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The transcript is an interview with Frank, Irene and Richard Hall as transcribed by Microsoft Word and summarised by ChatGPT and subject to errors.
The transcript captures the social history of Crow Lane through the recollections of Richard, Irene, and Frank Hall. They discuss the transition to modern conveniences, the importance of local shops and mills, the role of the police station, school discipline and teachers, religious processions and Empire Day, and the vibrant community life of plays, dances, and bands—all remembered with both detail and nostalgia.
Home Life & Modern Conveniences
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The Hall family home was electrified around 1928, which was a big change at the time.
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They also acquired a radio, which was seen as an exciting new development.
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Before bathrooms were installed, baths were taken with water heated on stoves or with a “bungalow range” (a type of cooker with a water tank heated from the fire).
Shops & Local Businesses on Crow Lane
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Beswick’s Grocers (later bought by one of the Hall brothers and renamed “Halls”).
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Cookson’s Bakery, well known locally for potato pies, considered among the best in the area.
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A weaving mill called “Redness,” which brought daily foot traffic as workers passed by.
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A ladies’ hat shop (run by Miss Cording).
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Mr. Smithers’ shop, selling toys and sweets, later became a flower shop.
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Other small shops included fruit sellers and sweet shops.
Police Station
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Originally at 32–34 Crow Lane, with Constable Davenport living there.
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The main police station was near the railway station.
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One family lived in the police station because the father was stationed there.
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Layout: Lounge on the left, office on the right, two cells at the back (bare inside, no toilets, just a bucket).
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Upstairs: 3 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen. Top floor used for storage of police boots and forms.
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People were rarely kept long in the cells—usually just overnight.
School Life
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A well-run, disciplined school with 6–7 classes of about 40 pupils each.
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Teachers remembered include Mr. Allen (headmaster, ex-Navy), Miss Hassell, Miss Hutchinson, Mrs. Cooke, Miss Parker, Miss West, and Mr. Price.
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Pupils lined up outside when the bell rang, marched in to the sound of the piano, and sat in regimented rows.
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Regular visits from a nurse checked eyesight and cleanliness.
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Some pupils recalled first getting glasses after school checks.
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Facilities: Coal fires for heating; toilets were originally outside in the yard.
Religious & Community Life
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The school building doubled as a church hall.
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Annual Whit Walks: Processions through parish streets with choirs, banners, and a brass band. Children often received oranges and biscuits afterwards.
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Empire Day: Once celebrated with children dressed as “nations of the world.”
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Church banners were stored upstairs at the school, and children helped carry ropes during parades.
Entertainment & Social Events
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The school stage hosted plays and amateur dramatics, sometimes involving adults as well as pupils.
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Concerts, dances, and competitions were common.
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During WWII, the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment used the hall, and social dances were arranged for officers (since pubs were off-limits).
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Local bands, relatives, and musicians often played at these events.
Daily Life & Memories
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The children played in and around the shops and houses of Crow Lane, often sneaking into empty buildings.
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Shops sold small household essentials—Dolly Blues, donkey stones, and groceries.
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Memories of coal fires, crowded classrooms, church processions, and school Christmas parties are vivid.
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Despite strict discipline, children looked back with affection on their community spirit, local shops, and shared activities.
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