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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Hempsell was born in Ampthill in 1937. 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.

Warning: poor sound quallity in this episode.

Simon Houfe is the grandson of the famous English Architect, Sir Albert Richardson who was President of the Royal Academy, and who owned and lived in Avenue House in Ampthill. Simon was born in Bedford and moved with his parents to Ampthill when he was 6 days old. During his career he worked as a journalist, author, and Bedfordshire historian and contributing significantly to the field of art and history.  He provides a wonderful picture of life in Avenue House with his grandfather and other notable characters in 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.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.

Originally recorded for the Greensand Landscape Oral History Project.

Martin Nellist moved to Ampthill in 1965. 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.

Originally recorded for the Greensand Landscape Oral History Project.

Mark Smith was born in Ampthill in 1962. 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.