Di Thompson

Di was born in Bidford-On-Avon in 1944 and moved to Stony Stratford with her husband Eric in 1972. She went to Folk on the Green because she knew Rod Hall as a teacher of her sons at Whaddon Way School. She liked folk music and loved the event. Her favourite group was the  ‘Cock and Bull Band’. She started helping by taking round the blanket and covering for breaks. It helped her to make friends in the area. She joined the Committee, probably through Vicki Shakeshaft, and took responsibility for the Stalls. That involved organising an interesting range of stalls – always including books, plants and food – and  negotiating fees and percentages. She liaised with residents about moving their cars and also heard their concerns – often about their gardens being used as toilets. At the end of the day she helped to pick up the litter, which was her worst memory. The Committee met rarely, but she liaised more frequently with Bob Adams, a natural organiser. She remembered his green and red pens. She also remembered Derek Gibbons, who helped bring bands to the event.

She enjoyed being part of a joyous local community event. She didn’t remember much rain. The event grew and became crowded to the extent that there was no room for the Mummers to perform. She did not think there were too many ‘outsiders’. She thought the music became more diverse, although it did move back towards its folk roots. She admired and kept the Rod Hall designed posters. She felt it had started because Stony Stratford had a lot of good musicians, but also because early Milton Keynes had amazing creative energy.

She also spoke about her job helping to win over the residents of Great Holm to the McIntyre home.