The National Forest’s LANDshapes project interview with Harry Whitworth

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 Harry Whitworth's page on the LANDshapes website

Back to the index

LANt021 Harry Whitworth
LANDshapes Oral History interview summary

Born and bred a Woodville lad, Harry Whitworth's story begins on his Granny's farm, where he lives today 'I was actually born where I am now. This was my Granny's farm'. Harry tells us about Dorothy Poynton's dancing school in Box (Woodville) where he would dance on a Tuesday evening for 'one and a tanner', he remembers the 'best of the years, after the war. You hadna got to lock your door, you could walk the roads, there were no fear of anybody getting owt on yer'...except of course for the Roggin Row gang in Swad! Find out about 'Fobbin' in the Sandholes, and discover what a Shonky is and how to find Gobbins. Listen as Harry warmly recalls the camaraderie of working in Granville Pit and tells us of 'the only time I were ever frit' when he was involved in a collapse at the coal face. Hear about Harry's love of mining despite the fact that 'You wanna well paid duck'. Learn about the pit ponies who Harry describes as 'characters' and meet Dime, the pit pony with a very special talent!

Interviewer: Roger Kitchen.
Interview Date: 08/03/2005
Landshape Zone: Leicestershire and Derbyshire Coalfield
Parish: Woodville
Location: Woodville, Derbyshire,
Date of interview: 1939
Location of Original: Originals held with The National Forest Company.
Reference LANt021

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