“When the war finished [1918] I went back to the Valleys. I used to do competition walking, over the hills, then ‘cos it was the Depression. I used to win like a box of vegetables, or a cabbage.” Hereford munition worker Annie Slade.
“I remember Mum had the telegram – Father had been killed in a cellar at Arnhem. It left Mum to bring up the seven of us on College Estate. On 32 bob a week.” Mary Morris.
These memories by Mary and Annie (the only known interview with a World War 1 Hereford Munitions worker) are among over 200 face-to-face interviews and transcripts in the Herefordshire Lore archive. In addition there are 80+ newsletters and around 2500 photographs.
Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, Judith and Eve (pictured) especially, the Archive will soon be available to researchers, family historians and the public when it is lodged, after two years work, at Herefordshire Archive and Records Centre.
Preparing the archive entailed digitising hours of cassette and mini disc recordings, and transcribing word by word some difficult audio recordings.
Bill is chairman of Herefordshire Lore: “The Archive, amassed over 35 years, constitutes one of the county’s most important 20th century, social history records. We’re indebted to our fantastic volunteers for safeguarding them for the future. Thank you Herefordshire!”