11.00 a.m.

After two days in which we have quietly got on with our work, the first of the weekend birthday greeters arrived this morning. I don't think it's likely to be the constant flow of Wednesday, but I'd better get a few nibbles ready just in case, and we'll see how it goes.

5.30 p.m.

No, not quantity today so much as quality. This afternoon brought one of Pa's oldest friends, Bill Turner, (no relation despite the name) and, together with Bill's wife Nora, they spent the afternoon in happy remembrance recalling (so far as I could tell) every policeman, lawyer, magistrate etc. in North Lincolnshire since Robert Peel was a lad. Things apparently are not what they used to be, but - in my opinion - they probably never were.