Seventies Diary - Sokoto Days

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EXTRACTS

11th March 1979  Sunday. At 10am we went to Alex and Luce’s (Impresit) and set off in two Fiat Jeeps with D&H C for Tosa, mostly across rough bush tracks. (Bodinga Local Government area/Bakolori Dam project). They are carrying out an agricultural survey. We sat by the river, caused quite a stir! Had a picnic, with pizzas Dee had made. We set off back along the Rima valley across gullies, sand etc, some almost impossible driving, very hazardous. Got back at 7.30pm and then went to theirs for an Italian dinner. Very exciting day! 12th March 1979  In the evening we went to S&A’s for a delicious dinner, then played Black Maria and cribbage afterwards.13th March 1979  Dee is reading ‘Coma’ by Robin Cook. Mike called by. No mail again due to a pilots’ strike. Dee bottled the beer. May go to Kaduna tomorrow to deliver A&O’s car. Didn’t go to the High Commissioner’s drinks party. We had a relatively early night as we were tired. 14th March 1979  Mike called round in the morning. We went shopping, then S went to a staff meeting. Then we set off for Talata Mafara / Bakolori (Italian dam site) for Mike to see someone re jobs et. Took a picnic. Went to the Ife Ome hotel for a beer on return. In the evening we went to the Governor’s residence for a cocktail party for the British High Commission.

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23rd March 1979  98 degrees in the house. The plants are all growing fast now. No mail. B&R dropped off a crate of soft drinks for N3. Grant dropped by. The Desert Inn was at Camille’s, had some drinks before we went, again left early. 

24th March 1979 In the morning we went to B&R’s and went to market in their van with Angus, looking for artefacts. Bought two blankets for N6, a Fulani top and flip-flops for Dee. Apparently it rained last night- a cool damp breeze in the morning. 25th March 1979  Sunday. We went to T&V’s in the afternoon, had tea and drinks etc. Maurice came round later. E played with Joann and they had a bath together- very sweet! Left about 9.30pm. It spotted with rain. 26th March 1979  S had a busy day, went to the bank etc. No mail. E was very bad tempered. Put up curtains. At 7.30pm we went to the SCAS staff cocktail party at the Hotel. We met the Emir of Argungu. Rather low-key, lots of sandwiches and meat and soft drinks. Spotted with rain again. 27th March 1979  In the afternoon went shopping, then went on to see J and collect the play-pen. Met a woman from Kaduna with a 2 and a half year old, sat outside. In the evening Maurice came round and had a drink of home-made beer. He and S played their guitars- very soporific for Dee! Played Cribbage later. 28th March 1979  E wouldn’t sleep in the morning. Dee trimmed her hair. Made scruncheesee with oats, unsuccessful. No mortgage application form in the mail yet, Went swimming at S&A’s and collected a lost arm-band. E went in the pool on her own. S was late home.  

29th March 1979  Posted a letter to the mortgage firm plus confirmation of S’s salary. The garden is growing well, egrets come down to drink at the hose. Received a postcard from S&I in the USA. Still no other mail. We may now get our original leave allowance, S was late again as he was giving a lift to Bernice. 30th March 1979  S to get a reference from Mr G. Quiet day. No ‘Cowpersons and Indians’ party at the Desert Inn, it was cancelled due to a fight last week at the Desert Inn, may be no more. Grant called by, and S went to Antonio’s for the evening with his guitar. 31st March 1979 Relaxing day, very hot. In the evening we went to the Federal Government College social club- Star beer is only 70k. Kueppers were having a private do. Afterwards we went on to R&Ju’s for a few rounds of Cribbage and cheese, drank quite a bit! 1st April 1979  Sunday. Lethargic day, feeling tired. Temperature 100 degrees in the house. At 6pm V, T, J and Maurice called round. We had tea and a drink and played guitars. E was late to bed!  2nd April 1979  Quiet day. S did some shopping. Received a mortgage application form in the post. S had exam invigilation in the late afternoon. 3rd April 1979  In the afternoon we went to visit Liz&H, saw the landrover they are doing up to drive across the desert in. Sent off the mortgage application and cheque for the survey. Dee had toothache in the evening. 4th April 1979  S has a chest cold and didn’t go to work. Dee went to Dr George and got some antibiotics for toothache. Dee went into town and did some shopping, and called in to College – no mail. B and J may run the Desert Inn. Sunflower is flowering. Thought I felt the baby moving! Early night. 5th April 1979  S didn’t go to work again. In the afternoon, went to V’s to help with salad preparation. E played with J, Borrowed the Odessa File (book). Met Ju, she and R can’t come tonight for dinner and Cribbage, so just us two played instead. 6th April 1979  Dee had toothache on and off. Made coleslaw for V’s do tonight, S went into College, but finished early. In the evening we went to T&V’s barbecue, we made a punch with home-made wine for it. S played the guitar. Had kebabs, steaks, beefburgers etc. Stayed until 2am.  7th April 1979  S had a meeting at 10.30 at College. Our flights home have been confirmed for 1^st July. Reading the Odessa File. E found and used the potty for the first time on her own!  Quiet day, early night. S&R called, but we had already settled down. 8th April 1979  Sunday. We called on a man who may buy A&O’s house. Went to the Hotel for a strong Star Beer! Had a ‘ploughman’s’ at home. In the afternoon we went to visit S&R for tea, they are back from Niamey. Saw their converted landrover. S cooked steak, potatoes and ladies fingers (okra).  9th April 1979  Dr W B (Director of the British Council) called at 8.30, S was out. Mail is now coming through, a letter from S’s parents, Easter card for E. S has an evening lecture. We went to the Hotel for a Sunday paper and a drink, but just missed the last Observer. 10th April 1979  Received a maternity dress sent via S’s parents, and an Easter ‘egg and chicks’ from J&O in the mail. At 5pm we went to the Querschi’s and Emily played with L and Z. Stayed until after 10pm and had drinks and eggs ‘n chips,  E was very good and lively!  11th April 1979  We went out late morning to SCAS, no mail. Heard that leave 5 days/month before March ’79 is to be honoured now. S’s first day of holiday. Called on V to collect eggs, none there so they called later at 8.30 with some. We went to Kueppers in the evening, left fairly early as S had toothache.  

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23rd April 1979  Got the ODM job list in the mail. In the afternoon we went to see T&V for some eggs. We had a Pimms and at 7pm went to the Hotel to try and get a Sunday paper. We sat outside and had quite a few beers! When we got back the power was off again! 24th April 1979  Quiet day, written on Friday so I can’t remember. We started making a tape to send to S's parents,25th April 1979 In the afternoon we went swimming at George Stow although Dee didn’t actually go in. E floated round on her own in arm bands. The electricity was off again in the evening, went to Kueppers fairly early to escape! It went off there after midnight so then came home.26th April 1979  The electricity was off yet again all night, as difficult to sleep. No mail again. In the afternoon we visited the Qs as T is going back tomorrow with the girls, discussed air tickets. Saw Helen, they are leaving. E says ‘nice’.   27th April 1979  R called round to invite us to Antonio’s for dinner, but we had already been invited out. We went tom Ian’s for dinner with J&R, then on to the Desert Inn- now called Jock’s Lodge- starting anew at B&J’s, they have taken it over. Stayed quite late. Beer only N1.50.   28th April 1979  We went shopping in the morning, tried the Zoo Lane supermarket. Feeling tired. In the evening S&R called round and we drank rum ‘n blacks and wine. Electricity is on! Thank goodness. It was windy out but no rain or dust storms yet.  29th April 1979  Sunday. Very lazy morning, dozing. In the afternoon we visited Antonio (due to go on leave) and had some tea, then on to B&R’s- more tea and doughnuts. We raided their bookshelves. E chased the chickens and talked to Raggedy Andy.   30th April 1979  S had an evening lecture, he came back and we went to the Hotel for a beer and papers, but the papers were not in yet. NEPA (National Electric Power Authority) seems to have improved now, touch wood. Clouds banked up, but no rain here. Early night.         1st May 1979  S went to College early as the new Principal (Nigerian) has started. I called round with an Irish girl, back from Kaduna. Dee is reading ‘The Thorn Birds’, epic novel. A bit cooler today. Still no dust storms or lightening. 

2nd May 1979  In the morning Dee took B round the shops and market in I’s VW. Bought some old coin rings, found the leatherwork section. In the afternoon took her for a swim. Gave V a lift back, had a drink there and at I’s. In the evening we went to Kueppers, had a good time singing Rugby songs etc. outside, left late. 3rd May 1979  R dropped in, so did J and E to deliver an invitation to J’s 4^th birthday party. Went to Zoo Lane shop in the afternoon, tried for beer but not in yet. A bit hungover! General Election day in the UK. Early night.  4th May 1979  In the afternoon we went to J’s 4^th birthday party while S tried for beer and soft drinks. S collected us at 5pm and stayed, and disappeared for a drink! Got back about 7pm, Dee cooked dinner for I&B, then we went on to the Desert Inn/Jock’s Lodge. Margaret Thatcher is the new Prime Minister. 5th May 1979  Quiet day. S tried unsuccessfully for beer. In the evening we went to a party at B&R’s. We had kebabs and a whole goat, some people went swimming. Met some ‘bush’ CUSOs. Felt tired. Missed out on the camel rides, which were earlier.  6th May 1979  Sunday. Lazy day- feeling tired and lethargic! It is very hot, like an oven out of the air- conditioned bedroom. Clouds gathered and strong winds started late afternoon and lightning, it looked threatening but it didn’t rain here. 7th May 1979  Got a letter from the mortgage people. They want us to make a substantial investment in the Abbey Building Society prior to a mortgage. Letters from A&O, J&O. Went shopping in the afternoon. Went to the Hotel early evening, had a Star but no papers, we wanted to read about the election. I called round in the evening and stayed for a couple of drinks.  

8th May 1979  J and K called round in the morning for coffee and to bring shoes for E. Dee went to Dr George’s clinic for a first antenatal visit. Extension of leave until 1^st October (an extra month) has been approved- hooray!  So should get ODA. Sent letter to sell stocks. Dee and E went to J&R’s in the afternoon, E played with the boys, met V and J. Mid- evening it rained quite heavily- the first real rains.  9th May 1979  S had a long day in College, until 3.20pm, trying to get cheques for Dr Q to buy air tickets in Kano. No mail. Went swimming at George Stow then went on to I’s for a beer and talk! Came back and had an early night. It rained quite heavily again in the evening.   10th May 1979  Quiet morning. Played Cribbage in the evening.  11th May 1979  S managed to get some beer for the SCAS staff party. Dee had a trip out to see the University site with I. Bello went for more soft drinks. Dee went shopping in the afternoon. E has a bit of a cold. We had a ‘G and T’ evening before and at Jock’s Lodge’, stayed quite late and had quite a jolly time.  12th May 1979   Dee made pizzas for the staff party in the evening. S chased around organising things, and had a staff meeting about graduation. We went to the Q’s house at 5pm to arrange drink, seating etc., then back again for the staff party to welcome the new Principal to SCAS. Power was on and off. Plenty of drink, Indian savouries. We went on to Kueppers afterwards.    13th May 1979  Sunday. In the morning I called for us and took us and R& J to Dogondaji swimming for the day. We took tonics and gin in a cold box. Took photos, took picnic food. A trader called and we bought leather round rugs and two bags. The Qs brought round our air tickets. Sam’s wife B (next door) had a baby boy!      14th May 1979   Quiet morning. S had one lecture, but no one came. In the afternoon we called on Bernie to collect a gas adapter (as no gas in town and we’re almost out), but he wasn’t in. Went to T and V’s and had sandwiches and beer. E was given one of J’s dresses. The power was off all day. Went to the Hotel and got the last Observer. Early night.    15th May 1979  In the afternoon we went shopping- got beer! Gave B a lift back as he had locked himself out of the car. We went to the hospital to see S and B’s new baby, gave them a panda and a baby suit. Went to I’s to borrow a gas cylinder and stayed for a drink. Later he and Chris came over for a drink, chat and later a game of Cribbage.   16th May 1979  E was irritable with a cold and more teething, Dee and S feeling tired. In the evening we had R, J, I and C round for dinner- had roast lamb (V’s steward showed Bello where to get it), Yorkshire pudding, mint jelly etc, lemon meringue, ice cream jelly. fruit. Then went on to Kueppers for a short time.  It rained.    17th May 1979   Dave called round to collect a tea chest for packing up. The electricity was off for 24 hours. In the evening we went to I’s for dinner and two bottles of champagne between the three of us- strong stuff! Had chicken chasseur. S nearly ran over the police on the way home!    18th May 1979  Dee slept in in the morning! In the evening we went to D & H’s for drinks with the Bs, then on to Jock’s Lodge at about 12 midnight. We got stopped by a police road block.     19th May 1979  A black kitten visited us, E was thrilled! Also visited by chickens in the garden. S& R brought round some eggs. Listened to football S had some people round for a guitar evening, on the radio. Dee feeling tired so had an early night.   20th May 1979  Sunday. A very lazy and lethargic day. Made Castilian omelettes. E is still under the weather and irritable, but becoming very talkative. She can now open doors (including the front door) unaided. It rained heavily at night.    21st May 1979  S bought a nice Niger sword from a trader outside Harry’s, big, for N8. We went to visit I early evening for a drink and he came back to ours for a snack, then NEPA went off (again!), but came back on later in the evening.    22nd May 1979  In the morning we went to the shops and the ‘souvenir/cultural’ shop, bought key rings, ivory necklace and ashtrays as gifts. In the evening Dee stayed at home. S went to the ‘opening’ of the C's pool they have built in their courtyard. Had beer, food and swimming. Watch was slow, so he got home late.  23rd May 1979  Dee made cookies. Bello weeded the garden. Went swimming at Stow’s, but the pool was being painted so we went on to the C's self-built pool at ATC for E. The Rs were there. We went to I’s for roast pork dinner and met some men from Kano and Kaduna. Went on to Kueppers and sat round a table outside, drank and talked!   

24th May 1979  S had his only lecture of the week! We went to visit B&R and borrowed some more books. The power was off all day again. Dr Q came round for dinner and we had kebabs and fruit crumble sitting outside.  25th May 1979  Dee and E went to see B and the new baby, took a rattle. Power off for a while, very hot. In the evening we went to the ATC staff club, where beer is 80k, sat outside. It was held at Les K’s house. Then we went on to Jock’s Lodge, did a bit of energetic dancing. 26th May 1979  S had a 10.30 committee meeting about graduation. Dee went shopping in the afternoon but no shops were open! Dee felt achey and pains in lower half. Rained hard in the afternoon, the first daylight rain. S went to T& V’s then on to the Roads Club open evening, No swimming or barbecue though. Dee stayed in.  27th May 1979  Sunday. Day spent resting in bed! I called to take us to Dogondaji swimming but didn’t go as I didn’t feel up to it. E is now in better spirits, Dee started reading ‘Armageddon’ Early night.  28th May 1979  We went shopping- bacon is in Tradev- hooray! The power was off 2-10pm. Dee went to keep fit class at S’s, forgot to take swimming things. R filmed the session! Went to the Hotel for a beer and bought a magazine. Met R and G there.  29th May 1979  S was trying to get remittances and advance pay etc sorted out- the usual hassles. Called on V for eggs, but none there. Went to L’s to deliver letter for LD to take home. Electric storm, lights off again, until 11-30 but no rain, had an early night.   30th May 1979  We went to the bank to have a joint account set up, went to SCAS but no mail again. Went swimming at George Stow, quite a few people there, stayed in a long time. G&A called for drinks and to collect a hose. We went out to R& J’s for a meal and to listed to Notts Forest match on the radio, then went on to Kueppers. It rained at night.   31st May 1979  Quiet morning. Not much happened, Had an early night.  1st June 1979  Went out visiting G&A and B&R but no-one was in. Sent a letter to the bank and tax forms via someone going back to the UK. In the evening we went to the ATC staff club and then on to Jock’s Lodge, fairly quiet as a lot of people are away.  2nd June 1979  Feeling a little hungover. In the afternoon we went to Capital School’s open day. Dee bought some magazines and books, wandered round and chatted. Decided not to go to the party at Koko- too far! We went to Kueppers for a short time, but it was very quiet. Poured with rain in the evening.  3rd June 1979  Sunday. Another lazy day. In the afternoon we went to visit T&V, but they were out so we went to B&R’s- just back from Koko. G&A were there, and Angus turned up. We stayed for tea. E is becoming really attached to Bonnie!  4th June 1979  We went to have our cholera cards stamped at the hospital, then did the shopping. Got confirmation of the Forestry Commission cabin booking. Sent a letter to brother A, and also got one from him. Dee went to keep-fit and had a swim afterwards. Dented the car on a telegraph pole. Got a Sunday paper.  5th June 1979  S is having more hassles trying to sort out salary, cheques etc. Dee went to the Gwiwa clinic for a check-up. We went to T&V’s for eggs, but none there. Dee broke little left toe walking into a door frame, saw Dr George. Called on I and B, now back from Kaduna, and had a drink. Early night.  6th June 1979  S finally got his leave salary cheque and we went to the bank to sort out remitting it. Still no gas in town. Went swimming in the afternoon, Dee didn’t go in due to broken toe. We actually managed to get 2 dozen eggs from the farm, they have sacked the previous boy for withholding eggs. It rained heavily during the night.  7th June 1979  Dee brewed a beer kit in the morning. Dee made liver and bac  n pate. In the afternoon we went to visit G&A at their house on the STC compound. It rained.  

8th June 1979  Dee did some baking. S invigilated exams, and got some beer. I called round. J called round with K to give E an invitation for Simon’s party. We had D&H and T&V for dinner- had pate and toast, kebabs etc, lemon pie etc. Sat outside and ate inside. Went on to Jock’s Lodge, had rather a lot to drink, especially S!.  9th June 1979  Feeling rather hungover! Restful day. S listened to cricket on the radio. In the evening we went to I’s for dinner, with B, met Harry, went on to Kueppers, it was fairly quiet. 10th June 1979  Sunday. Went off to Dogondaji swimming with I and B before lunch, we took sandwiches, they had a barbecue and hot dogs etc there. Quite a few people there. E was in her element, swimming etc. Had plenty of beer etc.! Had an early night and slept well for a change. 11th June 1979  D&B called round in the morning for coffee. S was busy chasing round after soft drinks for Graduation Day. D, B and J called again early evening for a beer. There was a big dust storm, then a long rain storm and the power went off.  12th June 1979  SCAS Graduation Day. S was out from 7.30am, then invigilating until quarter to two. Dee had the car and went shopping, picked S up. Took E to S’s birthday party at R&J’s, watched cartoon films. S went to a SCAS do in the evening for an hour, then we had kebabs and real Cheshire and Danish Blue cheese and cream crackers (new in Tradev!).  13th June 1979  I called in the morning for coffee. Dee made beer. S went to SCAS and then left for IJMB marking in Zaria in MB’s Landrover. The power went off last night, off all day and night. Dee went swimming, but no water so went on to V’s for a drink and borrowed magazines and books. Borrowed kerosene from Sam. An awful night, hot, no lights or fans.  14th June 1979  The power was still off (until 5pm). Dee made a brief trip into College, but no mail, Bello cooked meat to use it up- the fridge is getting smelly! Went swimming again at George Stow, only S and S were there. Borrowed a thermos of ice from Sarah. Read magazines most of the day, had an early night.  15th June 1979  Dee went into SCAS to see the accountant. No mail. Went to Tradev and did a bit of shopping. Storm in the early evening. Dee went to I and B’s for dinner, Harry was there. Went on to Jock’s Lodge, stayed until 2am. 

16th June 1979  Power was off in the morning. Dee went to T&V’s for lunch and stayed for the afternoon. Came home, and went to Sam and Bernice’s baby’s naming ceremony, tried some kola nut, had beer and chicken legs. Emily loved chewing the chicken bones! Sam borrowed some dining chairs. Dee fell asleep reading and had an early night. 17th June 1979  Sunday. Power off again! The Alhaji landlord and a man came round in the morning to dig a drainage ditch in the back courtyard. Decided not to go to Dogondaji. Quiet day, no visitors.  18th June 1979  Power off for 12 hours! Dee went to Tradev, Harry’s and then SCAS- saw the accountant, salary is still not paid in. Went to Keep Fit, but E was clinging and crying so I had to leave. Came back then went to the Hotel, but there were no papers. Fortunately NEPA came back on around 9ish, so was able to sleep after all. 19th June 1979  Dee went into SCAS again but a fairly fruitless morning, Registrar not in. Collected mail- letters from the solicitor (they want pass-book urgently), D&R, ODA, Ian called in the morning. Dee wrote letters and gave one to S to Sam. Made a banana loaf. NEPA on! Read. Early night. 20th June 1979  Dee and E went into SCAS at 8am to post letters and see the Registrar and Accountant. Actually got some things done! Out again at 10.30 to get some gas (in town at last!) so we can return the cylinder to Ian, to the bank and back to SCAS, no mail. In the afternoon went swimming, Linda gave some mail to post. Then drove Bernice plus baby to see Dr George, as Sam has gone to Zaria. 

21st June 1979 Dee went into SCAS again twice, eventually saw the accountant. Made some liver pate. S returned from Zaria about 6pm with Bill Davis, tired after a heavy marking session. Had some home-made beer. Mark called round. 

22nd June 1979  Dee drove Bernice and baby to hospital at 7.30am. D and S went to the bank and to Nigeria Airways to find our names are not on the passenger list although we had booked a month ago! Then to SCAS. Restful afternoon. Went via Mark’s to Jocks Lodge, quite lively later on, stayed quite late. 23rd June 1979  Lazy day spent mainly lounging about. Didn’t go out. Power off most of the day. Cut E’s hair. 24th June 1979  Sunday. At midday Ian called and gave us a lift to Dogondaji- we swam, drank beer and had hamburgers etc. from the barbecue. We took sun-loungers this time. Came back about 7pm, had an early night. 25th June 1979  S went into College. The September leave salary cheque is not ready yet. Dee went for eggs- successfully this time! Started sorting through clothes etc., brought a crate indoors. Called on Roger and Judith to return magazines. Went to the Hotel, no papers but stayed for a couple of beers, chatted with Bonnie & Richard, E found a friend. 26th June 1979  Dee went to Dr George’s at 8am and got a note saying she’s fit to fly (being pregnant). Bello’s mother is sick, we gave him money for medicine. In the evening we went to Antonio’s, note saying go to Bonnie & Richard’s. Had chop, but no-one else had guitars so left quite early. 27th June 1979  Dee feeling ill with stomach cramps and the runs. Steve went into College, the bank etc. things are gradually getting sorted out. Partly packed the crate. In the evening we went to C and M’s for dinner, nine people there, very enjoyable but S got stomach ache too and we had to leave early. 28th June 1979  Still feeling under the weather. We went to market and got blankets but other artefacts were more costly than in the souvenir shop! S went to the bank and SCAS, and collected leave salary cheque at 4.30pm. We went to say goodbye to Tom and Vicky, then to Ian’s, had been ill. Jaap and Ina were there, we stayed for a drink. 29th June 1979  S took Bello to Vicky’s, went to the bank and to SCAS. Dee finished packing and clearing out. Ian collected a crate at 4.30 to store for us. We went to Mark’s party at Junaidu Road, left at 12 to have fairly early night just before it poured with rain. Collected various letters to post in the UK. 30th June 1979  We packed up the car and drove to Ian’s at 9am, then went on to the airport- lots of people there. Sarah & Richard also going, people to see us off. The plane was on time and although full, no trouble. We booked into a family room at Central Hotel in Kano okay. Had a nice lunch and a Chinese meal in our room in the evening. E fell out of bed! Early night. 1st July 1979 Sunday. We left the hotel after breakfast and checked in at Kano airport about 9.15am. The flight left on time, we had been allocated seat numbers. Arrived at Gatwick at 6.30, Steve’s parents, J, O and Adrian met us. No problems, we stopped at Bolney Stage pub for a drink then back to Peacehaven. Had a buffet and champagne, E got to bed at 11pm, us at 1am! Very light in the evenings here.

We were on our first leave to the UK after eighteen months in Sokoto, due to return to Nigeria in October 1979, after the birth of baby T in September. 

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Taken from the car window- a passing figure by the roadside near Sokoto, 1980

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