When I can't think what to write about or when the news appears particularly calamitous, as it does at the moment, I take refuge in my grandmother's diary. At times I find it mildly irritating but at the moment the immutable rhythm of the life of the Gang of Four is a source of great consolation, almost a "Second Life". Although the seeds of the Brave New World had already been sown by the time the Second World War came to an end, I don't think the writing on the wall was clear for all to read before the beginning of the 'Sixties, and anyway I doubt very much whether Gran's generation and milieu was aware of what was going on. I could be quite wrong, of course. I usually am!
I'll tell you what I find worrying about our grandmother's diaries, Mr. Dunn. At the time of which you write they were no older than the present Gang of Four!
ReplyDeleteDoes that give you pause?
Well, Anon, yes and no! The original Gang were certainly not spending a significant proportion of the year in Dubai, Beaulieu, Greece, Australia, India and Texas. On the other hand (there's always another hand!), scarcely a day went by without them seeing one another. Taxi cabs obviously didn't cost much in those days!
ReplyDeleteThe original Gang could be said to have been considerably delayed by two world wars, but (see an earlier diary) our grandmother did travel to Lybia in her 80's, and Aunt Lil at some time visited Kashmir.
ReplyDeleteAunt Mabel went to Aldeborough.
History doesn't relate the part played by taxis.
Just shows how much I know! I thought their existence was restricted to the Magic Circle defined by Hamilton Terrace, Redcliffe Gardens (hard by Victoria Coach Station!), Coleherne Court and Pelham Place.
ReplyDelete