Ampthill Past Memories

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.

Originally recorded for the Greensand Landscape Oral History Project.

John Hele moved to Ampthill in 1983. 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.

Christine Moore was born in 1937, and moved to Ampthill in 1965. Join us for a fascinating journey through Ampthill's past with Christine Moore, who shares her memories of growing up nearby, moving to the town in the 1960s, and witnessing its many changes. From childhood visits to Ampthill’s bustling shops to working at the historic library and even staging a pram protest for a bypass, Christine’s stories bring local history to life. Hear about flash floods, community events, and long-lost landmarks in this engaging episode of Ampthill Past Memories.

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.

In this episode of Ampthill Past Memories, Sandra Read interviews Hilary Nellist about her life and experiences in Ampthill. Hilary, originally from Dorset, moved to Bedfordshire in 1963 to train as a PE teacher. Her connection to Ampthill deepened when she married and settled in the town, raising three children and becoming an active member of the local community.

Hilary shares memories of early motherhood, her teaching career at Redborne School, and her involvement in local sports, including netball, hockey, and tennis. She recalls the days when Ampthill’s shops were small, independent businesses and describes how life evolved with the introduction of supermarkets like Tesco.

Beyond her career, Hilary dedicated time to volunteering, from driving the Flittabus for 15 years to working at Wrest Park with English Heritage. She also found a passion for bell ringing at St. Andrew’s Church, a skill she took up later in life.

Throughout the conversation, Hilary reflects on the changes she has witnessed in Ampthill, the strong community spirit, and the friendships that have shaped her journey. From raising children to staying active in retirement, her story offers a heartfelt look at life in the town over the decades.

Tune in to hear Hilary’s wonderful recollections of Ampthill’s past and how it has changed 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.

Hillary Wilson was born in 1947, and moved to Ampthill in 1978.
In this episode, Mariella Cook interviews long-time Ampthill resident Hilary Wilson, who shares her experiences of moving to the town in the 1970s. Hilary recalls her involvement with the Sea Cadets, working in social services, and volunteering at local schools and community groups. She also reminisces about Ampthill’s past, from beloved shops and teachers to the famous geese that once roamed the roundabout. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with nostalgia and local historyAmpthill 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.

In this episode of Ampthill Past Memories, Sandra Read interviews Richard Day, who was born in Ampthill in 1932. Richard reflects on his early years, attending Sands School, and his apprenticeships at WH Robertson Limited and W.H. Allen Limited before serving in the RAF as a Junior Technician. He shares stories of his parents, Gertrude May and Percy George Day, his career as a draughtsman at Hunting Engineering, and his life after redundancy, including taking up golf at Aspley Guise.

Richard also recalls playing football with German prisoners of war as a child, forming sports teams with friends, and witnessing Ampthill's transformation over the decades. He shares memories of local businesses, the Wingfield Club, and community events like the Queen’s coronation and D-Day celebrations. Through his personal anecdotes, Richard paints a vivid picture of life in Ampthill, preserving its history for future generations.

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.

Sue Rutt was the Great-granddaughter of Henry & Priscilla Daniels, who resided 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