Dennis is born

In 1977 I was transferred to Putney music library. This was unfortunate as working until 8 I usually missed the train. Andrew Baker was from Bedford and very enthusiastic about Malcolm Arnold. I once had to stop him pushing record shelves lying on his back pushing with his feet. Andrew Neeld had been music librarian and was really nasty. We were stuck in one room listening to each other helping the public. Miss O'Toole was in charge - very tall she had the main counter made tall so the public were overshadowed. She had no idea how to cope with a young father wanting more leave! When we went carol singing for the Mayor's charity with the horse and cart from Youngs brewery someone threw an egg. She commented "What a waste of an egg". It was bitterly cold and we ran to the Queen Adelaide where Meryl Jones got whisky! We saw Sinatra and James Last at the hall. K took us to John Curry's skating (Liz had been a keen skater). Went to Royal hunt of the sun and Werther at the Coliseum. Liz was very excited about the Chorus ball and had a lovely full length dress for it. Unfortunately she had high blood pressure and went into King's early. There was a false alarm when I sat with her for the day - I was supposed to be visiting the labour ward! We had been to NCT classes and met babysitting circle folk. Two days later Nov 25 I got to Putney and was told to go to the hospital as fast as possible. I arrived just in time for Dennis being born with forceps. An amazing moment. He was small but beautiful. They stayed in hospital because he had some jaundice. We named him Dennis Peter John. Dennis after Dad's brother who died in the War flying bombers, Peter my choice and John after me. Kevin and Gill came to see him - Kevin was so delighted the first time he had seen such a tiny baby! The next night I went to the ball at Grosvenor House hotel. Lorin Maazel I must meet the new father! Janet Baker was there. It was a splendid evening. I think Jean had Liz's ticket. On the 25th Ann arrived from Tasmania - such a thrill. Had not seen her since I left S.A. 3 years before and so much had happened. Dec 4 Kevin and Gill picked us up from King's. Ross took Ann and I for Midnight at Croydon minster - candles dripped all over my coat - they paid for cleaning. Mum and Dad came and were a great help. Ann kept getting letters from a mysterious Paul Lennox! K and Dolly came to see the baby.

 

Ann and baby Dennis