Interview with George Cartwright (b.1919).
George Cartwright moved to Milton Keynes in the early 1970s from South London with staff of the family firm, who took a factory unit. He recalls process of arranging housing for the staff move. They all moved to Galley Hill; he recalls an item in the local press: ‘the Gazette I think … they had this big coloured picture; The Pioneers…’ He talks of the contrast between Croydon and MK, transport difficulties, the mud everywhere. But Galley Hill developed into a good community; he talks of the Galley Hill Association, other groups using the meeting place, the local newspaper The Noose, and the doctor’s surgery. He joined the Stony Stratford Working Men’s Club; although there was some initial resentment of incomers by original residents, they were friendly. He worked with Roger Kitchen on local events like the Spring Fair.
The firm expanded in MK and most of the employees stayed there. He retired aged 60 when it was sold to another company. Five years ago he and his wife went to Australia, intending to settle since their sons were both there. But they returned to MK after a few years. They noticed changes on their return: the growth of trees and landscape, improvement of public transport, increased social and sporting activities, more shopping, and a fully functioning hospital. Comedians joking about MK annoy him: ‘I think it’d be a good idea if they came down and had a look at it.’ He describes the views of his Australian friends about MK; he is happy here, but would still like to go back to Australia.
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