Catalogue

Interview
115, MA200/125/125
Mantle Oral History Project

Speaker: Anon, 1917 - , Interviewee, Male, Coal mining; Mechanic;
Speaker: Carswell, J., Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls his early life in North Street, Hugglescote, including shavings being used to deaden the sound of horses, holidaying at Skegness, the fish and chip van and seeing the airships R100 and R101. Also recalls childhood play and games, dances, boxing, billiards and Sunday school. Remembers Cobden's Air Circus. Chronicles the houses he lived in as a child and his schools. Recalls starting work at fifteen as a laboratory assistant at the oil plant at Lount, before moving to Midland Red Buses as a mechanic. During the Second World War worked for Pegsons before starting work down the mine as a fitter as Desford Colliery. Describes training at Whitwick pit and moving to South Leicestershire mine, where his father worked. Gives more detail of his work. Talks about the sport he played and meeting his wife. Recalls wages earned and the price of beer and cigarettes. Talks about drunkenness and absenteeism from work. Recalls mine safety, medical facilities and baths at the pit. Mentions being a keen motor cyclist.
Place of birth: Hugglescote, Leicestershire
Education: Hugglescote Church of England school; Coalville Grammar school
Marital Status: Married, Children: Sons: 1
Father's Occupation: Miner
Mother's Occupation: Housewife
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Hugglescote, Coalville
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s,
Language: English

Recording Date: 12/4/1991
Playing time: 48 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
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.