The National Forest’s LANDshapes project interview with Marjorie Calow

The sound should start automatically after a few seconds.

Please note that this is a large file and may not play well if you are using a 56kps modem. For Windows Media Player information see our technical statement

Read transcription of interview

Link to Marjorie Calow's page on the LANDshapes website

Back to the index

LANt010 Marjorie Calow
LANDshapes Oral History interview summary

"So he didn't have a stock of coffins?" Listen, as Marjorie Calow talks about her childhood in Melbourne and her father's "sideline" as an undertaker. Recalling Mrs Barton "who lived just up the road" and "used to do the laying out" Marjorie's description of life in Melbourne before the Second World War might shock some younger listeners - the 'familiarity' with death that used to be the norm has all but disappeared today. But it's not at all morbid, far from it! Marjorie fondly recollects how her father had to check that the Vicar had 'remembered' that there was a funeral booked! Thoughts of long summer days will be evoked by Marjorie's memories of Melbourne strawberries, childhood walks to places such as Robin Wood and Seven Spouts Farm, and new walks along some of The National Forest's dedicated footpaths.

Interviewer: Roger Kitchen.
Interview Date: 23/02/2005
Landshape Zone: Melbourne Parklands
Parish: Melbourne
Location: Melbourne, Derbyshire,
Date of birth: 1932
Location of Original: Originals held with The National Forest Company.
Reference LANt010

Last updated: 15/9/2005
East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer
This document has been approved by the head of department or section.