Ampthill Past Memories

John Mayhead was born in 1931. Hear part one of his story here.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area.If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ⁠[email protected]⁠ or go to ⁠the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website⁠ for further information.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

This episode of Ampthill Past Memories features Neville Ellis, who shares his fascinating life story, from growing up in Clophill to building a life in Ampthill. Neville was born in 1934 and has lived in Ampthill since 1959.

If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for further information.

David Bartram, interviewed by Mariella Cook, recounts his early life in Ampthill, born in 1949 at 153 Oliver Street. He remembers playing near Paul Roberts' smallholding and the Conker tree. David moved to a bungalow at 169 Oliver Street, where his grandad lived. He attended local schools, including the Infant School on Flitwick Road and the Sands School. David's brother, Brian, worked for JM Hills and later moved to Southampton. David's father was an ambulance driver, and his mother worked at the Council offices. David also recalled various local shops and characters, highlighting the changes in Ampthill over the years.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area. If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for further information.

Rev. Dominic Holroyd was born in 1994 and has been Priest-In-Charge at St Andrew's Church, Ampthill since 2020. Hear his special sermon recording here.

WARNING - POOR AUDIO QUALITY.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area. If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for further information.

Robert Lawrence was born in 1931 and has lived in Ampthill since 1949. Hear his story here.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area. If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for further information.

John Winfield has lived in Ampthill all his life except for his military service including operations in Korea. Hear the fourth and final part of his story here.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area. If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for further information.

Robyn Smith has lived in Ampthill since her birth in 1950 Hear her story here.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area.

In this episode of Ampthill Past Memories, Mariella Cook interviews Simon Wilson, son of the late John and Margaret Wilson, about their lasting impact on the Ampthill community.

John and Margaret were dedicated public servants, each serving as town councillors and mayors, and actively supporting numerous charities, including Save the Children and the RNLI. Music was a cornerstone of Margaret’s life, and she was a proud member of the St Andrew’s Church choir.

Simon shares heartfelt memories of his parents' contributions, from their leadership at the Feoffee Almshouses to their role in twinning Ampthill with a town in France. He reflects on their strong partnership, sense of humour, and commitment to civic duty. The episode includes a moving reading of The Dash by Linda Ellis, capturing Margaret’s philosophy of living a meaningful life.

Margaret passed away in March 2024, remaining dedicated to her responsibilities until the very end. This episode honours her legacy and the profound impact of the Wilson family on Ampthill.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area.

In this episode of Ampthill Past Memories, we hear from Mary Harris, a lifelong resident of Maulden and later Ampthill. At 99 years old, Mary shares fascinating memories of her early life, working at the Bovril factory during wartime, cycling long distances for work and social events, and the challenges of rationing. She also recalls Ampthill’s old shops, her love of bowls, and how she helped start the first ladies' bowling team in Maulden. Listen in for a heartfelt journey through local history and personal resilience.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area.

John Winfield has lived in Ampthill all his life except for his military service including operations in Korea. Hear part 3 of his story here.

Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.

Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago.  The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area. If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ or go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website⁠⁠⁠⁠ for further information.