Catalogue

Interview
237, MA200/140/108
Mantle Oral History Project

Speaker: Ketcher, Fred, 1915 - 1994, Interviewee, Male, Driver; Quarryman; Royal Air Force, driver;
Speaker: Noble, Len, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Recalls a friend from Bardon and moving to Bardon when his mother remarried in 1922. Talks about leaving school and starting work at Bardon Quarry, describes his job there. Describes becoming a lorry driver and how to drive a Model T Ford car. Talks about the Everard family. Recalls working for haulage firm, Dick Wheatley's of Hugglescote, as a driver, describes this job and other driving work in detail. Mentions joining the Royal Air Force as a driver in 1940, describes various experiences whilst in the armed forces during the Second World War. On demobilisation became a bus driver eventually working for the Midland Red Bus Company for twenty six years. Describes various shops and businesses in Coalville and bus maintenance. Describes the work his step father did at the quarry mills and the machinery in the mills. Recalls in detail the different houses he has lived in since childhood and the conditions. Talks about his childhood, including the food he ate, childhood games, the garden and keeping livestock. Mentions carol singing at Bardon House and the Everard family and the takeover of the quarry by the Toms.
Place of birth: Coalville, Leicestershire
Education: Bardon school; (Until 13 years old)
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Bardon; Coalville
Periods Covered: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Language: English

Recording Date: 7/4/1991
Playing time: 40 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.