Catalogue

Interview
2186, EM/121
EMOHA project

Speaker: Anon., 1921 - 0, Interviewee, Female, Shop assistant; caterer
Speaker: Morris, M, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Describes home village of Newton Burgoland, Leicestershire. Outlines family background, father was a prisoner of war in World War I (WWI), describes house, gardens, changes in village, local fields. Recalls a visit to Leicester, impressions of the market. Mentions health, school nurse, being aware of children who were 'not clean'. Describes weekly routine in home, where food came from, smell of local Stilton dairy lingering on workers. Talks about meeting husband, courtship. Mentions local midwife 'Granny Harrison', describes in detail routine when siblings born. Describes Sunday School activities, attending local school, mention of Co-operative gala. Recalls childhood toys & games, typical Christmas at home, home grown food, lack of services in village, Ashby Statutes (fair), oil lamps & use of front room at home, beer at harvest time. Talks about awareness of social class, harvest festival, Armistice Day. Describes working in Kempin's tobacconist's shop on London Road, Leicester, reason for getting job, befriending other girls in Leicester, wages. Mention of courting husband, bombs falling locally during World War II, routine in shop, tobacco & other products sold. Talks about work at Standard Telephones and Cables, compares girls from different working backgrounds. Describes work at, owners of, 'Bonne Temp' clothes shop, mentions owning fashionable standard poodle. Describes in detail her rationing-affected wedding day, 1942. Mentions birth of daughters, one of whom got enteritis but survived. Mentions gaining allotment, becoming independent of shops. Reflects on visiting Newton Burgoland but not wanting to return. Talks about building up catering business in 1950s, also voluntary catering for Widow's Club, Leicester, also eight years for Mr & Mrs Gutteridge the undertakers. Describes meeting husband for Victory in Europe day (VE Day). Recalls coronation of Elizabeth II, first televison, first radio. Talks about expense of living on London Road, large houses and familes on London Road, New Walk, Salisbury Road. Mention of Mr Leek, tailor. Details how did laundry.
Place of birth: Newton Burgoland, Leics.
Education: Newton Burgoland School
Marital Status: Married, Children: Daughters: 2
Father's Occupation: Farm labourer
Mother's Occupation: Cook, housewife
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Newton Burgoland, Leicester
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 26/7/2001
Playing time: 6 hrs
Access Restrictions: Name withheld 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.