Mass Observation

Way back in the 1930s volunteers were recruited to write diaries of their day-to-day experiences, their thoughts and observations of other people's comments. These diaries were then sent to an organisation known as the Mass Observation Unit. Some time ago I read a book which was an edited version of the diaries kept by several of the correspondents during the Second World War. I recently came across another book covering the diaries of five "observers" during the period immediately after the war and I have now nearly finished reading it. Fascinating it is, too. Some of the comments by the writers are really outrageous, some frankly puerile. Their thoughts on what the future then held are interesting but more interesting still are their comments about their everyday lives - the food and fuel shortages, the strikes, their dealings with German prisoners of war still awaiting repatriation.

What a pity there is nothing similar for earlier periods such as the late 19th century or the years after the First World War.

Now I must dash off to meet the auditors for the Lions Housing Society who have finished their work and produced the annual accounts. I have had a copy emailed to me and I must say they do look good. We don't set out to make a profit but somehow we seem unable to do otherwise. The figure for the year ended 31 December last is no less than £175,000. All the reserves which are building up (currently some £455k in bank balances) will eventually be ploughed back into the provision of affordable housing for those who need it, such as the elderly and key workers.

Then this evening I will be at the zone meeting. Who says retirement is boring?