London to home

Sunday 25th April, 1982       Anzac Day      fine     

Up after a lie in and began our big cleanup - before mass in the nearby town of Debden - all into Lee's van and off to a lovely church with the poorest and nicest priest we have met on our trip.  It turned out funny.  After a nice sermon and friendly mass he drew the 10 seats for the Pope's visit to Wembley - it turned out funny - first two draws went to husband and wife - he wanted the priest to redraw - "no you won it- you do what you want with it" then next draw was the lady who was going to country anyway even despite the luck of the Irish - then on next draw was a Mr and Mrs on one ticket.  Well that caused consternation - he said "Mr and Mrs so and so have only one seat between them" - then came the draw for the terrace - Mrs ? - has to bring her own chair.  We left then but there were two positions on the pitch and 10 car park spaces.  They sang the Communion hymn to Edelweiss.

A quick visit to Kings Head hotel and home to lunch and finished doing van out - a busy time was had by all.

All hands on deck!  Van clean up in London

Monday 26th April, 1982

Into Crystal Palace camping area.  We all went in to London for a look-see and to show Marie and Lee.  Next day John and Sandra took van down to Hungerford Bridge - rest wandered into town - all tired now and keen to go home.  Two weeks before departure day.

First week in London we saw changing of guards, Westminster, St Paul's and tried for a boat ride.  They were on strike as usual.

Friday 30th April, 1982

We moved into a flat at 29 Hestercombe Rd, Fulham.  

Great interest shown into vans and 10 people - and Aussies to boot.  The Davansos had lower floor we top.  Still no buyers for van, one party interested - John worried.

I had my hair permed at Debenhams by a young Canadian - best yet.  Cost £50 - Sandra and Rae had hair trimmed same salon - lovely results for both.  Sandra looks 16 years old.

Funny lady upstairs keeps coming down for 50p piece or to ring Dr.

Hurray van sold - despite being outsmarted everyone happy £4275 - so wasn't bad.

Sunday 2nd May, 1982

All went into Tower by bus passing Lady Di's hairdresser, Harrods etc, too solemn Mass at Westminster Catholic Cathedral - preparing for Pope's visit.  Outside gathered many beggars.  We lunched in a restaurant whilst kids ate MacDonalds again then walked to Speakers Corner and what a revelation the people there.

Windy conditions cut short our visit so home to flat - Marie hired a TV for kids.

Monday 3rd May, 1982

May Day here-lots of activity in town.  Rain and showers intermittently, so walked from Westminster to Oxford circus.  Lunched at Debenhams, then Sean and I went out to St John's Wood to Lords Cricket club.  The first game of the season was on - enjoyed our stay there seeing the ashes and history of cricket.

Cricket used to be called Trap Ball - the Italians called it Enniss Pallone and David and Bathsheba played it - a little bit of trivia.

Trafalgar Square, London, UK

Last days in London

Last trip on a London bus

Tuesday 4th May, 1982

We all went out to Bernie and Eunice’s at Kingsdown in Kent - bus to Victoria Street, then train to Swanlea.  Ernie met us and we had a pleasant time.  We walked to the 1000 year old church St Edmunds King and Martyr.  A beautiful old Yew tree stands guard amongst the graves of yesteryear.  We had a stroll along the woods track.  Eunice is a great walker.  Bluebells were in full bloom amongst the daffodils - a lovely lovely area - Eunice and Ernie are selling up, I hope they don't leave this beautiful spot.

A late afternoon drive through the Kent countryside completed a pleasant day, Renée and Troy were very good and arrived home at Fulham station to find Marie and Lee waiting to help us with three tired kids.

Wednesday 5th May, 1982

Marie, Sandra and I spent the day in Harrods strolling.

Thursday 6th May, 1982

Packing ready for our flight to Hong Kong.  Three hours spent ringing cabs for the morning.  John came home tiddly.  I think he's sorry to leave old England.

Tuesday 11th May, 1982         goodbye London we love you

Up real early, ready for cabs to transport us to Victoria station - then out to Gatwick by train -checked our luggage through.  Despite our worry everything was allowed through, even gave us boxes.  Then we were on our way.

Thanks Mum for your wonderful record of our trip.

(John) ... We did fly to Hong Kong and had a few days there. It seems that we flew from London on 7^th May & flew from HG on 10^th May. We stayed at the Mirimar Hotel.

Hong Kong, May 1982

We flew from Hong Kong to Manilla, then to Melbourne, and then to Sydney.

Qantas menu, May 1982