Catalogue

Interview
951, LO/306/257
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Morris, Gerald, 1903 - , Interviewee, Male, Caretaker;
Speaker: Kirrane, S, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Recalls his childhood in Leicester at the turn of the 20th century. Describes going to Groby Road hospital, the Warwick Road area of Leicester, local transport and schools. Mentions his fathers work as a groomsman and Bishops Street Library caretaker. Describes the family home in Warwick Street and mother taking in washing. Mentions an uncle's work and other details about family members. Recalls the start of the First World War, including attending rifle drill as part of the Church Lads' Brigade, voluntary work for the war effort and rationing. Recalls disciple in the home. Describes starting work for Tune and Wells hosiery. Gives details of short time work and becoming unemployed. Mentions holidays and annual works outings to Lindens in Mount Sorrel, recalling how he met his wife. Describes the General Strike in 1926, being out of work and the poverty at this time. Describes work as a bus conductor and starting work as Library caretaker. Gives detailed description of caretaking work for the council. Mentions his daughters and sister. Recalls the start of the Second World War and service in the Royal Air Force (RAF), mostly in India. Recalls holiday to Grimsby as a child and playing bowls from 1959, becoming club president in 1972.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education: King Richards Road school,
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Caretaker
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1910s,1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 29/8/1986
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.