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Interview
227, DW400/019
David Wood Collection

Speaker: Payne, Artie, - , Interviewee, Male,
Speaker: Wood. D, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Describes Barwell's rural nature before 1914. Talks about the coming of the shoe trade to Barwell between 1914- 1918. Describes the development of housing and industry in Barwell and increase in prosperity and population. Mentions industrialist George Ward and his negotiations with Thomas Powers the local landowner. Describes the shops and other facilities in Barwell, such as bus transport. Recalls the village pump, the Blacksmith's Arms public house, Conservative and Liberal club, different Methodist chapels and home entertainments. Recalls various local personalities, including W.W. Hill, a schoolmaster, Edward Hall, William Freer' a shoe shop owner' and Alderman George Ward. Talks about the effect of a large emigration to the USA and Canada by Barwell people. Recalls father joining the army during the First World War, resulting in lost grammar school opportunity and having to start work. Describes the Second World War, bombing and fear of bombing, women's ability to feed families on the rations' and the views of Coventry being bombed. Recalls a meteorite falling. Describes the local political rivalry between Liberal and Conservative, memories of a parliamentary election' and hearing Lloyd George speak in Barwell Square. Recalls more details about Thomas Powers and the philanthropy of Richard Titley. Describes a theatre group known as the 'Blood Hut' and visiting the cinema in Earl Shilton, giving details of a fire. Recalls silent and talking films and listening to the wireless on an early crystal set.
Place of birth: Barwell, Leicestershire
Education: Elementary
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Barwell
Periods Covered: 1910s,1920s 1940s,
Language: English

Recording Date: 27/6/1984
Playing time: 30 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: D.Wood
Summary: No
Transcription: Yes
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:


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Last updated: 08/05/02
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