Catalogue

Interview
228, DW400/021
David Wood Collection

Speaker: Bevin, Harry, 1908 - , Interviewee, Male, Farmer
Speaker: Wood, D., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recording of talk to Hinckley Local History Group recalling his life history. Recalls scholarship to Wyggeston Boy's School in Leicester and having to leave school at fourteen due to his father's death in the First World War. Describes job as an office boy and decision to emigrate to Australia to work on the land in 1925. Describes departure from Leicester's Midland Station on London Road and journey via London and Tilbury to the ship. Describes in detail the journey by ship and the places visited on route, such as Port Said (Port Side), Colombo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Freemantle and Adelaide. Details how he got work in Bendigo, Victoria, on the Murray river and was separated from his friend, who eventually joined him. Describes the farm he was working on, the work he did, the crops grown and the livestock. Describes the effects the 'Wall Street Crash' had on farming prices and the farm he was working on. Recalls leaving the farm and his friend Bill, to travel in search of new work. Describes time spent in Wellington, New Zealand and travelling back to Southampton and Leicester. Gives a details of the locks on the Panama Canal. Recalls going to a dance while in Australia. Also talks about water and passing his driving test in Australia. Describes the farming work he did on retun to England, his move to Barwell and eventual move to Peckleton in 1937, to Hill Foot Farm.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education: Wyggeston boys school, Leicester
Marital Status: Married, Children: Sons:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester, Barwell, Peckleton, Bendingo
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 1/1/1989
Playing time: 43 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: D. Wood/EMOHA
Summary: No
Transcription: Yes
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.