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The transcript is an interview with Joan Barcroft as transcribed by Microsoft Word and summarised by ChatGPT and subject to errors.
Early Life and Housing
- Joan Barcroft was born in 1933 at 2 Church Street, Ramsbottom. The house was small with minimal amenities, shared toilets, and no running hot water.
- The family later moved to 12 Church Street, then to 27 Garden Street in 1940, which had electricity and its own flush toilet. Joan lived there until 1993.
- She described the houses as dark, damp, with flagstone floors, and many were demolished in the 1960s.
Family Background
- Father: Started work in the mills at 12, later became a deliveryman for Anderton’s Stores (first with horse and cart, then motor vehicles). His work was physically demanding and poorly paid. He suffered health issues, including a hernia, and died at 63.
- Mother: From Cumberland, worked in domestic service and later in local hotels. She also took cleaning jobs during WWII. Skilled at cooking, baking, and managing the household on limited means.
- Brother: Born three years after Joan. They squabbled but were protective of each other.
Childhood Experiences
- Grew up in a working-class community with strong neighbourly support. Everyone worked in mills or similar jobs, no class distinction among them.
- Childhood illnesses included tonsillitis, measles, chickenpox, mumps, and German measles. She had his tonsils removed and vividly remembered hospital experiences.
- Discipline at home was strict but fair—mostly verbal warnings from his father were enough.
School Life
- Began school in 1937 before age 4. Early memories include learning basic skills, naps, milk breaks, and birthday parties.
- Teachers included Miss Hassell, Mrs Whittaker, Mrs Cook (remembered as harsh), Mr Price, and Mr Lindley.
- Experienced wartime air raid drills and shelter practice.
- Left school at 15, after the school-leaving age was raised from 14.
Wartime Memories
- Recalled the outbreak of WWII in 1939, air-raid sirens, blackout rules, and local shelters.
- Food rationing shaped meals, but her mother ensured they ate well with simple, wholesome food.
- Community life was disrupted, with church walks and local events suspended during the war.
Work and Later Life
- After leaving school, Joan worked in local industry (mills, warehouses). She recalled long hours, low pay, reliance on unions, and gradual improvements like more holidays.
- She saw the transition from gas and water-powered machinery to electricity.
- Spoke of women leaving mill work as conditions remained harsh.
Community, Church, and Leisure
- Active in St. Paul’s Church and Sunday school from an early age. Joined the church choir at 11 and remained a member into adulthood.
- Recalled Whit Walks and church processions, which declined after the war.
- Leisure included local games (skipping, hopscotch), concerts in the park, reading newspapers, and small social gatherings.
Overall Theme:
The transcript paints a vivid picture of working-class life in Ramsbottom from the 1930s–1950s, highlighting housing conditions, family work, wartime struggles, school discipline, and strong community ties rooted in church and neighbourhood solidarity.
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