Catalogue

Interview
1137, LO/484/434
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Higgins, Joyce, 1925 - , Interviewee, Female, Hosiery worker
Speaker: Faragher, V, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Outline of family background, not having enough money to attend grammar school. Describes work, pay, conditions at hosiery factory in Wigston, Leicestershire; being sacked, getting better paid job at AH Broughton, keeping extra money from parents. Anecdotes of breaking arm twice in factory, spending wages on sweets. Talks about work conditions, differences between men and women's work, describes work done; brief mention of romances, not mixing with bosses, carnivals for local hospital. Mentions getting rheumatism working with Land Army during Second World War, turning to munitions work, meeting husband, going back to AH Broughton until first child. Mentions having little money, describes hard work ironing at Hursts [Leicester], leaving when made mistake cutting, generosity of employers at Smith's Babywear when son ill. Mentions other jobs, sharing wages and housework with husband, higher wages when in munitions, pilfering in factories, changes in fashion in jumpers and socks.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education: South Wigston Junior School, South Wigston Intermediary School
Marital Status: Married, Children:
Father's Occupation: Bricklayer
Mother's Occupation: Housewife
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Wigston, Leicester
Periods Covered: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Language: English

Recording Date: 1/7/1988
Playing time: 54 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.