Catalogue

Interview
300, WF/007/H06/A
Westfield Collection

Speaker: Milton, Ron,, 1907 - , Interviewee, Male, Hosiery worker; Army service;
Speaker: Hyde, Colin, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Interview with husband and wife. Recalls childhood and the different houses the family lived in, in Clarendon Road and Priesthills, Hinckley. Describes the houses and domestic work such as washing day. Recalls the start of the First World War and the armistice. Describes play as a child, including hopscotch, snobs, whip and top and other pastimes, such as cigarette card collecting. Talks about supporting Leicester City Football Club, listening to records and the arrival of the radio in their home in 1922. Describes listening to programmes on the radio such as the Savoy Orpheus and Jack Payne and his band, as well as radio plays. Talks about being lucky to go to Trinity Lane school, describes classes including cookery, woodwork, reading, writing and arithmetic. Recalls the schools in Hinckley, their locations and the attendance man checking on absentees. Describes rationing and queuing for food during the First World War. Talks about career choices being dictated by wages and location, describes transport available, bikes, motorbikes, cars. Recalls Cable Street as the main shopping centre, the Co-ops in Hill Street and Clarendon Road and the various trades delivery men and shops in Hinckley. Mentions Maples, Milliners and Pridmores shops. Talks about the dance hall and the pictures and the church, including the Girls' Friendly Society. Recalls the vicars of St Mary's, Hurrell, and Holy Trinity, Griffiths, during the First World War, and Sunday school treats. Recalls the Co-op Gala, the Horsefair and Collins fair in Lancaster Road. Describes other entertainment and courting activities in Hinckley. Describes work in the hosiery industry and service in the army during the Second World War. Recalls being issued with gas masks, the blackout, air raids and American soldiers.
Place of birth: Hinckley, Leicester
Education: Trinity School;
Marital Status: Single, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation: Domestic service; cook
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Hinckley
Periods Covered: 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 28/1/1994
Playing time: 1 hr 51 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: HOHP
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference: WF/007/H06/B

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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.