In the dark

1 Yes, it was dark when I turned into Chartham Park. But I was not alone: the car behind me also turned left into the estate. As I walked from the car, other cars arrived. One of the two staff at the counter was on the telephone; the other was dealing with a member. When I reached the pool, there were four swimmers already in the water. So I joined two in the main section. There I swam for the time that it took to complete 42 lengths.

1.1 Afterwards, I bought and pot of tea and read The Times. In particular, I read Danny Finkelstein's article. Had there been no cloud, I could have watched the sun rise; alas, there was a full cover of cloud, so I couldn't.

2 So I was clean and bright when I joined some others in the Common at Sackville College. When the meeting began, there were 18 people in the room, including the warden and the administrator. I reckoned that perhaps three were under 60; otherwise, of the others some ten or 11 were 70 or over. Naturally enough, if you call a meeting for the morning, then only the elderly or old can attend. There were familiar people, including Peter and Joan Roberts.

3 Following a slowly-spoken contribution from the warden, Graham Edwards, there with Anne, spoke about the job. From 11 June, the College will be open for five afternoons a week; each opening calls for two guides. The season run to the beginning of September, about 14 weeks. He spoke of a mean requirement of seven attendances, about one a fortnight, across the season. In addition, there will be the Saturdays. By the time I left, I had determined to be a guide for this coming season and perhaps for the 2012 season. Following two seasons, I would re-consider.

3.1 To the RBL for fish-and-chips. I sat next to Dorothy Hartswell. We talked about Martin Green, about the museum, the community play, and the planned extension. That is, there is a plan, but as yet, no money.

3.2 To Argos to the young man and his pregnant partner. 10/02 I waited whilst they used the catalogue to buy bits and pieces for their flat. I paid the bill; we loaded the car, and I drove them to the flat. Routine business for your friendly, neighbourhood SSAFA caseworker.

3.3 Back to the client in Sackville College. Much of the IKEA furniture has been assembled, so I was able to sit on the sofa whilst he sat in a round-backed, padded chair. Previously, we had sat on wooden chairs at a small table. We spoke of the uses to which a charitable grant can be put.

3.4 Home, a sandwich, and Liam may collect me in time for bridge in Forest Row. 10/02 Liam enjoyed the session: five tables, five boards a table, conversation but no noise. All amiable. Liam is disenchanted with the Maypole club. If he had a Forest Row partner then he would be ready to switch from the Maypole to Forest Row. A meandering, low-level monologue on the way back. The absence of 'Now, what do you think? Thus said, a companionable session. We will not attend the Maypole session this evening.

4 Once again I was into the pool by 0640. There I remained until I had swimmed 40 lengths. Ten minutes with the Daily Mail. Home, breakfast, and on with business.