Interview with Elspeth Plumb (b.1935)

Elspeth Plumb and her husband moved to the Milton Keynes area (Newport Pagnell) in 1980 from Great Missenden. She runs a smallholding on the land at their home, and also does some part-time administration. She talks of the difficulties of settling in initially; they made friends through the children’s schools, playing bridge and golf, but she recalls it was difficult for her 12-year old settling into a new school. Nowadays she really enjoys the Theatre and also uses the Snowdome. In her opinion, there is a need for more entertainment for youngsters, including galleries and museums as well as sports centres.

She talks about shopping in Newport Pagnell and discusses price differences between small shops and supermarkets. On public transport, she comments that it is difficult for youngsters to access all the facilities. She supports the idea to develop park and ride. She loves the MK architecture, all the modern buildings:- ‘we haven’t been rooted in the past’. Overall she says: ‘I can’t ever see myself moving because I love it here, but … I would always take very nice memories of Milton Keynes wherever I am.’