Chris Ponting
@chrisponting.bsky.social
Formerly known as Sporting_chin.
Cheese, beer, tripe.
Sharing Arthur Hirst’s 1947 diary.
If you’re looking for Professor Chris Ponting of the University of Edinburgh, you’ll find him at @cgatist.bsky.social
Cheese, beer, tripe.
Sharing Arthur Hirst’s 1947 diary.
If you’re looking for Professor Chris Ponting of the University of Edinburgh, you’ll find him at @cgatist.bsky.social
Happy Thanksgiving to all you Americans, who are getting family together for a big turkey meal, exactly four weeks before getting family together for a big turkey meal.
November 27, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Happy Thanksgiving to all you Americans, who are getting family together for a big turkey meal, exactly four weeks before getting family together for a big turkey meal.
Wednesday 26th November 1947
34 degrees, very cold.
Arthur shops in the morning. Ted Forster visits for lunch and tea.
Then Arthur tries to solve a problem called Donald.
“I can’t turn him out but wish to goodness he’d go”
#1947Diary
34 degrees, very cold.
Arthur shops in the morning. Ted Forster visits for lunch and tea.
Then Arthur tries to solve a problem called Donald.
“I can’t turn him out but wish to goodness he’d go”
#1947Diary
November 26, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Wednesday 26th November 1947
34 degrees, very cold.
Arthur shops in the morning. Ted Forster visits for lunch and tea.
Then Arthur tries to solve a problem called Donald.
“I can’t turn him out but wish to goodness he’d go”
#1947Diary
34 degrees, very cold.
Arthur shops in the morning. Ted Forster visits for lunch and tea.
Then Arthur tries to solve a problem called Donald.
“I can’t turn him out but wish to goodness he’d go”
#1947Diary
Put it away, Baz.
November 25, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Put it away, Baz.
Tuesday 25th November 1947
40 degrees.
Clear but very cold wind. Dr came 10:30 well pleased. I to Putney a.m.
And at 2:20 to St Stephen’s where Jack Faint gave my neck gyp!!
On to Barber - and thence to Frosts and used up my points. Home 6:15.
I gave Donald a note suggesting his leaving. #1947Diary
40 degrees.
Clear but very cold wind. Dr came 10:30 well pleased. I to Putney a.m.
And at 2:20 to St Stephen’s where Jack Faint gave my neck gyp!!
On to Barber - and thence to Frosts and used up my points. Home 6:15.
I gave Donald a note suggesting his leaving. #1947Diary
November 25, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Tuesday 25th November 1947
40 degrees.
Clear but very cold wind. Dr came 10:30 well pleased. I to Putney a.m.
And at 2:20 to St Stephen’s where Jack Faint gave my neck gyp!!
On to Barber - and thence to Frosts and used up my points. Home 6:15.
I gave Donald a note suggesting his leaving. #1947Diary
40 degrees.
Clear but very cold wind. Dr came 10:30 well pleased. I to Putney a.m.
And at 2:20 to St Stephen’s where Jack Faint gave my neck gyp!!
On to Barber - and thence to Frosts and used up my points. Home 6:15.
I gave Donald a note suggesting his leaving. #1947Diary
Double Diamond update: the cans are printed now, before they were plain cans with big labels added. Hopefully this means production is stepping up.
November 25, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Double Diamond update: the cans are printed now, before they were plain cans with big labels added. Hopefully this means production is stepping up.
Monday 24th November 1947
Arthur writes to Jimmy 😊 v.g.
Sam & Mrs Winard to tea 4 til 6 who drop Arthur at East Putney where he heads to Wigmore Hall for Frank Merrick’s recital.
To see he’s not impressed with Frank’s performance is an understatement.
Still, home in comfort via Victoria.
#1947Diary
Arthur writes to Jimmy 😊 v.g.
Sam & Mrs Winard to tea 4 til 6 who drop Arthur at East Putney where he heads to Wigmore Hall for Frank Merrick’s recital.
To see he’s not impressed with Frank’s performance is an understatement.
Still, home in comfort via Victoria.
#1947Diary
November 24, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Monday 24th November 1947
Arthur writes to Jimmy 😊 v.g.
Sam & Mrs Winard to tea 4 til 6 who drop Arthur at East Putney where he heads to Wigmore Hall for Frank Merrick’s recital.
To see he’s not impressed with Frank’s performance is an understatement.
Still, home in comfort via Victoria.
#1947Diary
Arthur writes to Jimmy 😊 v.g.
Sam & Mrs Winard to tea 4 til 6 who drop Arthur at East Putney where he heads to Wigmore Hall for Frank Merrick’s recital.
To see he’s not impressed with Frank’s performance is an understatement.
Still, home in comfort via Victoria.
#1947Diary
I reckon Robin Ray would have been great company in the pub. Bernard Levin not so much. #FaceTheMusic
November 24, 2025 at 9:59 PM
I reckon Robin Ray would have been great company in the pub. Bernard Levin not so much. #FaceTheMusic
Sunday 23rd November 1947
Very mild muggy & clear.
Arthur walks to Ellen’s and left shawl with her to be washed.
At 3:40 to Brackenhurst - pleasant chat with the Clarkes - then to Roy Walkers for tea.
Evening with Donald. Smettie played magnificently on wireless - Chopin & L'isle joyeuse.
#1947Diary
Very mild muggy & clear.
Arthur walks to Ellen’s and left shawl with her to be washed.
At 3:40 to Brackenhurst - pleasant chat with the Clarkes - then to Roy Walkers for tea.
Evening with Donald. Smettie played magnificently on wireless - Chopin & L'isle joyeuse.
#1947Diary
November 23, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Sunday 23rd November 1947
Very mild muggy & clear.
Arthur walks to Ellen’s and left shawl with her to be washed.
At 3:40 to Brackenhurst - pleasant chat with the Clarkes - then to Roy Walkers for tea.
Evening with Donald. Smettie played magnificently on wireless - Chopin & L'isle joyeuse.
#1947Diary
Very mild muggy & clear.
Arthur walks to Ellen’s and left shawl with her to be washed.
At 3:40 to Brackenhurst - pleasant chat with the Clarkes - then to Roy Walkers for tea.
Evening with Donald. Smettie played magnificently on wireless - Chopin & L'isle joyeuse.
#1947Diary
Reposted by Chris Ponting
Phil wore the same outfit (top half anyway) on #totp when they did “Heart Like A Wheel”
youtu.be/BSLVbJvcnMk
youtu.be/BSLVbJvcnMk
The Human League - Heart Like A Wheel - TOTP - 23 August 1990
YouTube video by Shadow TV Network
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 11:59 PM
Phil wore the same outfit (top half anyway) on #totp when they did “Heart Like A Wheel”
youtu.be/BSLVbJvcnMk
youtu.be/BSLVbJvcnMk
A trip to Putney and tea for Arthur on this muggy Saturday.
Saturday 22nd November 1947
45 degrees. After warmest night in Nov for long years. Muggy and overcast.
I to Putney a.m.
At 3:45 Victoria Larken called for me and took me to ‘Amery’ for tea. Beryl landing me home after.
#1947Diary
Saturday 22nd November 1947
45 degrees. After warmest night in Nov for long years. Muggy and overcast.
I to Putney a.m.
At 3:45 Victoria Larken called for me and took me to ‘Amery’ for tea. Beryl landing me home after.
#1947Diary
November 22, 2025 at 11:44 PM
A trip to Putney and tea for Arthur on this muggy Saturday.
Saturday 22nd November 1947
45 degrees. After warmest night in Nov for long years. Muggy and overcast.
I to Putney a.m.
At 3:45 Victoria Larken called for me and took me to ‘Amery’ for tea. Beryl landing me home after.
#1947Diary
Saturday 22nd November 1947
45 degrees. After warmest night in Nov for long years. Muggy and overcast.
I to Putney a.m.
At 3:45 Victoria Larken called for me and took me to ‘Amery’ for tea. Beryl landing me home after.
#1947Diary
We’re watching The Holiday, on BBC Three right now. So it seems Christmas has started early.
November 22, 2025 at 9:12 PM
We’re watching The Holiday, on BBC Three right now. So it seems Christmas has started early.
Braved the weather for a Butty or three - cheers.
November 22, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Braved the weather for a Butty or three - cheers.
The dry rot and fungus treatment continues at Arthur’s.
He’s letter writing a.m, then to hospital in the afternoon. #1947Diary
Friday 21st November 1947
38 degrees
Work going on in the dining room and spare room.
Air letters to Scherer and Ada Cannell (with Chq).
Treatment at Hospital 2:30 - 3:15.
He’s letter writing a.m, then to hospital in the afternoon. #1947Diary
Friday 21st November 1947
38 degrees
Work going on in the dining room and spare room.
Air letters to Scherer and Ada Cannell (with Chq).
Treatment at Hospital 2:30 - 3:15.
November 21, 2025 at 11:28 PM
The dry rot and fungus treatment continues at Arthur’s.
He’s letter writing a.m, then to hospital in the afternoon. #1947Diary
Friday 21st November 1947
38 degrees
Work going on in the dining room and spare room.
Air letters to Scherer and Ada Cannell (with Chq).
Treatment at Hospital 2:30 - 3:15.
He’s letter writing a.m, then to hospital in the afternoon. #1947Diary
Friday 21st November 1947
38 degrees
Work going on in the dining room and spare room.
Air letters to Scherer and Ada Cannell (with Chq).
Treatment at Hospital 2:30 - 3:15.
Matthew Corbett is selling Sooty and Sweep. He doesn’t care how much he gets, he just wants them off his hands.
November 21, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Matthew Corbett is selling Sooty and Sweep. He doesn’t care how much he gets, he just wants them off his hands.
Thursday 20th November 1947
Lots going on for Arthur on this muggy Thursday.
Dry rot treatment on dining room underway costing £100!!
To St Stephen’s hospital for physio & home for tea.
Princess Elizabeth’s wedding went off very well - Arthur listens to much of the broadcast accounts. #1947Diary
Lots going on for Arthur on this muggy Thursday.
Dry rot treatment on dining room underway costing £100!!
To St Stephen’s hospital for physio & home for tea.
Princess Elizabeth’s wedding went off very well - Arthur listens to much of the broadcast accounts. #1947Diary
![Thursday 20th November 1947
45 degrees very muggy.
I cleared dining room as much as possible and Adkins came 10 a.m.
Bad dry rot and fungus in dining room and spare room.
Big job - to cost £100!!! [2025 cost: £4000!]
To St Stephen’s hospital for treatment 2:20 and home for tea.
No actual rain - luckily for Princess Elizabeth’s wedding which went off very well - I listened to much of broadcast accounts.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:7msbg5vqgw3cyhsjdlzalxfk/bafkreicz7kkh5sqiv7ohluuv6mclcz3b44f767mozy6xf2vcuhz3eqy4yu@jpeg)
November 20, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Thursday 20th November 1947
Lots going on for Arthur on this muggy Thursday.
Dry rot treatment on dining room underway costing £100!!
To St Stephen’s hospital for physio & home for tea.
Princess Elizabeth’s wedding went off very well - Arthur listens to much of the broadcast accounts. #1947Diary
Lots going on for Arthur on this muggy Thursday.
Dry rot treatment on dining room underway costing £100!!
To St Stephen’s hospital for physio & home for tea.
Princess Elizabeth’s wedding went off very well - Arthur listens to much of the broadcast accounts. #1947Diary
Wednesday 19th November 1947
Arthur writes to Effie Watts.
Lunch at Norman Walkers - he meets a charming woman from central Queensland.
Builders in at Arthur’s - awful mess.
Jimmy to tea, and marvellous 😊
In evening Arthur & Donald prepare Ted’s room for him to use during builder’s work. #1947Diary
Arthur writes to Effie Watts.
Lunch at Norman Walkers - he meets a charming woman from central Queensland.
Builders in at Arthur’s - awful mess.
Jimmy to tea, and marvellous 😊
In evening Arthur & Donald prepare Ted’s room for him to use during builder’s work. #1947Diary
November 19, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Wednesday 19th November 1947
Arthur writes to Effie Watts.
Lunch at Norman Walkers - he meets a charming woman from central Queensland.
Builders in at Arthur’s - awful mess.
Jimmy to tea, and marvellous 😊
In evening Arthur & Donald prepare Ted’s room for him to use during builder’s work. #1947Diary
Arthur writes to Effie Watts.
Lunch at Norman Walkers - he meets a charming woman from central Queensland.
Builders in at Arthur’s - awful mess.
Jimmy to tea, and marvellous 😊
In evening Arthur & Donald prepare Ted’s room for him to use during builder’s work. #1947Diary
The church looked nice as I walked back home from a trip to Tesco and a quick pint on this crisp, cold evening.
November 19, 2025 at 9:26 PM
The church looked nice as I walked back home from a trip to Tesco and a quick pint on this crisp, cold evening.
Errands for Arthur, then an afternoon at St Stephen’s and tea with Miss Carter.
Tuesday 18th November 1947
34 degrees
Cold and overcast.
I ordered Cash’s Tapes at Hardwickes.
Then to Putney and got Gordon’s Gin from Cullens.
Treatment at St Stephen’s Hospital 2:15.
Miss Carter to tea. #1947Diary
Tuesday 18th November 1947
34 degrees
Cold and overcast.
I ordered Cash’s Tapes at Hardwickes.
Then to Putney and got Gordon’s Gin from Cullens.
Treatment at St Stephen’s Hospital 2:15.
Miss Carter to tea. #1947Diary
November 18, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Errands for Arthur, then an afternoon at St Stephen’s and tea with Miss Carter.
Tuesday 18th November 1947
34 degrees
Cold and overcast.
I ordered Cash’s Tapes at Hardwickes.
Then to Putney and got Gordon’s Gin from Cullens.
Treatment at St Stephen’s Hospital 2:15.
Miss Carter to tea. #1947Diary
Tuesday 18th November 1947
34 degrees
Cold and overcast.
I ordered Cash’s Tapes at Hardwickes.
Then to Putney and got Gordon’s Gin from Cullens.
Treatment at St Stephen’s Hospital 2:15.
Miss Carter to tea. #1947Diary