Catalogue

Interview
2254, WA/02
Wathes Collection

Speaker: Mason, Malcolm, 1939 - 0, Interviewee, Male, Electrical engineer
Speaker: Hyde, C, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Outlines family background, reasons for joining TH Wathes, Leicester. Explains state of refrigeration after Second World War, how people kept things cool, electrical wiring in average house. Mentions tactics for coping with dyslexia, initial problems when undiagnosed at school. Recalls first day at work, mentions premises in Applegate Street, St Nicholas Circle, St Margarets Way. Describes various jobs, need to calculate energy needed for cooling, anecdotes, relaxed attitude to health and safety, dealing with refrigerants, mixed attitudes to trade unions, pay, missing National Service due to health problems. Outlines work with other companies, brief period in Canada, rejoining Wathes in 1970s. Reflects on changes in technology, expansion of Wathes, changes in work. Talks about decline of Frigidaire's fortunes, American-style advertising, refrigerator as status symbol in the home.
Place of birth: Birstall, Leicestershire
Education:
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Joiner; Carpenter
Mother's Occupation: Overlocker
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s
Language: English

Recording Date: 20/11/2002
Playing time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: Yes
Cross Reference: EM/103/YC

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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.