Ampthill Past Memories

Ampthill Past Memories

By Ampthill Past MemoriesHistory
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Ampthill Past Memories episodes

  • John Winfield - Part 2

    John Winfield has lived in Ampthill all his life except for his military service including operations in Korea. Hear part 2 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.


    19 min
  • Daphne Sharpe

    Daphne Sharpe, born in 1934 in Ampthill, shares her life story for the Ampthill Past Memories project. She recounts her early years, including her birth at 21 The Crescent and her family's move to Chilton Close. Daphne remembs her school days at the Alameda School, her work at a grocery shop, and her marriage in 1955. She detailed her experiences during WWII, and recalls the street party for VE Day and the excitement of the event, despite having to go to bed early, her involvement in fostering children, and her work at Huntings.

    Daphne also reminisces about local shops, including Nora's bun shop, Mrs. James' grocery and restaurant, the dentist, and Mr. Bennett's shoe shop, community events, and the changes in Ampthill over the years.

    Sadly, Daphne passed away in December 2024.

    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.

    30 min
  • Janet Potter

    Janet Potter was born in Ampthill in 1937. 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.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.

    33 min
  • Paul Roberts

    Paul Roberts was born in Oliver Street, Ampthill in 1943. 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.


    58 min
  • Christine Francis

    In this episode of Ampthill Past Memories, Sandra Read interviews Christine Francis who shares her journey from Luton to Ampthill in the 1970s , reflecting on family life, local businesses, and the ever-changing town. From lost wedding rings and unearthed relics to street parties and the famous pram race, Christine’s stories offer a fascinating glimpse into Ampthill’s past. Tune in for a warm and personal look at the town’s history through Christine's eyes.

    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.


    17 min
  • John Winfield - Part 1

    John Winfield has lived in Ampthill all his life except for his military service including operations in Korea. 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.


    37 min
  • Vanessa Wray

    Vanessa Wray was born in Ampthill in 1943. In this episode, Vanessa shares her vivid memories of growing up in Ampthill, from her childhood on Bedford Street to community traditions like hiring a TV for the Coronation. She reminisces about her family’s ties to local businesses, her father’s work as a coach driver, and her own career in catering. With heartwarming anecdotes, including how a football club and a glass of sherry led to love, Vanessa paints a lively picture of life in Ampthill through the decades.

    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.

    20 min
  • Liz Hymus

    Liz Hymuss was born in Ampthill. 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.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.

    13 min
  • Alan Read 2

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

    Alan Read was born in Ampthill in 1940. In this episode of Ampthill Past Memories, Alan shares fascinating stories about the vibrant characters, historic shops, and cultural life of Ampthill. From quirky figures like Shirley Robinson to the revival of the Ampthill Amateur Operatic Society, Alan brings the town’s past to life. He also reflects on childhood games, local pubs, and the evolution of the community, offering a heartfelt glimpse into Ampthill’s rich history.

    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.

    24 min
  • Alan Read 1

    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.

    In this episode of Ampthill Past Memories, Mariella Cook chats with Alan Read at Park Hill, where his family home stands on the land once occupied by the old Victorian workhouse. Born in 1940 during one of the coldest winters on record, Alan reflects on a childhood shaped by wartime Ampthill, playing in his great-grandfather’s stables, and attending the National School just like generations before him. He recalls becoming one of Redborne’s first head boys, a chance meeting with Leonard Cheshire, and his adventures in the menswear trade and bustling market stalls of the 1960s. A treasure trove of local history and heartwarming memories not to be missed.

    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.

    11 min

About Ampthill Past Memories

From the publisher's feed

Ampthill Past Memories presents oral histories from residents of the town. Produced by Radio LaB 97.1FM at the University of Bedfordshire and Ampthill Past Memories.