my 1977 diary

This is a Letts Schoolboys Diary from 1977. It’s mine and was filled in most days until around June or July. It is both hilarious and utterly tragic. Here are some example entries:

Wednesday 29th December 1976

Very cold, ice and fog. James went to Kingston. Got me Dunland Spearman, Giant, Large Ent, Large Huorn. They are very good (they cost £1.10) and very big. All I need now is some paints.

Thursday 30th December

Stayed at home, was going to go to Kingston but decided not to. Nanny and Grandad came round, Nanny wanted us to make her a calendar thing. Mum broke a dish in the kitchen (with our dinner in it) all over the cooker. James went to Twickenham. I finished ‘Sir Gawain and the Green Knight’.

Friday 31st December

Went to Kingston, Games Centre. No Ringwraith/Nazgul yet but maybe some might come in soon. I went to Botes and asked an assistant whether the ‘Conversation with Smaug’ poster was for sale, she said if I came back in about a month she might let me have it (HOPES). Saw final episode of Flash Gordon (1936?).

Saturday 1st January 1977

Mum thinks I’ve got a cold. Ron and Tess came round. I saw Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) and a bit of Patton (most of it). Still hoping about the poster.

Sunday 9th January

Dad won the pools. Ivor Mills read the news. Finished making the calendar but I need some glue to stick the days on with.

Monday 10th January

Went down to school. Helped Mrs White at No.11 and Mrs Hill at the school. Mucked about on Wally’s trolley with Paul Watson. Had hair cut. Nanny and Grandad came round. I finished calendar after they went with newly bought Evo Stick.

Wednesday 12 January

Went to school. Went swimming. Did art, am going to make a Mexican Tree of Life (very good). James did paper round. Mum went to Townswomen’s Guild. Dad went to Male Voice Choir. Mum won chicken in raffle.

Saturday 29th January

Went to Botes. GOT POSTER!!!! (Conversation with Smaug). Absolutely free!!! Home. Put it up. Matches in very well. Found C-60 cassette under my bookends.