plaistow there was a rather thick blue fog. I don’t think I have seen such a beautiful Cambridge Blue around as the colour of Page 9 that fog. It was only a small patch. It was clear at West Ham but was so thick further on that the gasholders at the river bank could not be seen from the railway. 9.30 a.m. So cold this morning I had my gas fire full on. 6.0. p.m. Went straight from work to Night School and as usual was very tired throughout the lesson – French.
9/1/32. Thick white fog and frosty pavement when I left home this evening and 7.30 a.m. continued, as far as I observed, to Aldgate. 8.25 a.m. When I reached Baker Street there was only a slight mist. 9.0 a.m. It has now descended thicker than ever. It is very cold. Saw b this morning about some points in all-mains SG-v-2 and he gave me to understand that the best way to connect up an L.F. transformer is as follows:-
[2 circuit diagrams]
2.0 p.m. Met George at S. Kens. Station and after having lunch at Lyons’ went to the telephone exhibition being held in the India section of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A very good exhib whereat 7.0 p.m. I learnt much. We left this place at about 7 o’clock and walked to Oxford Page 10 Circus with an idea of seeing the exhib of models at Regent Street but as we 8.30 p.m. were tired and it was about 8.30 we contented ourselves with a walk round Broadcasting House in Langham Place and caught the bus to Aldgate where 9.15 p.m. we parted at about 9.15. I arrived home at ten o’clock to find that Mum and 10.0 p.m. Dad had gone to Uncle Syd’s and had not yet arrived but they were not long 10.10 p.m. following.
10/1/32. Nothing worthy of note to-day apart from the weather. As I reported yesterday it was foggy in the early morning but the sun shone well all the afternoon – as far as I know – and to-day it was brilliant up 11.0 a.m. to about eleven o’clock. Then it began to rain and continued drizzling until I 11.30 p.m. went to bed at nearly midnight.
11/1/32. Weather continues showery. 6.30 p.m. Train was packed from Aldgate East tonight. Relay from New York on radio to-night nearly all groaning and yelling jazz. Listened to about two items before switching off. 12/1/32. Train was not very crowded but took over half an hour from Bromley to Page 11 7.0 p.m. Upton Park. It stopped two or three times between each station and stood about three minutes in each station. 8.0 p.m. This made me late for Night School. Maths I. We took log’s and were trying to go on to the plotting of functions but there was no time. We have extra work to go through each evening now as the term is so short – Easter comes early this year.
13/1/32 Reached Night School in time to get both hours. The discussion to-night 7.40 p.m. (English) was on The Future of the British Colonies. I had to lug five books to and from the Tech. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
9.30 p.m. Had a beautiful walk home. The wind which has been very gusty of late dwindled down to a mere breeze. There was a cloudless sky although the moon was rather big. You could almost see every star in the cluster in Orion’s Club. 10.30 p.m. My feet have started giving trouble again. They seem to have commenced on Lord Mayor’s Show day when I went, with le to see the Show. Perhaps the unused walking started it but I should not think so, seeing all the tramping I do in the Summer. The eczema spots on my forearms are still irritating though that on my left arm seems to have diminished in size. 14/1/32. Had dinner down at the Fish Shop to-day with le. Also went to Page 12 12.0 noon Woolworths’ to get 5 yards of flex for the light adaptor for Mum’s iron and vac. 1.0 pm Changed my library book – Gilded Age by Mark Twain – for Kontrol by E. Snell. This is a very exciting tale with an impossible plot. (St. Marylebone Library) NOTE In the times noted in the margin of this diary I will, in future do without the continual writing of “p.m.” and “a.m.” by taking the twenty-four hours of the day starting from midnight; thus: 1.0 a.m. will become 1.00, noon will become 12.00, half past two in the afternoon = 14.30 etc., etc. Short of cash this week so had to borrow 1s 0d from S. and 6d from le to make ends meet. Debts payable on pay day.
15/1/32. I remark that in the Preface I said I would not keep this journal from day to day. That is true. Although, so far, the dates are consecutive I generally write the day’s entry on the following day but sometimes I get tired of the practice and leave it for a day or two. Thus this present entry is being written on the 18th January, 1932. 19.00 Attended French to-night – nothing unusual.
16/1/32. Had made an appointment with s. to go with him to the S. Kens. Page 13 8.30. Museums but learnt this morning that he could not go. I therefore had to inform Mum that I would be home to lunch and after diligent search found the local tobacconists telephone number which I rang up and gave my 11.00. message to. 18.00. Went with Mum to the Library and got Practical Telephone Handbook by J. Poole – very interesting and J. Verne’s “The Begum’s Millions”, “Tribulations of a Chinaman in China” and “The Giant Raft, Part I.” Dad went to Speen to-day to have a look at Cottage Farm. Came home 20.00. at about 20.00.
17/1/32. Set did not seem to be functioning at all well to-night. The only foreigner 19.00. we could get at all was Trieste and she was subject to bad fading. 20.00. Started altering the S.W. adaptor but was held up over a few things so am leaving it over.
18/1/32. Paid my debts (1.s. 0d to S and 6d to le.) 19.10 Met Mum at Upton Park and went to the Rego to be measured for another blue suit (£2-5-0). 20.00. Listened to a Vaudeville from Lon. Reg. – rotten. 21.00 Retired at nine o’clock and listened in bed to a Play called “Rope” – tripe. Page 14
Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
19/1/32. Attended Night School to-night and took the preliminaries of the 19.30. plotting of functions. Memo – take graph paper next week.
20/1/32. Very dark this morning (occasioned by a “sky-fog” up to 11.00. about 11. am. 19.30. Attended English to-night, various lectures including kings and queens of Britain from Charles I to George I. Must get on with my reading before the exam. 21.30. This book of E. A. Poe’s is a thriller. Much colder to-night and misty so did not walk home.
21/1/32. Broke the Howard Bros. eversharp propelling pencil this morning so will 10.00 have to go down to Woolworths and get a new pencil. Having not heard the alarm I got up late this morning so had to have my 12.00 dinner out at the fish shop. Remembered to go to the dairy (which closes at 13.00) for my milk but forgot to go to Woolworth’s. Must go to the latter to- morrow. 20.00 Listened this evening to “The history of the Theme song” being a selection of Theme Songs from the talkies from the “Singing Fool” to the present time. Page 15 21.00 Beat Dad at Russian patience and twice at Cribbage. 22.00. In the last game I got the highest score I ever remember to have had viz. 26; I held 9, 6, 6, 6 and the turnup was 9. By the way, a very curious thing happened this evening. I went to sleep on the train and woke up just as we passed out of a station. I took this to be Upton park as there was a programme bill there of the New Boleyn – a very local cinema. Moreover, in my half-awake attitude I did not recognize any of the line after that station and, as we stopped for about half a minute between it and the next, I became quite nonplussed as to where I could be. We rolled into the next station where we found it was – Upton Park!
22/1/32. Forgot, in my hurry this morning to put my library book (E.A.P.) into the 7.30. bag so had to be content with reading “Grammaire Française”. I have, however, the telephone book at the office which will keep me quiet during lunch-hour. 15.30. Rang George up this afternoon about going over to his place on Sunday. O.K. with him. Memo. Take Telephone Book & Mike – new button to be fixed to Mike & tested. 19.00 French to-night – not as tired as generally. 21.20 Arrived home in time to hear the bulk of the National Lecture. Page 16 21.30. Had a game of Crib & Russ. Pat. With Dad – he beat me hollow both times.
23/1/32. As I am going to S. Kens. this afternoon I didn’t get a Workman’s last 7.30. night but came up by bus. Just missed a Pirate at the Boleyn which vext me much. 6.45. Was awakened this morning by a row which reminded me of earthquakes and tempests. It proved to be the buzzer in my Bedroom cupboard which Dad had fixed up again, collaring one of my rotary switch arms in the process. 14.00 Went to S. Kens. There are several new models there. 18.00 The last day of the Telephone Exhib. Gleaned much about storing of Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
numbers and decoding, etc. on autos.
24/1/32. Busy day to-day. Made up Short Waver for Dad to have a go this 10.00 evening. Followed this with a bath and then went round to George’s taking 16.00 the book and the mike as promised. Left the book there for him to bring over on Saturday next. Mucked about with the mike and finally resolved to abandon it and try a different type. Dad could get nothing on S.W. tonight 25/1/32. Had a look at the short waver and found reaction non-existent. Changed Page 17 20.00. over leads to A.T.I. and immediately received L on Nat. (med. band.) at full strength. Tried the set with shorted reaction coil holder and results better than ever and far more selective. Don’t know what to make of it. This is the first circuit I have had with the reaction condenser in series with the coil.
26/1/32. Attended Night School as usual. Plotting of functions. No graph paper as 19.30. the bookstall at the College was closed every time I was there last week. Must think to get some to-morrow night. 21.45. Had another look at the short waver and found best results on medium band with 60 aerial and 25 reaction. Very bad reaction on S.W. nothing picked up. In going round the medium band with this adapter I had the good luck to pick up Cork giving the Second General news Bulletin. Fading was rapid but, considering the power of this station (2KW) it was only to be expected though at the strongest she came in at R5.
27/1/32. Weather continues very cold. 19.30. Attended English to-night. Lectures included “The Present Crisis and why it came about,” and all our present trouble seems to boil down to the fact that our moral education has not kept pace Page 18 with the growth of scientific discovery so that we use these new methods wrongly and in such a manner as will not benefit mankind generally. 22.00. Played and lost a game of Russ. Pat. With dad.
Memo I believe I did not record what might have great results with regard to my future – an occurrence on Friday last (22nd January, 1932). The chaps at the office have all resolved to put money away in the National Savings so I had to toddle around the P.O. for sundry 6d. stamp books. Seeing that I have already several certificates methinks I will purchase some of these stamps for myself. As I am now saving up for my holiday I do not think it could be worse if I put part of my money away in the Post Office Savings bank as it can be withdrawn easily and at any P.O. So I shall try to put equal amounts away in each every week from now on.
Dad did the usual fortnightly visit to Grandma’s tonight so I stayed at home with Mum. This + sign in the margin will mean onwards in future thus, as before, 19.00+ will mean from 7 p.m. onwards – until the next hour Page 19 written beneath. There has been a dreadful disaster this week. The submarine M.2. sank somewhere between Devonport to Portsmouth. It appears she was detailed to go from Devonport to Portsmouth after exercises at the former on and Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
since then has been missing. All searches upon the part of the naval authorities have been fruitless so far. There were 60 men on board her.
29/1/32. Attended Evening classes as usual with usual result – 19.00. fatigue. 21.30. Arrived home in time to hear Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” by radio. Very good acting. Heard most of it in bed.
30/1/32. Renewed E.A.Poe’s “Tales” at Marylebone Library this morning as I have 11.00 not read them all yet. 14.00 Had an unpleasant shock this afternoon. I generally get my Workman’s Ticket the evening before, or, in the case of a week-end, on the Saturday before. Today there was a notice on the booking office to the effect that all workman’s trains will, in future, finish at 7.30 sharp. This cryptic message would seemingly mean that no possibility exists in Page 20 future of getting through the barrier up to 8.00 or 8.05. “No,” the ticket collector told me, “you can get a three-ha’penny ticket if you like – you’ll only have to pay the other end.” – Curses, loud and deep. 14.10. Collected my new suit from the Rego and toddled home thinking deeply. 16.00+ George came this afternoon with the telephone book but we got so busy with the short waver that we did not go to the Library. 20.00+ Introduced Geo. To Russ. Pat. This evening – it’s about the longest period I think I’ve seen him at one thing apart from his telephone. 23.00. Went with Geo. as far as the Boleyn. Beautiful, clear night. Orion shining well. 23.10. Went into the front room for something and could not see across the road, it was so misty.
31/1/32. Dad went up to Grey’s to buy a 4 megohm grid leak for short waver. 12.00+ Certainly get more oscillation but no speech picked up yet. 14.30+ Don’t know what’s come over our set. The only reliable foreigner is Radio-Paris. 1/2/32. Well! That’s one month gone. There doesn’t appear to have been any Page 21 great improvement in the general depression of trade. Let’s see what February has in store for us. 7.25 Upton Park was crowded at 7.25 this morning as a result of the restrictions. Did not obtain a seat until Farringdon Road. I must remember to go to the doctor’s to-night. I went round with Mum (to show off her new coat) last night but there were so many people I decided to come again. The matter in question is the spots on my arms and, incidently, to enquire what is wrong with my feet. 8.30+ This beautiful memory of mine! O.M. gave me a library book to change for him this morning. I can remember that and I can remember taking my books out of the safe. Subsequently I have no trace of the library book. 19.00+ Attended Dr. O’Duyer’s tonight and found to my dismay that the spots on my arms were a kind of ringworm but to my gratitude that my sore feet were 20.00 caused by chillblains. Obtained a prescription for ointment for my arms and was just in time to get it before the chemist’s closed. 20.00+ Arrived home in time to hear “Hobson’s Choice” a very good Lancashire dialect play relayed from the North Reg. 2/2/32. In consequence of the getting off earlier of a morning I arrive at work at Page 22 the unearthly hour of 8.10. This gives me a little time to keep this journal up Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
8.10 to date. 13.00+ Had a turnout after lunch to try and find the book of O.M. No success. Found quite a lot of things I had forgotten about but no book. I am convinced I did not bring it into my office. 19.30+ Attended Evening Classes. Shall have to read up and practice some of this plotting of functions which is getting extremely difficult of late. Have started reading the “History of Henry Esmond” by Thackeray read for exam. 15.30 Reported O.M.’s library book as missing at St. Marylebone library.
3/2/32. Still no success at locating missing book. 11.30 Arranged with le to have lunch at the fish shop to-morrow. [?]Don [or Dan] is asking me for ideas for remote control wave change switching; must look in old World Radios for particulars. 19.30+ English class to-night mostly devoted to grammar. I must get this essay done soon for Mr. Blore. 21.30+ Foggy to-night and much colder.
4/2/32. Bit late getting up this morning and missed the barrier in consequence. 7.30+ Was surprised to be allowed to get through with a three-ha’penny ticket. Must experiment on this ground to see if I need go Page 23 8.20 so early. Reached to office at 8.20. 8.30 Great rejoicings! Found O.M.’s library book reclining peacefully in a basket at the side of the safe. I must have left it there on Monday while I got out my books after which it slipped my memory. 9.0 Have been looking through the scrap book and memory jogger I kept during 1931 to see if there is anything not yet cancelled and find that, apart from sundry reminders regarding the purchase of steel wire for an improvisation of the Blattnerphone system of recording the construction of a telescope and an electrically operated clock, the painting and erection of the wireless mast which is down just at present the aerial being supported on the clothes-line post, I find the following which may as well be recorded in this journal for future reference. Locomotive Head Codes Standard Rules [diagram] Express or [diagram] Stopping train Breakdown
[diagram] Train of coaching stock carrying livestock or perishables (continued) Page 24 [diagram] Perishable train of goodstock or express cattle or goods train Class A. [diagram] Express Cattle or goods train Class B.
[diagram] Engine or Engine and brake only.
[diagram] Goods train through to destination
[diagram] Through goods stopping intermediately.
[diagram] Ordinary goods train stopping intermediately. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
[diagram] Royal train
and Locomotive Wheel Arrangements and Types. Page 25
Wheel Arrangement Type Usual Use 4-4-2 Atlantic Light Express 4-6-2 Pacific Heavy Express 4-6-0 “Ten-wheelers” Heavy Express 0-8-0 Mineral Mineral 2-8-0 Consolidation on Gradients 2-8-2 (Large Firebox) Mikado on Gradients 4-8-0 Mastodon on Gradients 4-8-2 (Large Firebox) Mountain on Gradients 0-10-0 Decapod on Gradients 0-6-0 “Goods” Goods 2-6-0 (Tank [Generally]) Mogul Goods or light passenger 4-6-4 (Tank [Generally]) Baltic Heavy goods or passenger ______
12.0+ Went to the fish shop with le and on to Woolworth’s to purchase a pocket comb (3d.) I believe I did not mention that I have begun to take in “John Bull” for a period of twelve weeks to obtain a £1 dictionary free. I don’t think much of the periodical but so long as I get the lexicon I can put up with it. 18.50 Purchased the “Amateur Wireless” to-night as they have a supplement dealing with the construction of a SG-V-2 for 50/- and a three- Page 26 valve short-waver. The coils for the former are to be home-made and methinks I’d like to try one of them in a one-valver. 19.00+ Spent the evening listening and reading and retired at 21.30 to listen to a 21.30+ play called “Friday Morning” dealing with a crash of an airliner on the way to Paris and the various passengers’ thoughts. Not bad.
5/2/32. Spent yesterday this morning at work, having nothing else to do, in fitting 9.0+ up my desk lock at the office. This had come off last night through reasons unknown. Got it to work at last though only one small screw prevents the lid from being lifted. Why will I keep thinking I am writing this the day following the entry (which I am really) The mistake in the last paragraph is due to such a misapprehension. 16.30+ Resolved this afternoon to make a one-valver this week-end for the purpose of testing various tuning circuits and coils, afterwards adapting it to the mains set and if successful, incorporating it therein. Have an idea to make a medium and longwave coil with reaction wound on a six-pin former to be mounted in the screened coil holders given me by S. early last year. Propose doing this to-morrow afternoon. 19.00+ Attended French. Tired as usual. Page 27 22.00+ Had a game each of Crib. And Russ. Pat. With Dad and was beaten both times.
6/2./32. Came to work by bus this morning. Several new buildings seem to have Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
7.30+ sprung up since I last came through the city above ground. Had to wait 8.30. about 10 minutes at New Bond Street before I caught a bus to go up Baker Street. 15.30+ Wound my new coil this afternoon and forgot in winding it to allow for aerial toppings on the medium band coil and, consequently, had to rewind this particular winding. 16.00+ Mum went to the library and changed the books for tickets.
7/2/31. Helped Dad complete as far as possible the new tiled draining board. 10.00+ Found we were short by five 6”x62 w.g. tiles. 14.30+ Got on with the construction of one-valver. To save the expense I unwound the old dud choke and found no less than four breaks in it. I had only to get a valve holder and gridleak holder which I bought at 13.30 to-day. Will test out to-morrow night. I don’t believe I connected coil up properly but we will see to-morrow. 20.45 As I went by bus yesterday I had to go to the station to-night for my workman’s to-morrow. Page 28 22.00+ Stayed up till 11.30 to-night talking about various old things such horse and steam buses and trams, old railways, etc. Weather continues frosty.
8/2/32. Was going to try the one-valver but, as I was not certain of the 19.00+ correctness of the coil connections, I proceeded to disconnect these preparatorily to reconnecting them; but what was my dismay and vexation when, on the application of the soldering iron, the ebonite melted and away came one of the plugs. Which means I shall have to get another long-wave coil former and wind another coil. 20.00+ So, disgusted, I set to and filed away the rest of the World Radio’s for 1931 and the beginning of 1932. I must index these sometime. World Radio, by the way, goes up to threepence this week but there is promise of a great improvement in all sections. It is proposed to have a series of writings called “The elements of Wireless” which will contain in simple language explanations of the theories and practice of radio. Every month, an examination paper is to be set relating to this series and a prize of two guineas is offered for the best paper sent in. I believe I will register on this enterprise.
9/2/32 Attended evening classes. We took further simultaneous equations, Page 29 19.30+ Ration & Variation and led on to the Trigonometrical Ratios. Must endeavour to learn these by next week. 22.00. Had a gladsome surprise to-night on arriving from Night school. While I had gone Dad had fixed my coil to an old var. condenser dial and refixed the pins in this, rather staggered, but it will do. All is now set for the tryout on Thursday apart from connecting up the coil connections. A biting easterly wind has been blowing hard this week – snow is expected to-night.
10/2/32. Had a visit from the Office Cat this morning. Makes herself quite at home 8.30+ and at present (9.50) is lying contentedly before my gas fire. She has an entrancing way of looking pathetically up at one in a sort of half-beg with her right forepaw raised. It is snowing this morning though not so hard as I should like. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
12.00+ Gave the cat a drop of my milk in an old typewriter ribbon tin having nothing better to hand. O.M. had his dinner brought in to him as the pavements were so slippery and Miss Puss made short work of his leavings. 19.30+ Attended English to-night and learnt meaning of several words new to me. Discussion on possibilities of disarmament in connection with the Conference now at Geneva. Page 30 21.30+ Walked home from Night School and thoroughly enjoyed it. The snow was mostly fine and dry and only slippery in the most frequented roads. Arrived home with my hands and ears burning – the only cold part being my face. Sorry to learn that Mr. Edgar Wallace died to-day.
11/2/32. Most of the snow in London has turned to slush. The wind is more north- 8.30+ easterly but still bitterly cold. 10.00+ Sun came out later but the weather was no warmer. 19.00 Went round to Doctor’s about my arms but found the waiting room shut. Shall have to go on Saturday. 20.00+ Listened in to a play – “Catastrophe” – an effort on the part of the B.B.C. to show what the effects department could do if it tried. A great row supported by bilge. Wired up my coil again and connected up the set ready for testing only to find out I want another red wander plug. Left it till Saturday. Bought the Amateur Wireless and certainly think I will try a set on the lines of the 50/- four. 12/2/32. Bought the new edition of World-Radio. It is certainly Page 31 7.30+ greatly improved but not worth the extra penny. I still think I will register on the “Elements of Wireless” scheme. I notice they give definitions of the R1-R9 scale and codes with regard to fading. I will copy these out when I think of it and enter them in here for future reference. 19.00+ Attended Evening Classes. Dead tired as usual. Having given approximately the same entry opposite 19.00 every Friday for the past month or so I must explain why I am invariably so tired during French Class. The reason is this: I do not leave the office before 18.00 and with almost an hour’s train journey do not reach the Tech. until French has begun. I therefore have to go without anything to eat from 13.00 to 21.30 which is the time I eventually reach home.
13/2/32. Just like old times! I’ve been so busy this morning that 8.30+ there was no time to write in yesterday’s entries. 13.10 Opened up an account in the Post Office Savings Bank on my way home. I have decided to put a little by each week into this so that I can have some money for my holiday and will not have to carry any unnecessary money about with me. 13.30 Changed E.A Poe’s Tales for one of R M Freeman’s Dr Thorndyke “yarns. Page 32 18.30. Went round the Doctor’s about my arms and after waiting a lengthy period in the cold waiting room was admitted into the Presence and after a very brief examination he pronounced it as, undoubtedly, ringworm. Gave me a prescription for further ointment and medicine. This latter tastes like sucking rusty nails. 20.45 Wired up the onevalver and tested it out. Reaction remarkable by its Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
apparent absence. Reversed reaction coil connections with little better results. Am using the H.T. battery brought from Grandma’s at the beginning of the year and this may have run down a little.
14/2/32. Had an hour’s practice on the piano and well I need it! 11.00+ Tried Unfinished Symphony and a few overtures but all was too duff for words. Were proposing, if it kept fine, that we should all go over to Grandma’s as Dad didn’t go last Thursday but Mum had such a shocking headache that we thought better of it. 19.30+ Wired up one-valver to work off eliminator but, although there was plenty of reaction on the medium band there was none on the long waves and the medium band did not go above Trieste I managed to pick up an amateur (G2PK) and although his power varied a great deal and he was using an inferior microphone he came Page 33 through very well all things considered. 21.00 Filled in the World Radio “Elements of Wireless” Form.
15/2/32. Gave the order form for six months of World Radio to Mrs. Cole, the 7.45. newsagent, as I went to work. Don’t know whether its this new medicine but my head is all fuzzy and feels as if it’s all bunged up today. Mum & Dad went to Grandma’s this evening to make up for 19.00 yesterday’s absence. So, when I reached home, I found them out and had to get my own tea which did not puzzle me much since it was already laid out. 19.45. Seeing an advert coming home (rather ludicrous, what?) I resolved to go to the “tupps” or, to give it its real name, East Ham Kinema (proprietors: Bernstein Theatres Ltd.). A really good all-round programme the Star turn being the “Flying Fool” – English. Among the other pictures were a Mickey Mouse – Much Mirth – a comedy featuring our old friend Ben Turpin, and a real short snappy masterpiece about the adventures of a taxicab driver at a mansion belonging to a boy-king of somewhere off the map. I had a good laugh anyhow. I almost forgot to mention that a letter came from Aunt Norah with regard to the usual annual pantomime. It is to be at the Page 34 Lyceum again this year and I’m to meet her at Fleming’s in Oxford Street (next door to Woolworth’s) at 6.15 p.m. on Thursday 18th instant. Shall I go? – you bet!
16/2/32. Replied to Aunt Norah’s letter and also sent my form into World Radio. 11.30. The following are the details for the current issue of World Radio I promised to set forth the other day: - Table of Signal Strengths R1 – Just Audible R2 – Audible, but unintelligible R3 – Audible, partly intelligible R4 – Just intelligible R5 – Quiet, but intelligible R6 – Moderately loud R7 – Normal good clear reception R8 – Strong reception Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
R9 – Wipe-out signals Fading and Atmospherics F= slight fading; FF= fairly deep fading, but no programme lost; FFF= complete fade-out, programme lost. (N= no fading) SS= very slow fading (minutes); S= slow (one minute or so). R=fairly rapid (several seconds); RR = very rapid (one second or less). Page 35 X= slight static; XX = rather bad; XXX = very strong atmospherics (N = no atmospherics). The following is a specimen report with explanation:- Jan 29. 22.05 W8XK (48.86) Tel. R5/FSS/X Stn. Call “ 30. 21.45 Rome (80) L.S. R7/N/XX Opera Receiver used 0-v-2, and usual outdoor aerial. Explanation: - (1) on Jan. 29th at 10.5 pm heard W8XK on 48.86 metres on telephones at strength R5 with fairly deep fading of the slow type and slight static, his actual station call being heard. (2) on Jan. 30th at 9.45 p.m. heard Rome on 80 metres on the loud speaker at R7 strength, no fading but rather bad static. 0-v-2 = det & 2 L.F. (v. is regarded as being the detector all signs to the left qualifying H.F. stages and these to the right the L.F.). 19.30.+ Attended evening classes. Took further trigonometry.
17/2/32. Our set has been giving out various cracklings and plops of late and despite all efforts to locate the cause it remains undiscovered. Dad had a go 19.00+ at it this evening while I was at night school so that we would be in time to hear George Lacey from the Midland Regional at 9.15 p.m. 19.30+ Attended English. Subjects taken: clause Analysis and Précis. Learnt Page 36 many things, notably that the yearly broadcast of the nativity play from St. Hilary is a “get-up” being produced by a London Company with a few locals thrown in. Finished “History of Henry Esmond” going to the Tech. Not the sort of book I should read but that it was an exam. Too much of the love-stuff in it for my liking. 21.30 Reached home and found Dad had located the source of trouble with the radio in the on-off switch. It appears that one side of the switch was pressed rather hard against the back of the cabinet so Dad had to drill a few more holes and remount the switch with the ebonite disc inside instead of outside. Seems to work satisfactorily now and hope it will continue to do so. Since Mum received intelligence of what I was doing to-morrow night she has been working hard to get the other sleeve of my new jumper done so that I could wear it to-morrow. In this she was successful and I tried it on to- 22.00. night. Very nice it is too. Picked up the Midland regional to hear the latter part of the Panto “Mother Goose” in which George Lacey took the title part. Referring to the codes I quoted yesterday the following is my report 17th Jan. 1932 21.45 Mid. Reg. (461) L.S. R6/FFR/N Pantomime 18/2/32. Today’s the great day. Such bustle this morning getting ready. New suit, Page 37 7.40+ new jumper polished up to the nines. Late leaving home, had to walk to the station as a matter of course yet arrived in plenty of time – one of these things which are incomprehensible but go to make life pleasant. By the time I next enter in this book all will be over I suppose. 12.00+ Had Dinner in the Fish Shop. 18.15 Met aunt Norah at Flemings and had a “slap-up” tea. 19.15 Went by bus to Oxford Circus to the Lyceum and were seated in the Pit Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
Stalls about five minutes before the commencement of Cinderella. The performance was very good and laughs were plentiful. George Jackley in particular and Naughton & Gold were excellent in their humour. I was glad they did not do their conjuring scene and the crockery breaking fiasco as they have repeatedly done in previous years. The dancing was really great. 23.45. Arrived home after a most enjoyable evening at about 23.45.
19/2/32. So tired this morning that I have decided to forego Night School and go straight home from work. Dad may go to see Dulwich Hamlet play Ilford to-morrow – Aunt Ethel being so keen on the former team – and if so Mum and I have arranged to visit the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square and, possibly, Madame Tussauds. 21.00 Went to bed early and listened for a while to a radioplay but was so tired I Page 38 went to sleep in the middle of it.
20/2/32. Arranged to meet Mum outside Woolworth’s in Oxford Street as soon 13.00+ after one as I could. We had dinner at Flemings and walked from there to Manchester Square to see the Wallace Collection. There is a multitude of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, arms and armour, pieces of furniture and the like though I cannot say I’m much interested in such things. However, Mum enjoyed it very much and would like to go again sometime. 17.00 We were so tired when the place closed that we caught a bus home 18.30 where we arrived at about 6.30 p.m. Had a bad sore throat to-night which kept me awake half the night.
21/2/32. Throat a little easier this morning. 17.00+ Went to George’s this morning and tested out a new mike of his constructed of a button embedded in lead in a Vaseline tin with a celluloid diaphragm which is kept from vibrating too much with rubber brakes on copper strips. The mouthpiece consists of the lid of the tin with a large circular hole covered with gauze. The whole is supported by elastic on a circular piece of brass wire mounted on a bulb adaptor, which, in turn, is attached to the stem of a reading lamp stand. The response is far superior to any we Page 39 have yet made, though the higher frequencies are very full. My cold is much worse to-night.
22/2/32. Very “umpy doo” this morning. Half uncertain if I’ll go home dinner time. 15.00 Resolved to do so and arrived at about three; had a good sleep but very little to eat. 21.00+ Went to bed at nine and was soon fast asleep.
23/2/32. Cold still very bad though not so dizzy as yesterday. Stayed indoors all day and sat in Dad’s chair and read, thought and slept. 17.15. Was pleased to hear La-a-a-ary the La-a-a-amb & Co in a Toytown play, the “Conversion of Mr. Growser.” First of the series I have heard and thoroughly enjoyed its absurdities. 19.20. Vaudeville rotten. Sorry at missing evening Classes to-night when every week is so 20.30. important but I was about done at 8.30 when I retired.
Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
24/2/32 Everybody at the Office expressed surprise when I 8.30. turned up this morning. I was greeted with such admonitions as “What! You Page 40 here?” “Garn! You should have made another day of it.” “You are a mug. Fancy coming back in this state spreading your rotten cold among us!” 16.30. It was my turn to be surprised this afternoon when O.M. informed me that if I liked to clear up I could go home and somebody else could look after my work. I was so shocked I almost forgot to thank him and had to ask again to make certain. 17.20. Arrived home while Mum was up the road getting my ticket and, having laid the tea, waited for her to arrive. When she did she was almost frightened to see me, thinking I had been sent home because I was too ill. 22.00. Very tired again to-night but did not go to bed till ten. Mum has set me some exercises to do in knitting. I never realized it was so difficult until I tried it. I make my work so tight that the needles could not slip out even if they want to and, after about five rows find I have twice as many stitches as I started with.
25/2/32. Mum seems to have got my cold. Was awake half the night with a sore throat and has an alarming headache. 15.00 Tried to get a new Mazda 60 Watt electric light bulb this afternoon at a dialer’s in Marylebone but found they stocked only 240 volt type. Our mains is 200 volts. Page 41 15.30+ Had a go at sketching a new layout for the model electric railway I am determined to build one day. I have revised the arrangement of the indoor section owing to the awkward position of the turntable in the first plan, necessitating all locos wishing to use it passing through the marshalling yard and holding up all shunting thereon. With the present system the T.T. and locosheds are placed close to the main lines near their exit into the open air and is accessible by the yard without disturbing main line traffic. 19.00+ Still rather dopey this evening. Mum retired early and thinks she will spend to-morrow in bed. 21.45.+ Listened to the “Forsaken City,” dealing with the Plague of London, in which I was much interested having only recently read Defoe’s Diary of the Plague. An hour is altogether too short to get any idea of this terrible pestilence though the arrangement of the readings was very good.
26/2/32. Mum in bed all to-day. Dad had the afternoon off and did the best he could to make her comfortable. Dad and I had another look at the switch to-night to try and obviate the crackling and found that the switch arm touched one of the fixing screws which we bent. We also discovered that there was a lump of solder which appeared to be making contact between LT and Page 42 the set LT lead; on removing this the wire came away and had to be resoldered. We put the switch back in position and hope that this trouble is now cleared up. The doctor called on Mum this afternoon and gave her a powder which gave relief to her headache. He also left some vile-tasting medicine.
27/2/32 Being in doubt as to whether to get my ticket or not last night I didn’t so I had to go by bus this morning. Very cold. Just a few things left out of previous entries: (1) My registered number on the World radio “Elements of Wireless” scheme is 11,828. They must have a Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
few! (2) I changed my St. Marylebone library book for “The American Claimant” by Mark Twain, a sequel to the “Gilded Age” by the same author in conjunction with another which I read some weeks ago. (3) We all seem in a bad way this winter. le is down with tonsillitis since last Thursday and S who was away with influenza the beginning of last week has, after returning for a few days, been smitten with it again. 14.15.+ Mum was up when I reached home and stayed till about 22.00. 18.30+ Went up the road after tea and bought two pounds of white paint for the aerial pole and also a 60 watt Osram light bulb. This week-end Dad and I, between us, have to do all the necessary housework. 28/2/32. Getting about used to wiping up and dusting generally. Went round with Page 43 the vac. and helped Dad do the cooking. Dad spent about half-an-hour in painting the top end of the pole but it was too cold to remain outside any longer. Our great fear in doing all this cooking, etc. while Mum is ill is that she might cry off every subsequent week-end. 15.00+ Mum is much better to-day and came down about three o’clock and stayed until about eleven. Finished reading the American Claimant. Vastly superior in every way to its predecessor. 18.15. “Tarzan of the Grapes” otherwise Eddie Jones came along to-night to ask if either Dad or I could go round sometime and see what causes certain crackling noises in his radio. I arranged to go soon after tea. I could not trace the cause so he is letting me know on Thursday if it still crackles and if so, will bring it round with him. Incidentally foreigners simply rolled in on the thing to-night. It is an 0-v-1 using usual plug in coils.
29/2/32. Today is leap year day. The day of resolutions! In 1924, when it occurred on a Sunday I made certain resolutions which I was able to keep for 6 months – a record for me. 1928 was not so successful. 8.0. Calamitous happening. With my cold none too good I find on the train this Page 44 morning I have only one handkerchief and that half full. If my nose runs at all I shall have to get another by inserting 6d. in the slot at Baker Street station. I must not forget to have my hair cut to-night and that I have to go to the Doctor’s for some more ointment. 19.00 Had my hair cut but put off going to the Doctor’s until Saturday. 20.00 Vaudeville rotten – bilge. The wireless still crackles. Tried to prevent it by changing the voltage on the detector by plugging in the SG tapping – about 80v. All right for about 30 minutes but started bashing about again. Can’t make it out at all. Mum a great deal better to-day. Been up most of to-day though she has done very little work – only what was essential. C back at work to-day.
1/3/32. One more month of 1932 gone. The weather has been very cold of late; a north-easterly wind has sprung up and has held up most of the foreign shipping trying to evade the tariffs on imports which come into force to-day. England is having a sort of gold-rush this winter. Now that we’ve gone off the gold standard all the hoarded gold is being bought up Page 45 at an enormous price; as much as 30/- is being given for a gold sovereign. 19.30. Attended Evening Classes. I have missed a great deal through my not Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
going last Tuesday but I think, if I work hard at it I can manage to learn it all. Dad refixed the switch on the set in a more accessible position. No trace yet of the cause of the crackling.
2/3/32. Greatly surprised at Evening School to-night as the English examination 19.30+ was held. I wrote about the worst essay I have ever written on Life in the Time of Queen Anne and got mixed up with the clause analysis. I suppose the exam was fairly easy but my being wholly unprepared I was taken by surprise.
3/3/32. Tarzan brought his set round to-night. Having fixed it up, I tried it out and was not surprised to hear the crackling he experienced with it. Tried various gridleaks and tried the phones on the secondry side of the transformer but still it crackled. He has left the set with us till we can get anything definite from it. S back at work yesterday. Tarzan invited me to go with him to the Central Hall, East Ham to hear the usual weekly Concert on Saturday and I complied. Page 46
4/3/32 This Tarzan is a bit too much! I found him at home to-night to tell me that if anything needs replacing in his set his mother is willing to defray all expenses. I hope he won’t come round every evening. I don’t like spongers whether it be for money or otherwise. Missed Evening Classes again. The crackling on our own set has started again. Dad and I took out the switch and bent the contacts closer together. Will see how she goes now. Grandma’s birthday and Dad went over to Clapham to pay his respects. Went to the Doctor’s. He expressed great approval at the sight of my arms, the rash having all but disappeared. Obtained a prescription for more ointment.
5/3/32. No sooner at the top of the road when along came Tarzan on his way to work (by rail, of course) and hails me in terms of endearment, so, I had his company as far as Moorgate. He meets me at our house at 6.30 this evening en route for E Ham Central Hall. I learn from him this morning that his friend Steve (identity unknown) who proposed this expedition cannot go. That does not deter Tarzan, of course, – he’s going anyway. Oh dear! 18.30. He came, as promised, and we went. A very good concert with the Scots Page 47 Guards band and two comedians. The Contralto was rotten and sang as though she had a plum in her throat. Crackling bad on radio to-night. Finished Nelson.
6/3/32. Wired up the L. [?T]. side of the switch with new rubbercovered [sic] flex in place of the existing cotton covered. Provided against further losses from doubtful contacts by inserting pieces of sheet rubber between connections. No crackling so far. Tried Tarzan’s set again to-night but cannot get rid of the crackling suspect either the transformer of the coil holder. Its bringing in foreigners last Sunday seems to be attributable to a better aerial system because I only pulled in a couple to-night and they were very faint. Helped Dad to paint part of the upper part of the pole. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
Didn’t feel very up to the mark to-night, very tired and dizzy. My throat also ached. Hope my cold is not returning.
7/3/32. A gruesome experience going home to-night. The train I entered at Aldgate East was only lighted in the first carriage and though several efforts were made to put it through on the part of a mechanic (named Alf) he was unsuccessful to the time I last saw the train. I wasn’t very keen on the affair at all. We seemed like a ghost train Page 48 of lost souls condemned to fly along the metals till the Day of Judgment. Such diversity of weather lately! On Saturday it looked like rain and was dull all day; Sunday was bright and cheerful and to-day, if it had not been for the inevitable March wind, would have been perfect, the sun shining its heart 17.30 out – up to about half-past five when it poured and has continued since. When I reached home I found Tarzan there with his sister – what for I do not know. Mum suggests I tell him I’ve half a bed to spare. Had great struggles with my homework (maths) this evening these trig ratios need much thoughtful study. My throat still funny – a big lump which hurts me to swallow. By the way, I changed Mark Twain for “Asgard and the Gods” by Dr. Wagner on Saturday. The latter is about the gods of the Northern races – Thor, Odin, Freya, and the like. Very interesting and exciting in parts.
8/3/32. Attended Maths to-night. Engaged in revision. There is much preparation of factors and trigonometry necessary. Fixed up Tarzan’s set and left it on for Mum to try out and report to- morrow. Cannot trace the fault. The transformer and the coil holder are O.K. Page 49
9/3/32. Nom d’un nom! The only expression possible. At English to-night what am I told but that my essay in last week’s exam fetched 35 marks out of 40, and the rest of the paper 48 out of 60. Total: 83%. Pass. This is the third time I have passed this exam. Only their being no higher grade at the West Ham Tech. I have to come again to the same class each year. Tarzan of course found an excuse to come round to-night. Am going over their to-morrow night to fix the thing up. His sister came over while I was at Stratford to ask if I could go round on Saturday afternoon – this is a bit too thick. Filled in an application form for the R.S.A. English Stage III exam in May next, got Mr. Blore to sign it and must not forget to give it in to-gether with the entrance fee (4s. 0d.) on my way home to-morrow night. Having been spending my spare time at the Office lately in writing out the essay on electricity I promised Mr. Blore last autumn – 10 pages done already and hope to finish by next Wednesday.
10/3/32. Toddled round to Tarzan Towers and, after fixing up, switched on and was greeted by a burst of firework - like splutterings. Vexation! Page 50 Listened to Acts III & IV of Faust (Gounod) from Manchester to-night by the Covent Garden Opera Company – thoroughly enjoyed it. Paid my R.S.A. dues at the Tech. on the way home and finished reading “Asgard and the Gods”.
Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
11/3/32. The first test paper in the World Radio “Elements of Wireless” out to-day. Not a bad effort. Covers such things as resistance, capacity, potential difference, efficiency of aerial-earth systems and similar subjects. Will try to knock some of it off to-day and to-morrow and finish by Monday. Attended French to-night. Not so tired as usual. Exam next week.
12/2/32. Auntie Flo came to-night. Both she and Uncle Bob have been in the fashion by having colds and such like ailments. Beat Dad at Russ. Pat. to-night.
13/3/32. Eureka! Just after dinner I was thinking about the condition of the set and mounted on a chair I looked at the lightning switch outside the kitchen window. What was my dismay to find one half of the contact leading to the set had been rusted away. With some difficulty Dad and I managed to introduce a piece of “glazite” in the Page 51 lead-in hole and temporarily fastened the lead-in and lead to set to it. The result on switching on was amazing. 5XX was about as strong as Reg. & Nat. formerly. Radio Paris came skipping in like a two-year old and reception on L.W. generally was greatly improved. On M.W. Lon. Reg. was all round the dial. Helped Dad mix the cement to make the concrete posts for holding the stay wires of the aerial mast. Had another look at the on-off switch to see why it caught when switching on and found the contact arms to trickle charger were not mating but were catching in the ebonite of the lever. After some difficulty I was able to set this right. Still more trouble! We had had one of my DTG’s on since about Thursday so methought I had better put the old Unlimitex back in place. I did so and after listening to a foreigner for some time during tea it grew so quiet that we switched off – thinking the station had faded out. On switching on again I was revolving the knobs when I noticed there was a considerable amount of back-lash on reaction and diminishing strength. On glancing at the milliammeter I observed that instead of reading about 2.2 m/a it stood below 1m/a. Switching off I tested the accum. with the hydrometer whereupon all balls remained at the bottom. I also tested the trickler with Page 52 the volt-meter but whichever way round I tried it I could obtain only a negative reading. This is exactly what has happened on previous occasions when this apparatus has gone “bang”. Let’s hope this is not the case. I replaced the Unlimitex with the D.T.G. and we shall see by results if the trickler is O.K. or otherwise. The old accum. is about four years old and has been bulging for some time. We cannot really grumble.
14/3/32. “Borrowed” about a fathom of V.I.R. cable from work to fix up the lead-in with. Dad said we might as well wait till the end of the week when we get a bit of daylight. The days are getting perceptibly longer now. I do not have to light the various gases at the Office.
15/3/32. Wrote the World-Radio Test Paper and sent it in. Attended Evening Classes for further revision preparatory to the exam. next week.
Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
16/3/32. Attended Evening Classes and had Part I of a lecture on History of English Literature. While I was there George came over and Dad tells me George has bought something extra special in the telephone line for 4d. in Mile End Waist and wants me to go over on Sunday to experiment with it. Page 53 Tried to book up at Sadler’s Wells for The Magic Flute on Saturday 2nd April and for La Bohème on the following Saturday but find they do not book by ‘phone. Have resolved to call there on the way home to-morrow.
17/3/32. Got a ticket to Farringdon Road tonight and Walked to Sadler’s Wells and booked the seats as arranged. Was quite surprised and pleased with Rosebery Avenue. It is lined with trees and has several open spaces on either side and many well-lighted attractive buildings. Seeing that I had passed Finsbury Town Hall halfway there methought if I took a road southerly I might strike Finsbury Square so wandered through many unknown streets and brought me out to the back of Smithfield Market – a most curious place, with an archway in the middle so decorated with ornamental ironwork and great wooden beams, arched and resting on corbels as to resemble the inside of a cathedral somewhat. Dad went to Grandma’s to-night.
18/3/32. Had French exam to-night. Very simple though as I have missed a lot of it I do not expect to get through. Bought a copy of the special number of the Times Weekly Edition giving Page 54 a supplement dealing with the Sydney Harbour Bridge which is being opened at 10 o’clock to-morrow morning (local time – G.M.T. midnight to- night).
19/3/32. Was alarmed this morning to find that Dad had not given me my ticket so had to pay at Baker Street – didn’t see paying full fare so paid as from King’s X (2d.) Going home got another ticket as far as King’s X and having retained my three-halfpenny ticket of this morning went to East Ham. Will use my workman’s (the date being undecipherable) on Monday. Fixed up the aerial with the v.i.r. cable and detached the aerial series condenser from the window architrave and mounted it inside the cabinet providing a separate terminal for the aerial to cut out the wavetrap if desired. The concrete posts for the stay wires of the aerial mast having seemed to be set Dad and I took them out of the forms and on laying them on the yard by the window the end of one immediately broke away. This was exasperating and can only be attributable to the use of such old cement. However we mixed up some fresh cement and sand and hope for better results.
20/3/32. The new concrete posts have already dried much better than the last lot. Page 55 Went over to George’s this afternoon. We went out for a walk till tea time the weather being so glorious. This was my second journey to-day – Mum, Dad and I having toddled round the beautiful village of East Ham in the morning and called upon the Wedge family. I learn that what George has bought for 4d. is an old microphone from a telephone. We mucked about with it half the evening and got better results all round than ever with any other mike. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
If the weather is like this next week-end (Easter) I, for one, shall not grumble.
21/3/32. Very dull weather to-day and threatened rain in the evening It’s about time we did have some as there has been a drought since before Christmas. Some of the country places are very hard up for water. The concrete posts are more successful this time – Dad has removed them from the forms and mixed up two more. I must get a bike in time for Easter if I can!
22/3/32 Pouring with rain most of the day. Some how – probably on account of the weather I am not so keen on the bike. Maths exam. to-night. Good all round paper and my trig. did not forsake Page 56 me as on the previous occasion last session.
23/3/32. Great Guns! Getting off the train I noticed under the heading “G.W.R” the word “SWINDON” and pulling up short discovered to my great pleasure that a trip was being run from Paddington to the Great Western Railway Works at that town enabling members to go over the works and return to London, the whole trip occupying about eight hours for the magnificent sum of five shillings. Bern went on it about two years ago so I decided to ask O.M. if there was any change of getting Thursday 31st March 1932 off. He replied that I had better write in to the firm about it. Attended English to-night. They were trying to get a number of people to form a Summer Session to help us with the R.S.A. examinations, twelve being the minimum number of entrants for this course; only eleven names were forthcoming. Mr Blore is going to try his utmost to get it through and I hope he is successful. Wrote my application to the firm for a day’s leave next Thursday. 24/3/32. The weather is much better. Yesterday I went on the lake in Regent’s Park with le. Got leave to go to Swindon on Thursday next. Must try and get this bike. I got some literature last night and believe I will go in for a B.S.A. £7-10-0 model with 3-speed. It works out at Page 57 about 3s. 1d. per week. Spent most of this evening running round to old Oggins’s shop in the Barking Road to enquire how soon I could have this bike on instalment system and was told that if I returned a form filled in to- night I could have the machine on Saturday. However I did not reach home till a quarter to nine and so did not have time to return it before they closed.
25/3/32. Good Friday. Dad went round to Bates’s to see what bikes they had there but found them closed. We all took a Hillman’s to Brentwood and spent the day walking round Shenton district. Beautiful weather all day long.
26/3/32. Went with Dad this morning to Bates’s and, after some deliberations, purchased a Hercules popular model with Sturmey Archer 3-speed gear and a bell to go with it (£5-1-3). There are no extras such as pump, tool-bag, tools, reflector etc with this model so I shall have to get those later on as I need them. I have a pump and some tools left from the old Raleigh which broke down four years ago. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
Having bought the bike I must needs go out on it, so arranged with Mum and Dad to go over a route from Romford to Havering and from there to Passingford Bridge to Abridge and back home through Woodford. I had some struggle with the wind which was blowing strongly Page 58 from the north-east. I went via the Barking by-pass, to avoid the tramlines, through Barking to Romford, Havering and met Mum and Dad at Stapleford Abbotts from which I accompanied them to Abridge where they caught a bus for home and I continued to Woodford where I left the main road to cut through to Wanstead and went across the Flats and down Catherine Road home. Greatly enjoyed the run. Listened to-night to the first of the series of Raido [sic] Music Halls featuring Gus Elen among others. Very good show – about the best all- round show the B.B.C. have put up for a long time. Had a violent toothache to-night.
27/3/32. Woke up this morning with a face about twice as wide as it ought to be. Doesn’t hurt much but I shan’t go out on the bike to-day; besides, it’s raining hard. Listened to the Easter Morning service from Liverpool Cathedral.
28/3/32. Bank Holiday – Showery as usual. Was kept indoors all day by the abcess on my jaw. Played cards and chess with Dad and read a great deal during the day. Listened to part of “La Traviata” on Gramophone Records from Radio Paris which came in very well to-night. 29/3/32. Went to Paddington to get my ticket to Swindon on Thursday. The Page 59 structural alterations since last November have made the place almost unrecognizable – especially at the extension of No.1 Platform. Had poached egg on mash for dinner – about all I can eat with my face as it is. It begins to nag now. I hope it will not mar my happiness on Thursday.
30/3/32. Couldn’t stand it any longer so I asked S. for the name of the dentist he went to some while back and had the tooth pulled out – only I wasn’t as brave as that. In fact, the least said the better.
31/3/32. The great day. Left home about eleven o’clock and got to Paddington just in time to see the “Torbay Limited” go at midday. Our train left sharp on time (12.40) hauled by King Richard I and arrived at Swindon at about two o’clock. We had notched up 50 m.p.h. at Ealing and soon afterwards reached 60 m.p.h. which we maintained throughout the greater part of the journey except for a slack just outside Reading where platelayers were at work. On arrival at Swindon we were conducted to the works where we were split up into parties of from 15 to 20 with an official guide to each party and started our tour. We began with the rolling stock repair works and passed on to the Page 60 coaching stock erecting shops and finishing shops where the carriage doors and internal and external furniture are made, finished, polished and painted. Then we went through the iron casting shops and saw cylinders and other locomotive accessories, wheel boxes, chairs, etc. being cast. This is the first time I have seen iron in its molten state and I was much impressed. We Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
passed from here to the boiler house and saw the men at work riveting boiler plates together and boilers to firebox casings etc. The din of hydraulic and pneumatic rivetters was almost overpowering. We then went to what was perhaps the most interesting shop of all – “A” shop – where locomotives are erected, dismantled and repaired. Here we saw a Castle being run under its own power at about 30 m.p.h. on a sort of glorified testing bench where statistics are obtained of draw-bar pull, fuel consumption and the like. Here also where locos consisting of partly assembled frames, frames with wheels and motions complete but no superstructure, cabs, fireboxes and boilers on frames, engines without wheels, and many other interesting spectacles. One of the overhead travelling cranes held in suspension a 2-6-0 tank engine freshly painted but minus its leading wheels. Wheels were also being made and tested in this shop and ranged in size from the 6’8½” diameter driving wheels of the “King” Class locomotives down to the smallest tender wheels. Finally we came to the latest King – “King Stephen” – and were able to go over its footplate and thoroughly inspect its inner workings. We arrived outside the works at about 4 p.m. and got back to the station Page 61 at 4.30 (our train was not due to start till 5.30 so we had some time to wait). Just before we left Paddington this morning a youngster of about 12 or 13 got into my compartment. He was on his own so we chummed up and kept together throughout the day. Going down there were also four chaps in my carriage who seemed more enthusiastic about taking photographs of locos than the tour of the works. Each had a quarter-plate camera and, I should say, about two dozen plates. They seemed to have a hard job not to exhaust their plates before we arrived at Swindon. Never before have I seen so many people taking numbers of locos such as I have seen to-day. Coming home the corridor was full of youngsters – and grown ups as well – who kept up a stream of remarks as to numbers, classes and names of the various locos we passed. I bought a book for myself about the locomotives giving numbers, names, types and classes and interesting data about tractive efforts net and gross weights, etc. Arrived home at about eight o’clock. Mum and Dad had gone to Grandma’s and did not get back before ten. Well! I’ve finished this month well. 1/4/32. Another month and a quarter of a year gone! Didn’t think I’d go so long as Page 62 this without missing a day’s entries. Nothing special to record to-day.
2/4/32. Met Mum & Dad inside Sadler’s Wells just before 2.30 this afternoon. Went to see the “Magic Flute” by Mozart. The overture was about the best part but the cast was poor so that none of us enjoyed the opera very much. Left Mum & Dad at Aldgate while I went to Westminster Bridge where, after having tea, I visited the Model Railway Exhib. at the Central hall. It seems lost there after such a small place as the Horticultural Hall at Vincent Square. There were several long tracks of 1,0,& 00 gauge laid down and some very pretty working. Of course, the steam passenger-drawing train and locos were there with the usual staff. Arrived home in time for the 9.20. Auntie Flo and Uncle Bob were there. He says he has much trouble on the new ST buses to change gear without making a row – drivers who do are sent back to Chiswick to learn how to drive! It appears the buses are so slow in changing and when one is used to the old K’s and NS’s wherein the gears were slammed the driver in changing Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
from neutral to first gives the lever a good jerk and finds himself in reverse. By the way, I’ve been so busy entering about to-day’s and Thursday’s doings that I forgot to record that my corrected test papers for Page 63 the World Radio “Elements of Wireless” Competition N.°1 were returned last Tuesday. It was marked and commented on in red ink and signed by Mr. Stranger who is one of the writers of the series. I received 60% which wasn’t bad for first time.
3/4/32. Tried to find time to go out on the bike but it rained all day so I confined myself to oiling it a little and practicing upon the piano during the morning, sleep during the afternoon, more practice and cards and chess in the evening.
4/4/32. Still showery weather and a gusty gale springing up from the south-west. My tooth, or rather where my tooth was, is beginning to close up though I cannot chew properly yet, the gum’s being so sore.
5/4/32. Saw several peoples hats and caps blown off, some of them landing in puddles more or less deep and dirty – much to the vexation of the owners of the headgear. Rain most of the day. We certainly need it after the drought. Funny thing! I don’t mind how much it pours during the week so long as it stops over week-ends. 6/4/32. Having a few slack moments I tried working out the wiring of my ideal Page 64 radio set which I propose starting on as soon as I feel confident of the circuits and that I can afford it. I’m afraid I shall have to build it by instalments. The specification is as follows:- I have recently come into possession of the scullery table which will with a few additional drawers, etc. serve as a cabinet. The type of circuit to be chosen from experiment. The detector, whether or not preceded by any H.F. amplifier to be readily isolated from the rest of the circuit both to facilitate tuning by ‘phones in that circuit and to use the following stage(s) for pure and simple L.F. amplification. Milliammeters to be inserted in all H.T. leads. Jack switching to be provided in all grid circuits (on L.F.) for insertion of pick-up, microphone plugs, etc.; also in all L.F. plate circuits for insertion of ‘phones or L.S. for correction of pick-up and mike tones, etc. Output filter to be provided for extension leads (namely one to Kitchen and one to front room with a possible one to front bedroom). Remote control to be provided at all L.S. points on extensions for on-off switching and National-Regional switching (Note – current for this to be drawn from L.T. to keep relays in position). Remote control relays to be mercury contact enclosed type. Tuning coils to be of the interchangeable two, four or six-pin type, probably home wound. All controls to be on top of the cabinet (I’ve about had enough of stooping and nearly breaking my back trying to find dial readings. Band pass to be tried if possible. Page 65 Accumulators, trickle charged from the mains, to be used for both high and low tension. Safety fuses to be provided wherever necessary.
7/4/32. Met Mum and Auntie Flo at Selfridges and took them to have lunch at the fish shop. Left them at Marble Arch. Met them again outside the New Victoria and after having tea at Lyons’s took tram to Clapham where we were going to join Dad at Clapham but owing to unforeseen difficulties our wishes were frustrated so we transferred Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
our attentions to Uncle Syd and the Crow family. Uncle Syd showed me their new set and was kind enough to lend me a Triotron SG valve to try out. I also saw “Uncle” Percy’s new side-car – certainly very well put together – even a long slab like me could sit in the forward seat.
8/4/32. I forgot to mention that Tarzan came over on Tuesday night to see if I could go round to his place to have another look at his set and as, just as I was departing thence George came, we went to-gether. After telling George all I knew about the set and its behaviour we took the earth wire off the tube and fastened it on the tap immediately no crackle (Much chagrin and gnashing of teeth upon my part and much crying of “Oh, why didn’t I think of this before?”). We left Tarzan with Page 66 instructions to get an earth clip from old Lazzo’s and, if he called at my place the following night I would fix it for him. He didn’t come on Wednesday so I didn’t go. The World Radio has postponed its second test paper till next week.
9/4/32. Purchased a pair of pump slips for the bike and went out on it for about an hour and a half over the Flats. Also got some oil while I was out. Went with Mum and Dad to see La Bohème at the Sadlers Wells. Very good performance, the cast was vastly superior to that in the Magic Flute last week both in acting and singing. Tudor Davies took the part of Rudolph whilst that of Mimi was taken be a guest artiste whose name I forget for the moment. Certainly one of the best pieces I have seen and heard.
10/4/32. No luck as regards going out on the bike to-day. Rainy and windy all day long. Looked up a few circuits using S.G. valves this afternoon but could find only one using ordinary plug-in coils. Started indexing the 1931 World Radios and filed away this years up to this week’s issue. Page 67 Played chess and cards with Dad this evening.
11/4/32. Having struck an idea with regard to the remote control switches of my ideal set I spent a good time this morning working it out with somewhat successful results. Decided this evening that before I tried the S.G. I would rewind the 6-pin coils I had wound some time ago (adapting these in the Amateur Wireless 50/- four) using D.S.C. as specified.
12/4/32. Bought 1/4 lb. D.S.C. 26 S.W.G. wire at Grey’s (1s. 8d.) and wound the detector coil. Wired it up to the six pin base and left it to try out to-morrow night. Tarzan’s sister complained last night that I hadn’t been round through an apparent misunderstanding and seen to the earth I toddled forth and fixed it up. Let’s hope the crackle is cured at last.
13/4/32. Having checked over the wiring I shoved the new aerial coil in the one- valver and adapted it to the detector valve holder of the main set. Some section or other of the London Symphony Orchestra were playing the overture to “Oberon” by Weber. It came through great. There is a good deal of interference between Reg. & Nat. and a little Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
overlap of Reg. on Long Waves but I think this can be cured with a couple of Page 68 variable fixed condensers. Spent the rest of the evening winding the S.G. coil. Ran out of wire near the end so I had to use some silk covered wire that came off the original coil for the last 30 turns.
14/4/32. Didn’t do anything further with the coils though it occurs to me now that I might have tried the one-valver as it is on long waves and foreigners. I see according to the wiring diagram a non-inductive resistance of 20,000 ohms is recommended to be used across the long wave coil – purpose not stated.
15/4/32. Beautiful weather to-day. The wind has gradually dropped during the week. On Monday it was blowing lively from S.W. but Tuesday it turned round to almost due North. Afterwards it resumed the S.W. direction but it is north again to-day. If it keeps like this to-morrow I can go out on the bike. Bath night to-night so wireless out of the question as far as experiment goes.
16/4/32. Oh, this weather! To-day, being Saturday, its drizzling of course. Went to buy a reflector. They had none that might be adapted to electric. They also enquired if my back mudguard stay was one or two hole fixing. I replied that I could not be certain but thought it was one hole. Much Page 69 to my disgust I find it to be two-hole fixing so I shall have to change the reflector ion Monday. Got so fed up with the weather this afternoon that I went out for an hour on the bike despite the wind and rain. Just went to Wanstead Flats and back. It was not at all cold riding – in fact I was perspiring freely when I returned. Resolved to do what I could towards the S.G.-v-0 and bought an aluminium screen (1s.0d) and a valve holder (8d.), but found on later investigation that I wanted a ‘0005 mfd. Variable condenser. I took one of the coils off the old binocular choke which caused so much trouble to the main set a short time ago and so converted it into a monocular H.F. choke. Being stumped over the condenser, I left the matter for the time being.
17/4/32. Summer Time (officially) begins to-day – drizzle with cold north-easterly wind. In consequence of putting the clocks forward an hour I slept till 10.30 B.S.T. so that by the time I was washed and dressed diner was ready. The rain cleared up a bit during the afternoon so I donned my mac and scarf and pedalled forth along the Epping road to Loughton and back. Between Snaresbrook and Woodford I had to use low gear nearly all the way, the Page 70 wind was so strong. But at Woodford I came upon a General bus going to High Beech so I got behind it. The road was mostly downhill after that – it would be so after a couple of miles I decided to go on in front. As soon as I was about 100 yards ahead of the bus I had to get off and walk up a fairly steep incline!!! Coming back I reckon I averaged 15 m.p.h. – top gear all the way, mostly down hill and the wind behind me. I was out about three hours altogether and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Helped Dad to fix up an improvised aerial switch wherein the aerial is fixed to a plug (made out of an old eversharp pencil and part of a coil holder) which is inserted in either of two holes containing bushes, one connected to the set and the other to earth. I overcame the difficulty of preventing Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
rainwater running down the aerial lead and shorting to earth by fixing on the lead an old tin cone for mounting L.S. cone diaphragms to units to throw the water off thus:-
[diagram] 18/4/32. A Brilliant Day Again !!!! Page 71 However, it dulled again during the morning. Was going to run over to George’s to-night and see him about the World Radio Test Paper N° 2 but although I changed the reflector and fixed the new one on the bike I did not buy a battery for the front lamp (I am using an old lamp (electric) that I had on the Raleigh till I get the dynamo set I propose buying next autumn). Besides I was so busy at work to-day that I did not leave the office till half-past six.
19/4/32. Bought a battery for the front lamp of the bike and decided to go over to George’s about the matter before mentioned. I’d just turned up Wilson Road when I remembered I hadn’t brought the journal with me so I retraced my tracks to find that George himself had arrived on a visit to me on the same subject! They say great minds think alike. The paper this month is mostly restricted to mathematics but there are one or two questions that are real teasers. George and I puzzled our brains over one or two of them and with the use of a flash-lamp battery, an old accumulator, two or three flash lamp bulbs, a volt-meter and two or three old lengths of wire set about the question relating to the following circuit:- Page 72 The question is to calculate the currents flowing in the wiring at the [Circuit Diagram] points A,B,C & D disregarding the resistance of the batteries and connecting wire. With A, B & C it is comparatively easy; but with D, we could not determine satisfactorily for a long time what actually was the effect when a current of 0.25 amps ran along the wire in one direction and another of 0.25 amps in the other direction. At last, by comparison with 3-way mains system we decided that one cancelled the other. We had about three hours solid argument trying to work out this one question so we still had several matters left over. We therefore arranged that I should visit his house to- morrow night.
20/4/32. Proper April weather. The wind has reverted to the south-west and several severe showers came down this afternoon. However, it cleared up by to-night though it was very dull and darkness fell early. Went over to George’s with the velocipede where we wrangled with capacities of condensers. Coming back from George’s I hit a piece of tin a pretty hard whack as I Page 73 crossed the flats and later found my back tyre was flat. By pumping and riding a few times I was able to get to Katherine Road Hill from which I had to walk. As I was walking along the Barking road near the Boleyn another cyclist drew up alongside and inquired if he could help. “No”, I replied “I’ve only a small puncture.” “I’ve got an outfit,” said he. “That’s all right,” said I Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
“I’ve only a few yards to go, thanks all the same.” “You’re sure there’s nothing I can do?” asked he. “No, thanks” I replied, and with that he remounted and sallied on. Jolly decent of him to stop – the time was 10.30 and we had just had a pretty big shower. Dad starts a new job to-morrow – has to get to work at 8 o’clock so Mum will have to get up to cut my sandwiches and see me off.
21/4/32. Dad went to Ilford to see that team play Dulwich Hamlet the winners of the F.A. Amateur cup. He also went to see Dulwich Hamlet play at the Spotted Dog ground Tuesday night. Went over my bike thoroughly with a dry rag and removed most of the mud. Took out as much of the back inner tube to try and locate the puncture only to find that it was not a puncture at all but a joint in the tube had become minutely perforated at two points. Page 74 Speaks a lot for Dunlop tyres – I never have heard much good account about their products. Dad and I bunged a couple of patches on the tyre and after putting the tube back on the wheel pumped it up to see if it would deflate or not by morning. Mum is going over to Auntie Flo’s to-morrow night and Dad remains undecided as to whether he will meet Mum there and bring her home.
22/4/32. Found on the mat this morning a note from one of the Jones’s asking me to attend Tarzan Towers to-night as the set has gone off again and they can only hear a whisper. To-day’s weather, so far (2.0 p.m.) is glorious. No rain and plenty of sunshine. They have a card game, which is new to me, at work to-day, called “Cut- throat”. It appears very interesting. I must try it with Dad. Went round to see Tarzan’s set and found it working normally! However, I looked it over and while frigging about with the earth lead silence suddenly came on. I increased and decreased reaction suddenly and it immediately bust forth as good as usual. Pumped up my back tyre fairly hard to-night to see if she would last all right for the week-end. 23/4/32. Tyre still hard. Page 75 Being Cup Final day there was a huge crowd at Baker Street and the train I caught for home was a special District so that apart from changing at Aldgate I had District all the way home, which I much appreciated. Was annoyed to find that my back tyre was flat again. I resolved to cure it once and for all so I spent most of the afternoon in taking the rear wheel right out and removing the tyre and testing the tube under water to try and locate the leak but could find nothing! I put the tyre back on the wheel and the wheel in position and pumped up and went out for a run to see how long it would last. I started at six p.m. and went up the Barking By-pass to Rainham and turned off through a tortuous lane to Hornchurch and back through Romford, Becontree Heath, Dagenham, the Barking By-Pass again and arrived home at eight – about 20 miles more or less – no trouble from the rear wheel.
24/4/32. Arose at about nine o’clock and, having washed and dressed, set off on the bike at about 10.45 a.m. Went along the Barking Bypass to Barking where I turned off onto the Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
Becontree Road to Romford. From there I went to Havering-atte-Bower and on the Passingford Bridge. Thence I continued along the Ongar road till I came to a signpost marked “To Greensted” and Page 76 remembering Mr Blore’s remarks at Night School about the Anglo-Saxon church there I turned off the main road to see it It is the smallest church I have ever seen. Apart from the choir I doubt if it would hold more than twenty persons. It was built about two centuries before the Norman Conquest and was entirely of wood. The walls consisted of oak logs erected on end and, though they have now been well creosoted and upheld by bricks and cement the original logs can still be seen – they are each about a foot or so in diameter. From here I continued to Ongar and then transferred myself to the Epping Road. The Wireless station at Ongar (officially) can be seen for miles around though it is nearer Epping than Ongar. At North Weald Basset I enquired the time and was much surprised to find it nearly three o’clock. There were some fairly stiff climbs along this road and I suppose I walked nearly a mile all told. Until I arrived at Epping the wind, which was gusty and strong at times, seemed against me most of the time – its direction was north-west but, I should imagine, more in the northerly direction than the westerly. Coming home from Epping was, as last Sunday, mostly on Top Gear. I arrived home at 4.50 p.m. thoroughly whacked and starving and got through my dinner like one-o’clock and cycled over to George’s Page 77 arriving there at about a quarter to six. We spent the whole evening working out the second World Radio test paper and caught the last post with it. The weather this week-end, apart from a few showers on Saturday morning has been grand. I saw plenty of thrushes and larks singing their hearts out and innumerable rooks and crows flying around. I also saw two or three pee-wits and one tom-tit fluttered over a hedge in front of me on my way to Ongar to-day. I’ve had a good day to-day.
25/4/32. Ooh! my knees! They are giving me socks whenever I sit down or stand up. The weather was pretty dull all day. To make up for the exertions of yesterday and to counteract the general tiredness I retired early only to keep awake listening-in but at last it got so much trash that I pulled out my L.S. plug and dropped off to sleep.
26/4/32. Not much to record. My knees are still nagging but are much better. Weather dull but fair. Had one or two games of “Cut Throat” with Dad. This game seems more Page 78 interesting as you continue to play it.
27/4/[3]2. There is a crackling set up in the radio again! Cannot yet trace it. It may be the temporary aerial lead-in arrangement We shall have to get a new switch. Showery to-night.
28/4/32. Busy all day at work. One of my D.J.G.’s was found last week to have some of the lead fallen Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
out of one of the plates almost causing a short circuit so I took it round to old Fenton to be cleared out. I notice the other cell also has a deposit inside so I wondered if the crackling was due to this. I tried both cells individually and together but the crackling still continues. We are in the throes of spring cleaning at home and of course the vac. must choose this important time to spark like the deuce and give up the ghost. I tried to get some new brushes to-day but there are so many sorts and sizes that I shall have to take one of the existing ones before I can buy a new pair. Weather still dull but no rain. 29/4/32. Bought another pair of brushes for the vac. (1/6 – rather a lot, I thought). Page 79 Fitted them to the machine and spent about an hour dusting my book cupboard but only got the top shelf completed leaving the rest over till to- morrow afternoon if I do not go out on the bike. Its curious! I always find that there are several interesting books in that cupboard I have not yet read but, after reading one I somehow forget about the rest till I clear them out again when they burst upon me as pleasant surprises. I musn’t forget that my English exam. is only a fortnight ahead and swot up accordingly. The weather was very mild with one slight shower. It gradually got warmer up to about 8 o’clock. – May be a fine week-end.
30/4/32. Last day of the month and, as regards weather, well finished off. Went out for a run on the bike. Started at about 4.30 and went the usual route to Becontree Heath and continued from there through Hornchurch and Upminster to within two and a half miles of East Hornden. I then turned back along a road through North Ockendon and on to South Ockendon and trying to find a road to bring me out on the Grays Road I almost doubled my tracks to Upminster but turned off and came out near Rainham from which I came home speedily arriving at 8 o’clock. The wind was S.E. and although much of a Page 80 gale on the outward journey it slackened off as time went on. Jolly good vaudeville on radio to-night. Leonard Henry as compère – always goes down well.- and one or two other very good turns. Weather forecast for to-morrow “Stormy showers”. About the hottest night we’ve had this year. Set the alarm to call me early in the morning to go for a good run.
1/5/32. Glorious weather! Didn’t hear the alarm so did not get up till 8.45 and after getting ready set off about 10.30. Went the same way as yesterday evening but continued through East Hornden, Bulvan and turned off before coming upon Langdon hill till I came through Lower Dutton and the Southend Arterial Road, from the otherside [sic] of which I went towards Billericay but turned from that direction and went up to Little Burstead My progress from here I cannot trace till I reached Childerditch Common and Little Warley as there were no sign posts to half the crossings but there were plenty of downward runs till I got to some park owned by a bloque called Lord Petre – so it said on a gate. Then there was somewhat of a climb and I missed the road again Page 81 and eventually came out on the Southend Road along which I continued to Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
Harold Wood, hoping to secure a drink at the Spring only to find it nearly dry. The traffic on this road going towards Southend was terrible and combined with really dreadful and dangerous driving made me glad when I turned off it for Hornchurch. Whence I returned home pretty much the same way as I went. I arrived about half past five. I think I enjoyed myself much better than I did last Sunday – I was off the main road most of the time and went for miles at a time without seeing any traffic at all. The sun shone well most of the time though there was plenty of cloud to keep the heat off – even then it was very hot at times. I was thoroughly tired out to-night but did not retire till just before the Epilogue.
2/5/32. The sort of day that makes life worth living. Wet as possible Warm, damp, everything clammy! I don’t mind that as the week-end was so bright and cheerful by contrast. One thing I did not record yesterday and which might prove of greatest importance in the future development of the world is that Professor Rutherford announced to the Royal Society that two of his assistants had at last succeeded and with an electrical pressure of only Page 82 100,000 volts in splitting the atom. H.G. Wells in his book “The World Set Free” prophesied this to happen in 1931 and, considering he wrote this in 1908, it wasn’t a bad guess. I always remember the scare I had, reading about this in the Children’s Newspaper several years ago, by seeing the statement that the result of such splitting might be communicated to all the other atoms in the world and the Earth would simply go phut in a flash. Many people, frightened of this happening, offered huge sums of money to the scientists to prevent such an occurrence. “Dr Abernethy” a radio play was reproduced to-night – this always goes down well.
3/5/32. Tarzan came round to-night to report that his radio had gone phut again. It appears they were listening-in yesterday when it did the old soldier’s trick – faded away. Promised to go round to have a look at it to-morrow.
4/5/32. Learnt from O.M. this morning that his wireless had also a complete fade- out on Monday so he asked me to have a look at it. Owing to the inconvenience of the time when I was free to go there I said I wold attend to it to-morrow. Went to Tarzan Towers to find that, as on the last occasion, the set had resumed its normal functions. However they seemed to put it Page 83 down to one of the cells of the accum. whose acid is, certainly, very dirty – and, for want of a better reason, I tactfully agreed with them.
5/5/32. Went round to O.M.’s place and with the help of the pocket voltmeter (my own -, or rather, Dad’s) tried all the batteries and then connected in the + HT lead to set. Switched on – television transmission 11.30 or thereabouts – the programme gradually faded away but the current through valves did not drop till about five minutes after the last whisper. I therefore concluded that L.T. was duff.
6/5/32. O.M. reports that he tried a spare charged L.T. he had by and the trouble Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
is cured. Tarzan’s set has resumed its crackling worse than ever. George, on the last occasion I saw him, reckoned that the soldered joints in the wiring of the set have become dry. The weather this week has become much colder and there have been some strong winds mostly from the north east during the past few days. Probably I shall not cycle this week end.
7/5/32. Weather dull but turned out better later on. Page 84 Helped Dad saw off part of the bottom of the aerial mast and widen the base a little. Having to go to the ironmongers for some screws Dad told me to ask how much galvanized iron stranded stay-wire was. They wanted 3s 1½d for 100 feet. Dad says that, at Aldgate, all they want is 10½d for the same length. Not much difference, especially when we need about 180 feet. While Mum and Dad went to the library I took the bike out for a short run to test it for to-morrow. I shall go to Benfleet and, possibly, Canvey Island, if I can and if the weather holds. Took the velocipede round the Beckton Road where I carried out tests of acceleration and braking and general manoeuvrability. Afterwards came home and adjusted the angle of the saddle, centred the rear wheel and tightened the rear brake. Heard a very good relay from the Palladium of Cicely Courtneidge and Company. They did, among other things the play we had previously heard by wireless about the Laughing Gas at the reading of a will. Had two or three games of “Cut Throat” with Dad. Auntie Flo came over on Thursday and is coming again or Whit-Monday.
8/5/32. Beautiful morning. The Sun was shining brightly when I arose, soon after Page 85 9.o’clock. Set out on the bike just as the 6 dot seconds came through from 5XX. Went the usual route to Romford (Barking By-Pass, Barking, Upney Lane, Becontree Estate, Becontree Heath) and along the main road to Brentwood whence I continued through Shenton and Billericay, Wickford on to Rayleigh where I must have missed the road to Benfleet. Following the signposts I came upon the road to the last and a large 2-seater Rolls-Royce stopped in front of me and asked if I’d mind calling at the nearest Garage up the Southend Road and sending him back a couple of cans of petrol as he’d run out with which request I accordingly complied. Outside the garage I noticed that I was only 4½ miles to Southend so I decided that instead of going back to Benfleet I would continue my way Eastward. Upon reaching Leigh I turned down towards the sea and came out upon the promenade just opposite the obelisk which marks the end of the River Thames and the beginning of the North Sea. I cycled along the prom. as far as the Kursaal and then turned back after a short rest. I procured a 6d packet of chocolate at one of the wayside stalls at Westcliff where I also had a glass of lemonade. Then I went back through the rear part of Leigh and was directed up the cliff roads back on to the main road. (If Page 86 ever anybody remarks that Essex is flat thats one more place they should visit). When I reached the main road again I started homewards through Hadleigh and Pitsea, round the back of Stanford-le-Hope where I had a touch of what I afterwards learn is called the “bonk.” I simply could not ride any more and was absolutely done. I therefore sat by the roadside and Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
rested and ate about half of my chocolate. Then I remounted and after a period of about five miles which seemed like ten I recovered my spirits and was able to resume top gear for most of the way home. I didn’t touch Grays or Tilbury but kept straight on passing Orsett on the right and Chadwell on the left through Purfleet round Aveley leaving Rainham to the left and through Dagenham on to the Barking By-Pass arriving home at about half past seven. I had the wind against me most of the way home, but it was not very powerful. The weather kept fine till I reached Purfleet on the way home where the sun went behind a large cloud-bank but it did not start raining till I was within two miles of home and even then it only fell fine rain – over North London it looked as though it was pouring pretty hard. My mileage for to- day puts the records for all previous week-ends in the shade – 70 miles or thereabouts. I was so fugged out that after having a good dinner I went to bed at nine o’clock and was soon sound asleep. 9/5/32. Pouring rain all day till 6 p.m. when it eased up and eventually stopped. Page 87 Left work at five o’clock as the English exam. came off to-night What a paper! I regarded it for several minutes helplessly and then made the bold resolution that if I was to do all the questions set I had better start right away on No.1. But it was so different from what I had learnt to expect. I did the Essay on “A description of the Character of a Typical Englishman” – a dull subject if anything, but the alternatives were “Spring in Britain” and “Write a Letter to a Friend Explaining the Present Position and the Prospects of the Labour Party in this Country.” The second question asked us to give a description of a fountain pen (self-filling) as if it were meant to be read by somebody who had never seen one. This is intended as a test of clear, accurate and concise description. Question 3 gave alternatives between Kent’s devotion to Lear and the character of Cordelia – I chose the former. I did the features of character and training which made Nelson a great admiral for No.4. The alternative was “The Battle of Copenhagen: what led to it; the action; Copenhagen after the battle.” We had been warned by Mr. Blore about the “what led to it” part but the rest - ! No.5 was not so bad, giving the alternatives: “Give brief accounts of any Page 88 two of the following: Father Holt, General Webb, Frank Castlewood, Lord Mohun,” and “Give some account of life in London in Queen Anne’s time as it is portrayed in ‘Esmond.’” I chose the latter. No.6, the general question asked for (a) some account of the songs of Shakespeare, or Burns, or Tennyson, (b) an account of one of the longer poems of Wordsworth, or Arnold, or Masefield, (c) (which I did) “Describe what you have found of interest in any recent book of travel or science (Fiction will not be accepted in either case).” and (d) “Describe the plot and the chief characters of any well-known play by a modern writer.” Very stiff exam. I spoke afterwards to my fellow competitor, a Miss Holmes and she agreed with me that the paper was not at all what we expected. I relied on a greater variety of essays and a précis but question 6 disgusted me – I thought it might contain some grammar items or some such question as “Who wrote ‘– ‘ and what characters appeared in it?” etc., etc. I shall, of course, be greatly pleased if I get through but I am not relying on my hopes. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
10/5/32. Beautiful sunshine all day. S, le. and I went for a sail for an hour on the Regent’s Park lake – very nice too. Jolly good wireless programmes on for a change to-night. Page 89 One called “Invitation to the Dance” started with that piece by C. von Weber and included several very good tunes and songs. This on Nat. On Reg. at 8.30 followed a Variety programme in which were Tommy Handley, Harry Tate and [space] Melville [G S Melvin] among others. Next followed a gramophone recital by Christopher Stone.
11/5/32. Pouring again. Going home last night I saw an advert for the Royal Tournament at Olympia May 25-June 11. The latter date being my 21st birthday methought it would not be a bad idea to book seats for us all to go there that night as a special treat. Shall consider this further. Resolved to turn out the cupboard under the stairs to-night in an effort to find my old carrier in readiness for Whitsun but failed to locate it. I did find several things though which I was almost certain had been thrown or given away or sold notably three cycle saddles and a tool bag.
12/5/32. Talking with la2 today about maps, he offered to get me one of Essex cheap as he is a member of the C.T.C. I should have recorded beforehand that he presented me with on old but serviceable cape of his some time ago. Page 90 13/5/32. The weather, lately, seems to be fine and wet on alternate days. It is very warm and clammy and looks like rain (11.0). It is raining (12.0)! Borrowed la’s C.T.C. membership card and went down to Craven Hill and bought a Bartholomew’s ½” scale map of Essex, mounted in sections on cloth (list price 4/-, I paid 3/6). Coming back called in at Paddington for particulars of Summer holiday excursions to Torquay, etc. and at Marylebone for “Holiday Handbook” (6d) and various excursion pamphlets. Curiously enough, when looking at the Essex map this afternoon I find that a spring which runs across the road leading from Dutton to Billericay which I found during my tour on the first of the month is one of the sources of the River Crouch on which Burnham stands.
14/5/32. Dull this morning but brightened considerably later. Sun scorched down this afternoon. Went to the shop opposite Central Park Rd. in High St. South where they sell such things as wood and general household hardware and bought 200 ft. of clothes wire line and helped Dad to erect the wireless mast. Some of the anchoring posts are almost upright and consequently liable to work loose so we must endeavour to rectify this Page 91 before a gale blows up. The B.B.C. gave us a review of the past ten years of Broadcasting dealing with the early history of programmes from Writtle, Marconi House, Kingsway and Savoy Hill. Such voices as those of the King, the Prince of Wales, the Prime Minister, Mr. Snowden, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. Lloyd George,
2 Probably the same person referred to elsewhere as le Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
A.J. Allan, Gillie Potter, Tommy Handley, Leonard Henry, Arthur Burrows, J.C.W. Keith, Lord Gainford, etc., etc. were heard. Later came the closing down, one by one, of the Studios at Savoy Hill. This, I consider was a fake as the people taking part did not sound natural and I should imagine it was conducted from Broadcasting House. We also fixed a new lightning switch of the same pattern as the original one – the temporary doings having proved somewhat of a failure.
15/4/32. Beautiful morning. Did not go out until 3.45 p.m. when I started for Romford by the usual route and Met Mum & Dad in Straight Road and accompanied them to Noak Hill. We went, they by footpath and I by road, to Havering-atte-Bower. There I missed them owing to their having, as they afterwards informed me, had to come back and go by road as the fields were so muddy, reaching Havering just in time to see me fading down the Hill en route for Romford whence I Page 92 returned home in the normal way, they arriving not long after me. Rain into some rain coming through Becontree and had recourse to my cape. Arrived home just before nine o’clock. Drizzle all the evening.
16/5/32. Drizzle most of the morning. Set out soon after four this afternoon and went up the Epping road as far as Woodford where I turned off, down Buckhurst Hill, through Loughton and down sundry lanes nearly to Abridge. I then turned right off the main road passing through Chigwell Row, Hainault Forest, and Collier Row to Romford from which I returned home. Dad and Mum had also been out round Romford and followed me in within a minute. Started raining again at about 10 o’clock. 17/5/32 Beautiful morning! Dad has the extra day but I have to go to work. All I can say is “I hope it keeps fine for him”. Dad and Mum are thinking of going down to Speen for the day. They didn’t, incidentally, but tried to get to Saffron Walden but couldn’t catch a coach there so went to Blackmore, seven miles out of Brentwood. They enjoyed their outing very much Page 93 I wasn’t going to see this weather wasted so I hopped on the bike this evening and went up round Chingford and Woodford.
18/5/32. Another beautiful day. S., le. & I went up to Regent’s Park Lake for a sail but had to be content with a row. According to the lady who was serving out tickets, the Superintendent of the Park does not like sailing and has therefore banned it.
19/5/32. Weather dull and inclined to rain – atmosphere bad. Dad tightened up some of the mast stay wires and rebedded some of the anchorings as we proposed.
20/5/32. Rain at intervals early but fine later. Somebody must have had a big thunderstorm late to-night – we had plenty of sheet lightning but only one big thunderclap.
Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
21/5/32. Dull sort of day. Went out for a spin this afternoon but it looked so threatening when I reached the Flats that I steered for George’s where I stayed for tea but left early in case Mum & Dad were worried. Got home at about 8 o’clock. Page 94
22/5/32. Got up at 7.20 this morning and left home at 8.15. Went [the] usual route to Romford. It poured hard while I was passing through Becontree and I was glad of the cape. From Romford I went through Havering-atte-Bower and Stapleford Abbots to Navestock. Between the last two I took a watersplash – some watersplash it was too! I was coming down a slope on top – doing about 30 m.p.h. and didn’t see the splash till I was almost on top of it and, even then, hadn’t the savvy to go to one side but must needs go slap through the middle – Bonk!! (I’m not so keen on running through puddles now to “cool the tyres”. That splash was about 10” deep). I must have missed the road somewhere along here and could not locate myself on the map after I left Navestock common. However, I wandered among many byroads keeping the general direction towards North Weald, getting this location by the wireless masts which hove into sight now and then. But I missed the road somehow and came out on the Brentwood- Ongar Road new Kelvedon Hatch. However, it was very pleasant; I suppose I went for five or six miles without seeing more than five persons all told. From Kelvedon Hatch I continued to Ongar, Greenstead and Blake Hall station round the back of North Weald to Moreton and continued Page 95 through Hastingwood to a point on the Harlow-Epping Road about equidistant from each whence I kept along the main road home, following the usual route where I arrived at 2.30. Uncle Frank and Auntie Gladys had already arrived. After having dinner, I washed and changed and we all went to Valentine’s Park at Ilford to see the rhododendrons. I haven’t been to this Park since I was so high and, consequently, could remember nothing of it. It is fairly large in extent; - about half as big as Victoria Park, I should say. Dad and I endeavoured to teach Uncle Frank the mysteries of “Cut Throat” and played a few games after which he (with my help) played Russ. Pat. with Dad and won the game.
23/5/32. Went to the Premier and saw “Frankenstein” – very good photography and make up (on the part of the monster) and well set out. I got palpitation over it, anyway. Also saw a British film – “Tonight’s the Night – Pass it on” very funny and well acted. This cost me exactly twice the amount I paid at the flea-pit last Thursday when I went to see Buster Keaton in “Sideways [sidewalks] of New York” – funny but more Page 96 suitable for Harold Lloyd than him.
24/5/32. Had dinner with le at the fish shop and afterwards went to Selfridge to book seats for the Royal Tournament at Olympia on the afternoon of the eleventh of that month. 6/- each they charged! Promised to let me have the tickets by first post to-morrow morning. We have them in the second row near the entrance of the performers and being on the curve have a wide view right down the hall.
Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
25/5/32. Spent the evening making a wooden case to cover the lightning switch to prevent, if possible, it from rusting as it did before. Found when it was nearly finished that it was wrong side round so had to dismantle it nearly to correct this. Have left kit for to-morrow or the following day to provide suitable fastening to the switch. Sent word to Auntie Flo that Mum was coming over to-morrow afternoon. I am to meet Mum at Camberwell Green outside Lyon’s where we are to have something to eat before going to Uncle Syd’s where Dad will pick us up on his way back from Grandma’s.
26/5/32. Caught a No.2 bus from Baker Street to Victoria Station (2d.) and a No.58 Page 97 tram thence to Camberwell Green but, what with leaving about ten minutes late the rush hour traffic on the road, I did not meet Mum till after seven o’clock. We went into Lyons’ and had tea and then went round to Uncle Syd’s not forgetting on the way to buy a packet of fifty cigarettes for his birthday which occurred on the third of this month. Uncle Syd was all alone when we arrived – just after eight - the Crow family having all departed to Dulwich Park Dad arrived from Grandma’s at about ten minutes later and expressed surprise at seeing me as he had not been told I was meeting Mum and him there. We listened to a few excerpts from the concert at the Albert Hall arranged by the “News Chronicle” in aid of some artists’ charity and departed at about nine o’clock We reached home about 10.30.
27/5/32. Bath night to-night so I didn’t do anything to the switch casing. The weather lately has been far from ideal or average for the time of year. On Monday it was cool but became gradually warmer so that I was glad to remove my pull-over before going home. On Tuesday Page 98 the temperature was very low though the rain kept off. These conditions lasted until Thursday night when it began to rain and I do not believe it left off once to-day. In the Midlands and elsewhere there has been so much rain that several square miles are under water through burst banks of canals and rivers, sending may people homeless. It only seems about a month ago that we were wishing for rain as there was a scarcity – now there is too much of it.
28/5/32. Started off dull enough and settled down for the day at 12.40 pm. by pouring steadily. Went round the shops with Mum, ostensibly to buy a few yards of mains flex and an adaptor and, perhaps a 0005 variable condenser to get on with the S.G business. Actually we arrived home with a large enough shade for the kitchen to accommodate the two lights and a L.S. cone to put on my unit upstairs which is, at present mounted on a lump of three-ply. After tea, in fixing the L.S. unit to the cone found that I needed a coupling to attach one to the other so, at the same time I bought the condenser (3s 4d the lot). Page 99 Listened to the second of the “Hasard” [Hazard] series (run after the style of the “Escapes” last summer). We’ve had a very good selection of talks by radio this year. In addition to Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
the usual weekly French and German lessons by Messrs. E.M. Stephen [Stéphan] and Otto Siepmann on Tuesdays and Thursdays respectively, we have had Mr S.P.B. Mais on Mondays on “The Unknown Island” (dealing with several walking tours through different parts of Britain) which ended about a month ago to be followed by a series “The Rungs of the Ladder” being the lives of famous men as told by themselves. Then on Wednesdays there began last week a series of talks on “English Language” and Fridays a collection of articles on how the wild and domestic life of this country has changed since the earliest times until the present day. This last series ended last week and is followed by “Biology in the Service of Man” being the lives of famous men connected with that science. Then, on Saturdays, previous to the “Hasards” were “Conversations in the Train” being self- explanatory. Lastly, on Sundays, several persons have spoken of the lives of the Saints.
29/5/82 I had promised Dad last week that, if the weather proved unsuitable for Page 100 me to go on my bike to-day I would go with him to Aldgate and wander round Petticoat Lane and Bishopsgate way. There, the prices are simply amazing. There was a Kolster-Brandes portable three-valver, complete with valves, L.S. and batteries going for 35/- the lot in many shops and an all- mains model of the same thing for about £3-10-0. Cheap! I never expected anything like it. We arrived home hungry at 1.30 p.m. and after dinner I roamed forth on the cycle. Usual route to Romford but turned down by the side of the station and went through Emerson Park, Squirrels Heath, Gidea Park, Harold Wood, by the side of Upminster Common to near Brook Street Hill, South Weald, Pilgrims Hatch, then striking a by-road through Doddinghurst to Blackmore whence Mum & Dad went on Whit-Tuesday. Another water splash there but being about 10 yards wide and probably 2 ft deep I bridged it by footpath. Continuing, I strolled along through Norton Heath and Norton Mandeville to Willingate and Fyfield which last I passed at five minutes to seven. Thence I continued through Moreton, past Magdelen Laver and came out on the Ongar-Epping road at Tylers Green. I kept to the main road to Epping where I arrived at 8.5 pm. and continued home which I reached just after 9.15. Mum & Dad were beginning to get rather Page 101 worried and were much pleased to see me. After a meal I went round the post-office and sent some letters off to places around Cromer for holidays. Dad and I, while at Liverpool Street, noticed, on a placard, an advert. for a 10/- 7-day holiday season centring on Norwich enabling one to travel throughout the Broads country, to Yarmouth Cromer, Sheringham, King’s Lynn, Lowestoft, etc. – over 100 miles in all.
30/5/32. Went, with S. & le to Regents Park where we found a newly-laid, abandoned duck’s egg on the grass and brought it back to the office for the colourman to take home and try and hatch out under one of his chickens.
31/5/32. Spent the evening in, first noting the connections of my home-made detector coil, then those of the S.G coil, thirdly dismantling most of the one- valver and lastly arranging the positions of the components for SG-V-O. Listened to-wards the latter part to a radio play called the Turn of the Screw Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
– very thrilling. Yesterday, by the way, took place the Royal Command performance from the Palladium but, naturally, it needed the eye to aid the ear in comprehending all that took place. Page 102
1/6/32. Derby Day – Dull but no rain – much warmer. Hearing Mum ask Dad to put a shilling each way on Miracle I assumed he would not do so so, after consulting le as to what happened when one placed such a bet I resolved to do it for her and, if no result ensued to say nothing about it whereas if I did win anything I should give it her. April the Fifth, first; Dastur, second; Miracle third; this was the result announced by radio and turning to the morning’s paper I found the odds quoted would just about enable me to get my money back. We had an office sweep in which I went half shares with le and drew blank. Dad being out all the evening playing billiards I did nothing to the wireless.
2/6/32. Was gratified to receive 3/9 for my bet yesterday – a clear profit of 1/9 – as the odds on the horse had gone up to 11-1 just before the race. Beautiful day. Took my dinner and book and went with le to the Park. With the breeze coming gently through the trees and the sun pouring down could fancy myself miles away from London. Page 103 Dad out at Billiards again to-night.
3/6/32. King’s Birthday. Fixed most of the components in position of the SG-v-o to-night Took me most of the evening. Weather rather dull.
4/6/32. Dull still Met Mum and Dad outside the Lion House at the Zoo in Regents Park where we ate our sandwiches. Spent a very enjoyable afternoon looking at the monkeys, birds, parrots, reptiles, insects, elephants, giraffes, reindeer, bears, penguins, goats, sheep, racoons, etc. and fed some of the animals with some rice and onions we had bought for that purpose. Left the gardens at 7.30 p.m. – half an hour before closing time. Arrived home just before nine o’clock and, after having tea it got so cold that we went to bed to read. But I was so tired after I had read a page or two that I turned out the light and went off to sleep.
5/6/32. Woke up just before eight o’clock and got up soon after. Started out on the bike just after nine with some sandwiches in my pocket to last me most of the day. Forgot to have a drink before Page 104 starting. Went by the same route as last Sunday to Harold Wood then along by Upminster Common, down Spit Lane and up to South Weald. From thence to Pilgrims Hatch whence I continued along the Ongar Road almost to Kelvedon Hatch where I turned off to Blackmore then through Norton Heath where I ran into the second shower, the first being at Harold Wood. Continuing to Willingale I turned off, meaning to get up on the Easters road Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
but got lost and almost came round to where I started, but corrected myself in time after one or two blind shots. Then I started feeling thirsty. I was miles away from anywhere seemingly and all the houses I passed were either tiny hovels or great farmhouses. I kept putting off asking for a drink till later on. Every road I struck seemed to lead to Writtle and Chelmsford and I could not locate myself on the map. At last I found a road leading to Roxwell, so the signpost informed me and, once there, I was allright, since I knew where I was – though I was still excessively thirsty. I took the road north-west from here to Good Easter, a very small village, and passed on to High Easter. Just outside here I stopped and ate my lunch – half of what I had brought with me. Then I continued, much refreshed but still with a raving thirst to the village of Poplar – not the one near, or in, London. There I stopped and had a cup of Page 105 water. I never thought water could taste so good. From here it was only a few miles to Dunmow but i did not go into the town, but turned off down the Ongar road. i passed through High Roding, past Aythorpe Roding – where there was an inn with the curious name of “Axe and Compass” – through Roundbush Green, Keeres Green, Leaden Roding, Abbess Roding, near which I struck the heaviest and last shower of the day, Beauchamp Roding, Fyfield, Chipping Ongar, Stanford Rivers, Passingford Bridge, Abridge to Chigwell where I had the “bonk” pretty bad and had to pull up at a wayside tea place and fortify myself with some bread and butter and cake and a glass of lemonade. I had consumed the rest of my provisions about a mile from Dunmow on the way home. From Chigwell, I followed the main road to Wanstead and came home thence by the usual route – across the Flats, down Tylney Road, Catherine Road, Ladysmith Avenue, Central Park Road, Wilson Road and Kingsland Road and arrived home at about half past eight o’clock having come the 21 miles from Ongar in 2½ hours.
6/6/32. Being so tired after the exercise of yesterday I went to bed before eight o’clock to-night and had plenty of refreshing sleep. 7/6/32. Dad was out at billiards to-night so I spent most of the evening playing Page 106 the piano.
8/6/32. Had dinner with le down at the fish shop and went on to Woolworths and bought a pair of cuff-links. From here we went to Broadcasting House and, in passing up Regent Street, I called at the Highways Motor Coaches place to try to find out particulars of running and prices to Cromer where Mum, Dad & I have booked for our holiday. Unfortunately, these people do not run there from London. On the way home to-night I called at the carpet shop in Green Street and asked there. There seems to be a suitable one leaving Victoria at 2.30 p.m. going right through to Cromer (all others only go to Norwich where one has to change) where it arrives at 9.40. The fare is 18/-. As Dad was out at billiards again to-night I had a general clean up of the bike and re-adjusted the rear brake
9/6/32. Went down to Lupus Street to enquire further into the particulars of coaches to Cromer but found the place transferred to Buckingham Palace Road so I retraced my steps but did not go further than Victoria Railway Station. However, I confirmed the price and the time, given yesterday, at a Timpson’s booking office but was told that the only place for booking was at Victoria Coach Station further along the road. Page 107 Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
Went out on the bike this evening and tried to go all round the Flats but couldn’t find where the boundary lay and finished up in Epping Forest somewhere behind Woodford. I hadn’t too much time (about 2 hours) as the battery on the lamp is about done and I had, therefore, to get back before lighting up time. Mum wasn’t very well to-night so she retired to bed before I came home from work. It’s been glorious weather to-day.
10/6/32. Wired up part of the SG-v-o to-night. Did the H.F. stage and part of the L.F. Weather very fine again – hope it keeps like this over the week-end though I’d like it a little cooler than it was this afternoon. Whilst journeying round the Library for O.M. I went to Marylebone station for times of trains from Liverpool Street to Cromer and also bought a book on “Locomotives of the L.N.E.R Past and Present” (1/-) – nothing nearly as good as the corresponding G.W.R. publication.
11/6/32. Having donned my best togs I met Mum and Dad inside Olympia to view Page 108 the Royal Tournament. We saw plenty of very clever horse jumping and particularly good items were the motor cycle display, the rope climbing exhibition, drill by recruits of the R.A.F., and the Pageant at the end dealing with the Creation of the First Prince of Wales. As there were so many people when we came out we walked through Earl’s Court and through Brompton Road to South Kensington Station where we had a light tea at the new Lyon’s and then walked through Chelsea to the Victoria Coach Station in the Buckingham Palace Road. It is a fine building of the modern design with plenty of open space and daylight. While we were there, an Eastern Counties Coach arrived from Cromer, and, judging from the number of people and amount of luggage coming from it, it looked none too comfortable. From Victoria we caught a bus to Aldgate whence Mum & Dad caught a bus to the Boleyn while I went by train. I had several letters, from Grandma, Auntie Ethel, Aunt Norah and Mrs. Franklin and Millie, congratulating me on the 21st anniversary of my birth. Aunt Norah enclosed £1 and Grandma 10/- which will go to-wards equipping the bike with electric light and a pair of waterproof trousers for myself. Page 109
12/6/32. Left home at 11.15 this morning and cycled usual route to Romford, except that I went along to Dagenham and up Heathway to Becontree Heath. From Romford I went through Havering-atte-Bower, where I stopped and had a drink, Stapleford Abbotts, Passingford Bridge, Stanford Rivers to Ongar where I met Mum & Dad. From Ongar we walked to Greenstead having lunch by the wayside and had a look at the Church. We were unable to enter as it was locked. According to notices in the Porch it dates back to 870 A.D! King Edmund was buried in its Churchyard before being reinterred at Bury-St.Edmunds. We continued along the road meaning to go to Passingford Bridge but the road was so stony after we left Toot Hill that we asked the way to the nearest buses at Colliers Hatch and were directed through Ongar Park Wood to North Weald whence Mum & Dad caught a bus to Epping and from Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
there one to the George, Wanstead, where they got a 40A home. Thanks to the down-grades of this road I arrived home about a quarter of an hour before them. The weather this week-end has been glorious. The sun has not been too prominent although it has been very hot. 13/6/32. George came over to-night with news that his father was negotiating for Page 110 the sale of their house and if successful they were going to remove to Upminster. Finished the remainder of the wiring of the SG-v-0 but decided to wait till to-morrow before try-out. Bath night to-night.
14/6/32. Wired up flexes and adaptor and adapted the SG-v-0 to main set thus converting it into SG-v-2 but not a sausage resulted. Dissed the H.F. stage with good results though very inselective and nothing but oscillation on long waves. In going over the wiring with Dad later I found that the flex from SG anode to H.F.C. was connected to the side remotest from the coupling condenser whilst the H.T. lead to this choke was connected at that point instead. Nothing else was found out of order so I remedied the defect hoping for better luck to-morrow.
15/6/32. Had my dinner in the Park with le and S. The weather lately has been glorious – typical English Summer – of which we get so little. Wired up the SG-v-0 as before with the result, on first switching on – NIX. But, when I began to rotate the knobs – well! – London National and Regional, though distinctly separate with no interference, came through so loud that I had to detune the Page 111 secondary coil in order to keep the volume down to somewhere near reasonable limits. Success at last! The reaction still prevails on long waves and I cannot get the hang of tuning yet but I will leave the thing aside until the British stations are closed down on Sunday and then try it out on foreigners. But the volume………!
16/6/32. Dad goes to Grandma’s; Mum to Auntie Flo’s; and I to George’s to-night – all by special arrangement. George has a new G.P.O. microphone and whilst there I assisted him in running a try-out. Owing to Mum’s suggestion that Dad was the ideal person to consult when buying a house the [?Simmonds] family want him to meet them outside the Bell at Upminster on Sunday. I have arranged to call round on Saturday and let them know whether this is O.K. or not.
17/6/32. Called at the [?Rego] on the way home and collected my new brown sports suit (£2-11-6). It consists of coat, trousers with an alternative of cycling breeches. The grey flannels, which I usually wear whilst cycling, have caused some embarrassment owing to rending in the rear part. Dad billiarding again to-night. Page 112 Had a spin to-night, setting off just after eight and went usual route to Dagenham, Rainham and turned off at the Lennard Arms almost to Aveley then turned again just at sunset along to Hornchurch from where I returned through Dagenham home. Had a great deal of trouble with the lamp on the Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
way back. There is a faulty contact somewhere.
18/6/32. Went over to George’s to let them know it was O.K. for Dad to meet them at Upminster to-morrrow. Had trouble with the lamp again. Believe its the fault of the battery which is a pity since I bought the thing on Thursday. Particularly good Hazard talk to-night sailing a 40ft boat from Nova Scotia to Massachussets.
19/6/32. Started from home at just after nine o’clock this morning and went by the same route as on Friday to the Lennard Arms for Aveley. I did this as a change from the usual routes via Barking and via Heathway and as such it wasn’t bad but otherwise it certainly wasn’t worth it on account of the traffic along the Tilbury Road. From Avely I continued through South and North Ockendon across the Southend Road through Little Warley Common, Lord Petre’s Park, Ingrave Green down a road with a ghoulish name – Hanging Page 113 Hill Lane – to Hutton. Not long after leaving the last I crossed a water splash over the Wild and sat down on the grass by the roadside and ate part of my lunch after which I had a short nap before setting off again. Up to this time the sun had been shining brilliantly but large clouds now began to pile up although the heat was still great. From here I continued through Buttsbury to Stock, then up a stiff climb to Galleywood Common followed by a long coast down to Great Baddow. From there I had to climb continuously for about three miles to Danbury and after a few more devious curves, stiff climbs and quick descents I reached Maldon. I did not stop at Maldon but continued along the Burnham road as far as Latchingdon & Snoreham where I turned back, after having refreshed myself with a glass of kola at a wayside stall. I kept to the main road to a large extent after this till I reached Wickford where I took the Pitsea road as far as Nevendon turning off there along the Southend road till I came opposite Laindon; here I turned off, past Laindon Hall and Church across the railway bridge up to Langdon Hills whence I coasted down to Bulphan, crossed the Fen, passed North Ockendon, Corbets Tye, Upminster, Hornchurch, Romford, Becontree Heath, Heathway, Dagenham, and home arriving at about half past eight. Between Hutton and Buttsbury a mole crossed my path and although I Page 114 stopped and watched it closely for fully ten minutes it took no notice but searched among the grass roots for insects. I also saw several young rabbits in various places and they appeared to be quite tame. The weather was warm and sunny to begin with but became cooler later on until to-night it is very cold for the time of year.
20/6/32. The vaudeville to-night wasn’t at all bad – it included Nellie Wallace. Went to bed early to get over the effects of yesterday.
21/6/32. It is surprising how many 21st birthdays there are this month mine was on the eleventh; a cousin of mine, daughter of Uncle Ben and whose name I have forgotten was on the twelfth, a bloque we had at New City Road School by the name of Holmes had his on the 14th as also did one named Barber on the 15th; and to-day is Bern’s. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
Had lunch at the fish shop with le and afterwards went to the post office and drew four savings certificates out to help pay for my holiday. I also settled up with John Bull for the Family Doctor.
22/6/32. Went with le and S. to Paddington Station to see the trains. Among other locos we saw King James I and Polar Star, the latter bringing in a train from Hereford & Gloucester and the latter taking one to Torquay. Met Mum at Upton Park and went to buy some leather shoes with crèpe Page 115 soles but as they had no sizes above 9’s in stock I ordered a pair of 10’s for Friday. It may be remembered that I had a raging toothache last March and that I had the offending tooth removed the day before I went to Swindon. Well, this afternoon and evening this missing tooth has started aching again – if you doubt me I only wish you had it – it’s giving me gyp as it is.
23/6/32. Went to Regents park with le & S. where I had my dinner but couldn’t eat much owing to my wretched “tooth that was.” The weather this week started off gloomy and cold but it has gradually become warmer until to-day it is quite bright and hot. If it keeps as fine as this on Saturday I shall go to the R.A.F. display at Hendon. I went there for the first time last year and it was certainly worth the 2/- entrance charge. My toothache eased up a good bit to-night.
24/6/32. Arranged to meet S. at Paddington Station after lunch but I missed him he being on N.º 8 Platform down by the arrivals indicator whilst I passed along to the extremity of N.º 9. Saw the Princess Elizabeth and King Edward V among others. Also North Star. Had arranged to call for my new shoes on the way home but found I had Page 116 only about six shillings on my person, and after allowing for incidental expenses till I was paid to-morrow I thought I should not be able to manage it so I came straight home. Was pleased to find a letter from John Bull to whom I had written on the subject, that I could obtain the crossword supplement to their dictionary for 1/9. I shall certainly take advantage of this offer. Was also gratified for the Ingersoll wrist-watch with which Mum & Dad presented me in commemoration of my 21st birthday. It will come in very useful, particularly on the bike and especially as I never wear a waistcoat where ordinary watches are usually kept.
25/4/32. If the weather is good enough this afternoon I shall go to Hendon to see [25/6/32] the R.A.F. Display. I have brought my lunch with me so that I shall save any delay. My one fear in having a wristwatch was that in typewriting the vibrations would upset the oscillations of the mechanism of the watch and so cause it to stop. I find, however, that nothing of the kind takes place – at which I am much pleased. I left the office at just before one o’clock and caught a bus from Baker Street Station to Praed Street where I caught a N.º 8 bus to the London Aerodrome at Hendon arriving on the ground after Page 117 paying my entrance fee (2/-) at half past two. The programme had commenced at midday but the main part was not due to begin until 3 o’clock. Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
The whole show was very well organized although the timing lagged now and then. There were no disturbances although the papers had previously been full of proposed riots by the peace parties and communists. Stainforth, one of the Schneider Trophy crew who actually carried off the Cup in 1929, was pilot of the latest thing in pterodactyls and popped off balloons with a pistol. It’s the first time I’ve seen a pterodactyl “loop-the-loop”. There was a good fighting scene between three Siskin fighters and a big bomber wherein at the end the bomber gave forth such clouds of smoke as to appear really in flames. There was an interceptor fighter equipped with six machine guns and which, at one time, reached a speed of well over 300 m.p.h. There was …. Well, there were many other things there too numerous to mention in this brief description. It all ended rather early – about 5.30 p.m. and then began the crush – such a crowd. It is about a quarter of a mile between the exit and Colindale Underground Station and it took nearly three quarters of an hour to traverse that distance! On my way home I called at Marylebone Station for particulars of half day excursions from Liverpool Street during July to give to Auntie Flo Page 118 who is coming over on Monday and who intends to visit us during our holiday at Cromer or Yarmouth which begins on the 2nd of that month. I arrived home at about half past eight.
26/6/32. Arose at seven o’clock and set off on the bike at nine. By means of my wristwatch I was able to tell the time I took and so judge my speed between the various places I visited. Thus, I arrived at Romford, travelling by the usual route, at ten o’clock and passing up the Havering Road to the Southend Road, where I turned off, and along Pettits lane I got to Havering where I had a cooling drink and continued down to Stapleford Abbotts which I reached at eleven. Thence I rode along to Navestock. It may be remembered that, some weeks back, I travelled along this road which passes over what was then a deep water splash (to-day, the greatest depth was about one inch – so great has been the drought this month) and thought I had missed the road and had arrived at Navestock Common – now, I find I was mistaken. Navestock was the place in question, the Common was about a mile further south. I admit I was misled by a very great stretch of what looks like Common Land round this tiny village. However, I continued from Navestock along the the main Ongar Road Page 119 and arrived at the latter place at mid-day. From Ongar I went North, branching off to the left so as to pass through Moreton, High Laver and Little Laver near where I sat down for about ¾ of an hour for lunch. This was about one o’clock. Thence I passed through Matching Green and Matching to Hatfield Heath which I reached at two o’clock. Then I passed along through Hatfield Broad Oak, Takeley (2.30) and Chapel End (3 o’clock) There I missed the Road owing to some misguided person nailing the A.A. sign “Broxted” on the wall of a house in Brick End and instead of going, as I thought, through towards Debden, I found myself on the road to Bishops Stortford. However, I corrected myself in time and came back through Broxted and Thaxted which I found at four o’clock. From here I took the main road to Saffron Walden which I reached at five o’clock and returned home by the main road. I had to race against time as I Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
wanted to return before sunset and, as I had no lamp I should have at least to get back by lighting up time (10.20). I reached Newport at six, Bishops Stortford at half past, Sawbridgeworth at a quarter to seven, Harlow just after seven, Epping half past seven, Woodford at a little before eight and home at five past nine. Forty odd miles in four hours! Well I’ve finished up my first quarter’s cycling satisfactorily. To-day I’ve Page 120 been to Saffron Walden and I’ve kept up an average of 8½ miles per hour including stops which I do not consider at all bad. The weather to-day has been glorious though not too hot. This is the last time I shall cycle before we go away to Cromer on Saturday so I have wound things up very nicely.
27/6/32. Tremendously hot to-day. George starts his holidays to-day – at Folkestone. Looks as though he will have decent weather.
28/6/32. Had lunch in the Park with le and S. A little cooler to-day than yesterday – I do not like it quite so hot, especially when one is working.
29/6/32. Went with le to the fish shop and afterwards to the Wallace Collection in Manchester Square where he had never been before. We had only time to see the paintings and to admire some of the furniture. We will go again sometime and see the armour.
30/6/32. A little rain this evening, about the first this month. Went, after lunch, with le to the Reference Department of the St. Page 121 Marylebone Public Library. I, ostentatiously, to look up particulars of Norwich which we intend visiting while in Norfolk, and he to see what sort of a place is Gorelston [sic]. Owing to the apparent absence of books about that country, we had to content ourselves with volumes of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. When we come home from Cromer I think I will procure these very handy books – it costs only 5/- a month as far as I am aware. Well, that’s one half year completed of the duration of this journal. Let’s hope that means only the duration of the first volume. As can be seen, I have kept it from day to day, and not, as I have stated in the Preface, just when I thought of it or felt so inclined. One can also surmise that I have been as much as a week behind with my entries as witness the scarcity of detail during some days. It is surprising how even the most interesting things disappear from one’s memory after a few days and when they reoccur one has to state “Oh, I forgot to mention–“ or some similar expression. Here, for instance, I forgot to mention that Dad went on his usual fortnightly visit to Grandma’s and brought our camera back to-night after Uncle Frank had borrowed it for his vacation.
1/7/32. Second lap! After about a month of drought a gale has (This is a tale of a broken melody. On arriving back from my holiday I find the above interrupted passage. Not having a very retentive memory I’ll have to leave this day’s entry as such – S.F. 20/7/32) Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
2/7/32. (The following are notes collected from a small note book kept while I was away – this as regards the first week – after that I have to rely on memory alone) Set off early for the holidays (thanks to the courtesy of P.) by leaving work at just after ten o’clock. Tried to meet Dad and Mum by going to Aldgate by bus but didn’t count on the amount of traffic so I missed them. Instead, walked up Houndsditch to Liverpool Street where I left the big case entrusted to my care. Met them, however, in Liverpool Street and had lunch on my own at J.P.’s whence I returned, collected the case, and caught the train. We left Liverpool Street at 12.16 – one minute late but got up to about 50 m.p.h. at Goodmayes. We had to pull up, probably owing to the track widening, on the Brentwood Bank for a few minutes. After this we got up speed again and passed Chelmsford, Colchester and Ipswich in fine stile. We stopped at a big junction which I imagine was somewhere near Norwich though I didn’t see any castle or cathedral. Page 123 Apart from these the first stop was at a tiny place called North Walsham and the next Cromer which we reached on time at 3.21. Thence, learning we had about twenty-five minutes walk to our lodgings we caught a “taxi” and the enormous price he had the cheek to charge us (3/6 for about ½ mile between the three of us!) “Hope I shall have the pleasure of taking you back,” he said – Sez him. Pleasant landlady, and the most clean, neat and tidy lodgings one could wish for. My room faces the sea to a certain extent. After tea we went out and along the cliffs almost as far as West Runton and returned along the beach. Plenty of dangerous cliffs here and, consequently, plenty of sand – mostly fine stuff but doesn’t look bad where the water covers it at high tide. We were tired out when we returned and weren’t long dropping off to sleep.
3/7/32. Had breakfast about nine o’clock and were out by ten. Went in an easterly direction along the beach and remained there most of the morning. During the afternoon we went eastward along the cliffs, past the lighthouse to Overstrand and returned by the main road. Seem somehow to like the west part of Cromer better than the east. Played Cut-Throat and Russ. Pat. with Dad to-night and he won both. Must think to get a draught board to-morrow so that we can Page 124 play chess.
4/7/32. Mum & I met Dad down at a shelter on the cliffs almost opposite the house and Dad and I went along the shore playing ball and afterwards dipped our feet in the briny. We returned for dinner at one o’clock and after an afternoon sleep all went to Sheringham paddling in the sea most of the way there and returning by motor bus. There is certainly plenty of sand, and, owing to the almost entire absence of breakwaters, it stretches for miles without interruption. Went up to the L.N.E.R. station to-night to try and get a timetable of local trains but found the place shut. This place is perhaps more than (another gap – I continue the narrative on 13th April 1933)
Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
5/7/32. Having located the Beach Station and bought a time table of local buses and trains in the town we each purchased our holiday 7-day season ticket and caught the 11-5 a.m. train from Cromer Beach to Sheringham where we changed for Norwich. This train joins the main line just outside Cromer L.N.E.R. station and backs into that station to pick up a few more coaches before proceeding on its journey. It leaves this station at 11.42. Page 125 We arrived at Whitlingham – just outside Norwich – at about half past twelve and changed for Yarmouth which we reached not long after one o’clock. We took a bus down to the beach and had a good fish dinner and walked for some distance along the promenade. Dad endeavoured to recollect the place in general – he has not been there for thirty-five years – but found it had changed beyond all recognition. We did not care for the place so we caught a train back to Norwich at about four o’clock and arrived back in Cromer at about half past nine.
6/7/32. Caught the 11.42 from Cromer L.N.E.R. and changed at Norwich to Wells-on-Sea where we arrived at nearly a quarter to three. We had a meal in the train and having had a drink set out along the dyke for about a mile and a quarter till we came to the beach. Talk about sand! The tide was out – well out – we stopped there for a couple of hours and never saw a vestige of the sea. We heard that it did come in sometimes – at the time we were there it would appear that if we wanted to see the sea we should have rowed across a creek which cut across the beach and then walk for about a mile and a half across the Page 126 sands before it came into sight. We preferred staying where we were. We caught a train back something after five and got back at about half past nine – four hours to go 50 miles actually Wells and Cromer are 22 miles apart direct but if one takes a more direct route by train it takes a couple of hours longer still owing to the connections not coinciding. We had some rain at about six o’clock on the way back but when we reached Cromer we were told that not a drop of rain had fallen there.
7/7/32. This is the story of how we did not reach Claxton. Uncle Jim, who returned with his family from Canada in August last year and who has been mostly up at Bradford ever since, is to take over the parsonage at a little country village from Norwich called Claxton at the end of this month so we were very anxious, while in the district, to see if we could find the place and let him have some idea of what it is like. We caught the 11.42 from Cromer to Norwich and asked the inspector of buses outside the station if any bus ran from there to this place. We were told not but we should catch a tram or bus to Orford Place and ask to be directed to Ber Street. Page 127 This we did and were informed by the tram inspector that buses were not allowed to stop in Ber Street so we wandered round the market outside the Castle asking all comers if they knew the solution of the mystery. Many of the people we asked either had never heard of the place or thought we meant Clacton-on-Sea (Essex). Others directed us back to the Station Yard. At last, however, we found ourselves in Ber Street and asked a young lady who was putting up a shop blind the same old question “Oh,” she said, “they start just down the road but I’m afraid you’re unlucky today – they don’t run on Thursdays!” so that was that! Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
So, disgusted we directed our steps to Norwich Castle Museum. This building, which is the most curiously shaped castle I remember having seen, the keep of which resembles a sort of American cheap institution – this building stands on a large mound about 100 feet higher than the surrounding land and contains a most interesting collection of objects of natural history from all over the world and much of local interest. We stayed here for about a couple of hours while it poured with rain Page 128 outside – which made us glad indeed we had not gone where we intended – and afterwards went to the Cathedral. This is a most beautiful church, dating from 1101 and contains the original Bishop’s Seat or Throne behind the Altar which is the most complete one north of the Alps. We were most enchanted with the place and could have spent hours inspecting it. However, time was drawing on so we caught a train from Norwich not long after six and arrived home shortly after seven.
8/7/32. To-day we caught the 11.16 train from Cromer Beach and changed at North Walsham and again at Whitlingham for Lowestoft where we arrived soon after three. We had had an al fresco meal in the train and had drinks when we arrived at our destination. We all like this place far more than Yarmouth. It is quieter and more pleasant altogether. However, we hadn’t much time to stay so we caught a train at a quarter to six to Norwich via Beccles, Bungay, Homerston [sic – probably a conflation of Harleston and Homersfield, both on the Waveney Valley Line] and Tivetshall. From Lowestoft to Beccles we were accompanied by two men bound for London who were, by their most interesting conversation, engaged in studying sea Page 129 life in various parts of the world. One had travelled over 16,000 miles during the past year whilst the other had never been longer than five days in the same place during the last two months and that was in Copenhagen. We arrived at Norwich at 7.40 and caught the 7.57 to Cromer where we arrived at 8.55 reaching home at about half past nine.
9/7/32. Dad went down to the shelter to read where I joined him later while Mum went down the town to do some shopping. After dinner we caught a train from the beach station to Mundesley-on- Sea. This is a nice little place though more suitable for children owing to the large quantity of sand there. We caught a train home and arrived at half-past seven.
Here the narrative ends for good and all. Mum and Dad did at last succeed in reaching Claxton going by way of Buckenham Ferry – a place we have never ceased to be scorned at for visiting since. Page 130 I had intended, when concluding this diary, to make an apology for its’ non-completion and to have given instead a summary of the events (at least those of outstanding importance in my small life) up to the end of 1932. But I realize such a thing is a hopeless task and I am very, very disappointed in not finishing the year out. Still, it’s no use crying over spilt milk. I have learnt my lesson and next Saturday week I take my 1933 holidays taking my diary for that year with me. It will be seen from the Preface of that volume that I was to [sic] busy when I returned from the 1932 holiday to get this diary up-to-date. Indeed, Transcription of the diary of Sydney Thomas Albert (Tom) Flinn, 1 January to 9 July 1932 (MSS.328/N90/1)
after my experience at Easter 1933 I doubt if it would have been completed had I been slack. Anyhow------Sydney Thomas Albert Flinn 6th July, 1933