Oral Histories

The oral histories collected are a valuable source of historical information collected by interviews, the majority of which were recorded. If someone did not wish to be recorded notes were taken during the interview and then the transcription was reviewed by them to ensure it was a true record of their memory. Two of the oral histories collect do not have recordings. Myra Cook did not wish to be recorded and Irvin Gibson’s memoirs were recoded many years ago so no recording is available, but we have the transcript. Some of the histories cover a wide range of memories of village life and others just specific aspects, events or organisations.

The information collected has been used to provide detail to the narrative which accompanies the photographs on the website. This section includes a ‘transcribed taster’ of the information contained in each of the histories collected so far. The recordings are unedited so included the interviewers voice, comments and any ums and errs! The memories and opinions are those of the individual and not of HHRAA. The full transcription can be obtained by sending us an email, there is a link on the About Us page or you can contact one of the Committee Members.

Oral Histories

Delia Tucker (nee Gell) remembers life in the village in the early 1940s.

Frank Millington remembers life growing up on Garth Farm

Dean Kellett recalls evenings spent in the Wheatsheaf

George Greenhough remembers the Covenantors and Jucos groups

Brenda Stripe remembers living in Mulberry Farm

Alan Wray remembers how women took their little children to work in the 1930s

Maureen Wray remembers life in the Wheatsheaf in the 1940s

Roy Clarke gives an insight to life as a Parish Councillor.

Pauline Clarke remembers the change from Hambleton WI to YCA.

Ingrid Millington remembers life in the village in the 1970s and how it has grown.

Peter Thompson recalls his early memories of life in the village

Peter (Butcher) Thompson remembers running his shops in the village.

Pam Gill remembers how Hambleton Players were formed.

Anne Smith (nee Turner) remembers her early life in Hambleton

Maureen Metcalf remembers the celebration for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee

Diane Greatorex talks about the village Playgroup in the 1990s

Trevor Millington remembers harvesting potatoes and sugar beet.

Trevor Foster remembers his Dad’s relatives and a little of village life

Christine Craggs talks with Pam Morley about the Christmas Tree Festivals

Pam Morley & Christine Craggs talk about the changes being made at the Chapel in 2018

Helen Banks remembers starting a Youth Club in the Village

Chris Ackroyd remembers his time in the Old School

John Ward remembers his early life in Hambleton

Fiona Conor remembers how John and herself took over running the Players

John Thwaites and Janet recall living in the Old Post Office

Janet Bourke and John recall their childhood in the village.

Janette Elsworth remembers some of the playgroup activities.

Margaret Bell remembers starting the Playgroup.

Chipping Norton reading a letter received after his Grandfathers death in 1918.