Archive (1372 life histories found)

My earliest memories are my brothers and sister and I sleeping in a bed which had to be taken down each night and made up in the sittingroom. It was like a large wardrobe Made by my father. We once found our pet dog missing, after a day wrapped…

University was never mentioned as nobody had the money to go. Secondary school was even fee paying. For people with large families this wasn't an option. Out of school at 14 years and into a factory mostly. Sewing was the main occupation, or…

I would have stayed on at school, but I had to leave even with a scholarship. As one of ten children we had to work to get money.But the memories of childhood are good. We lived in an area surrounded by fields as far as the eye could see. We…

Religion ruled. Practically everything was a sin. Sex was never mentioned even though there were unaccounted children in families, they were accepted by us children. One never questioned.The boys were almost aliens to us who attended all girls…

My mother and father died in 1968 just 10 days apart. Mother on a Wednesday and father on the Saturday week. I had some leave to be with my mother before she died. The following year, I decided I could take a long holiday. July, 1969, I went on my…

Had another great tour in Europe where we spent one or two nights in different areas. Went to London to join the tour. My friend and I were the first on the coach. Africans, Asians and family from Japan, Australia, America - a mixed bunch. We were…

My first holiday to Europe was a special trip to Benidorm. It was organised by the Presbyterian Church. An older minister was our leader. We had a wonderful time on the beach, swimming, sun bathing, playing games and good chat. We all stayed in…

After retirement my friend and I joined some classes. A cookery class we joined was a great success, not that I became a great cook! There were eighteen ladies at the beginning but two or three dropped out. We were all retired ladies with a view to…

A friend and I had a holiday arranged for the following week after my retirement to Bournemouth for two weeks. Had a lovely time. Good walks on the beautiful beaches. Nice condition for swimming. Bournemouth was one of my favourite places.My friends…

Retired 1987, 31st May, thirty - seven years in the Belfast City Hospital and Jubilee Maternity Hospital. Some of the staff I worked with had a small party, a cup of tea and some good chat and reminiscence of good times. I felt very sad, had no idea…