X214/12/38

Transcript of interview with Chryssoula Tuck, born 27 Dec 1938 in Nicosia, Cyprus.

27 Dec 1938-17 May 2008

From: 1938 To: 2008

Parents originated from mainland Greece. First school was mixed, but girls and boys did not sit at the same desks. Brothers were of the few in the neighbourhood who went to high school. Basic education was free at that time because the island (Cyprus) was a British colony. Schooling started at nursery at age 4. Did 5 years in primary school and another year in a different school. Was priviliged to be able to learn English. Mother rented out rooms to teachers at the English School and they introduced Chryssoula to Greek, English and English ways of life. Because Chryssoula had learned English, she was able to get a job on one on the English bases. That was where she met her husband and therefore came to England. Young girls in Cyprus at the time were not supposed to have hobbies or interests, especially swimming, as girls should not take off their clothes in public. Could read books by vetted and approved writers. Had 3 brothers, the youngest beong 21 years older than Chryssoula. Recalls reading a book her brother had about the Ottoman occupation of Cyprus. Not permitted to go to the beach or the cinema without parents or guardians; films were vetted and approved. It was not until she came to England that Chryssoula had the freedom to read books, go where she wanted etc. Possibly too much freedom for young people. As a child, only had girl dolls, never a boy doll. Girls were not supposed to be interested in sport. Recalls holiday with mother, going to visit brother and his family. Father did not go as he could not take time off work. Mother and sister in law made clothes for Chryssoula. Had classes in Latin and Ancient Greek at school. Also cookery lessons, needlework. First job was selling tickets at the open air cinema in the summer time. First husband was Greek. After he died Chryssoula continued working for the forces and met her second husband who is English. Proceedures for getting a permit to come to England. Brother was alos in England at the time. Arrived in England with 9 year old daughter from first marriage. Imporessions of England: going to the theatre in the West End; visiting Madame Tussauds; learing to drive; seaside holidays and day trips. Enrolled in college and took O levels - there was more encouragement to get qualifications in England than in Cyprus. Getting a job; getting a mortgage and buying a house. First job in Englad was working in the NAFFI shop, as married to a serviceman. Later worked for Colston, a company that made wasking machines; later worked for a catalogue company and also a shipping company. Making friends in England; clubs and organisations; interest in religion. Retains Greek identity - learned how to teach Greek and has taught Greek to adults at the Universtiy of Hertfordshire. Keeping in touch with friends in Greece and Cyprus. Does not live in Luton - taking part in Luton Voices project is due to granddaughter.

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childhood memories, EDUCATION, reminiscences, School, Cyprus, Nicosia, Greece, swimming, books, cinema, cooking, needlework, Latin, curriculum Greek, theatre