Oral history audio recordings of 'pioneer settlers' who moved to the area designated as Milton Keynes from 1967 onwards.
The ‘Peoples History of Milton Keynes’ project includes approximately 324 oral history interviews recorded by and on behalf of the Living Archive. This selection of 53 interviews were recorded between February 2000 and October 2001, with residents who moved, from 1967 onwards, into the area which had been designated as Milton Keynes. The interviews in most part cover the interviewee’s reminiscences about the development of the new town, and their thoughts on the subsequent changes.
Some interviewees have requested that the transcript should only be accessed for educational purposes.
Extent
54 audio tape cassettes
Reference number
PMK/005
Records in this Group
Norma Loh talks of being an early Arrivals Worker for the Milton Keynes Development Corporation. She discusses involvement with the community, and topics such as housing, community newspapers, debt and money advice, and community houses.
Councillor Ken Beeley, who became Mayor of Milton Keynes in 1999, discusses his move to the Lakes Estate, and his perceptions of Milton Keynes. He talks of MK in the early days, seeing the town built, local politics, Sense of Pride, and involvement in the Hospital Action Group.
Carol Loxton discusses her move to Milton Keynes in the early 1970s and settling there. She talks of her experiences as an Arrivals Worker for the Milton Keynes Development Corporation, involving topics such as family troubles, the Womens Refuge, the community in general, and her view on housing.
This is a recording of a Question and Answer session about early arrivals work by Carol Loxton and Norma Jamieson, both Arrivals Workers for the Milton Keynes Development Corporation in the 1970s. They are questioned by ‘People’s History’ volunteers. Topics covered include counselling, MKDC, arrivals work, personal lives, the problems of early residents of Milton ...
Marion Fox and her parents Mr and Mrs Elketon moved to the area in 1968. They discuss moving to and living in Bletchley before Milton Keynes began, the leisure facilities and health care. They talk of the initial plans for MK, their perceptions of it, shopping and concrete cows.
Interview with a male resident, a pioneer settler who moved to Milton Keynes in 1974.
The interviewee has requested that the content of this interview be used for educational purposes only.
The content of this interview may be accessed at the discretion of Living Archive.
Shahnaz Hussein-Hall discusses her move to Milton Keynes, She remembers the many building projects, housing and the mud everywhere. She describes her pride in the new city, and the opportunities it has given. However, in her opinion, it is now overbuilt.
Peter Taylor moved to Newport Pagnell in 1986 and then to Simpson, within the designated area of Milton Keynes in 1996. He discusses the changes he has seen since he arrived, building developments, the city boundaries, and Simpson.
Joan Thompson moved to Milton Keynes when her husband obtained a job at Cotton Valley Sewage works. She worked at the Open University. She discusses the information provided by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation on moving, the early days of life in Milton Keynes, housing, transport and education.
Erica Bowmer moved to a private housing estate in Milton Keynes in 1974 and worked as a teacher in MK. She discusses housing, overbuilding, local amenities and schooling, roundabouts and cows.
Christopher Pym moved from London to Milton Keynes Village in 1975 with his family to work at the Open University. He looked forward to the opportunities offered by the new town and talks about starting community organisations, community houses, the development of Milton Keynes in general, and his own contacts with Milton Keynes Development Corporation.
He ...
Tracy Walters moved to Milton Keynes in 1978, living in Spencer Street, New Bradwell. He talks of his work at Interaction with young people, his enjoyment of life in his local area, playing in bands, and the early days of Milton Keynes.
Kathy Silleck moved to Milton Keynes from London in 1975 with her husband and two young children, to a rented house on Tinkers Bridge. She talks of settling in, their family life, the early days of Milton Keynes and employment.
David Webb moved to Milton Keynes from London in 1971. He discusses the early days of Milton Keynes, remembering the many building sites, and local amenities.
Mustafa Afassi Alami came to Milton Keynes in 1979. He remembers the early days of his life there, employment and local transport.
Kathy Baker settled in the Milton Keynes area in 1974. She describes how she heard about the new ‘city’ and why she chose to move there. She talks about employment, local transport and amenities.
Kathy Chapman moved to Milton Keynes in 1972, to Netherfield. Her husband was an employee of the Milton Keynes Development Corporation. She talks about her experiences as a pioneer settler in the early days of MK, the building works, settling in and local amenities.
Shirley Halls moved to Milton Keynes in 1979. She discusses the early days of her life in Milton Keynes, employment, local amenities and transport.
Joan Palmer moved to a rented house in Milton Keynes in 1975. She talks of her experiences as a pioneer settler. She mentions topics such as buildings, local transport and shopping.
Jean Catlin arrived in Milton Keynes in 1973. She describes why she decided to settle there, and the move itself. She worked as a cleaner at Stantonbury Campus. She remembers past events in Milton Keynes, for example the firework displays and concerts.
Margaret Jones moved to Bletchley in 1973 when her husband obtained a job at Bletchley Leisure Centre. She talks about living and working in the new city, and her hopes for the future.
David Turner moved to Milton Keynes in 1971. He talks about his experiences as a pioneer and his hopes and dreams for the future. He discusses buildings in MK, shopping, local transport and the hospital.
Leroy Clarke moved to Fishermead in Milton Keynes in 1980 from Surrey. He talks about his impressions of the city, settling in, youth work with the local youth club and broadcasting on the local radio station CRMK for two years. He also recalls many years of running discos for schools and youth clubs, and his ...
Jeff Fawcett moved to Milton Keynes in 1975. He was employed by Milton Keynes Development Corporation as a community worker. He talks about life in Milton Keynes in the early days and discusses the changes that have occurred over time.
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