Catalogue

Interview
939, LO/294/245
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Crooks, Albert, 1915 - , Interviewee, Male, Farmer
Speaker: Kirrane, S, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls family's small transport firm and farm in the 1920s. Describes in some detail his father's transport business, the kind of vehicles used and the different material transported. Also describes how his father farmed alongside this business. Details father's first lorry and carbon lamp. Describes how far back the family were involved in transport and how father gave up business for full time farming due to factories setting up their own transport. Recalls the move to Pawdy Rise Farm, Barrow on Soar, Leicestershire and the contrast in amenities between town and farm living. Describes the hand method of milking and low prices paid for produce during the 1920s and 1930s. Mentions miners working on the farm during the General Strike in 1926. Describes winter animal feed, catching rabbits, mowing and ploughing. Describes in detail work on farm when he left school including cowman, hedger and thatcher. Also describes corn harvest and livestock, cattle, sheep, pigs and fowl, and animal health. Recalls first tractor in 1935, use of steam cultivators and gradual mechanization. Recalls Women's Land Army girls and Prisoners of War (POWs) working on the farm during the Second World War and little interference by the Ministry of Agriculture. Also rise in prices during wartime. Describes the five rotation system of framing used and draining land. Mentions Quorn hunt and change of people in the village.
Place of birth: Loughborough, Leicestershire
Education:
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Transporter/Farmer
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Barrow on Soar
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 14/7/1986
Playing time: 1 hr
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.