I AM working on a scholarly study of York from July to October 1939, the last few weeks of peace and the beginning of war.

I have a lot of material, but I am now appealing to be allowed to see any private diaries kept in the period which have material on the subject and date. They may be readers’ own diaries or those of relations, friends or contacts.

Any material relating to war and peace, evacuation, the blackout, air raid precautions, local government, financial implications or anything similar would be greatly appreciated, so long as entries were made at the time rather than reminiscences. I would be extremely grateful if I could collect the diaries, make extracts and return them without delay. The diary keeper would be identified by his/her own name or a pseudonym, according to their wishes. I would be most interested in diaries of York residents, but any from the surrounding area would also be welcome.

David Rubinstein, 6 Portland Street, York (01904 638431).