Catalogue

Interview
76, MA200/080/080
Mantle Oral History Project

Speaker: Girvan, Bobby, 1954 - , Interviewee, Male, Apprentice plater; Coal miner; factory worker; market trader;
Speaker: Peace, Steve, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Describes moving to Leicestershire with his parents in 1963, from Scotland, due to his father finding work at Pegson's. Recalls the reaction of local people to him and his family and to other Scots in the area. Recalls starting work at Marcroft's as an apprentice plater in 1970 and moving on to Herbert Morris in Leicester, then Goodwin and Barsby. He compares the difference in wages between the employers before describing going to work in a semi- skilled job at South Pit, Ellistown. Describes conditions in the mines and how family affiliations helped to acquire work in the pits. Talks about sporting and leisure activities in the area, clubs and public houses and shopping. Describes the changes experienced socially in the area when the mines started to close. Also reflects on the types of jobs currently available, such as his own shift work factory job and market trading and friends' failure to launch their own businesses. Talks at length on his feelings about the area's facilities for leisure, sport and culture, how they can be improved and how they compare to when he was young.
Place of birth: Scotland
Education: to age 16.
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Coalville, Greenhills
Periods Covered: 1960s, 1970s, 1980s,
Language: English

Recording Date: 20/7/1990
Playing time:
Access Restrictions: Restricted 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.