Z1205/073

Female secretary to Managing Director of Eastwoods, brick firm b. 03.04.1915 SIDE A (00mins)Born in Michigan, U.S.A. of British parents. Moved back to Northampton, England, when she was 7 years. Reaction of locals to her American speech. Father a "foot-loose" traveller of the world, working in most continents. Mother joined him in U.S.A. but after 12 years they had to return because harsh winter climate led to mother's ill health. (05 mins)Climate of extremes in Michigan, hot summers, very cold winters. Lived with grandparents in Northampton, on return. (10 mins)English teacher reacted badly to the child's "Americanisms". Scholarship at 11 to Northampton School for Girls (High School) then to a business college, trained to be a Secretary. Worked briefly for building society. Volunteered for Royal Air Force at commencement of Second World War, 1939. (15 mins)Became Confidential Clerk to Commanding Officer at Wing. (20 mins)Wartime social life. After war, worked for Northampton clothing firm then moved to Bedford. (25 mins)Became personal secretary to manger of iron works for 3 years. Moved to Eastwoods (brickmaking firm) as Secretary to Managing Director at Kempston Hardwick for 25 years. (30 mins)Small busy brick works: up to 300 workers, 10 in office, 15 lorry drivers. Eastwoods taken over by London Brick Company. End Side A SIDE B (00 mins)Officer hours. Familiarity with site & workers. Attitude to change. (05 mins)Clearance of Coronation Works site, after closure. Blowing up chimneys. (10 mins)Eastwoods Fletton just small part of larger, national building materials firm. Celebrated 50 years of brickworks with works outing. (15 mins)Take over by London Brick. (20 mins)Fatal accident to brick worker at Peterborough site of LBC. (25 mins)Italian immigrant workers at Eastwoods. Accommodation in huts at Chimney's Corner. (30 mins)Retirement after collecting 25 year's service watch. Caring for invalid mother. Reflections on life and changing landscape. Original interview 60 mins

26 November 2001

From: 1910 To: 2001

item

Eastwoods Limited,
London Brick Company

secretary, Managing Director, brickworker, Americans, health, teacher, school mistresses, Royal Air Force, World War Two, clerk, chimneys, Italians, inquest, DEATH, immigration, watches, care assistant, blindness, lodging houses, Michigan, Northampton, Wing, Kempston Hardwick, Peterborough