page 164 — April 1942

Friday 24^th

. … At 4 o’clock we arrived at the Hut and with various helpers pinned up all the pictures … After supper (hurried) they carred and I biked down to the Hut, and I received the 3d [at the door]. About 40 people turned up, the takings were 11/3 (Children 1d). zcb zlu zru zch

The talk was good and the questions after very intelligent, I think the audience (most of whom were women) hold more realistic views on Russia today. … zcb zlu zru zpn

Saturday 25^th

… We all went out soon  after breakfast except Miss Reckitt, who slept late. We heard my first nightingale by the white bridge [the speaker had stayed over]. … We spent the rest of the morning discussing in the garden. I take little part in these sort of discussions, but I absorb much, which comes out at suitable intervals. Nice to hear live conversation—in a week I’ll have left it behind for the land of the living dead—however, the picture isn’t all that gloomy. Second front seems, with luck, imminent (Germany, not us, we’ve got about 5 already). zfl zhy zwl zwg

[See note]