The National Forest’s LANDshapes project interview with Denis Baker

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LANt001 Denis Baker
LANDshapes Oral History interview summary

Hear how Denis Baker's still got his marbles! Denis fondly remembers his life in the Coalville area, and recalls happy memories of his childhood - when the "industrial moonscape" of the "inevitable colliery waste and railways" offered "a fantastic opportunity" for a young Coalville lad to play. From camping out in the hawthorn spinney behind the "Juncy" to long summer days exploring the natural beauty of Charnwood Forest, Denis's memories offer a whole new perspective of Coalville and the surrounding area. A well-known and respected local historian, Denis shows his 'cheeky' self, sharing stories of local gangs, the 'Forest Road Gang' and the 'Oxford Street Gang', and of 'selling back' tennis balls to the more afluent members of local society. Denis's enthusiasm for the future of the "new woodland environment" allied to his fantastic knowledge of local history is infectious!

Interviewer: Roger Kitchen.
Interview Date: 08/02/2005
Landshape Zone: Leicestershire and Derbyshire Coalfield
Parish: Swannington
Location: Swannington, Leicestershire,
Date of birth:1930
Location of Original: Originals held with The National Forest Company.
Reference LANt001

Last updated: 15/9/2005
East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer
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