Denis was born in 1932. He lived in the town and didn’t move to Sopwell until 1960 but he knew the area well and he and his mates used to play here often. Denis describes how they used to go… More about ‘Playing in the river Ver – Denis Mardel’»
Fred and Sandy went along to St Peter’s School to be interviewed by the younger pupils. Although the questions are very basic the answers give an insight into what Fred and Sandy like about Sopwell. Interview date: 10 May 2014.… More about ‘Sopwell in the ‘olden days’ Fred Edwards and Sandy Norman’»
John recalls how he loved to go swimming in the Cottonmill Swimming Baths. He has fond memories of playing games, especially knock down ginger, in Pageant Road where he lived. He also talks about the slaughter house in Dolphin Yard. He… More about ‘Childhood memories – John Church’»
John talks mainly about all the good food they had to eat during the war as his father had a big plot of land to grow produce and keep chickens and rabbits. He also remembers Italian prisoners of war who worked… More about ‘Wartime memories – John Church’»
John was one of several people interviewed by the the pupils of St Peter’s School. Here he is telling them what school was like in his day: how he was often naughty and kept in after school; and how he was… More about ‘Schooldays – John Church’»
Mike shares his memories of watching the steam trains go by. As well as watching the local trains, he went as far afield as Watford and London. Interview date: 12 May 2014. Interviewer: Sandy Norman.… More about ‘Trainspotting – Mike Titchiner’»
As a holiday job, Mike used to help out at the farm near Black’s Pine at New Barnes. He was given unsavoury jobs to do like clearing out manure from the cowsheds and cutting down thistles in the fields. Interview… More about ‘Sopwell Home Farm – Mike Titchiner’»
Mike Titchiner used to go caddying for the golfers at Verulam Golf course on Saturdays to earn some pocket money. On one memorable occasion he and his mates were asked to caddy for the evangelist Billy Graham and his party who… More about ‘Caddying at the golf course – Mike Titchiner’»
Mike recalls going to the pictures at the Odeon on Saturday mornings. He describes his walk there and back, where he bought his sweets and what was on. Interview date: 12 May 2014. Interviewer: Sandy Norman… More about ‘Saturday morning pictures – Mike Titchiner’»
One of Mike’s friends persuaded him to join the choir which was part of the Church Lads Brigade – even though he couldn’t sing! It was there that got to know the Reverend Hart-Synnot very well. Choir practice was in… More about ‘Church Lads Brigade – Mike Titchiner’»
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