The Diaries of Ann Couzens, July 1958 - 1963

To listen to the audio clip click on play below the photo on the right.

Friday 18 July 1958

Last day at school for me.  Bought Mr Reavley and Mrs LeGros some chocs each.  Got 12/12 for Arithmetic. Elsie came to tea.  Daddy bought me a Kokak Cresta camera for passing 11+.  Grandad taught Dad some things about driving cars.  Dad drove round road.  All went to pub.  Jane and I stayed at home.

Saturday 4 July 1959

Went to drama club.  Went to fete at Parkfield. Won two goldfish. Went round with Carol, Frances and the boys.  Mrs Pearson, Mr Pearson, Gillian and Michael came to tea.  Went to a pub then for a ride round the lanes in the dark and a lovely breeze swept through the car windows.

Sunday 5 July 1959

Very hot, 110 deg in the sun, 88 deg in the shade, 92 deg in the kitchen.  New play on childrens television.  Dad went for a cycle ride.  I had a bath.

Saturday 23 July 1960

Set out for a tour of England.  Went on the M.1.  A very tiring day.  Slept at Tideswell in a pub.  Walked along Dovedale.  Got a blister on my foot.  Went to Coventry and saw lots of bombed sites and the modern parts.

Friday 14 July 1961

As it is the Bastille Day in France, the french visitors gave the whole school a recital of french songs.  My last geography lesson. Had german students for German and French. Had my report.  Poured with rain.  Mum came home late.  Jane and I played cards.

Friday 20 July 1962

First day of 7 weeks bliss, or will it be.  With the French-English school party, Mireille, Hilary, Genvieve and I went to Clacton for the day.  From 12.30 to 4.30 we were on the beach and swimming.  We went on the switch-back which was terrifying.  Got home at 8.15 with a headache and sunburn.  After tea I ‘roll permed’ my hair.  Mummy, for whom I bought a stick of rock, did it for me.