Back to Oral Taping Menu
- T24 Alice O'Donnell
General memories of Ramsbottom
Born 29/03/1909
Recorded 16/12/1998
Length 01:32:40
- Speaker 2 has one son, Phillip, who lives on the Isle of Wight and is returning home for Christmas.
- Speaker 2 reminisces about childhood activities, including walks and school experiences.
- Discusses family dynamics, including siblings and their roles.
- Mentions working in a towel mill and learning skills like weaving.
- Reflects on community activities, church attendance, and the impact of the Second World War on family life.
Early Life and Family
- The speaker was born at 4 Butler Street, Ramsbottom, and started school at age three at Geoffrey Street School
- Memories include hammocks in the baby room, rocking horses, and mothers bringing hot milk in winter.
- Father: Herbert Hall, a journeyman sculptor, whose work can be seen in local cemeteries and at Bury Town Hall
- Mother’s father was a gardener at Hay House.
Childhood and Schooling
- Experienced Zeppelin raids during WWI; recalls bombs shaking soot down chimneys
- Left school at 14; brothers left earlier at 12 to work half-time in a towel mill
- School included exams in subjects like scripture, history, and “drill” (early P.E.)
Work and Daily Life
- Worked weaving towels in a local mill, later as a welfare assistant in a school, supervising children’s meals and play
- Helped at home with chores; recalls washing with mangles and gas boilers
- Family grew food in allotments during WWI
Faith and Community Involvement
- Strong ties to St. Paul’s Church; joined choir at 16, participated in services and special musical events
- Active in Mother’s Union for over 50 years
- Involved in amateur dramatics both in church plays and with Ramsbottom Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society until WWII disrupted activities
Marriage and Family Life
- Met her husband during a snowstorm when stranded and invited to make up a card game foursome
- Married soon after; lived through wartime shortages and challenges.
- Had several children; tragically lost a young son to meningitis before the NHS existed, when hospital births required fees
Health and Hospitals
- Remembers strict matrons and home deliveries being common before maternity units
- Experiences with local doctors visiting by horse and trap, bicycle, or later car
- Describes paying installments for medical treatment before the NHS
Later Life and Community Roles
- Vice President of Tottington Blind Persons Welfare after her husband went blind, organizing support and activities
- Helped host council election gatherings at home.
- Continued strong community involvement through church, charity, and social clubs until groups eventually folded due to aging membership
Other Memories
- Vivid stories of WWI Zeppelin raids, WWII disruptions, rationing, and German workers installing looms at Porritz mill
- Recalls village life, local trades, and the importance of community support in hard times.
✅ In short: The transcript is a life-history oral interview, capturing one woman’s memories of growing up in Ramsbottom in the early 20th century, her schooling, work in mills, church and community life, marriage and family, wartime experiences, and long-term contributions to local welfare and social groups.
Back to Oral Taping Menu