Catalogue

Interview
50, MA200/051/051
Mantle Oral History Project

Speaker: Sykes, Hilda, 1908 - , Interviewee, Female, Hosiery; Domestic service; Retail.
Speaker: Carswell, J., Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls early family life in South Wigston, including school, religion, discipline, recollections of the First World War, mother's illness and father moving without the family. Describes childhood illness and other health problems she was aware of as a child, such as tuberculosis, (TB), diphtheria and scarlet fever. Talks about lack of sex education and first sexual experience. Describes working in a factory before moving into domestic service. Describes the various positions held and different types of work she did in domestic service. Describes meeting and marrying husband, also visiting a pub for the first time. Talks about work in local grocery shop. Recalls outbreak of Second World War, during visit to London, and continues with extensive description of the war years, looking at such things as rationing; war work; profiteering; propaganda; air raids and evacuees. Recalls the birth of her first child, her children's health and comments on the health care available in 1940s and 1950s. Recalls returning to domestic work in late 1960s.
Place of birth: South Wigston, Leicestershire
Education: Bassett Street infants, Junior school, South Wigston Secondary Modern school.
Marital Status: Married, Children: Daughters: 2
Father's Occupation: Mechanic
Mother's Occupation: Shoe worker
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: South Wigston; Kirby Muxloe.
Periods Covered: 1910s,1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
Language: English

Recording Date: 25/1/1989
Playing time: 2 hrs 20 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.