| No. |
Type |
Title |
Interviewee/Location |
Date |
Main Interviewer
or Source |
Interviewee/Source
Information |
Duration (mins) |
Recording
Summary & Information |
| 001 |
Lecture |
St Andrew's
Parish Church Millennium Window |
Petri Anderson
in St Andrew's Church |
10/11/2000 |
Lecture and
slide show commentary |
Stained glass artist |
46 |
How he designed
and manufactured the window. The
window was installed one week after the talk. |
| 002 |
Interview |
Kayser Bondor |
Florence Emry,
Cissie Bryant and Merl Brown |
28/05/1993 |
Horace Dilley |
Long serving
members (since 1938) at Bondor |
80 |
Full Fashion
Hosiery Company became Bondor before the war, Kayser Bondor after the war
then Sheers before becoming a division of Courtaulds. |
| 003 |
Interview |
Common Lands of
Biggleswade and the Fen Reeves |
Alan Rutherford
Bennett |
04/06/1991 |
Horace Dilley |
Head Reeve,
Chairman of the Directors of Biggleswade Common |
68 |
The common lands
of Biggleswade, Common Rights Owners and the Fen Reeves. Also includes some other local information. |
| 004 |
Interview |
Family, Shops
and Businesses in my Youth |
Alan Rutherford
Bennett |
29/05/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
Son of Albert
Bennett |
84 |
Talks of his
family, his father Albert, butcher, his uncles who were in local business and
other shops and characters of Biggleswade. |
| 005 |
Interview |
Biggleswade
Urban District Council |
Alan Rutherford
Bennett |
16/12/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
Born 1913 -
Clerk to UDC for 25 years |
56 |
Alan was 79 when
this recording was made. Tells of his
early days with Chaundler & Son, solicitors at the age of 16 and
describes the workings of Biggleswade UDC and some personalities he came
across. |
| 006 |
Interview |
Life with Labour
and Biggleswade and Bedfordshire Councils |
Victor and Doris
Brunt |
16/11/1990 |
Horace Dilley |
Prolific local
and County labour councillors |
91 |
Recollections of
the labour party since the 1940's including local and general elections and
Biggleswade UDC and Town Councils together with Mid-Bedfordshire and
Bedfordshire County Councils. |
| 007 |
Interview |
Market Gardening |
Dennis Carr |
13/12/2004 |
Horace Dilley
& Rex Skinner |
Market gardener |
85 |
Refers to his
grandfather who worked on building of the railway, talks in detail about his
life in market gardening and mentions his love of playing cricket. |
| 008 |
Lecture |
Biggleswade as a
Lad |
John Chew |
03/03/1987 |
Lecture |
Grandson of
Ebenezer Chew |
59 |
Recollections of
a Biggleswade character |
| 009 |
Interview |
Biggleswade
Bowls Club |
Ted Woods and
Dave St Allan |
13/11/2003 |
Horace Dilley |
Ted and Dave's
father were founder members |
71 |
Bowling
activities in and around the town over sixty years. Dave's father built the first pavilion. |
| 010 |
Lecture |
Biggleswade
Brewery Tour |
Tony Vale at
Biggleswade Brewery with Chris Johannson |
15/08/1990 |
Green King at
Biggleswade Brewery |
A talking
newspaper supplement |
17 |
A guided tour
around the Green King brewery in Biggleswade |
| 011 |
Music |
Biggleswade Hymn |
Not known |
Not known |
Piano and song |
Not known |
4 |
The hymn
Biggleswade written by FT Comerford in 1887 using an adaptation of the tune
Agnus Dei written by W. Blow who lived between about 1826 and 1887. |
| 012 |
Interview |
Early Life and
Coach Business Tales |
Charles Cook |
22/07/1988 |
Horace Dilley |
A prominent
Biggleswade businessman |
93 |
From arrival in
Biggleswade at the age of 4 (born 1923), his schools, growing up, his war
days and his business days from his first taxi through to coach business. |
| 013 |
Interview |
More Coaching
Tales, Councillor and Man of Biggleswade |
Charles Cook |
05/08/1988 |
Horace Dilley |
Businessman
& Councillor |
80 |
Picks up from
where tape 1 left off and continues with stories from his business life, his
dedicated service on councils and his love of Biggleswade. |
| 014 |
Lecture |
D-Day Landing |
Charles Cook |
05/01/1993 |
Lecture |
D-Day Veteran |
75 |
A fascinating
personal account of D-Day events |
| 015 |
Interview |
Childhood to
Artist |
Marjorie & Bill Daisley |
27/10/1995 |
Horace Dilley
& Rex Skinner |
Artists - a
painter and a framer |
81 |
Marjorie
growing up with cinemas including the Empire and Regal; development of their
artistic talent and their joint business with her painting and Bill's
framing. |
| 016 |
Interview |
TOC H, Life
as Furniture Retailer and Church |
Ken Daniels |
22/10/1987 |
Horace Dilley |
Christian
Retailer |
63 |
An insight into
the TOC H, furniture retailing in Biggleswade and the Primitive Baptists |
| 017 |
Interview |
Cattle Market
& Tales of a Biggleswade
Auctioneer |
Horace Dilley |
15/09/1989 |
Rex Skinner |
Auctioneer |
88 |
Horace's story
from leaving school through his time as an auctioneer. |
| 018 |
Interview |
Empire Cinema
& History of the Chamber of Trade from 1938 to 1945 |
Horace Dilley |
05/04/1991 |
Rex Skinner |
Chairman of
Chamber of Trade |
65 |
Horace's
recollections of the Empire Cinema and his long involvement with the Chamber
of Trade |
| 019 |
Interview |
The Parish
Church of St Andrew's, Biggleswade |
Phyllis Dominey |
06/10/1989 |
Horace Dilley |
Widow of Rev
John Dominey |
46 |
History produced
by Rev Dominey in 1976 |
| 020 |
Radio |
Royal Oak
Tapestries |
Jill Draper |
Not known |
Ian Pierce,
Radio Bedfordshire |
Luton Museum |
7 |
The tapestries,
woven in the 1550s, were found under the wallpaper in the Royal Oak in the
1950s; they may have come from Stratton |
| 021 |
Interview |
Refurbishment
and Redevelopment of the Elphick Site in Shortmead Street |
Chris Howlett |
21/03/2003 |
Horace Dilley,
Ken Page & Rex Skinner |
Raglan Housing
Association |
39 |
From history of
the site 1838 onwards to the development of the site by Raglan Housing
Association and the sensitive treatment of the listed buildings. |
| 022 |
Interview |
A Life With The
Methodist Church |
Wilfred Jordan |
23/10/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
A man of the
community |
80 |
Family man,
business man as a market gardener, sportsman, local government and ardent
Methodist |
| 023 |
Interview |
Elphick's - The
Printer |
David Elphick |
21/08/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
Printer of
Biggleswade |
25 |
This was
originally two tapes but Wilfred Jordan's interview was recorded over most of
Tape 1 so only a fragment (10 minutes out of 90 minutes) remains in addition
to 15 minutes on Tape 2+I47. Elphick's
were in Biggleswade for 100 years before moving to Bedford. |
| 024 |
Interview |
Stratton Park
School |
William Gentle |
02/04/1984 |
Rex Skinner |
Worked in the school |
14 |
Background of
the school which William says was closed about 1938; and some nattering |
| 025 |
Interview |
Early days in
business and Town Matters |
Horace Gale |
22/06/1988 |
John Burnett |
Town businessman |
43 |
Early days in
business, the Baptist church, UDC, Chamber of Trade and town businesses |
| 026 |
Interview |
Christmas Lights, Horace Gale Ltd
& Baptist Chapel |
Horace Gale |
03/02/1995 |
Horace Dilley |
Town businessman |
66 |
Aged 88, talking
about the matters in the title (Horace Gale had a radio and TV business for
many years) |
| 027 |
Interview |
NAAFI During and
Post WW2 |
Gwen Hallybone |
14/08/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
Worked for NAAFI |
46 |
Recollections of
working for the NAAFI and wartime life |
| 028 |
Interview |
Career of an
Anglican Clergyman |
Canon Peter Hill |
04/08/1998 |
Horace Dilley |
Vicar of
Biggleswade 1979 to 1990 |
80 |
From childhood
days through his career as an Anglican clergyman, including time in
Biggleswade from 5th January 1979 until 24th August 1990 then Holbeach,
Lincolnshire, and the state of the church. |
| 029 |
Interview |
Working &
Sporting Life In And Around Biggleswade |
Ken Hutchinson |
27/07/2003 |
Horace Dilley
& Rex Skinner |
Member to the
from the 1930's |
61 |
Biggleswade Town
Silver Band from 1935 until 1940, market gardening, sporting life and the
fire service |
| 030 |
Interview |
Ivel Valley
Countryside Project |
Joel Carre |
27/01/1995 |
Horace Dilley
& Rex Skinner |
Project Officer
for the project |
65 |
Talks about his
role in developing the project in line with its three main aims, what has
been achieved and objectives for the future |
| 031 |
Interview |
A Life With
Berkeley |
Ron Jemmett |
30/07/1993 |
Horace Dilley
& Rex Skinner |
Berkeley
employee |
69 |
From 1944 with
the RAF as aircrew to Berkeley caravans and cars - they moved from Old Warden
to Biggleswade in 1946, started on cars about 1952 and closed in 1959. |
| 032 |
Interview |
Life at Sandy
and Holme Mills |
John Jordan |
28/10/1988 |
Horace Dilley |
Mill Owner |
85 |
Born about 1922,
from days in Sandy as a child through his RAF career, owner of haulage
businesses and garages and his mills at Sandy and Biggleswade. Also his
sports of flying and motor racing. |
| 033 |
Interview |
A Sporting Life
in Biggleswade |
Marcus King |
07/06/1991 |
Horace Dilley |
Cricketer and
all round sportsman |
79 |
Talks about his
life in sport mainly in Biggleswade |
| 034 |
Interview |
War Time
Experiences |
Ted Kirkham |
13/10/1994 |
Horace Dilley |
WW11 veteran |
93 |
A man from Wales
talks about his experiences in the army during WW11 |
| 035 |
Interview |
Rag, Iron &
Metal Merchants |
Richard
Larkinson |
20/02/1998 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
businessman |
44 |
He
talks about his scrap business that was started by his grandfather in 1891and
adds a little about the china business. |
| 036 |
Radio |
Sir Nigel
Gresley & Mallard |
Not known |
Not known |
Radio recording |
Several, not
known |
25 |
People talk
about the A4 Pacific railway locomotive Mallard, and its speed record. With information about its designer, Sir
Nigel Gresley, born 1876. Includes a
little period material. |
| 037 |
Interview |
Life of a Market
Gardener |
Harold Mager |
15/06/2004 |
Horace Dilley |
Market gardener |
47 |
His life and
times in Henlow, born 1902 |
| 038 |
Interview |
A Long Life in
Biggleswade |
Winifred Maystom |
20/05/2004 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade lady |
69 |
Born
into the Course family in 1909 talks about her long life in Biggleswade. |
| 039 |
Interview |
Evacuee 1939-40
When I Came To Biggleswade |
Joan Monkton |
Not known |
Rex Skinner |
Evacuee to
Biggleswade |
39 |
A new life in
Biggleswade |
| 040 |
Interview |
Changes in Life
Through the Decades |
Bruce Odell |
21/05/1993 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade man |
76 |
Talks about his
life through the decades from the late 1930's, the characters and character
of an era. |
| 041 |
Interview |
Elizabeth Munns |
Muriel Scott |
13/02/1987 |
Horace Dilley |
Photographic
recorder of Biggleswade's history |
43 |
Muriel reflects
on Liz Munns life c1909-1985, especially her detailed photographic recording
of Biggleswade; its changes and history and tells some interesting stories. |
| 042 |
Notes |
Slide Notes |
Liz Munns |
Not known |
Not known |
Photographic
recorder of Biggleswade's history |
47 |
Made by a third
party probably with Liz Munns going through some of her slide collection and
recording notes about their dates and contents. Boxes 1 to 6 |
| 043 |
Interview |
My Life and The
Fire Service |
Bernard Newman |
06/04/1988 |
Horace Dilley |
Market gardener
and retained fireman |
67 |
Start of
recording missing (over-recorded?) 36 years in Biggleswade fire service. |
| 044 |
Interview |
My Life and The
Fire Service |
Charlie
Pressland |
15/04/1988 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
coalman & retained fireman |
79 |
Started with the
fire service in 1937; was Station Officer for 25 years and retired 1968. |
| 045 |
Interview |
Smart &
Brown Machine Tools Ltd |
Dick Mogridge |
18/12/1989 |
Horace Dilley |
Long time
employee of Smart & Brown |
38 |
With Smart &
Brown before they moved to Biggleswade in 1945; about 150 people came from
Yorkshire, he stayed with them for 42 years. |
| 046 |
Interview |
NAAFI in
Biggleswade |
Evelyn Ina Payne |
28/10/2004 |
Horace Dilley |
NAAFI employee
in WWII |
46 |
Story about the
NAAFI warehouse in Biggleswade during WWII |
| 047 |
Interview |
Old Biggleswade
Person |
Kitty Plummer |
26/11/1991 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade lady |
78 |
Born in 1909
Kitty has seen a lot of change in Biggleswade and she reminisces about her
life here |
| 048 |
Interview |
His Life,
Including Experiences in the First World War |
Fred Rook |
31/05/1991 |
Horace Dilley |
Broom Man |
92 |
Born in 1897
Fred talks about his life from his school days through his experiences in the
first world war, demobilisation in 1919, market garden small holding from
1921 through to him retiring from playing bowls at the age of 91 |
| 049 |
Interview |
A Life on the
Land - Agriculture in Market Gardening |
David Eric
Quince |
08/12/1995 |
Horace Dilley
& Rex Skinner |
A man of the
land |
79 |
Born in Lower
Caldecote 1916, had 10 siblings (and 2 stillborn); he spent most of his life
in market gardening. |
| 050 |
Interview |
Old Time Dancing
in Biggleswade |
Peter Roy Rook |
17/08/1990 |
Horace Dilley
& Rex Skinner |
Old Time Dancing
Enthusiast & Town Councillor |
86 |
Independent Town
Councillor since 1970 and served one term as Mayor in 1980/81 (still is in
2005). Joined the Old Time Dancing
Club in 1959 and secretary for 23 years. |
| 051 |
Interview |
My Life |
Maurice Smith |
25/11/1986
28/01/1987 |
Horace Dilley Rex Skinner |
Dairyman then
Ice Cream Maker & Seller |
83 |
Aged 88, born
1899 and lived in Biggleswade all his life. The recording has the later part
first and then a dub-over of the earlier one. |
| 052A |
Interview |
Biggleswade
Scouts (Very poor recording) |
Jack Chessum |
Not known |
Not known |
Not known |
15 |
Some personal
reminiscences |
| 052B |
Interview |
Biggleswade
Scouts and Old Biggleswade (Poor recording) |
Jimmie Keene |
Not known |
Possibly Harold
Smith |
Scouter |
21 |
Some personal
reminiscences |
| 053 |
Interview |
My Life and
times in Biggleswade |
Edward (Ted)
Woods |
09/06/2000 |
Horace Dilley |
Local Character |
83 |
Born in Blunham
in 1912, worked for Owen Godfrey motor engineers on west side of Shortmead
Street near the bridge in his early days. He mentions many familiar, and some
famous, names |
| 054 |
Interview |
Memories |
Abel Harold
Smith |
30/11/1987 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
Historian |
45 |
Born 1900 in
Hackney, came to Biggleswade in 1939, |
| 055 |
Monologue |
Franklin's Mill,
Home Guard & Scouting |
Abel Harold
Smith |
28/11/1989 |
N/A |
Biggleswade
Historian |
17 |
Harold tells
some of his story. |
| 056 |
Celebration |
100th Birthday
Celebration - DOB 4 March 1900 |
Abel Harold
Smith |
07/03/2000 |
The Society |
N/A |
17 |
Horace tells
members about the arrangements for the celebration and the Society celebrates
Harold's 100th birthday. Unfortunately
Harold was in hospital on the day. |
| 057 |
Interview |
Bricks &
Brick-Hunting |
Donald Stewart |
15/01/1993 |
Horace Dilley |
Brick enthusiast
and ex Stratton School teacher |
92 |
A fascinating
account of bricks and brick-making with an emphasis on Biggleswade |
| 058 |
Interview |
Teaching in
Biggleswade |
Jack Morgan |
02/06/2000 |
Horace Dilley |
Ex teacher |
58 |
Born in 1918 in
Wales, after his time in the 2nd World War taught at St Andrews school for 40
years, he tells an interesting story about his career and some about his
interests in beekeeping and singing. |
| 059 |
Monologue |
Short History of
St Neots c 1917 |
Read by Rex Skinner |
Not known |
N/A |
N/A |
10 |
Rex tells of
some of the history of St Neots |
| 060 |
Interview |
History of
Biggleswade |
Horace
Dilley & Rex Skinner |
26/02/1996 |
Matthew Doggett |
Members of
Biggleswade History Society |
63 |
A young boy
interviews two stalwarts of Biggleswade and asks questions about its history. |
| 061 |
Interview |
Biggleswade
Through The Eyes Of An Architect |
John Burnett |
22/07/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
Architect |
93 |
States it was
the 100th recording but it wasn't, unfortunately this was also reported in
the Biggleswade Chronicle and the History Society Newsletter. John talks about many other aspects of his
life here. |
| 062 |
Interview |
Stratton
Medieval Village Project |
Drew Shotliff |
12/06/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
Bedfordshire
County Council Archaeological Project Officer |
90 |
Describes
the details of the project and talks much about the area occupied by the
medieval village (Tec Chambers, aged 85, in attendance which of course leads
to some general historical chat!). |
| 063 |
Interview |
Lost Village of
Stratton |
Drew Shotliff |
20/10/1995 |
Rex Skinner |
Bedfordshire
County Council Archaeological Project Officer |
92 |
Rex explores
some detail about the village of Stratton and associations with other aspects
of Biggleswade. |
| 064 |
Interview |
Ambulance
Service |
Peter Tyrer |
18/03/1991 |
Horace Dilley |
Ex Ambulance
Service |
73 |
Talks about his
long and distinguished career in the ambulance service |
| 065 |
News |
Biggleswade
Twinning and Ivel House etc, etc |
Talking
Newspaper |
Not known |
N/A |
Service for
vision impaired |
30 |
Reads news from
Biggleswade and area; mentions Charles Cook as being a member of the Town
Council at a meeting which included discussion of the proposal for town
twinning and the desire by Wheatley Homes to demolish Ivel House. Edited by
Fred Sims |
| 066 |
Interview |
Character of
Biggleswade |
Sidney Quince |
16/03/1990 |
Horace Dilley |
Rat & rabbit
catcher and poacher |
83 |
Aged 82 (born
1908 in Sandy at Park Lane), His
father was Edward John Quince and his grandfather was a Wesleyan
preacher. He lived at 59 Sun Street
when he was married and lived hid life as a bit of a rogue - a wonderful tape
to listen to - what a character! |
| 067 |
Interview |
Weatherley Oil
Gear |
Geoff Cavanaugh
and Stan Surrey |
18/08/1989 |
Horace Dilley |
Two long term
employees |
90 |
Weatherley, a
company which started in 1939 and gave many people employment. The founder was well known for his
generosity in Biggleswade and is recognised by the Weatherley Centre for
which he made a grant. |
| 068 |
Interview |
NAAFI Bakery |
Myrtle Melinda
Ward |
02/12/1993 |
Horace Dilley |
Employee for 5-6
years |
32 |
Worked at the
bakery after WWII; it closed in 1953 |
| 069 |
Interview |
His Musical Life
& Biggleswade Family |
Raymond Wood |
30/04/2003 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
musician |
91 |
Talks about his
father who worked for Elphick's all his working life, his family life in
Biggleswade and his musical career |
| 070 |
Interview |
Life's Work in
Biggleswade |
Henry James Wren |
19/01/1990 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
fishmonger |
73 |
The Wren fish
business started in Lowestoft and the family have been in Biggleswade for
many years. Henry's mother was a Harris with connections with the fair. |
| 071 |
Interview |
A Lifetime in
Biggleswade |
Winifred Ann
Whiteman |
26/08/2003 |
Horace Dilley |
Elder of
Biggleswade |
88 |
A delightful
story of a life in Biggleswade |
| 072 |
Interview |
Womens Royal Voluntary Service |
Joan Smith, May
Cox & Mary Stanbridge |
20/05/1988 |
Horace Dilley |
WRVS ladies |
85 |
The history and
activities of the WRVS, especially in Biggleswade |
| 073 |
Radio |
About
Biggleswade - Promotion for a Museum |
Horace
Dilley, Bernard Newman, Ken Page, Harold Smith, Cannon Dominey, |
09/04/1993
Broadcast 12/4/1993 |
Chiltern Radio |
People of
Biggleswade with historical interests |
27 |
The interviewees
talk about the history of Biggleswade |
| 074 |
Lecture |
Horses, Horsemen
and Horse Fairs |
Michael Marlow |
Not known |
N/A |
As Horace said,
" Biggleswade's John Wayne" |
43 |
A talk to the
Biggleswade History Society about horse fairs, horses and horsemen. Low recording level and noisy background. |
| 075 |
Lecture |
A Life Story
from 1895 |
Bob Wilson |
Possibly as early
as 1992 |
N/A |
Biggleswade
furniture retailer |
54 |
A talk to the
Biggleswade History Society. Poor recording, the microphone was distant from
the speaker. Born 1895, said he had been in Biggleswade for 87 years. |
| 076 |
Interview |
Life as a
Butcher in Biggleswade & Mid-Bedfordshire District Councillor |
Richard Oliver
Bennett |
03/07/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
Master Butcher
& Councillor |
93 |
An insight into
life as a butcher in Biggleswade post war and later as a councillor in the
Mid-Beds District Council. |
| 077a |
Interview |
Life as a
Postman |
Gordon Bennett |
31/03/1989 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
postman |
30 |
Side A & B
over-recorded with Eric Lund. Some of Gordon remains on the end two thirds of
Side A, the second side has been over-recorded with Eric Lund. |
| 077b |
Interview |
Scout Movement |
Eric Lund |
16/06/1989 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
scouter |
63 |
Starts on Side B
and continues on Side A - Very noisy recording due to the poop microphone
position |
| 078 |
Interview |
Life in
Biggleswade Part 1 |
Leslie 'Tec'
Chambers |
18/09/1985 |
Horace Dilley |
A man for
Biggleswade |
48 |
Tec starts
recording the long saga of his life in Biggleswade with the first taped
interview made by the History Society |
| 079 |
Interview |
Life in
Biggleswade Part 2 |
Leslie 'Tec'
Chambers |
09/10/1985 |
Horace Dilley |
A man for
Biggleswade |
91 |
Part 2 of Tec's
story |
| 080 |
Interview |
Life in
Biggleswade Part 2a |
Leslie 'Tec'
Chambers |
09/10/1985 |
Horace Dilley |
A man for
Biggleswade |
36 |
Part 2 continued |
| 081 |
Interview |
Life in
Biggleswade Part 3 |
Leslie 'Tec'
Chambers |
21/06/1989 |
Horace Dilley |
A man for
Biggleswade |
86 |
More fascinating
tales |
| 082 |
Lecture |
Hicks Pits
College |
Leslie 'Tec'
Chambers |
02/09/1994 |
Horace Dilley |
An ex pupil of
Hicks Pits College |
46 |
Some facts and
personal stories about Hicks Pits College, or Rose Lane School |
| 083 |
Interview |
John Mitchell in
Biggleswade |
Colin Ward |
10/10/2003 |
Rex Skinner |
Employee |
85 |
Colin Ward talks
about John Mitchell's company in Victoria Works - there is a problem is that
the discussion takes place with drawings so we are at a disadvantage. |
| 084 |
Interview |
A Life Story of
and Anglican Priest and Some Background of the Church |
Canon John
Dominey |
16/12/1986 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
Anglican priest and historian |
66 |
First 10 minutes of
recording is blank. |
| 085 |
Interview |
About Henry
Franklin Ltd |
Harold Smith,
Rex Skinner, Ken Wilson, Colin Chamberlain |
25/06/1991 |
Horace Dilley |
Ex Franklin
employees |
93 |
12 seconds of
the introduction spoilt. An
interesting insight into the workings of a flour mill and its associated
trades. |
| 086 |
Interview |
About Edward
Peake Middle School |
Philip Haines |
06/07/2000 |
Horace Dilley |
Previously
Headmaster of Edward Peake School |
77 |
Philip was the
first head at Edward Peake School and he provides a very interesting insight
into the way he and the school operated and grew during his time there. |
| 087 |
Interview |
Dunton Corner
Garage |
Bob & Anne Newman |
27/02/1998 |
Horace Dilley |
Retired garage
owners |
83 |
Anne inherited
the garage which his father started in 1933 with an associated café. |
| 088 |
Music |
Christmas Carol
Service |
St Johns Church |
01/01/1961 |
N/A |
N/A |
78 |
Preacher: Brian
Porter, Organist: Alf Leicester, Lessons Maurice Smith. The recording is a little noisy. |
| 089 |
Interview |
Market Gardening |
Fred Ball |
04/12/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
Market Gardener
(retired) |
90 |
A life in market
gardening |
| 090 |
Music |
Closing Service |
St Johns Church |
1975 |
N/A |
N/A |
67 |
Preacher: John
Dominey, Sermon: Rev Chambers, Prayers: Brian Porter, Lesson: Maurice Smith,
Organist: Alf Leicester |
| 091 |
Radio |
Songs of Praise |
Biggleswade |
29/05/1977 |
BBC |
N/A |
22 |
A poor recording
of the multi-denominational service held at St Andrews church. |
| 092 |
Interview |
Red Cross, Darby & Joan, NSPCC
& Civil Defence |
Joan Smith |
24/05/1991 |
Horace Dilley |
From Harpenden
to Biggleswade |
80 |
A lady who came
to Biggleswade married to Brian Porter and did an enormous amount of good for
the town |
| 093 |
Interview |
A Life in Dunton |
Ken Lee |
26/01/1999 |
Horace Dilley |
A Dunton man of
7 generations of LEE |
91 |
An enjoyable
tape of recollections and personal history from a man of Dunton. |
| 094 |
Interview |
A life in
Biggleswade |
Eva May Norman |
11/12/1998 |
Horace Dilley |
Born and bred in
Biggleswade |
94 |
Recollections of
an 85 year-old born at 44 Rose Lane in 1913. |
| 095 |
Interview |
An Edwardian
Story - Harold's Life Story |
Abel Harold
Smith |
16/06/2000 |
Horace Dilley |
A man of
Biggleswade |
47 |
Born 5th March
1900 |
| 096A |
Interview |
A Biggleswade
life story |
Gertrude Ivy
Gascoine |
10/04/1992 |
Horace Dilley |
A Biggleswade
lady |
47 |
Reminiscences.
John Chew is on side B but this is Part 2 so it looks as if the recording of
Gertrude were made over John Chew |
| 096B |
Interview |
Tales from a
Biggleswade trader |
John Chew |
02/12/1991 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
trader |
45 |
Side B - Only
the second part of a valuable reminiscence about Biggleswade traders. |
| 097 |
Interview |
Biggleswade Sea
Cadets |
John Samways and
Desmond Ball |
15/04/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Seafaring guys |
70 |
Naval stories |
| 098 |
Interview |
Life of a
Showman |
Charlie Smith |
28/07/1986 |
Horace Dilley |
Showman with a
life in the fair |
74 |
Born 1902 in
Cambridgeshire, he was born in a shooting gallery caravan and spent all his
life with the fair. |
| 099 |
Interview |
The Baptist
Church in Biggleswade |
Monica Haddow
& Mary Vardon |
29/04/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
ladies |
76 |
Poor
quality, low level and echoing in the church in London Road, lots of
background noises. Engineered to
enhance and remove the worst of the noises. |
| 100 |
Interview |
Stratton Upper
School & Community Centre |
Gerry Lawrence |
08/04/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Ex teacher |
93 |
Stratton
School's history and Gerry Lawrence as a teacher |
| 101 |
Nil |
Closing part of
interview only |
FG Simms |
02/12/1988 |
Horace Dilley |
|
2 |
Tape 1 is missing and tape 2
only contains the final couple of minutes of the interview |
| 102 |
Nil |
History of
Langford |
Ralf Turner |
|
|
|
|
Side A over-recorded by a radio
programme and Side B contains some 1920s music only |
| 103 |
Interview |
A life in
Biggleswade |
Freddie Cooper |
21/06/2004 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade man
& boy |
46 |
Born 1933 Rose
Lane and Church Street schools, Empire & Regal cinemas, Rowlett & Fiddler flowers, market
gardening. |
| 104 |
Interview |
Life Story -
Part 1 |
Rev Allan Bliss |
12/08/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Anglican Priest |
62 |
The Rev Allan
Bliss and the Anglican Church |
| 105 |
Interview |
Life Story -
Part 2 |
Rev Allan Bliss |
23/09/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Anglican Priest |
93 |
The Rev Allan
Bliss and the Anglican Church |
| 106 |
Interview |
A Life In
Farming |
John Scott |
02/09/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Farmer &
Educating Principal |
93 |
From a
Cumberland dairy farming family in the 1930s with 300 acres to Bedfordshire
as the Principle of Shuttleworth College and Farm Director in 1968 until
2000. Now working with students to
investigate alternative uses for land and in local government. |
| 107A |
Lecture |
The Old Times |
Horace Dilley |
04/10/2005 |
Horizon Club
Talk |
A Biggleswade
gentleman |
58 |
A nostalgic
journey back into time from a gentleman born in 1916 |
| 107B |
Monologue |
Memories |
Horace Dilley |
08/10/2005 |
Reading |
A Biggleswade
gentleman |
14 |
More nostalgic
journies and memories |
| 108 |
Interview |
Life and Times
of Rex Skinner |
Rex George
Charles Skinner |
07/10/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
A Sandy Man |
|
Born 1935; 70 on December 9th in West Road Sandy. |
| 109 |
Interview |
CT Bett &
Sons - Plumbing to DIY |
Roy & Norman
Bett |
21/10/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
A Biggleswade
Business |
60 |
Started in 1905
by their granddad Frank Bett from Louth in Lincolnshire at 17-21 Hitchin
Street. The business was run 1920-1955
by their father. |
| 110 |
Interview |
A story about
working with farm equipment and making wooden models |
Bill Rough |
15/08/1990 |
Rex Skinner |
Farmworker |
82 |
From Colmworth
and later Wyboston, now 83 |
| 111 |
Interview |
A story about
thatching |
Bill Stableton |
19/06/1982 |
Rex Skinner |
Thatcher |
80 |
From this first
tape by Rex we now have over 100 recordings of various types, Highroad Wyboston, a 74-year old. |
| 112 |
Radio |
Weatherley
Centre - post Launch Of Biggleswade Vol 3 |
Various |
1989 Oct |
Pam Rhodes |
Biggleswade
People |
30 |
Norman Gill, Rex
Skinner, Horace Dilley, Gwen Williams, Sylvia Flint, Peter Thompson, Beryl
Wilson, Pamela Osborn, Elizabeth Bell & Charlie Cook |
| 113 |
Interview |
Childhood to
Cannon |
Revd. Cannon
Robert F. Sibson |
03/03/2000 |
Horace Dilley |
Vicar of
Biggleswade |
76 |
His life and
times from childhood through being a teacher to the priesthood. |
| 114 |
Interview |
Life |
Philip Rutt |
18/11/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade man |
72 |
Interesting
story |
| 115 |
Interview |
Family and life
story |
Richard Oliver
Bennett |
11/11/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
family |
82 |
Bakers,
butchers, grazier, to RAF fighter controller, water board and his public life
- council and land drainage board. |
| 116 |
Interview |
Biggleswade
Laundry, Potton Road |
Stuart and
Graham Williams (and Rex Skinner!) |
25/11/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Laundry family |
90 |
Established
1929, previously a wireless factory and Mr Gee's laundry before selling to
Stuart's grandfather for his father George.
Gee was the same family of the seedsman. |
| 117 |
Interview |
Porter - About
Father and Son - Part 1 of 2 |
Alan Porter |
28/10/2005 |
Horace Dilley |
Surveyor &
Auctioneer |
92 |
Established
Biggleswade people since 1930's |
| 118 |
Interview |
Porter - About
Father and Son - Part 2 of 2 |
Alan Porter |
25/01/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Surveyor &
Auctioneer |
93 |
Established
Biggleswade people since 1930's |
| 119 |
Interview |
Life with Farm
Animals |
Edgar Dorren |
27/01/2006 |
Horace Dilley
& Rex Skinner |
Man of the land |
70 |
Life with farm
animals especially with horses and ploughing. |
| 120 |
Interview |
In the
Conservative Club |
Peter Frank
Vickers |
18/02/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Conservative and
Councillor |
67 |
Born and bred in
Biggleswade (now 59); worked in the town all his life, involved as a Town
Councillor since 1979 and District Councillor since 1982; Biggleswade and
District Constitutional Club was formed in 1905 and became the Conservative
Club for about 25 years; staunch Arsenal Supporter. |
| 121 |
Interview |
A Rural Life in
Holme Green |
Leslie Charles
King |
10/03/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
family |
84 |
Born at Scroupts
Farm, served in the RAF, worked as motor engineer in Langford garage on
return, chnaged to building for more money so he could marry Betty Pates,
then carpet laying with Dodimeads, set up with Ron Bowls as King & Bowls. |
| 122 |
Interview |
An Engineer's
Life in Biggleswade |
Hugh Elyston
Bygraves |
24/03/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
family |
88 |
Parents ran the
Sun Hotel; worked for Weatherly Oil Gear. |
| 123 |
Interview |
An Agricultural
Labourer & Market Gardener |
Jim Bygraves |
07/04/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Northill family |
60 |
92 years old,
tales from the past |
| 124 |
Interview |
A motor engineer |
Jack Walters |
12/05/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Watkin employee |
77 |
Born
in Surrey and lived in Kent. Moved to Biggleswade in 1942, his father ran the
Empire and Regal cinemas in Biggleswade. Worked for Watkin motor engineers
from 1954 when he left school. |
| 125 |
Interview |
A town retail
fancy goods shop trader |
Geoff Denny |
06/10/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
business family |
60 |
Ran Larkinson's
fancy goods store (previously Chew's) until closure in 1985. His grandfather ran the scrap metal
business and the store in Hitchin St. His father was a tailor. Apprenticed at
Bentalls, Kingston until 1953. |
| 126 |
Interview |
Five generations
of traders in Biggleswade |
Bob Holmes |
13/10/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
trading family |
76 |
Bob's great
grandfather started on the site of Woolworths and the family businesses
remained there for almost 90 years before moving to the High Street with a
men's outfitter. |
| 127 |
Interview |
Horace Gale -
Trader and Public and Christian Servant of Biggleswade - Part 1 |
Philip John and
Roger Clive Gale |
10/03/2007 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
traders |
91 |
Horace
Gale - From a feeling in inferiority and unliked to a much respected
Biggleswade trader and Baptist Church, Town Council and Chamber of Trade
stalwart, optimist and townsman. |
| 128A |
Interview |
Butcher Family
of Biggleswade |
Gordon Butcher |
15/09/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
Citizen |
72 |
About Arthur
Butcher - market gardener, farmer,
sportsman and Town Councillor and his son Gordon Butcher who continued in
farming. |
| 128 B |
Interview |
Farmer and
Market Gardener |
Gordon Butcher |
03/11/2006 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
farmers |
73 |
More about the
life and times of Gordon and Velma Butcher in Biggleswade |
| 129 |
Interview |
Horace Gale -
Part 2 |
Philip John and
Roger Clive Gale |
11/05/2007 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
Citizen |
84 |
Horace Gale -
From his memoirs |
| 130 |
Interview |
Motor Trader -
Jack Bygraves Ltd |
John Richard Downing Bygravs and wife
Lyndsey |
19/02/2009 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
Trader |
69 |
John and Lyndsey
tell their stories from the motor trader's perspective and four generations
of bakers. |
| 131 |
Interview |
Engineer and
Scouter |
Eric James Lund |
26/02/2009 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
Resident |
70 |
Eric tells his
story |
| 132 |
Interview |
Market Gardening |
Keith Cecil Beck
and Terrence William Beck |
03/03/2009 |
Horace Dilley |
Biggleswade
Gardeners |
72 |
The "Beck
Twins" aged 75 tell their story of a life in market gardening. |
| 133 |
Talk |
Biggleswade
Archaeology |
Drew Shotliff |
03/03/2009 |
Society Meeting |
Albion
Archaeology |
65 |
Under the soil
of Biggleswade - prehistoric to Saxon times |
| 134 |
Interview |
Memories of Mike
Scott-Coomber |
Eileen
Scott-Coomber |
01/09/2009 |
Horace Dilley |
A Biggleswade
Treasure of 41 years |
56 |
A Biggleswade
Character |
| |
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Total recording time (hours): |
147.28 |
|