Lockdown day #74

This morning I started to move the book cases in the flat, ready for the new furniture arriving on Tuesday.  I chose the wrong day to do it, as today we very hot, and it proved to be very tiring work.  Just a few bits to sort out on Monday, and I will be ready for the men on Tuesday.

I then booked Manchester City Council to take away the old bookcase - but the earliest day is 10 June - so I will have over a week with that book case in the way.  It will be a relief when it goes.

I took  myself to the park - it was hot and sunny and several men were walking around with bare chests (including some that shouldn't have been).  I decided to reread a book "The Chronicles of a Harpurhey Lad" and there are some nuggets in there to aid my research. 

I downloaded a report from 1966 about Harpurhey - with the legalistic title of "Development Area 4 Harpurhey Outline Planning Brief" which transformed the area into largely as we know it today - and poured over a map of the north part of the area in 1915 - giving me clues for further digging.

I rounded off the evening with the film about Margaret Thatcher called "The Iron Lady".

Lockdown day #72

This morning I listened to Handel's Messiah, coming from Sydney Opera House in Australia.  The concert was recorded live last December.  There was a small period orchestra, and a large 600 voice choir ... and four soloists (the alto part being sung by a counter-tenor).  It was very nice to listen to, and lovely to see the audience [and the soloists] standing for the Hallelujah Chorus!

I received a new book in the post today entitled "Midland Red West & Midland Red Coaches 1981-1995" which is interesting.  I am not sure I am totally in harmony with its presentation, and it lacks an ISBN number, but an important addition to my Midland Red shelf nonetheless.

I got a phone call, and have been promised some new furniture next week (new to me) which should help me organise my books better.  After my exercise, I did some research into one of my book projects.