Catalogue

Interview
70, MA200/071/071
Mantle Oral History Project

Speaker: Mc Auley, H., 1948 - , Interviewee, Male, Maintenance fitter;
Speaker: Peace, S., Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Talks about the community spirit in Coalville, Leicestershire, and why he wanted to settle in the town. Talks about the Miners' Welfare club, its place with in the local community and how much it is missed. Describes coming to Coalville in 1968 and marrying. Describes how his job as a maintenance fitter was dependent on the coal industry and how his work was affected by the pit closures. Recalls how recession in the 1970s and early 80s hit everyone locally and he had to go to Luton for work. Now works at Model Board. Says that newspapers predicted Coalville's demise in the late 1980s, but in fact the development of new industries has created a boom town. Comments on encouragement of new industries to Coalville due to available labour and retraining of workforce. Sees future employment for children in the area. Talks about mining family and the tight-knit mining community. Comments on lack of leisure facilities for the local youth, maintaining the mining heritage, local shopping facilities and the loss of the outdoor market. Comments on Snibston Discovery Park museum, and the future of Coalville. Reflects on how the pit closures affected his wife's hairdressing business.
Place of birth: Belfast, Northern Ireland
Education: to O' level
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Commissionaire
Mother's Occupation: Housewife
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place:
Periods Covered: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s
Language: English

Recording Date: 30/4/1990
Playing time:
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.