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
Letter writing for Arthur, and physio in the afternoon at St Stephen’s.
Then an early night.
Thursday 27th November 1947
34 degrees.
Wrote Ethel Harrington
Godfrey Westenra
Blanche Seamen
Alice McRae
Lucy Churchward.
To St Stephen’s 2:15 and had good treatment to neck.
Bed early.
#1947Diary
Then an early night.
Thursday 27th November 1947
34 degrees.
Wrote Ethel Harrington
Godfrey Westenra
Blanche Seamen
Alice McRae
Lucy Churchward.
To St Stephen’s 2:15 and had good treatment to neck.
Bed early.
#1947Diary
November 27, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Letter writing for Arthur, and physio in the afternoon at St Stephen’s.
Then an early night.
Thursday 27th November 1947
34 degrees.
Wrote Ethel Harrington
Godfrey Westenra
Blanche Seamen
Alice McRae
Lucy Churchward.
To St Stephen’s 2:15 and had good treatment to neck.
Bed early.
#1947Diary
Then an early night.
Thursday 27th November 1947
34 degrees.
Wrote Ethel Harrington
Godfrey Westenra
Blanche Seamen
Alice McRae
Lucy Churchward.
To St Stephen’s 2:15 and had good treatment to neck.
Bed early.
#1947Diary
TARDIS? TURDIS, more like. #MoreLike #DoctorPoo
November 27, 2025 at 9:50 PM
TARDIS? TURDIS, more like. #MoreLike #DoctorPoo
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
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
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
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.
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
The Altrincham interchange where Greater Manchester buses link with overhead electric services of British Rail.
From Buses magazine, November 1978 - Pic: J. G. Glover
From Buses magazine, November 1978 - Pic: J. G. Glover
November 18, 2025 at 9:25 PM
The Altrincham interchange where Greater Manchester buses link with overhead electric services of British Rail.
From Buses magazine, November 1978 - Pic: J. G. Glover
From Buses magazine, November 1978 - Pic: J. G. Glover
Arthur heads back to St Stephen’s for more treatment.
Monday 17th November 1947
36 degrees
Very cold.
I to St Stephen’s Hospital after lunch.
#1947Diary
Monday 17th November 1947
36 degrees
Very cold.
I to St Stephen’s Hospital after lunch.
#1947Diary
November 17, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Arthur heads back to St Stephen’s for more treatment.
Monday 17th November 1947
36 degrees
Very cold.
I to St Stephen’s Hospital after lunch.
#1947Diary
Monday 17th November 1947
36 degrees
Very cold.
I to St Stephen’s Hospital after lunch.
#1947Diary
Tony Hart making a guest appearance? #FaceTheMusic
November 17, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Tony Hart making a guest appearance? #FaceTheMusic
Heartened to see that the Chief Executive of Swim England is called Andy Salmon.
November 17, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Heartened to see that the Chief Executive of Swim England is called Andy Salmon.
Arthur lunches with ladies then does some letter writing later.
Sunday 16th November 1947
38 degrees clear and cold.
Betty and Dorothy Amess came to lunch and left 3:30 for Ealing.
Wrote Amess and Ethel H and Dan Tucker. #1947Diary
Sunday 16th November 1947
38 degrees clear and cold.
Betty and Dorothy Amess came to lunch and left 3:30 for Ealing.
Wrote Amess and Ethel H and Dan Tucker. #1947Diary
November 16, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Arthur lunches with ladies then does some letter writing later.
Sunday 16th November 1947
38 degrees clear and cold.
Betty and Dorothy Amess came to lunch and left 3:30 for Ealing.
Wrote Amess and Ethel H and Dan Tucker. #1947Diary
Sunday 16th November 1947
38 degrees clear and cold.
Betty and Dorothy Amess came to lunch and left 3:30 for Ealing.
Wrote Amess and Ethel H and Dan Tucker. #1947Diary
Arthur looks after himself and enjoys an afternoon at Porchester Road Turkish Baths. #1947Diary
Saturday 15th November 1947
40 degrees. Cold wind - grey.
Early lunch and then to Porchester Road Turkish Bath and had a grand sweat.
Home by 5:30, very cold evening.
Saturday 15th November 1947
40 degrees. Cold wind - grey.
Early lunch and then to Porchester Road Turkish Bath and had a grand sweat.
Home by 5:30, very cold evening.
November 16, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Arthur looks after himself and enjoys an afternoon at Porchester Road Turkish Baths. #1947Diary
Saturday 15th November 1947
40 degrees. Cold wind - grey.
Early lunch and then to Porchester Road Turkish Bath and had a grand sweat.
Home by 5:30, very cold evening.
Saturday 15th November 1947
40 degrees. Cold wind - grey.
Early lunch and then to Porchester Road Turkish Bath and had a grand sweat.
Home by 5:30, very cold evening.