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

John Boothby was born in 1936, and moved to Ampthill in 1971. 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.

In this episode of Ampthill Past Memories, Sandra Read interviews Terry Lynch about his life in Ampthill. Born in 1942 in London, Terry moved to Ampthill in 1950, where his family ran a newsagent under the town clock. He reminisces about childhood adventures in the woods, playing football in the park, and his school days at Redborne, including a memorable encounter with the headmaster’s cane.

Terry shares stories of his career as a painter and decorator, running a paper round, and later working for local doctors. He also reflects on his sporting life, from football and cricket to discovering bowls later in life. Now in his 80s, Terry looks back fondly on his time in Ampthill, recalling the town’s changing landscape, old shops, and cherished community spirit.

Tune in for a fascinating glimpse into Ampthill’s past through Terry’s personal 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.

Diane Ingle was born in 1938 in Bedford Hospital, and grew up in Chandos Road, Ampthill.

Diane shares fond memories of growing up in Ampthill in the 1940s and 1950s. She describes her childhood home, the local schools she attended, and the vibrant community life, including her involvement in the Baptist and Church of England churches. Diane recalls playing outside with friends, visiting her grandparents in Leighton Buzzard during the war, keeping a pig in the house, and witnessing the changes in Ampthill over the years. She also shares stories about her father's work in the Royal Observer Corps and the close-knit community at the Cedars institution. Diane's recollections provide a glimpse into the daily life and experiences of a young girl in a small town during a pivotal time in 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.  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 new 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.