Catalogue

Interview
1033, LO/388/339
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Shilcock, Kenneth, 1916 - , Interviewee, Male, Clerk
Speaker: Carswell, J, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Sketches childhood in Wing, Rutland, briefly describing local school. Describes becoming warehouse clerk at Archibald Turner, elastic manufacturer, Leicester, and joining National Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks on principle as changed from Church of England to Wesleyan in Wing. Recalls union meetings not well attended, becoming delegate to Trades Council. Remembers workers at Worthingtons [grocers] needing union, employers not liking it but attitudes changing over the years. Explains structure of union, meetings. Describes joining S. Russel & Sons as clerk, union amalgamating with union which included Co-operative workers whose good terms of employment were used as a lever with other employees. Explains legislation enabled senior staff to join both union and staff association. Mentions being essential worker during Second World War, dispute at S. Russel. Describes being member of Labour Youth Group in 1930s, attending lectures, being pro-Russian before war, attitude to German invasion of Russia.
Place of birth: Wing, Rutland
Education: Green Lane Road School, Gateway School
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation:
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 2/7/1987
Playing time: 31 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.