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. Bonnie & Richard 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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25th October 1979  D-day! Steve and Dee went into town and bought a collapsible paddling pool and sunglasses. Stopped for a drink at the Dewdrop on the way back. We set off for Gatwick Airport at 9pm through pouring rain. The plane left on time at 11.15pm, no bulkhead seat available.(back to Nigeria)   26th October 1979  We arrived in Sokoto 11.00 after a nerve-racking landing and hydraulic trouble. We were met by I White. Steve went to College. All well - Mike Beckwith in charge, the Principal is now the Commissioner for Education! The house had flooded- faulty loo. Ian’s steward had cleaned but Bello turned up so back to work! Hot- 94F. Champagne in the fridge. E refused to sleep in the cot -in a proper bed for the first time. (S)     27th October 1979  Arose early- visited Bill to get N56. Into College. Shopped midday- prices! E lively, demanding, reacclimatising. Bello went to market in the afternoon. Short of supplies, greens etc- expensive! Steve queued for petrol. Fuse went, power off for 3-4 hours.   Josie and young B cme round late afternoon to see T.  Early to bed, exhausted.  (S)   

28th October 1979  Sunday. Erected Ey’s paddling pool, she thoroughly enjoyed it. Continued unpacking and cleaning up. We had champagne in the evening. Discovered we had quite a few bottles of home-made beer left.   29th October 1979  S was busy all morning in College. E is getting used to Bello again. Pottered round the house and garden. Mildred called round.  30th October 1979  S’s cold is bad. S went to drop gas cylinders off and do a bit of shopping. Uneventful day. Pottered round in the garden- the trees are now an incredible height and the garden looks quite good. S met Claude in the bank and we were invited to a party.     31st October 1979  Salah Day. The College is on holiday. We visited Sarah & Richard in the afternoon, they didn’t know we were back. S’s cold is terrible. Sky becoming overcast, very hot for the time of year, which may mean a very bad Harmattan. Saw Judith at ATC as well, just the same. Sokoto just the same! (S) 

1st November 1979 The sky was very overcast all day and it was much cooler. T started a cold, as did E. Boring day again, broken only by Dee seeing to T and E playing. Wonder whether we should have come back. Usual Sokoto Blues to be broken by tomorrow? Richard visited for home-made wine, Sarah unwell. (S)   2nd November 1979 College was quiet after Salah. Went shopping in the afternoon, still hot for time of year. The usual occurrence of not getting everything on the shopping list. We went to the new SCAS Club (at Jock’s Lodge), plenty of people there. Both got very oiled and left at 1.30am. Emily was asleep with Bello looking after her. (S)     3rd November 1979  Dee has S’s stinking cold. S went to get Contac/Codeine, which seemed to help. Both had a horizontal day recovering. Got the radio working so we had entertainment. We went to Claude/Sandie/Rudi’s for a party. Only 40 odd people there, but enjoyable despite both being unfit. Left at 2.30am. (S) 

4th November 1979  Sunday. Another lazy day. Dee’s cold still bad. It rained (!) very heavily late afternoon- the latest rain ever? The Querschi’s came round, E was very shy and naughty at first but played well with L and Z later. Had an early night.   5th November 1979  Quiet day. S busy in College.  6th November 1979  Penny called round with E in the afternoon. E and E played together. Tried some Phenergan for E but it didn’t work!  7th November 1979  The power was off all day from 6.30am in the whole town due to flooding of a transformer at Kainji. Went swimming again in the afternoon, but disappointingly the pool was empty due to no NEPA (electricity). We used the paddling pool in the garden. In the evening Bonnie & Richard and Gary & Anita came round.    8th November 1979  The power returned at 8.15am but still off in parts of town Steve did the shopping. Dee made cookies and sorbet. I called round. Dee took E to play with E (age 3) at Jan and Penny’s. Beginning to play quite well and amusing to watch. Howie and Liz came round for a couple of hours. E was in bed late but she slept through for the first time.   9th November 1979  In the evening we had Ian and Brid round for dinner.     10th November 1979 The usual Saturday spent recovering due to previous late night. Nothing much going on. The power was off a lot. Had an early night.     11th November 1979  Sunday. Dee visited Penny and Jan and then at midday we went with them to the Sokoto Club. They proposed us (as members) and we went in, had a good curry lunch and Star beer, E had a go on the swings and we spent a pleasant afternoon by the pool. Met Dominique’s two and a half year-old boy.  

12th November 1979    We went to the Club, the pool was filling up so no swimming. Had a beer, and Bill & Josie joined us. Visited Bonnie & Richard for tea and to borrow books. Came back and had an early night.   13th November 1979  Joyce was coming round in the afternoon but didn’t come until 4.30pm, by which time we had gone on to the Club for a swim. Had a beer, then called at Ian’s, he was unwell. Joyce, S and K were there, and we invited them round on Thursday instead. 14th November 1979  In the afternoon we went swimming at the George Stowe pool, only Sarah and Brid were there. E is still nervous of water. We went to the Club for a drink, swing for E and sat with Peter & Dominique and little boy (2 and a half)., and later Bill & Josie.  Went to the Querschi’s in the evening, E played with the girls, had whiskey, chapatis and egg & onion. 15th November 1979  E has a stomach upset. In the afternoon Jan brought Eleanor round and Joyce brough S and K to play in E’s paddling pool and to have tea. They played together well eventually. E is still waking up at night. 

16th November 1979  S had the day off work due to having a stomach upset. Bonnie & Richard came round and then Antonio- just back from Italy (wife and baby to follow). Steve missed the Club interview. Early night- no Jock’s Lodge as S unwell.  17th November 1979  S still unwell and spent the day in bed. Dee went shopping, but Tradev is now shut on Saturday mornings! Quiet day. T cried a lot and didn’t sleep until 9.30pm, unusual for him.  18th November 1979  Sunday. Another quiet day. S is a little better. Late afternoon we went to the Club but didn’t swim. We met Bill, Josie, Les and Colin for a drink, back quite late.  19th November 1979  S back at work. Our first mail from the UK. Dee went out in the afternoon with E to Joyce’s- saw her new horse. Emily played with K and S, saw Brid. S has three more lectures a week. Running low on gas and none in town. 20th November 1979  Mildred called round for petrol. We went to the Beckwith’s early evening, A is now 15 months and walking. S discussed Academic Board matters. Put E to bed and didn’t ‘lie’ with her- much protest but she eventually slept. S played squash 8.30 at the Club with Bill, Josie and Brid. 21st November 1979  Went to the Club swimming in the afternoon and had a beer and E a swing. Bill & Josie were there. E went to sleep with only one yell- without me lying with her! Early night. 22nd November 1979  Long morning working for Steve. Went to the Club for a drink late afternoon. 23rd November 1979  Went to the Club for lunch, sat with Jane S. Went swimming- very pleasant and uncrowded. In the evening we went to Howie and Liz’s to see slides of their journey across the Sahara and then went on to Jock’s Lodge (now SCAS Club), danced. 24th November 1979  Went to the Club in the afternoon for a swim then stayed and had a drink with Jan and Penny. E played with El, she had a fall but wasn’t hurt. Causing chaos running round the Club grounds! We went to the Norman and Dawbarn party at Ian’s house, got back after 3am.  25th November 1979  Sunday. Quiet day. Didn’t make it to the Club for a curry lunch as we were too tired. Stayed in all day. Put T to sleep in the cot in E’s room for the night. Early night. 26th November 1979  S had an evening lecture, so we didn’t go out. E watered the garden. 27th November 1979  In the afternoon we went to the Club for a game of badminton and a swim, then had a drink. Josie joined us. We went to Ian and Brid’s- saw a monkey.  28th November 1979  Quiet day. Sent off a remittance cheque. Letters from Daphne & Ray and Karen. Too tired to go out. Had an early night. T is in babygros at night now (cooler). 

29th November 1979  Dee made pate and banana cake, although there was little gas left. Went to the Club - cooler now- for a game of badminton and a swim. Saw Ann B and Matthew. Had a beer. The Querschis came round for an hour or so in the evening.  30th November 1979  Went to the Club for badminton and swimming again and for a drink, sat with Bill & Josie. We went to the new Tradev for the first time. In the evening we went to the SCAS Club but it was fairly quiet as Angus was having a do.

1st December 1979  Quiet day, rather tired and hungover, didn’t do much. S had a staff meeting in the morning. Played Scrabble in the evening.  2nd December 1979  Sunday. We went to the Club for curry lunch and game of badminton. E went swimming and played with El. Fairly quiet there, we sat with Sam and Judith. Bello’s baby boy was born. 

3rd December 1979  S cancelled his evening lecture. 4th December 1979  S got some petrol from a ‘bush’ garage. Dee went to Ann Brown’s (University) so E could play with Matthew (age 16 months), took Tom. We went to the Club in the evening to have a go at squash, only Joyce was there, didn’t stay long. 5th December 1979  Tried bean-cakes for breakfast. In the afternoon we went to the Club- too cool for swimming. E had a swing and we had a drink. Went back and fed T, then out again to Bonnie & Richard’s and Antonio. Went on the and saw a kung-fu film called ‘TNT Jackson’, E watched as well.  

6th December 1979  No mail. We went to the Club again late afternoon, talked to Dominique, came back and had an early night. 7th December 1979  We had chicken Eba for lunch at the Club- very filling! Could hardly move afterwards, so didn’t get round to swimming or badminton. Went to the SCAS Club in the evening- chilly at nights now.  8th December 1979  Quiet day, didn’t do much. In the evening we went to Sarah & Richard’s party- very enjoyable, had rather too much!  They had a fire outside and a sandwich bar. They leave Sokoto soon. We met some new neighbours- geographer at the University and wife.  9th December 1979  Sunday. Felt rather zapped out. We made it to the Club for curry lunch and then for a swim. Went for a walk in the gardens to see the crocodiles.  10th December 1979  Dee went shopping in the afternoon, got bread etc. and tried for gas again. On called to ask about borrowing a film. S had an evening lecture again.  11th December 1979  In the afternoon Ann Brown and Matthew came round to play with E. David called to pick them up and stayed for some tea. 12th December 1979  We went to the Club for a drink (S’s birthday). S watched Notts Forest football. People came round in the evening for some punch and pate toasties, but S didn’t get round to playing the guitar!  13th December 1979  Bello got us bean-cakes for breakfast. Dee is starting a cold. Went to the Club for a drink and enquired about the library, but we can’t borrow books until we are full members. Watched TV. Came back and went to bed early.  14th December 1979  Had lunch at the Club. Tried for petrol in the evening before SCAS Club but there were long queues. Drank brandy and coke, stayed quite late.  15th December 1979  Steve had to spend the morning in College reorganising the AVA (Audio-Visual aids) Centre with Mike B. Bello tried to get petrol for us from his village. Decided not to go out in the evening.  

16th December 1979  Sunday. Went to the Club for a curry lunch, met Jan, Penny and El. Called at Antonio’s and Bonnie & Richard’s, but they weren’t in. John and Sue, new neighbours at the University, came round.  17th December 1979  S gave Sue a lift into SCAS. The gratuity cheque should be paid in tomorrow! Got a card from Grant Davis, now in Sheffield. S had an evening lecture. Early night.  18th December 1979  Dee went to Ann’s in the afternoon for E to play with Matthew. Saw some parrots and birds the trader brought round. Picked up Josie with Mike and Sue and went to a gathering at the Ife Ome Hotel for a farewell drink with Richard & Sarah, who leave Nigeria tomorrow. Met Mrs Esa, new egg supplier for Mildred.  19th December 1979  In the afternoon Dee took Sue round the shops etc. In the evening we went to Antonio’s with E and T for a meeting to discuss Christmas preparations. Saw Patricia and new baby Alicia (two months).  

20th December 1979  Dee took Bello to get eggs and a crate of soft drinks. S only had one lecture. Jan and Penny called round in the afternoon, we discussed sweets/desserts for Christmas Day. E played with El. In the evening John and Sue came round for drinks.  21st December 1979  Took E to the children’s Christmas party and barbecue at Lucia’s. She had a ride on Chris’s horse. Father Christmas came with presents, and they saw a film of Rupert the Bear! Got back after 7pm, gave Penny a lift. In the evening we gave John and Sue a lift to the SCAS Club, stayed quite late.  22nd December 1979  In the evening we went to Chris and Myah’s to see NTV films in their garden [Hawaii Five O, My Brother’s Keeper and Robin Hoodnik], with drinks and bacon sandwiches. Stayed until 3.45 am!   23rd December 1979  Sunday. In the morning we went to town and market to do some last minute shopping. Went to the Club for curry lunch. Jan and Penny called round. Dee made peppermint creams. Early night.  24th December 1979  S took John and Sue to the shops, then we went round to theirs for a beer. After lunch we went to Bonnie & Richard’s to use their oven to cook pavlovas etc. Collected more books. In the evening we went to the Christmas Eve party at Bill & Josie’s, sang Christmas carols round the fire.

25th December 1979  Christmas Day. In the morning we went to Liz, Howie’s and Sue’s drinks do. Gave John & Sue a lift. Back for a brief rest, then to Antonio’s for Christmas lunch in the garden like last year, didn’t start until 5.30pm. Dee did desserts with Penny- pavlovas, chocolate meringue pie, ice-cream with mints. Richard was Father Christmas and everyone got a present. E was very outgoing!. Bloated with food!- turkey and Italian wine. 

26th December 1979  In the afternoon we went on the Car Treasure Hunt, starting at Joyce & Richard’s. We followed clues, including collecting ginginya, palm fruits etc. We scored 59/70. We took a ‘picnic’ and ended up at Jaap & Ina’s old house where the bar was. Emily and Tom enjoyed it. Left about 9-ish and straight to bed.  27th December 1979  A quiet day- aftermath of Christmas!  28th December 1979  We went to the shops and to College for mail. Late afternoon we went to the Club for a drink, watched some TV.  Liz & Howie left today. Didn’t go to the SCAS Club. Bello went to Dogondaji as a boy in our quarters was killed in a road accident.  29th December 1979  Steve went into town with E and did the shopping. Dee did some baking.  30th December 1979  Sunday. Went for a curry lunch at the Club, then a swim. Antonio and family were there too. Jan, Penny and El came back for tea and a talk. In the evening we took the kids and went to Antonio’s for dinner with the Crabtrees. E didn’t drop off until after 11!   31st December 1979  Steve and E went to College in the morning. We saved our energy for a party in the evening at Steve Diamond’s house. Scottish Country dancing at 12.00GMT! S drank two halves of brandy, Dee one of gin! Crazy night, but oh we regret nothing! [S]

1980

1st January 1980  “Ah the wee beastie stalked our heads and stomachs all day.” Revenge of the body for alcoholic ravage is not sweet! The fatigue is great. All day was spent in reflecting on our folly at the previous night’s party. Welcome to a new decade. S   2nd January 1980  We went to Richard & Joyce’s to collect a playpen for T. Then to College, no mail. On to the Club for a beer to calm our stomachs, and a Sunday Times from the Hotel to while away the afternoon. S   3rd January 1980  S had College in the morning but few students turned up. Did some shopping. Dee collected caster seeds with E. T had his first taste of solid food. Joyce and the kids called round, but we were off to Zara’s 4th birthday party, lots of food. S came too, and imbibed whisky.   4th January 1980  S finished early at College. In the evening there was no Jock’s Lodge as Bill is taking J to Kano. We went to Joyce & Richard’s for a drink and for S to design a parrot cage for their parrakeets. We also decided to organise a progressive dinner party.    5th January 1980  S tried for gas, but still none around. Planning a barbecue in the back garden.   6th January 1980  Sunday. Have we really been in Sokoto for 2 years?! We went to the Club for curry lunch, followed by a swim for E, then home for a rest! John & Sue came round for a drink and a game of Scrabble. 7th January 1980  In the afternoon Dee took the car to try for gas, shopping and got a mixed soft drinks crate from Tradev for N3.50. Jan, Penny and E called round. S had an evening lecture.  8th January 1980  Called at Mrs Esa’s for eggs, then to see Patricia, then to Bonnie’s . We took her to the Hotel for a 30th birthday drink, joined later by Roger and his brother. Stayed quite late until T made his hunger pangs felt!   9th January 1980  S came back early from work with gut rot. Dee tried again for gas – no luck.    10th January 1980  S still poorly. Dee went to the chemist’s and got dome guamomycin, tried for gas and found them unloading -at last. Our gas gave out but the new cylinder had a bad washer so had to go to the gas place three times. Sue called for a chat.   11th January 1980  S went in for one lecture but still felt unwell. Sarah diagnosed possible malaria and gave him chloroquine. Dee called for John & Sue and gave then a lift to the SCAS Club, talked to quite a lot of people and didn’t get too drunk!     12th January 1980  Steve is feeling a little bit better. Quiet day. Put up mosquito nets. In the evening we took the guitar over to John & Sue’s, and listened to guitar and concertina.           13th January 1980  Sunday. Both of us are feeling rather nauseous and dizzy, don’t know why. John & Sue called round lunchtime to collect a water filter. Took a slide of T- 4 months today. He had possibly his last breast-feed – he seems to prefer the bottle. Didn’t feel up to going to the Club.    14th January 1980  Dee went shopping with Sue in the afternoon- we managed to get beer from Nadia’s. S had evening lecture. Dee feeling dizzy etc.    15th January 1980  The students are on strike. We went to the Club for a game of badminton (no water in the pool), and for a drink. Then home, them to the Hotel for a Sunday Times and a magazine, and back to read in bed! Called on Gary & Anita for eggs, but Mrs Esa was out.     

16th January 1980  Dee went to Joyce’s in the afternoon, it is now warming up and E went in their pool. S had a peaceful time at home. E got some comics in the post.    17th January 1980  Dee was busy cooking in the morning. In the evening we had Richard, Joyce, Chris, Myah, Bill and Josie for dinner (pate, chicken a la king, lemon meringue pie), drinks and a crazy game of cards- Newmarket and Pontoon. Sat outside earlier in the evening.   18th January 1980  In the evening we went to the SCAS Club. Can’t remember what happened during the day.    19th January 1980  In the evening we went to Tad’s place for a party- ‘The Desert Inn Rides Again’! as they are leaving next week with Bonnie, Richard, Gary and Anita to drive home across the desert. Like old times! Anita was bitten by a scorpion.  20th January 1980  Sunday. Quiet day spent recovering, although not too hungover! John called round briefly.  21st January 1980  Dee took Sue shopping in the afternoon. E was upset at being left! Steve had an evening lecture. E is starting to get more wakeful at nights now it is hotting up.  

22nd January 1980  Took T to Dr George for the first of triple and polio inoculations. T weighs 5.95 kilos (13.2lb). No students at SCAS due to anti-British demos at Government House regarding Rhodesia. Joyce brought S and K round to play with E. They collected seeds for John and played in the paddling pool. T was rather feverish and dopey. In the evening we had Gary & Anita, Bonnie & Richard and Antonio & Patricia round for dinner- onion soup, goulash, banana fritters and ice-cream, punch and Antonio brought wine. Steve played the guitar.  23rd January 1980  In the afternoon we went to Adrian & Sara’s pool for a swim, the first for a while. Steve had to go and show the film Macbeth at SCAS for the students. Tad called round regarding a possible remittance.  24th January 1980  Dee spent most of the morning baking. In the evening we had the Querschis and kids, Jan, Penny and Eleanor round for drinks and high tea/supper starting at 7pm. Quite enjoyable and made a change. E was quite the hostess! 25th January 1980  Went swimming at the Club. E played with El, and we stayed on for a beer. It seems a bit cooler again now. We went to Jock’s Lodge in the evening, Dee danced a bit with the Frenchies! Also played darts, and Dee won a game.  26th January 1980  In the evening we went to a Burns Night dinner at Bill & Josie’s (Dee cooked turnips). A very enjoyable evening with funny speeches and songs. John played, and Steve played Natty Groves and Harry’s Song. Scottish dancing, haggis and a false ‘bagpiper’! BYO whisky.  

27th January 1980  Sunday. A quiet day and early night as we are rather tired. Steve and E went to John & Sue’s to borrow a mincer.  28th January 1980  Dee went shopping with E and Sue in the afternoon- no beer. As usual we spent a fortune on very little! E got a magic painting book and brush in the post.  29th January 1980  Late afternoon we went to the Club for a drink, chatted to the Probyns and Adrian and friend. T was sick! at an opportune moment. Came home for cheese on toast. 30th January 1980  Public holiday- Muhammad’s birthday. Steve took E to call on the Querschis regarding a car service in the morning. Steve had a meeting with Sam next door. Went to the Club early afternoon and spent quite a long time swimming etc., called at the Hotel but not open for papers.  31st January 1980  In the evening we had John & Sue, the Beckwiths and the Ricketts round for dinner- mussel soup, Grecian meat balls and banana caramel flan. No beer around, but plenty of gin!  And made some punch as there is hardly any wine in town (all over N7 a bottle).

1st February 1980  E played a lot in the paddling pool. In the evening we went to Sara/h’s ‘restaurant’ called ‘Get Stuffed’. Adrian and a friend called earlier to get some home-made wine for the punch. Had avocado dip, steak au poivre and pavlova/trifle. Then we went on to Jock’s Lodge. Josie went on to bed, and we stayed until 3am. 2nd February 1980  Very ‘Harmattany’, windy, dusty and cold these days- cooler than 3 weeks ago. Belllo was unwell today, but turned up for babysitting. We went to a French party, taking John & Sue via Antonio’s, but he was unwell.  3rd February 1980  Sunday. Feeling tired. Steve took E to visit Antonio but no-one was in. We had a welcome early night.  4th February 1980  Dee went shopping in the afternoon and got stuck in a traffic jam. 5th February 1980  Dee made mango and pawpaw wine, the first for ages. Had steak pie and cauliflower cheese for lunch. Went to the Club for a game of badminton, took T in the push chair. E had a swim with El and we stayed on for a drink with Penny. Steve had to show a film ‘King Lear’ at SCAS.   

6th February 1980  Went to the Club in the afternoon for a swim, it was rather cold for us. E was very confident with her new arm bands, and jumping in. Sat with T on the side. Had a beer with the Todds. Steve went for a chat with Mike Beckwith- we now leave at the end of June.   7th February 1980  In the morning Joyce brought K round for the morning to play with E while she went to work. Querschi took Steve to take the car in for a much-needed service, they came back with Zara for a drink.  8th February 1980  In the afternoon we went to the Club (again!) for a swim and then a drink. T sat and bashed the table (metal so it made a nice noise!) at the Club. Called briefly into the shops. We decided to give Jock’s Lodge a miss this week, so we didn’t go out in the evening.   

9th February 1980  Josie called round in the morning to ask us to dinner. Steve took E to the Ricketts to drop off out tape machine and transformer. We borrowed the mincer again. We went to the Club swimming in the afternoon, the water was very green. E ‘sawm’ two lengths with her arm-bands on. We went to a small party/barbecue at Hazel’s- also Richard & Joyce’s birthday, had an interesting cake! Also had champagne. Stayed until nearly 4am.     

10th February 1980  Sunday. Late afternoon we went to the Nuttall-Smith’s to pay boule with various people. Took the children and E enjoyed herself playing, she took to ‘Henri’! We had drinks and went out to bring back barbecued chickens. Left at about ¼ to 11. T is not too keen on sleeping in the carry-cot.  1th February 1980  Dee made a load of pasties to freeze. Steve had evening lectures, then went briefly to the staff ‘party’ to welcome the new Principal. In the evening we went to Bill & Josie’s for dinner with Dominique and Peter and Henri. Had a nice meal, including pork chops.  

12th February 1980  Dee made some meatballs. Used the sprinkler on the garden as the water pressure is very high. Steve did the shopping. Went swimming and stayed on for a beer with the Todds. Went for eggs, but Mrs Esa wasn’t in again. 

13th February 1980  Dee made pawpaw and banana wine. Dee got another ‘Sokoto L_____’ Valentine card! Took E swimming late afternoon, then went on to the Hotel for a beer, but the magazine stall was not open. T is now on three meals a day only- 8am, 1pm, 6pm.   14th February 1980  In the afternoon Dee took T and E round to Joyce’s and left E on her own there for a short time while going to the shops. 15th February 1980  In the afternoon went to the Club, didn’t have a swim. Jan and Penny took E on home while we stayed for a beer, then we went on to theirs for some tea. Gave E some paints and some books. We gave John & Sue a lift to the SCAS Club, very quiet as lots of people were at Henri’s.  

16th February 1980  A very quiet day, didn’t bother going out. Read last week’s Sunday Times. It is still windy, cool and Harmattany. There was meant to be a total eclipse of the sun, but it was obscured by cloud.    

17th February 1980  Sunday. Went quite early to the Club for beer(s) and a curry lunch. Had a long session by the pool. Immersed T's lower half! Antonio, Patricia and baby were there, also Mat, El etc. E went for a drink and a swim with El. 

18th February 1980  In the afternoon Mat came round to play with E, with Ann. They played in the paddling pool and chased round the garden. E handed round banana loaf. We saw a Yellow-bellied Sunbird and a Beautiful Sunbird on the caster plant near the verandah.   19th February 1980  Dee made mini Arab pizzas. Joyce brought K round, we were off swimming so took her along too, J came later. The water was much warmer. Put T in the pool. Had a drink with the Todds. In the evening Dee went to the cultural and fashion show at the University, but it was cancelled as the students wouldn’t pay 50k. Dee gave a lift to Ann, Salli and Carly; had a coke, cake and chat.  

20th February 1980  In the afternoon we went swimming at the Club. A Nigerian colleague of Steve’s called round in the evening. Early night.   21st February 1980  Took T to Dr George’s for an injection, but she wasn’t in. Joyce brought K round for the morning. The kids played while Dee made coleslaw, banana pavlova, quiche. Went swimming in the afternoon and stayed on for a beer- now down to 70k. T weighs 6.9 kilos (15.18lb). Now getting much warmer.   22nd February 1980  We went swimming at the Club- for quite a while we had the pool entirely to ourselves. Jan & Penny came and we went back to their house (they got locked out, Steve broke the lock and repaired it) to collect a paper and have tea. Bello bought E some flip-flops from market. Went to the SCAS Club in the evening, played darts.  

23rd February 1980  We went to Roger Elliott’s early afternoon and spent the afternoon lolling in his small pool and on a blow-up lilo. The Todds were also there. We took El home, then on to Jan & Penny’s for a meal. Then we left and went to Henri’s birthday party- lovely food, camembert and wine, stuffed pancakes, kebabs, chicken etc. 

24th February 1980  Sunday. Very quiet restful day- E permitting! Still windy, but getting much hotter in the past few days. 25th February 1980  T is ‘off’’ his feeds- may be the heat or his age, or tummy trouble? Steve had an afternoon lecture so we didn’t go out. Dee languished under the sprinkler and in Emily’s paddling pool.  26th February 1980  We went swimming in the afternoon then went to visit the Ricketts and saw baby S, 6 months old. E was shy but ended up playing with C and R. Bello protesting about mid-week babysitting and turned up at 9.45, by which time Steve had just left to see films at Chris & Myah’s, Dee couldn’t go.  27th February 1980  Steve cancelled his last lecture. Sam went off to Jos. Went swimming at the Club- really warming up now. Went for a beer, then home. We had the Huytons and Dave Hughes round for dinner- pate, goulash, pineapple meringue pie, and played darts afterwards.  28th February 1980  Took T for his second DPT and polio inoculation- he didn’t cry at all. Joyce brought K round and left her for the morning. We played picture lotto and in the paddling pool. Later went swimming at the Club and had a drink with the Todds.  29th February 1980  Leap Year. Dee made beer and milk soup! And a chocolate biscuit cake. In the afternoon we went swimming and on to the Todds for tea and for E to play. Went to the SCAS Club in the evening and then on to the French house for mussels, sausages, soup, litres of red wine and whisky and much abandoned dancing! We left around 4am, rather shattered!

1st March 1980 We were woken up early (5.30am) by the kids! Less than 1 ½ hours’ sleep. Rather hungover. Did little until 4.30pm, when we went with the Todds for a picnic near the river- too far to walk down but we got a good view. Took pasties, cucumber and pate sandwiches and chocolate biscuit cake. Had an early night.  2nd March 1980 Sunday. Read most of the morning. The power was off all day and night – a fault at Kainji Dam. Went to the Club for a swim after lunch. Steve went on to play cricket up at the Probyn’s at Runjin Sambo (village north of Sokoto). Read by candlelight. 3rd March 1980  In the afternoon Dee took E and T to Ann’s to see Matthew’s rabbits and pigeons and have a play. Steve collected us and stayed for tea, The power was off all day- came back on about 6pm. Dee is reading ‘The Women’s Room’. Early night. 

4th March 1980  Joanna H born (Uni friends Karen and Paul in Sheffield). Dee dropped Steve off at College after break then took E to Joyce’s to play with K while Dee went shopping. No nan?? in the shops. E was okay on her own. Steve played squash. Went swimming. The twins were admiring T. We went to visit Antonio and stayed for a beer. 5th March 1980 Steve stayed in in the afternoon. Dee did some sunbathing. 6th March 1980 K came round to play with E for the morning. We went to the Club but the pool outlet was blocked and the water was dirty. So we went to Roger E’s, met the Todds there, but no water in his pool! Had tea and a chat. Returned home for salami toasties and banana loaf.  7th March 1980 The Todds brought El round to play in the afternoon and have tea. In the evening we went to the SCAS Club but didn’t stay long as we have a busy weekend ahead. 8th March 1980  We went swimming at Roger E’s small pool and had tea and cake. Went to John & Sue’s for a ‘get-together’ birthday celebration, and then went on to Henri’s leaving party. We consumed prawns and camembert and stayed quite late. 9th March 1980  Sunday Steve took E to the Nuttall-Smith’s twins fifth birthday party, stayed quite late watching films etc.  E won a prize for ‘fishing’. We went to the Querschi’s for an Anglo-Indian dinner, we had to take the kids as the steward didn’t turn up, but they slept. Very enjoyable Indian cooking. 

10th March 1980  Steve came back with some magazines from Josie, so Dee read most of the day. Steve cancelled his evening lecture. 11th March 1980 We went to the Club for swimming- E jumped in the big pool without armbands on, Penny rescued her! Stayed for a beer then went home and Steve cooked a meal. 12th March 1980 Did a bit of shopping in the afternoon then on to the Club for a swim followed by a beer. We had invited Antonio round for dinner but they didn’t turn up so after a wait we ate half of it! (stuffed eggs, curry, pineapple meringue pie). 13th March 1980  Antonio called round to apologise for not coming round yesterday. They came for dinner this evening instead and brought us some sausages (pork) and four avocadoes. We had the same dinner! K came round for the morning. Went swimming in the afternoon and Penny came back for tea, Steve gave them a lift back.  

14th March 1980  Went swimming (as usual!). We saw flags, bunting etc in town for Shagari’s visit for the Chancellor’s inauguration (University). Had a beer with the Todds. Steve went to Jock’s Lodge, saw Christmas slides of E etc.. Dee stayed in as T was coldy and she was tired. 15th March 1980 El was dropped off at 8am to spend the morning while Jan and Penny went to the Chancellor’s inauguration. Shehu Shagari (President of Nigeria 1979-1983 after the return from military to civilian rule, 1925-2018) was there. Went swimming in the afternoon. Evening (Bello didn’t turn up all day) we went to St Patrick’s celebration at John O’Day’s at ATC. Steve played the guitar, we took home-made wine and pate. E and T slept in a spare bedroom. 16th March 1980  Sunday. We went to the Club midday for beer and a curry lunch and a long leisurely afternoon swimming. T sat up on his own and played with Alicia. Steve was tired so didn’t go to play cricket. 

17th March 1980  Bello hasn’t turned up for work. Apparently he is on honeymoon (already has a child)! He still has the keys. Dee did the washing. Steve had an evening lecture so he dropped us off at the swimming pool and collected us later. Getting much hotter and humid. 18th March 1980  Dee dropped E off at Joyce’s and went and di the shopping. Picked up Steve and went home and then to the Club for a good steak and chips lunch (and beer!). A long afternoon swimming, the pool was very crowded later on. Steve played squash later on. 19th March 1980 Dee was busy all morning doing housework (no Bello). Went swimming again. The Probyns gave us some arm-bands for T. Steve watched football on TV and we had a drink. E played on a pile of sand with the Probyns. Had an early night. 20th March 1980 Went swimming, can’t remember what else happened. 21st March 1980  Went swimming at the Club and stayed on for a meal- egg and chips, got back quite late. We didn’t go out to Jock’s Lodge- no babysitter. Antonio called round to collect beer crates for a party. 

22nd March 1980  Getting very hot and humid now- 100 degrees in the house. Dee baked pineapple meringue pie for Antonio’s party. Steve went to market with Sue. Went swimming late afternoon. Nigeria won the African Cup vs Algeria 3-0. We went to Antonio’s party- took the children and they slept. Had curry etc. 

23rd March 1980  Sunday. Steve went for his Club interview at 12 and had to hang round for two hours. Dee took the kids for a swim, very hot and got quite sunburnt. There was a dust devil at the pool. E was rather tired and hot so we left about 4pm. In the evening we went to Joyce & Richard’s for a music evening. Paul R "did" David Bowie! Laid about and listened to music. 24th March 1980 They have started serving drinks at the bar at the Club pool. The interview result was successful. Bello didn’t turn up again- he sent a note saying he had to have injections. E stayed on at the Club with the Todds and had egg and chips. The Querschis, Todds, John & Sue came for a film show in our garden- The Living Rain Forest etc. We served home-made wine. The kids enjoyed it, especially E. 

25th March 1980  We went swimming at the Club and stayed on for egg and chips. We called at Antonio’s, but he wasn’t in. Patricia has left (for Italy) now. Collected eggs, then back for an early night. T and E kept waking up for drinks so we didn’t sleep well. 26th March 1980  T woke up covered with spots! It may be chickenpox as S and K had it. Took him to Dr George, who was unsure. Dee took E swimming, Steve was feverish and stayed at home to look after T. 

27th March 1980  We didn’t go out to the Club, due to T’s possible chickenpox. Dee put the key in the car ignition but it snapped in half and couldn’t get it out!, may be an expensive repair job. 28th March 1980  Steve went off in the morning to try and get the car repaired- saw Paul R. Mandilas said there were no cylinder locks in the whole of Sokoto State! Eventually the SCAS mechanic supplied one at N18 and repaired it, thank God! Managed to borrow N200 from Faisal as he couldn’t stop the remittance, we only have N130 to last over three weeks, pay electricity bill and car parts. No Bello, so we didn’t go to Jock’s Lodge. 

29th March 1980 Dee went shopping in the morning with E, went to the bookshop and to the Club for a mid-morning coke. Dee took E swimming in the afternoon, there were no children there.  30th March 1980  Sunday. Steve took E to the Todds then we all went to the Club for a curry lunch and a swim. The Russians were swimming. T was a bit fretful and feverish in the afternoon.  31st March 1980  Joyce called round with K in the morning. Still no Bello. Steve was late back due to end-of-term sorting out and a field trip. Steve went to Jan & Penny’s to borrow a suitcase. Didn’t go swimming. T was feverish and bleary-eyed. Had an early night, but T woke up.  

..........................April 1980 to  May 1980 coming later..........................................

...............................Plans to leave Sokoto towards the end of the contract.................................

25th May 1980  Sunday. Slightly hungover and tired! We went to the Club for a late lunch- steak and chips. We talked to Judith F, who is also leaving. We had a swim at the pool. Dee woke up in the night feeling unwell.  26th May 1980  Steve had exam invigilation. Did some shopping. In the afternoon went to the Club for a swim, beer and steak and chips with the Todds and Roger I.   27th May 1980  Steve had more exam invigilation. Went shopping in the afternoon and then to the Club to watch cartoons on TV and have a beer. It rained very heavily at 11.30pm, it woke us all up- the first really heavy rain.  28th May 1980  Steve was chasing up cheques etc. at work. It was much cooler today, down to the 80s. In the afternoon Ann B and Mat came round to play and for tea. Then we went to the Querschi’s for a chat and a drink. E is apparently mixing more now at nursery school.   29th May 1980  Steve managed to get the cheques, but the tax card was made out wrongly. Picked up E from nursery school, went to the bank to pay in cheques, and to the Club for a beer, egg and chips and a swim- E enjoyed ‘sliding’ as there was only a little water in the pool. We went to dinner at the Beckwiths with Stan Smith, Dave H. Had delicious Indian meal.   30th May 1980  We went to the Club for a swim. Didn’t go out in the evening.    31st May 1980  In the evening we went to the Federal Government College’s ‘Children’s night’, but no-one turned up until nearly 9pm. It turned out to be their Speech Day, then there was free beer all round! E played boisterously with Loic and El. 

1st June 1980  Sunday. Lazy morning. Late afternoon we went to the Club for a swim, quite cold and few people there. Called at ATC. In the evening we went to a musical evening- ‘Two-way Family Favourites’ with ‘requests’ by Dave C and Paul- quite funny.  2nd June 1980  Dee went with Steve for a frustrating morning at the bank, SCAS etc trying to sort out remittances etc. Flights from Sokoto to Kano are all booked up. We had to take T as Mohammed was at hospital with a bad hand. The Querschis called round late afternoon. Steve had to go to College late pm to collect books.   3rd June 1980  The power was off all morning. After lunch we went to the Club for a swim and took a camera to take photos. Went for a few beers! Then we took eggs and bread to Jan & Penny’s and had a joint effort meal there. It poured with rain as we left their house.  4th June 1980  In the afternoon we packed up the crate- the house is now looking quite bare! The trader called- we bought two cow horn carved birds for N5. More hassles for Steve at the bank- it can’t process leave pay until the end of the month. Dee still feeling hunger/gnawing pangs.  5th June 1980  Steve had exam invigilation in the afternoon- he dropped Dee and kids off at the Club at 1.30. The pool was nearly empty then it poured with rain so we had to take shelter in the clubhouse. Dee killed a scorpion. We walked about halfway home, Steve picked us up, went to Nadia’s and back to the Club for a drink.    6th June 1980  The power was off in the morning. We went to the Club for swimming in the afternoon, and stayed for egg and chips with the Todds and sister. Mohammed didn’t turn up for babysitting, got a boy out the back and went to the SCAS Club. 7th June 1980  Quiet day. Steve had to invigilate exams at 8am. We tried to get a new electric ring- no joy at Nadia’s. The fuse keeps going on ours. Dee went to the Crabtrees to borrow an electric kettle and paint for the crate. T is really beginning to crawl now.   8th June 1980  Sunday. We went to the Club for steak and chips, followed by a swim. Then we called on the Querschis, E is playing much more extrovertly now. Steve collected a gas cylinder (hooray!), kindly leant by Dominique. There was a storm late at night and the power went off.  9th June 1980  We had gas at last, so Dee cooked cake, biscuits, steak and kidney pie and baked spuds! The power was off all day until 6pm. Labelled the crate. We called briefly on the Browns. Went to the Club just for a beer, got bitten by mossies.   10th June 1980  E was feverish, so we kept her off nursery school. We couldn’t get clearance from Central Bank for the crate. We went to the Club swimming, then had the Todds and sister round for tea, John and Dave H called round. Clive Probyn called later to discuss taking the crates down to Kano (they were leaving Sokoto at about the same time. It was very difficult to get flights from Sokoto to Kano and on to UK, we would likely have missed the flight connection, particularly at the end of an academic year when many expats returned home. So we decided to drive to Kano to make sure we got our flight home). T is standing regularly in his cot now. Made mussel supreme.  11th June 1980  Steve left at 7am for Kano in Sam’s friend’s Peugeot 504 taxi with our crate, Clive P in another car. Returned to give Dee the keys- Sam chased after them! Dee went to ATC to return the paint and called at Nigeria Airways office to reserve seats, but no success. Called at SCAS but no mail. The power went off in the night again.    12th June 1980  Dee took Bernice into College for an exam, then collected her. Mohammed didn’t turn up for work. Steve returned from Kano at 3pm. We went to the Club, had a beer, took Eleanor home. Jan has malaria.   13th June 1980  Went swimming in the afternoon. In the evening we went to Ian and Brid’s wedding party held at Jan’s house, we gave Dave H and John & Sue a lift. It looked like there was going to be a storm, but it didn’t materialise.  14th June 1980  Steve took E to see Dr George regarding some septic spots, was given penicillin for her and Tom, they are to be bathed separately etc. Kept her in the house; did more shopping. Didn’t go out in the evening.    

15th June 1980  Sunday. In the morning we went out round the old town taking photos from the car window. Went to the Club for a beer and back for streak and mushroom pie. Dee felt sick for the rest of the day. Kept E in the house, the spots are clearing up.  16th June 1980  Dee was ill with gut-rot, not able to eat or do much. Took E and T to the doctor’s, she gave them some more penicillin. Joyce called round with an invitation to Simon’s birthday party. The bank has still not got April/May remittance ready – they seem to be making things difficult!  17th June 1980  Dee feeling better but weak. Steve took E swimming at the Club and left Dee in (relative!) peace. E’s spots seem to be clearing up. In the evening we went to Roads Nigeria Club for a drink, only two others turned up later! but it made a change. Big storm late at night.    

18th June 1980  In the afternoon Dee took E to S’s birthday party, we made a card and gave him a drum. Left her there, and returned later, having been at the Club with Steve and T.  E had been rather shy and quiet. The power was off for a while when we got back.     19th June 1980  Dee and T went to the hospital to take in a specimen- had to refer to a gynaecological doctor and couldn’t find her, and was unsuccessful in having Cholera injection cards stamped. S took Dee in again later, was examined and declared to be 4-6 weeks pregnant!  We went to the Club for a drink and went swimming. E vomited about six times. Cooked a (frozen) roast chicken dinner.      20th June 1980  S had gut-rot. Dee went into the hospital to get the results - positive, and took Sue on to SCAS. Kept E off nursery school. The Querschis called round for tea and sandwiches. In the evening we went to the SCAS Club but it was closed as there was no power, so we returned home!    

21st June 1980  Dee went off for the morning to the shops and to the Club for a solitary swim and sun-bathe, made a lovely change. The Todds called round. Mohammed skived off most of the day.     22nd June 1980  Sunday. We went to the Club for a curry lunch followed by a swim, the pool was fairly quiet. Back for a rest, then went to watch Bakolori (Italians, dam project) versus Sokoto football match held at the ATC ground. Early night.     23rd June 1980  We went to the ban k to collect remittance and did some shopping (took Sue). Got some gentian violet powder for E. Went into SCAS. Late afternoon the Todds called round, and Roger E. T is really standing up well now, holding on to furniture.  

24th June 1980  E’s sore spots are responding well to gentian violet. Early morning we went to the hospital, Steve and T had a cholera injection, Dee had Yellow Fever/Cholera card stamped (as pregnant, exempt). E cried as she didn’t have the Cholera! No need for smallpox vaccination now. In the afternoon we went to the Club for a swim, only Dee went in.  25th June 1980  S went to the College of Education to look at the TES, but there were no jobs in the latest issues. We had coffee at the Crabtrees. Dee spent the morning baking. We told Mohammed and Mallam Sani that we are leaving. Steve and E visited the Todds and Querschis, but unfruitfully. Had (another!) early night.    26th June 1980  We can pick up leave pay and June remittance next week after all. We visited the Querschis in the afternoon and the kids played together. They lent us ‘Rich Man, Poor Man’ and two other books, so Dee was kept busy. Later they picked up Steve and we then went to Roads Nigeria Club for a drink.  

27th June 1980  Went swimming in the afternoon. In the evening we went to Roger Elliott’s for a small send-off party, mainly University people. Went on to the SCAS Club at 1am, but didn’t stay long.  28th June 1980  We went to the airport to see Jan, Penny and Eleanor Todd off (returning to UK).  The Crabtrees were also going, but didn’t get on the plane as (like us) they were on request. Lots of people there. Then we went on to the shops. Made mussel supreme and had an early night. 

It poured with rain late at night and on into Sunday morning.     29th June 1980  Sunday. Quiet day. It rained early morning, cloudy and cool. In the afternoon we went into the old town and bought a nice red leather holdall, then went to the Club for a drink, no swimming. The power and water were off all over during early evening.    30th June 1980  Dee did some baking. E is reciting the alphabet at nursery school, up to G now. We are gradually sorting things out, throwing old things away etc. We didn’t need the fan last night.    1st July 1980  Steve’s first day of leave. We went swimming in the afternoon, and got a Sunday Times from the Hotel. Mrs Esa gave us a dozen eggs free. In the evening we went to the Querschis for dinner, had delicious Indian food. On return, Mohammed was asleep and kids awake, T was crawling all over the place!    

2nd July 1980  The ‘draft’ is not ready- go back Friday! A quiet day, feeling tired. Did more packing up. Rained heavily early morning. Went to see the SCAS site (new one). Went to the Club for a drink.   3rd July 1980  We packed our suitcases. The power was off most of the day. Until 10pm. Went to the Club- no water. We dropped off camel?  and toys at the Browns and playpen at Peter’s, then to the Hotel for a last drink there. The Browns called round for tea. In the evening we went to John & Sue’s for a farewell drink, with Roger and Dave H.     4th July 1980  T has four top teeth coming through! We went to the Club for lunch- chicken and rice, and had a short swim. Then went to the bank and had to wait until 3,30pm for the draft cheque. Finally packed up. We went to the SCAS Club, driven by John & Sue, who are buying our car. Drinks were free for us, and we had kebabs. The Querschis drove us home about midnight.   

5th July 1980  Sam woke us up about 6am, he brought us a pot of tea. Fed the kids, and then we were off in Sam’s friend’s taxi just after 7am (note, no confirmed seats on the Sokoto to Kano plane, overbooked, so decided to get to Kano by road so we didn’t miss the Kano-London flight). We arrived in Kano about 12 midday- had a flat tyre by the time we got to the Central Hotel! Got a voucher for free meals and room with a cot. We bought some artefacts, took photo of courting weaver birds. Had a four-course dinner sent up to the room.    6th July 1980  Sunday. We had a good breakfast in the hotel, but no-one was very hungry! We took a taxi to Kano airport at 10am- things went smoothly. The Browns, Thomas’, Alabasters were on the flight as well. The kids slept for a short time on the plane.  T ‘exploded’ just before landing! The Murrays met us and drove us to Peacehaven (drizzling), had a meal and in bed late, T in a new travelling cot. Rang A&O.    

7th July 1980  Dee and Steve went to the Bank and Post Office to send off everyone’s mail etc. Before lunch we went to the Roebuck at Laughton for a drink, the children were allowed inside. E watched TV (note, we had no TV in Sokoto, so this was a real novelty), T was busy all over the place! – new toys and clothes. It rained, so we couldn’t go for a walk.   

 8th July 1980  Dee and Steve went into Brighton shopping, bought items for the children. Stopped for a drink on the way back. It rained most of the day and was cold. In the afternoon we went to Drusilla’s Zoo. Rang Adrian. 

9th July 1980  Dee, Steve and E went into Brighton, bought some jumpers but couldn’t find a coat for E. Steve had a tooth repaired, but it was glued at the wrong angle! In the afternoon we went to Eastbourne, E played in a playground. Still very cold (12 degrees) and raining most of the day.  10th July 1980  S’s mother was ill with a tummy bug so we couldn’t leave for Wellingborough as planned. Dee and S took the kids for a walk after lunch along the cliff tops and to the shopping centre.   11th July 1980  We left Peacehaven about 9.30am, called at S’s grandmother’s at Morden en route. We arrived in Wellingborough about 3pm. All in order at the house, nice to be back. My brother A (who had been living at our new house in Wellingborough since we returned to Sokoto in October 1979, looking after the house, he moved to his new bungalow in Duston, Northampton on 19 July)) returned from work at 7pm. We had a fish’n chip supper and strawberries and ice-cream.

The transcribing for our ‘Sokoto Diary’ ends here, as we arrived back in Wellingborough on 11^th July 1980. 

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

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