File 1981 - Letters of 1981

262 letters paper

Letters to and from Robbie Jennings where Jennings has advised Pars to use John Killen as his executor. There is one very long letter where Pars is encouraged to hang on to his house in Acton before making a rash decision on it. Jennings has a gruelling work schedule. He will be Keeper of the records at the College. In another letter, Jennings writes to say that he's just been made or elected rather, a judge of the International Court of Justice at the Hague. Jennings and Killen are co-executors of Pars's will. See also several letters from to and from John Killen. In one Pars says he'd like to invite two guests to the Rustat Feast-David Lloyd George and Norman Costar who are good friends, only Pars worries that Lloyd George will turn up drunk, "He is a charming creature-but seldom sober". Pars's stockbroker has bought share in Intervision Video. Eileen is now running his house in Acton and looking after his cat. Killen came down to Acton to see a play with Pars. Pars wonders why Derek Taunt was not re-elected as President. Did it have something to do with his wife requesting money for the wine provided at evening talks?? Killen is delighted to act as executor of Pars's will. Both disapprove of the condom dispensers in the men's bathroom but Killen points out that students are far less aggressive and problematic than they were ten years ago. Pars is most upset that he will no longer be able to have his breakfasts as the kitchens are now closed on Sundays. He's nostalgic for the days when servants were good and plentiful. Pars feels more and more alienated from the College (the College is still in financial crisis). M.J. Pallett (Michael) is his stockbroker. Letters to and from Duncan McKie. McKie explains all the new roles for the Steward, Manciple and Bursar. It's an appeasing letter. Pars is donating the Gloucester Cathedral Goblet to the College and McKie thanks Pars for his unique donation. Pars claims that much has changed during his years at the College, "what has disappeared, alas, is the spirit of loyalty to the College". Letters to and from the Master and his wife Jean. Pars has gone back to referring to them by their formal titles. The Master thanks Pars for the decanter which commemorates the Queen Mother's 80th birthday. Only 250 were produced. He asks permission to bring Norman Costar and David Lloyd George (can't come) to the Rustat Feast. Both live in Brighton. Pars nominated Taunt for the Presidency and now tells the Master. According to Pars, Taunt is not a scholar of real distinction (jealousy?) and his wife should not be asking for wine money (the real reason Pars is miffed). He told Killen something very different. Pars also claims that he is very fond of Michael Waring "who's able, albeit a trifle unstable". He mentions Waring is trying to get a proper legal divorce. The Master has taken Pars's advice in terms of when the President's term should start (beg. of the academic year). There is also mention of a dinner party to celebrate Pars's 60th anniversary of his Fellowship. Neither person suggested by Pars was given an Honorary Fellowship: Norman Costar or Leslie Brown. The three of them (Master and wife) are still going to the opera, theatre and symphony. Pars is retiring from the JCCS committee. Letter to and from Michael Waring re a trip they are taking to Devon together. Note from Ilya. Letters from Jeremy Butterfield. Letter to and from David Blackadder re the Senior Tutorship. He very much wants to be nominated. Letter to and from David Fieldhouse. Pars introduces himself. Again he airs his views on women in the College and states that Arthur Gray would roll over in his grave if he knew of the change. Letter from Cameron Wilson wherein he writes that Pars has become synonomous with the College. Letter from the Bishop of Ely who congratulates Pars on his 60th anniversary of his Fellowship. Letter from Alan Percival and to him. Letter to Derek and Angela Taunt wherein Pars thanks them for his birthday present. Pars is also very upset that Leslie Brown was not elected as an Honorary Fellow. Letters to and from Pelham whom Pars has invited to go to China with him but he declines the offer graciously. Letter to and from Austin (Keeper of the Silver). Pars apologizes for his bad behaviour which was due to his not feeling well. Letters to and from Gavin McKenzie who was made Senior Tutor. Letters from Ernest and Dora Booth. He is feeling sorry for himself. Ernest no longer writes as his hand trembles too much. They are also old and are finding it difficult to get about. Many letters to and from Pars's housekeeper Eileen. She handles all of his domestic affairs, but Pars must not send her too much money as she can barely afford to pay the gardener. She lists her expenses. She is always running out of money (she has to pay all utility bills too). She usually needs £140 for housekeeping money and £120 for her wages. Even Teddy (the cat) costs £4 a week to feed. She also seems to think that there is some pilfering going on in the house (Pars thinks she is simply being forgetful). She also mentions the Royal Wedding. Letter from cousin Joan. Royalty statements. Caricature of Sir Alan Cottrell from the Times (July 17). He is 62. Letter from Norman Costar. Letter to and from Peter Robbins. He has a few choice words to say about Ronald Reagan. Note from Barry Rider. Letter re Pars's purchase of the Gloucester Cathedral Goblet from the company. Letters to and from Mr Matthews in Combe Martin. Pars mentions that Michael Waring takes him flying every so often. He also mentions Waring's divorce is officially through and that he has a ten-year-old boy. Philip Hall is celebrating his 80th and the London Mathematical Society is looking for contributions for a book to honour Hall. Edward Hardy has died and there will be a funeral in the College. Letter from Bobby Gittings. Postcard of congratulations from Jim Roseblade. Kathy Wheeler writes from Girton several times. Donations to charities increase. Letter from Bill Saslaw. Postcard from students Ian Golliford and Jeremy Ness from the Dolomites. Letter from Gordon Hutchinson. Regular correspondence with his doctor (Dr. Reiss). Letter from old friend Christopher Benson from North Devon. Pars is still dealing with expenses from Dora's period of illness and there is more on Dora's will. Letters from Pars's stockbroker. Estimate of total earnings from the College for 1981-1982. Letter to and from Sir William who's just turned 80. Letters to and from David Lloyd George. He met John Killen for the first time and told Pars he thought he was a "charming, cultured and erudite man". David has fractured his femur. He now spends most of his free time in the park feeding the sparrows. He's been asked by the Swansea Historical and Liberal Clubs to lecture on his grandfather-a tory in a liberal club he exclaims! Several letters from Marshalls including to and from Arthur Marshall. They know each other quite well. There is correspondence with Mr. Parsely and complaints made against him. Michael Marshall had a christening party in Pars's rooms in 1932!