Z1205/195

Female. Forest of Marston Vale volunteer b. 07.05.1940 SIDE A (00 mins)Born in Watford, Hertfordshire. Parents were Londoners but preferred country life and moved there in 1936. Father worked as a teacher in Watford during the Second World War, and in the medical corp. Father's family was originally from Wiltshire. Had a family car when Interviewee was 11 and visited London grandparents. They were strict with children. (05 mins)One younger brother. She was born at the beginning of the Second World War but doesn't remember anything about it. Village schooling then Girls Grammar School in Watford. Wanted to be a cartographer because of her fascination with maps but her school didn't encourage her. Left at 17. She had the offer of a place at the art college in St. Albans but her father wouldn't allow it. Mother had a totally domestic life. Got a job as a laboratory assistant, then became a school lab assistant. (10 mins)Married a local boy in Croxley and moved to Flitwick because they could afford to live in Watford. Two boys born there. Moved to Lidlington in 1971. Even then there were 71 brickwork chimneys in sight (originally over 130 chimneys in Vale). Wonderful views of a striking landscape. (15 mins)Chimney emissions were a cause for concern. Winds were in the right direction for Lidlington to avoid any bad smells. In previous times, Marston Valley Company had chimneys working in that area and then there were problems with smuts soiling washing. (20 mins)Originally Lidlington was full of brick workers but by the time they moved there, the villagers were "mixed". Ten more houses helped make the village viable. Very little crime. Local policeman who could "cuff" youngster who got out of line. (25 mins)Demolition of the chimneys locally. Reflections on changes over the years: more traffic and more landfill of the clay pits. (30 mins)End of Side A SIDE B (00 mins)As a war-time infants she has grown into fit, strong, healthy woman, because of the healthy diet instituted by rationing and Vitamin-C supplements for children. Reflections on the faster pace of life now and the pressure it puts people under. She is glad that her grandchildren are able to grow up in the countryside and have more freedom as a result. Lives in Hulcote, just 7 houses down a lane. Historic Tudor local church served once-a-month by travelling curate. Former stables to now-demolished manor house has been converted into a house. (05 mins)Has lived there 20 years and jokes that she is nearly accepted as belonging by older locals. Objects to occasional noise from nearby M1 motorway but an earth bank helps reduce it and trees have been planted. No children in "village" and most inhabitants are retired. (10 mins)They held a "street party" to celebrate the Queen Elizabeth !!'s Jubilee (in 2002, to celebrate 50 years since the death of King George V1 and he becoming queen). Uses nearby Salford and Woburn Sands for community events and services such as shopping. Became interested in environmental charity work and volunteering through a friend who knew somebody at the Forest Centre (Marston) of the Forest of Marston Vale (environmental charity dedicated to creating a well-wooded area over 30 years). Hands-on tree planting (and other woodland management)work at Marston Thrift. (15 mins) Life now revolves around grandchildren. Reflections on changing life of women over her lifetime. Is pleased that things are being done to improve the environment. END OF INTERVIEW Original Interview 50 mins

28 January 2003

From: 1940 To: 2003

item

teacher, World War Two, chimneys, pollution, policeman, TRANSPORT, food, Country Life, M1, trees, women's education, ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, Watford, FLITWICK, LIDLINGTON, HULCOTE & SALFORD, Marston Thrift