Archive Interview: PVC14

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Speaker 1:

interviewerPVC14

Speaker 2:

informantPVC14a

Age Group:

61-70

Gender:

Male

Residence:

Tyneside - Newcastle

Education:

Left school at 13

Occupation:

Postmaster (retired)

Speaker 3:

informantPVC14b

Age Group:

71-80

Gender:

Male

Residence:

Tyneside - Newcastle

Education:

Unknown

Occupation:

Business Owner (retired)

Themes

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  Interview Transcript

Speaker 2:

and during that I eh went to work in a factory an engineering factory

Speaker 3:

which one was that (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

and that was the North East Marine in Wallsend trained there to be an engineer and I was there I'm going to jump a few years now (unclear) but I was there till I was thirty three then I went into the insurance business after that

Speaker 3:

(unclear) big change

Speaker 2:

but eh (pause) during that time before you know eh before I left there and on the sort of teenage years I I got involved in the (pause) local dance bands and dance music you know being a drummer a semi pro capacity and eh we just went on from there and ehm (pause) I got married met (NAME) married (NAME) when I was twenty three I I then left Wallsend and lived in eh Saint Anthony's area for a few year then we we moved eh to Longbenton

Speaker 3:

mm-hm

Speaker 2:

eh and then (NAME) was born our son we lived there quite happily for quite a number of years and then decided we'd like to (pause) go into buy our own house then we moved up to Chapel House ehm buying a bungalow there (pause) and we were there quite a few years (pause) eh during which ehm I continued in the insurance business then so eh

Speaker 3:

that's probably where (NAME) got it from (interruption) (unclear) insurance (unclear) when you sort of

Speaker 2:

yes yeah that's right because he he he left eh there and then he went up to eh Walbottle Grammar School left at about sixteen and a half and he started with the firm that he is orig he was originally then with the (interruption) Scottish Widows

Speaker 3:

that's really when I met you because

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

(NAME) and (NAME) had been going (interruption) around even at school they were going (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) they met at school didn't they

Speaker 3:

(unclear) like (interruption) childhood sweethearts (unclear)

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm yeah (unclear)

Speaker 3:

well mine was a different type of life altogether I I was born nineteen twenty three in Scotswood

Speaker 2:

aye

Speaker 3:

eh a real poor area of Scotswood in those days I don't remember much about it because when I was (unclear) probably four or five we left there and went to Heaton I don't know much about about it was a school called Heaton Park Road I I think it's still there actually ehm we lived in Hotspur Street

Speaker 2:

yeah (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

but I I do remember Hotspur Street ran onto the tip there was a big Byker tip in those days and

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

it was really a big hole in the ground and all the rubbish from all surrounding districts of Newcastle used to

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

put the rubbish in the tip

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and the street I lived in (unclear) was only a matter of what probably five hundred yards from the from the tip and that's what I remember mostly about it and to get to the town we had to walk across down Hotspur Street onto Warwick Street which is still there

Speaker 2:

yeah Warwick Street (interruption) aye yeah aye

Speaker 3:

the buses are using it cross over eh there's now a modern road there

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

cross over into Shieldfield

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

but it's quite different to your Post Office

Speaker 2:

yes yes (interruption) yes yes yes

Speaker 3:

where you had the Post Office in Shieldfield (unclear) I never dreamt that one day I would have a shop myself

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah (unclear)

Speaker 3:

a carpet store in Shieldfield you know

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

so it's it's changed

Speaker 2:

mm mm

Speaker 3:

and we used to have to walk across there to get into the town (unclear) was in Heaton until I was about eh ten and then it's funny how how families sort of

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

stick to an area my father was born and lived in a place called Spital Tongues (unclear) everybody knows about it that's

Speaker 2:

mm mm

Speaker 3:

a Geordie and went to s live in Spital Tongues

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and it was there that ehm (unclear) the best move we ever made really because

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

it was like moving into the country in those days

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

Spital Tongues was we called it the village

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

now it's it's e e

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

encompassed by other other houses and eh there was only the barracks

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

used to be Fenham Barracks

Speaker 2:

I remember it's funny things turned full circle because (NAME) eh was born and lived in Shieldfield

Speaker 3:

oh that's (interruption) right aye

Speaker 2:

and that was her life until they eh you know due to housing developments moved down into the the Saint Anthony's area and then after (unclear) you know (unclear) different jobs I landed up and bought a Post Office in Shieldfield

Speaker 3:

aye you see it's (interruption) funny (unclear)

Speaker 2:

eh and when I remember when we went there the eh the entrance to it there was still then there was a little chemist shop butchers and one or two of the older buildings still there eh which prior to that they had built on Shieldfield

Speaker 3:

were the flats up then

Speaker 2:

yes yes the high rise were there then

Speaker 3:

what year was that then (NAME)

Speaker 2:

well I let me think I went back I was there sixteen seventeen years been retired four so that's like what twenty one year ago so that would be what about in the seventies seventy five or something I went down there

Speaker 3:

and had they just been built then

Speaker 2:

they'd been up a few year but there was still development then because once they pulled those houses down (pause) ehm I thought (unclear) they did build houses on the right had side there but what they did do in (unclear) place they built the ehm there was a an old peoples' home there now and then (interruption) of course (unclear)

Speaker 3:

aye I've seen that's right

Speaker 2:

the old the old Shieldfield Club I think it's well it is still there

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

but I think they seemed to modernize it and build on it and then build above

Speaker 3:

yes

Speaker 2:

(unclear) prior to that I had never had eh any dealings with Shieldfield at all but eh it's it's very central for the people that live there in as much as eh (interruption) you know

Speaker 3:

you know it's mostly as I say there's only those four or five shops there now but when I I remember Shieldfield (pause) I used to come as I say across the the tip eh which was there was a proper road (interruption) you know

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

I wasn't just walking across a tip there was a proper road across

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

between Heaton and Shieldfield and my mother I can remember my mother getting her dresses made in a dress maker in Shieldfield so they had all sorts of shops you know

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

she used to get

Speaker 2:

oh yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

(unclear) get her dresses made by this I can't remember (interruption) the name of the shop now

Speaker 2:

(NAME) often she talks about that ehm

Speaker 3:

aye (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

one of the shops there was a a a ladies like drapery shop

Speaker 3:

yeah the only people who seem to get dresses made now are

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

are these people if they're going to (unclear)

Speaker 2:

oh aye (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) fashion people but (laughter) this was you know she probably got them (unclear) how much they cost

Speaker 2:

yeah (unclear)

Speaker 3:

but they wouldn't cost very much

Speaker 2:

no no

Speaker 3:

eh so it was it it's (interruption) amazing

Speaker 2:

trying to think (NAME) did mention the name of a shop there but how it's changed in as much as eh what there one two I think there's two three big motor traders there now

Speaker 3:

that's right well Nissan are there (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

Warwick Street (unclear) Shieldfield there's n a Nissan dealer there's Honda

Speaker 3:

oh there's a few (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

and eh and then it's (unclear) what (unclear) closed since eh that was the the ehm the building contractors moved out there remember there was a big one there as well

Speaker 3:

aye (interruption) I c

Speaker 2:

eh

Speaker 3:

aye I can't remember (unclear) name my memory's gone really

Speaker 2:

aye I forget what they're c anyway that was moved and eh they built houses on the ground eh (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) I never (interruption) thought it would ever happen because they used to s

Speaker 2:

no no (unclear)

Speaker 3:

all sorts of stuff (unclear) in there

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

and then of course they built that new bridge because there's only old Byker bridge at one time

Speaker 2:

(interruption) yes yeah yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

and then they built the rail bridge didn't they and and the new railway bridge

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

so that's that's all happened

Speaker 2:

the old black (unclear)

Speaker 3:

mm-hm (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) gone and then the g the The Grand in Byker

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

remember all them

Speaker 3:

(unclear) I remember seeing eh (pause) Winifred Atwell

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

playing the piano at The Grand

Speaker 2:

did you

Speaker 3:

eh Byker (unclear) how many years ago that is

Speaker 2:

mm yeah

Speaker 3:

ehm after we went to Spital Tongues as I say (unclear) was my father's family lived there and it's right ne next to Newcastle ehm (pause) town moor

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

it was ideal because my father played played golf in the eh in the Newcastle United Golf Club as it was known then and it was in the eh the windmill the windmill on Claremont Road and at (interruption) that time

Speaker 2:

oh (unclear) yeah

Speaker 3:

eh they did even had the wings on the on the (interruption) windmill you know

Speaker 2:

aye (unclear)

Speaker 3:

now it's just got the I think that it's a private residence now (interruption) but it's just got the

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm

Speaker 3:

the eh the shape of the

Speaker 2:

mm mm

Speaker 3:

the main the main building without the wings (unclear) was great I mean they had two billiard tables and a I'm talking about what oh nineteen thirty (pause) five thirty (interruption) six

Speaker 2:

mm mm

Speaker 3:

and eh the the but all the golf course Newcastle United golf course in those days was all on the town moor

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

there (unclear) ehm

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

eh well not not all on the town moor really there was let's see there was ehm the first second third and the sixteenth seventeenth and eighteenth were on the town moor and the other holes were on the Kenton moor

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

but the on the the ones on the town moor surrounded a an isolation hospital do you remember that isolation hospital that stood in the middle of the town moor

Speaker 2:

yeah mm (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

well that's th th th they built the well they (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

and is that still part of it that still on near the c the past the Cowgate roundabout as you come onto the new motorway that's still part of that Newcastle golf club that (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

no well it's now it's now all at all on the Cowgate moor (interruption) you know

Speaker 2:

aye yeah

Speaker 3:

and they've moved the golf club as well

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

but eh

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

I remember when you used to come out of Shieldfield you used to walk (unclear) walking towards the town (unclear) had all the the the big Rover car dealer on the left the ol the Olympia cinema

Speaker 3:

yes (interruption) aye yes

Speaker 2:

used to be there

Speaker 3:

and the pala and the eh Pavilion

Speaker 2:

Pavilion (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) the Pavilion

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

I can remember also there used to be a a Hippodrome (interruption) do you remember the Hippodrome

Speaker 2:

(unclear) Hippodrome yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

because I can remember mother and father saying that they went to see Gracie Fields there

Speaker 2:

aye aye (unclear)

Speaker 3:

that's a lot of years ago

Speaker 2:

yes yes I remember aye

Speaker 3:

so there was three three cinemas in (interruption) on on north that's on Northumberland Road

Speaker 2:

(interruption) been some big changes (interruption) very big changes

Speaker 3:

where Northumberland Road is now

Speaker 2:

yes (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

eh and the British Homestores

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

almost on the site of the eh

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

the Pavilion (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

yeah and the old Queen's cinema where they've got shops there now

Speaker 3:

oh aye (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) successful by all accounts (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

that's off Northumberland Street

Speaker 2:

changes made (unclear) the big library (unclear)

Speaker 3:

yes (interruption) oh well that's (unclear) library

Speaker 2:

(unclear) the old Empire ci theatre (unclear) all the big names

Speaker 3:

(unclear) (interruption) n Newgate Street

Speaker 2:

used to go and see the see the big bands and then go to the Oxford on a Friday night after they finished and play there till one

Speaker 3:

yeah a after when I was ehm when I I w I went to a I went to Ackie Road Tech and this is interesting I I lived in Spital Tongues and trolley buses had just started then

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

so I was about twelve

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and I was born in nineteen twenty three and I remember walking to school having gone to the Ackie Road Tech from Spital Tongues up Brighton Grove eh (pause) up Milvain Avenue onto Westgate Road along Westgate Road down Condercum Road

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

across Elswick Road down Armstrong down Atki down Armstrong Road to (interruption) Atkinson Road

Speaker 2:

(unclear) Atkinson Road

Speaker 3:

used to take us about an hour

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

walking to school

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

I could have got a bus but it would have meant going into the town

Speaker 2:

(unclear) Atkinson Road school

Speaker 3:

and back out again

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

yes

Speaker 2:

I used to (interruption) I used to collect there when I was in insurance (unclear)

Speaker 3:

can you imagine the at twelve can you imagine letting the kids (interruption) out now

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

at the mothers won't allow their kid

Speaker 2:

no no

Speaker 3:

walk any distance (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

I used to go to the Western School on Wallsend used to walk there come home for lunch back and then back home (unclear) take a sandwich (unclear) used to come home each day

Speaker 3:

I can remember taking

Speaker 2:

cross the high street (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

even in those days taking a t tin of beans or or a pie

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

because there wasn't any facilities for food

Speaker 2:

no

Speaker 3:

we had a

Speaker 2:

oh no they didn't have it

Speaker 3:

a gas cooker

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

and the kids that like me who came a long distance t to get to the school had to take our turn on the (interruption) gas cooker to eh

Speaker 2:

mm mm-hm (unclear)

Speaker 3:

eh have a meal

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

and the periods it was it's (unclear) I still the the the head master was a bloke called we used to call him Pa (NAME) his (unclear) was Mr (NAME)

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

big fine fellow

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

and eh the the school was a it sort of had a veranda around and

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

each each period you have to had to walk to

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

each a different subject

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

which was quite new to me

Speaker 2:

yeah (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

having gone to Todds Nook

Speaker 2:

mm-hm (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

which is still (unclear) also still there

Speaker 2:

yeah aye

Speaker 3:

to get to Todds Nook from Spital Tongues we had to walk we were allowed to walk through the barracks

Speaker 2:

Fenham Barracks

Speaker 3:

which was occupied by soldiers in those (interruption) days

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah (unclear) yeah (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

it was a quick you know it

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

cut off what probably quarter of an hour off the journey

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

that was from Spital Tongues to (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

which incidentally they're building on that now eh Fenham Barracks aren't they they're eh as I understand I think it's student accommodation (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh aye well that big eh

Speaker 2:

and then of course you've got the BBC up there now (interruption) on the corner

Speaker 3:

BBC's on the corner that's that's right

Speaker 2:

and then the BMW dealership ehm

Speaker 3:

the BMW's there as well

Speaker 2:

yes yes yes there's been some big changes in town

Speaker 3:

oh aye (unclear)

Speaker 2:

quite a lot (pause) quite a lot

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

remember when (unclear) used to go to the dances well it's still there the old Assembly Rooms but there's eh not so many

Speaker 3:

no not (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

private (unclear) (unclear) there is a few but not a lot there's (interruption) in the old days (unclear) to go to the eh

Speaker 3:

(unclear) in those days we used to go to the Oxford Galleries

Speaker 2:

used to (unclear) the Oxford used to (pause) the County Hotel

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

eh (unclear) then there was the the old Douglas Hotel which as far as I gather it's eh accommodation now as well

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) that was the days when all the staff dancing and the firms' dos were there

Speaker 3:

yes

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

well (NAME) and I had our our wedding in the gra The Grand

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

which was on Grainger Street it's just a f there's just a facade there now (unclear)

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

the eh the back is those flats you know be beside the behind the (unclear)

Speaker 2:

oh yes (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) used to be The Grand Hotel (interruption) (unclear) remember

Speaker 2:

yes oh yes yes (unclear)

Speaker 3:

that's where we eh had our reception

Speaker 2:

(unclear) yeah there's an awful lot concentrated on the centre of the city now though (unclear) you know

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

it's very good and and all that but I think eh other parts of the town have suffered as a result of that (unclear)

Speaker 3:

yeah well I quite like the old buildings I must (interruption) say

Speaker 2:

uh-huh oh yeah

Speaker 3:

I used to like I like wandering down Grey Street eh they're keeping (unclear) Blackett Street it's still

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

still nice the the front there and that's a lovely arcade

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

it's hardly used you know (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

beautiful it is

Speaker 3:

it's surprising (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

very rare isn't it very rare (interruption) isn't it

Speaker 3:

aye I I've wandered through a couple of times but i it doesn't seem to be have taken off does it

Speaker 2:

no no (interruption) no

Speaker 3:

I wouldn't like to have a shop there because

Speaker 2:

no

Speaker 3:

they they don't seem to be doing any business

Speaker 2:

no (pause) no the the whole thing's centred strangely really when you think of it it's centred on on one street Northumberland Street really

Speaker 3:

yeah (interruption) yes it is

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

Marks and Spencer's and (unclear) Fenwick's (interruption) yeah

Speaker 2:

like you say one time (unclear) all the way along the right through the town and all the shops Grainger Street Percy Street down into Clayton Street you could come right round the whole area but now it

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

very nice as Eldon (pause) s Square is it's very nice (unclear)

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

I'd still just to like to walk you know (unclear) the town and the days when they used to when the match came out

Speaker 3:

oh aye

Speaker 2:

you know in the days of Milburn (unclear) for thirty forty fifty thousand coming out

Speaker 3:

(laughter)

Speaker 2:

at a time then

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) used to work on Percy Street in them days and I used to meet her when she came out on a Saturday about well five to six well (unclear) and you'd see the match coming out (unclear) thousand (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

I used to go regularly in those days from about you know nineteen in the nineteen fifties anyway when

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

Jackie and

Speaker 2:

aye aye

Speaker 3:

and they won the cup two or three times

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) kids like the kids do today when they've got a good team

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

it was smashing

Speaker 2:

yes

Speaker 3:

after I ehm left school as I say we weren't well off so I I eh should have l left done another year but I I eh my father thought well he was a French polisher so

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

he thought that getting a trade was the main thing

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

'you must get a trade' he said so I tried the top furnishing houses in the town which were in those days Robson's and W E Harker I eventually got fixed up at W E Harker

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

as an upholsterer and I hated (interruption) every minute of it

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh teasing mattresses (pause) I I don't kn I don't know how people don't realize now we used to get in Harker's we used to get mattresses in from people the the mattress the hair was absolutely (interruption) solid

Speaker 2:

(unclear) horse hair in them days (interruption) (unclear) course (unclear)

Speaker 3:

horse hair and we I used to have to pull it apart and as you pulled it apart the dust used to

Speaker 2:

oh

Speaker 3:

(unclear) you could actually see the dust

Speaker 2:

yeah aye

Speaker 3:

and f from there I used to put it in the teasing machine and the teasing machine was on the top floor of Harker's on Grainger Street

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

in the eaves it was really

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

y you know in in the top you couldn't get any higher and I used to hate it the blokes used to come up when I was putting it in the machine (unclear) was going like the clappers and they they used to shout 'boo' and what with the noise it used to frighten me to death

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

it really did (interruption) I ha I hated it

Speaker 2:

yeah a really unhealthy job that as well

Speaker 3:

and it's a a terrible thing to say but when the war came along there was myself in the upholstery that's the upholstery apprentice a lad called another (NAME) called ehm eh he was the (pause) joinery apprentice and (NAME) the sales (interruption) one

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

one of the sales sales apprentices we were all round about seventeen eighteen we all went down to jubilee schools we were definitely going to join the Air Force

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

this is how crazy it is

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

we went in to the (unclear) recruiting office I said I'm going to the Air Force straight away I want to fly I didn't think I would be able to but I thought that's what I (unclear) to do and the other two lads just changed their minds completely

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

said I'm going they went (unclear) the Navy (laughter)

Speaker 2:

(laughter)

Speaker 3:

this was about oh probably I must have been about eighteen soon as I was eighteen and they were away by the December and I was still stuck (laughter)

Speaker 2:

(laughter)

Speaker 3:

I was put on deferred service (interruption) you know

Speaker 2:

aye yeah

Speaker 3:

and they were in the Navy by oh certainly the Christmas

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm

Speaker 3:

and I was still stuck and I didn't go away until ehm oh eventually about nine months after I (interruption) had enlisted (unclear)

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

ehm and then eh during during the war I was in the war until about nineteen forty five

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and I was lucky really because ehm (pause) I was able to do I became a Warrant Officer as you know one thing I can mention about about it in the eh I don't know whether this is the sort of thing that's needs to be talked about but anyway here we are I went in (unclear) as a wireless operator

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

I don't think I've told you this before (NAME) and eh in this intake there was about a hundred and eighty men or young lads and we took this course and I was eighth top in the intake I've said telling you this to give you some (interruption) idea of what the

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm

Speaker 3:

(unclear) what things were like and you might think it's irrelevant and I was told that up up to twenty

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

got an interview for a commission

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

well I was pretty raw

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

even as I am now but I thought well eighth top and I'm

Speaker 2:

mm-hm yeah

Speaker 3:

good enough to get that position so I went (unclear) in front of eh three chaps there was two Wing Gunners and a a Group Captain and I can remember to this day it's stuck with me one of the first things they said to me they said eh ehm 'do you play squash'

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

to tell you the truth I had never I didn't h I hadn't even heard of squash

Speaker 2:

no no

Speaker 3:

'do you play rugger'

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

well I had (interruption) heard of it but

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm

Speaker 3:

eh a vital question which I've learnt in later life 'what paper do you take'

Speaker 2:

yeah (unclear)

Speaker 3:

and another question 'what does your father do'

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

now what that had to do

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

with doing the job (interruption) as wireless operating I just don't know (interruption)

Speaker 2:

(interruption) (unclear) (interruption) no relevance at all

Speaker 3:

but the other two qu another two questions they asked me (NAME) (unclear) 'what wine do you take with fowl'

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

I didn't even know (interruption) that you took f a different wine

Speaker 2:

(unclear) yeah

Speaker 3:

and I didn't even know about wine for that matter

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

'what wine do you take with fish' was the (interruption) other question

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah (unclear)

Speaker 3:

you know

Speaker 2:

it's funny I I was you know as I said I

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

when the war sort of I was you know twelve (unclear) for about what eighteen month I went and worked in the barber's (laughter) just a as as a kid then I got my opportunity to go and s go into the factory and learn you know learn to learn my trade but during that time I was talking to eh one of the fellows (unclear) he had a similar story to yours regarding the army friend of his his son had eh gone he wanted to go in for a commission questions weren't the same but the principle was the same

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

and one of the questions that came to him 'do you ride a horse' (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

aye (laughter)

Speaker 2:

so

Speaker 3:

yes the same (interruption) sort of thing

Speaker 2:

(unclear) the background what they're after is the background

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

(unclear) you know (unclear)

Speaker 3:

well you see I think it's changed now I hope (interruption) so but eh

Speaker 2:

(unclear) I would imagine (interruption) I would think it would be you know

Speaker 3:

you know it's eh it's it's crazy really

Speaker 2:

oh yeah yeah yeah (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) as I I say I I it's wrong to say and now I'm almost a pacifist because you know I (interruption) I don't believe in wars anyway

Speaker 2:

(unclear) no

Speaker 3:

but it as far as the war was concerned I went on as you know and I became Warrant Officer flying

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

I did a a a tour in in lanc on Lancasters

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and then once again I was sent to eh after the tour was finished I was put on transport command and I was going to Australia

Speaker 2:

mm-hm (unclear)

Speaker 3:

but just as we were going over the the Japanese war finished so (interruption) we had a great time

Speaker 2:

oh

Speaker 3:

you know (laughter) couldn't have been better

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

flying up to Hong Kong and back with no no problems

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) (laughter) then we when we finished after eight months I eh I eh we flew there was four of us the pilot the navigator eh s eh (pause) eh second pilot and myself eh we flew the Dakota

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

all the way back from Australia (unclear) more or less our own time took about five or six days to come back great so you know it (interruption) it ended pretty good as well (laughter)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) long time long time yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

then when I went back I didn't become an upholsterer I'll tell you (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(laughter)

Speaker 3:

I went back to eh carpets

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

which were just coming into being then really

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

very few people had fitted carpets very few normal people had fitted carpets in those days

Speaker 2:

oh not many (pause) (interruption) not many

Speaker 3:

I'm talking about nineteen forty six

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

ehm they were mostly carpet squares eh but Harker's were one of the probably four people that sold fitted carpets in (interruption) Newcastle

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

there was Robson's as I say

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

Harker's maybe Bainbridge's and probably two or three that I don't (interruption) know about but they were the top people and

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm yeah oh aye (unclear) used to have a a nice centre carpet in those days (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

that's right

Speaker 2:

(unclear) buy carpets for the surrounds (unclear) now

Speaker 3:

yeah (unclear) for the (interruption) surround or just wood

Speaker 2:

surround aye it's all wall to wall now isn't it

Speaker 3:

oh aye

Speaker 2:

which is a good thing it's a better thing really

Speaker 3:

so I went back to Harker's but I changed the

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

the venue because upholstery upholsterers in those days used to do carpets (interruption) floor coverings

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

curtains that was all part of the (interruption) upholstery trade

Speaker 2:

mm mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

but I sort of (pause) stayed in carpets and I made a living for it all the rest of my life

Speaker 2:

mm-hm yeah well I (unclear) what one two I've only had three jobs as I say I served my apprenticeship (pause) I got out of that at thirty two thirty three went into insurance and I was in that for about fifteen sixteen years I finished up as an inspector and then I (pause) decided that eh (pause) I would like I didn't want to finish the rest of my sort of time in that so I went into the Post Office and as I say (unclear) went into Shieldfield you know I was there right up until I (interruption) retired

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

there's no regrets really

Speaker 3:

no (unclear) everyone knew you there and you were respected there (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah yeah (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

and having the shop next door I know

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

but ehm (pause) anyway to change the subject have you did you when were you at (NAME)'s last

Speaker 2:

we were there (pause) for what two or three weeks ago

Speaker 3:

uh-huh

Speaker 2:

(unclear) in Edinburgh they've settled quite well up there haven't they

Speaker 3:

oh aye smashing

Speaker 2:

they have (NAME)'s eh went back to his original firm that I mentioned earlier in our conversation he he was with them a few year didn't then he he moved around a bit

Speaker 3:

mm-hm

Speaker 2:

went to totally different firms then he's went back there now he's been back what five five and a half year up there

Speaker 3:

aye he likes it up there (unclear) (interruption) Edinburgh

Speaker 2:

about five and a half year up there and they're quite settled nice house nice area and the kids are coming on well

Speaker 3:

they're coming down aren't they

Speaker 2:

uh-huh yeah well we're going up this Friday and then they're coming back with us (interruption) the following week

Speaker 3:

the kids are coming back

Speaker 2:

for a week yeah

Speaker 3:

uh-huh

Speaker 2:

they started their summer holidays on Monday

Speaker 3:

this sum they've just they've started have they

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

oh I didn't know that

Speaker 2:

I think eh (NAME)'s off this week (interruption) and

Speaker 3:

I see so (unclear) to sort of share in the holidays

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah we (unclear) we bring then down a week and then (NAME) and (NAME) are coming down to take them back and I think (NAME)'s off for a week and I think you and (NAME) (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) aye (interruption) (NAME)'s got it all sorted out yeah

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah (unclear) they've had their holidays early this year they went to America ehm but I think I think they're going to they're going to have a another week in October

Speaker 3:

are the kids going with them or

Speaker 2:

I think so (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh they're taking them because they were talking about not taking them weren't they aye

Speaker 2:

but eh it's far fl a bit far flung from (laughter) when we used to have our holidays as kids (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) right I remember going to a (unclear) I went to a caravan at Cresswell it wasn't a caravan really it was a a pas ehm a train you know one of the eh carriage

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

like a a train c a railway carriage

Speaker 2:

uh-huh uh-huh

Speaker 3:

that was parked up at Cresswell

Speaker 2:

oh yeah mm

Speaker 3:

my father didn't go he he was (laughter) working for French polishing (unclear) (interruption) just my mother and I (unclear) abandoned (unclear) her apparently

Speaker 2:

yeah (unclear) yeah I remember you only got a week when we were

Speaker 3:

that's right a week

Speaker 2:

young you got a week's holiday

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

(unclear) yeah

Speaker 3:

yes it's a far cry but

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

you see I think what's tending to happen there's probably people still doing the same sort of thing (NAME) but we've been (interruption) lucky you know and we've moved on

Speaker 2:

mm mm-hm yeah yeah (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

you know there's probably still people who can't have a week's holiday

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

I'm sure there is

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

you know when you hear a when you read the papers and you see some of these

Speaker 2:

oh

Speaker 3:

things on television it's it's frightful isn't it

Speaker 2:

it is really (interruption) it is

Speaker 3:

(unclear) that little baby and the

Speaker 2:

it is

Speaker 3:

that kid in the kiddie at Hartlepool (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

things are happening well I suppose in years th they happened but not as much as they do today it's a case of ehm every time you switch the telly on every time you read a paper there's you know whether they seem to (pause) report the more unpleasant things more often than what they (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

well they could do but I'm sure (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

even so it's it's things happening that never did when we were young (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

I'm sure a three k a three year old kiddie or a four year old kiddie

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

going for a lolly or something like that would never have been molested as (interruption) (unclear) Hartlepool (unclear)

Speaker 2:

no no no well I mean in our when we were kids you could leave your front door open couldn't you

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

you're mam and dad used to leave the front door open (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

that's right

Speaker 2:

you didn't you weren't afraid I mean the houses are alarmed on the outside they've got security lights outside you take your car anywhere you're you know (unclear) ehm

Speaker 3:

well I don't think I've been in the (interruption) town

Speaker 2:

you're a bit apprehensive about parking it anywhere in case it's damaged or broken into by the time you get back

Speaker 3:

I don't think I've been in the town not not particularly

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

I haven't particularly wanted to

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

but I haven't been in the town nor has (NAME)

Speaker 2:

no

Speaker 3:

oh I'm sure for what five or six years now

Speaker 2:

never (interruption) take (unclear) I always take the bus

Speaker 3:

(unclear) last time (unclear) went to the theatre that's all but even that you see

Speaker 2:

well I mean I remember (unclear) November remember we went to the the dinner Christmas dinner at eh Newbiggin Hall (unclear) (NAME) and (NAME) eh (NAME) and (unclear) and c half way through everybody was going out every f what fifteen minutes to keep an eye on the cars must have been about twenty cars there well I went out and I was rather suspicious of this lad standing at the top of the car park (unclear) he wasn't actually near any of the cars but I went back in and mentioned it to (NAME) and and (NAME) and we came out and sure enough when we went down the first four cars had all been done

Speaker 3:

mm

Speaker 2:

you know and and that was people the men folk popping out every fifteen minutes to keep an eye

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

and it was a night it was a winter night there was snow as well and so as far as we were concerned my car was next in line it would have been the next one to have been broken into

Speaker 3:

mm

Speaker 2:

had I decided to wait a few more minutes you know I'd already

Speaker 3:

yes

Speaker 2:

previously been out (unclear) pop out on my own just to have a look but eh

Speaker 3:

(NAME) next door to me (NAME) he was just telling me yesterday he went to t he went to Tesco in Kingston Park

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

now I when I go into Tesco I I usually go to the car park on the left which is the most popular

Speaker 2:

yes so do I

Speaker 3:

now he's an ex policeman but he says he always goes to the right because it's (interruption) quieter

Speaker 2:

mm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

he did so this day and

Speaker 2:

aye (interruption) it is quieter (unclear) yeah

Speaker 3:

parked his car and he says there was one or two of these big ehm eh excavators and things

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

in the place next door

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

now I haven't been

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

at that side so I don't know

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

he went back and as he went back there was a Post Office van standing

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

and this Post Office van and the chap (unclear) van was shouting 'what are you doing there' to

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

and there was two young lads and they flew straight away you know

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and when (NAME) got up to his car they had two had two of the hub caps off Ford Ford Fiesta he says 'now what'

Speaker 2:

phew

Speaker 3:

'what do they do with those' but he's made some enquiries since

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

and he says it costs about fifty or sixty quid for

Speaker 2:

oh it does

Speaker 3:

for for four Fiesta hub caps

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

and they had them two of them off ready

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm

Speaker 3:

they were just ge taking the other two off and they would have been away with them (interruption) that's in broad daylight

Speaker 2:

I was (unclear) (NAME) our postman he's got a a a new

Speaker 3:

crazy

Speaker 2:

cor Corsa isn't it Vauxhall Corsa and eh the the near side door it it's the great scratch with a nail and I just happened to remark (NAME) and I were going to the bus the other day and I said 'look there's (NAME)'s car' and when I seen him I said 'you know see they've been at your car' he said 'oh yes' he said eh also he says 'I've lost three sets of eh'

Speaker 3:

hub caps

Speaker 2:

'hub caps and discs' he said about fifty sixty quid a time (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

well where did he where d when was the mark when d when was that done

Speaker 2:

eh well his wife uses the car as well

Speaker 3:

oh I see (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

she does (unclear) part time collecting work and apparently one of the areas where she parks the car you know she came back just like they they'd sort of jabbed a nail (unclear) and dented the the the the car door and (unclear) just walked up with the screwdriver (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

and where was that

Speaker 2:

I'm not some some part of town I'm not sure I think he said Blakelaw or one of them areas you know (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

(unclear) damaged it

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

well I remember do you remember (NAME) up the street here ehm

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

when (pause) (unclear) few year ago bought a new Capri sports wheels I was going to the that was one it was a Saturday morning and as I went up the street I noticed it was on f four sets of bricks and the wheels were gone

Speaker 3:

phew

Speaker 2:

they'd just left his car on four bricks

Speaker 3:

(laughter) incredible (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

aye aye and the reason the bricks were there for them to do that he'd been having a wall built along his garden and the builders were fini well they just left the bricks neatly stacked of course they weren't intended to be used for that purpose but

Speaker 3:

someone's checked up though beforehand (interruption) haven't they it's been (unclear) well and truly organized hasn't it

Speaker 2:

(unclear) eh oh yeah yeah yes well I think it's lot of you know it's just stolen to order

Speaker 3:

yes

Speaker 2:

somebody orders them they were a alloy wheels he told me he says 'oh they cost eight hundred quid to replace' you know (interruption) (unclear) alloy wheels

Speaker 3:

well I think I've told you at the golf club there the eh all the downstairs all the downstairs doors entrances and exits

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

are steel doors now

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

there's not a wood door on any of the eh downstair

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

exits

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

costs a lot of money you know and it's (interruption) it's (unclear)

Speaker 2:

it does

Speaker 3:

because they were broke into six six

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

about six times in six (interruption) months (pause) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm well it's it's it's a trauma I remember what we were like when we were burgled you know it was eh fairly traumatic

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

but it's just eh (pause) I don't know (unclear) part of life today

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

you know if it's not your house it's your car or something like that

Speaker 3:

how's your (pause) treatment then are you

Speaker 2:

fine fine I was at the doctors eh last week and ehm (pause) keep taking the you know keep (interruption) taking the tablets

Speaker 3:

(unclear) the tablets (laughter)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) your fine but I feel I feel great you know it hasn't made much difference really I I to my lifestyle I find that ehm I've been (pause) what four it's over four year now since eh I was eh taken into hospital and ehm (pause) just take the tablets and

Speaker 3:

mm-hm

Speaker 2:

and live life steady and I find that I don't have any

Speaker 3:

don't abuse yourself (interruption) that's what they say yeah that's what they say (unclear)

Speaker 2:

none at all no no no watch your diet and (pause) (unclear) took up swimming and since I finished and eh I find I think that's quite eh I find it's relaxing and I enjoy it and eh I don't have any ill effect from it (interruption) either so

Speaker 3:

oh that's good I swam every day in the last fortnight you know

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

either in the sea or in the pool

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

but I was a bit disappointed with the pool (NAME)

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and did I tell you

Speaker 2:

no

Speaker 3:

the eh (pause) the pool was in the brochure it says it's an unusual shape it was an unusual shape all right it was sort of ehm ten y ten yards radius a quarter circle if you like

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

shaped like a fan you know

Speaker 2:

oh yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

but there wasn't any shallow end really that

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

there was a shallow end but it dropped so quickly

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

(NAME) who can't swim very well

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

it was no use to her at all

Speaker 2:

it's unnerving I found that when we were with we were with (NAME) and (NAME) last year in (unclear) the pool there was the same it was slightly but the main sort of step into the pool

Speaker 3:

uh-huh

Speaker 2:

(unclear) straight up

Speaker 3:

yeah well (interruption) (NAME)'s frightened of swimming

Speaker 2:

I mean for all I can swim I don't dive in and (interruption) consequently

Speaker 3:

yeah (unclear)

Speaker 2:

I felt a bit insecure and there's one or two hotels we've been to in (interruption) different parts of Spain

Speaker 3:

but it's no good (unclear)

Speaker 2:

it's the one depth

Speaker 3:

that's right (interruption) (unclear) not quite but it's it's too deep

Speaker 2:

and anybody who's not used with diving in

Speaker 3:

mm-hm

Speaker 2:

and you go in well you know you're straight up to your chin straight away and I find it unnerves quite a few

Speaker 3:

well they h they had sent a letter to us saying that the indoor pool would be ready you remember we went on (interruption) the sixteenth

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and the the indoor pool will be ready on the twentieth

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

well it still wasn't ready when we left

Speaker 2:

no no

Speaker 3:

so it wasn't as if she could go into the indoor pool which was

Speaker 2:

no

Speaker 3:

obviously shallower

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

ehm so she didn't eh I think she went in the the sea a couple of times that's all

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

must (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

and (unclear) you like it quite liked it eh (unclear) didn't you

Speaker 3:

oh it was (unclear) I liked it ehm and there's lots of historic eh things but (pause) (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

it's not like a Costa one of the Costa resorts (interruption) not like you'll find in (unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh no no I didn't like it as well as I did Los Cristianos (interruption) for instance you know

Speaker 2:

no no no no

Speaker 3:

but it it's it's nice it's eh it was a change you know so

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

and the weather

Speaker 2:

mm-hm red hot

Speaker 3:

I never saw a cloud all the t

Speaker 2:

no

Speaker 3:

I mean people say this all the time when they go on holiday

Speaker 2:

mm mm

Speaker 3:

but I literally did not see a cloud

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

for a fortnight

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

I never had any I had shorts on everyday apart at night for dinner

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm

Speaker 3:

I changed but eh never never had anything else on (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

well that's the beauty of it (unclear) you can go abroad and you're not you're going to well I would say ninety five percent know that you're going to get good weather you might get the odd eh

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

the odd eh day where it's going to be raining (unclear)

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

(unclear) we are looking forward to going away in September

Speaker 3:

I had a

Speaker 2:

so

Speaker 3:

I had a letter from Toyota you know about the car you know how (interruption) it's sort off

Speaker 2:

(unclear) mm

Speaker 3:

(unclear) change the car so I thought well I'll go down because they (interruption) promised (unclear) check

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

a ten point check free so I thought

Speaker 2:

oh aye yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

I might as well take take advantage of it so I w when I was in down the town (unclear) down in the hospital today

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

I left the car

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and I thought well I'll have a look in

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

and see what the new cars are all about as well

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

so I left the car for this free ten point check

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and I went into the into the sale room in fact I didn't he was more or less there waiting (interruption) for me you know he took me in

Speaker 2:

(unclear) yeah

Speaker 3:

and I s I said 'well I'm not really interested' but he I said 'well I'll have a look at the new Corolla' (unclear) and he says I says 'how much are they' fourteen thousand nine hundred and fifty pounds on the road (NAME)

Speaker 2:

aye (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

I have only done sixteen thousand miles on mine now (interruption) it's just (unclear) you know

Speaker 2:

same as mine I've only got fourteen and a half on mine now so it's not I mean we know with cars you you can not win I suppose once you get to two three three and a you know the the value drops and the gap between that and a n and a new car I got a letter off Ford the other week about something similar you know but I thought well what's the point really

Speaker 3:

I said 'how much will you give me for will you (interruption) give me for mine'

Speaker 2:

aye how much did (unclear) for it

Speaker 3:

he said 'well' he says 'well their list price' and he sort of sh

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

tried to put it off a bit you know

Speaker 2:

mm mm

Speaker 3:

he ha have you been anywhere else (interruption) or how much are they giving you

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

I said 'well no I haven't' he says 'well how much do you think your car's worth'

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

I says 'well I want (interruption) you to tell me'

Speaker 2:

you tell me (laughter)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) you know so he said he says 'well I'll go and see the boss' he went away and he had a look at my car which was still (interruption) there being having a service done

Speaker 2:

mm mm mm

Speaker 3:

and eh it's the same car as (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

I was just going to change the

Speaker 2:

aye (unclear)

Speaker 3:

eh (unclear) type and everything he says 'oh well the best I think we could would be just over seven hund probably seven hundred and fifty' I said (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

seven and a half thousand you mean

Speaker 3:

seven and a half thousand

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

seven seven thousand five hundred aye (laughter) so I said

Speaker 2:

(interruption) (unclear) to change your car (unclear) (pause) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

'I'll have a word with (NAME)' (unclear) (unclear) (unclear) seven hun seven thousand five hundred to buy a new car and I've only done sixteen hun sixteen thousand so

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

I think eh

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

it's going to have to last another (unclear) (interruption) years

Speaker 2:

I would think so aye I think I'm well I mean for the mileage we do now I I've what I'm only averaging about not quite five thousand a year

Speaker 3:

well by the end of of July I'll have done well it's bang on sixteen thousand now

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

in three years (interruption) so it's not worth it is it

Speaker 2:

mm-hm (unclear) well (unclear) somebody's going to get an absolute peach of a car if you trade it in (interruption) (unclear) you're not you're not going to benefit much (unclear) nor would I

Speaker 3:

oh well they admitted this he he he went on to s he went to say 'well if you go to somewhere else and they offer you something better can I ask you to come back to me'

Speaker 2:

(laughter)

Speaker 3:

he says 'we're the nearest' (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

and then we'll offer you something better (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

'we we're the nearest dealer and it would be better obviously if you can get the same price from me and and eh be be nearer because (interruption) the nearest Toyota' (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) well I I actually ehm talking about cars I I fancy going down eh to see the the North East Car Show it opens on the weekend on the Links you know at (interruption) Whitley Bay (pause) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh yes aye I've seen (unclear) they have it every year don't they

Speaker 2:

not (unclear) thinking of changing but I like to keep abreast and see what I might have a run down at the weekend and see (interruption) what there is (laughter) (pause) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

I t I told (NAME) she says 'we're not spending seven and a half thousand pounds' (laughter) so (interruption) (unclear) (unclear) because I mean (unclear) excuse was she'd have to change the colour you know

Speaker 2:

aye this is it you've got to think when you retire haven't you got to think twice (unclear) spending that kind of money you know you could get a kitchen for that (unclear) (laughter)

Speaker 3:

oh aye it's a lot of money you're right (laughter) and a bathroom (laughter) and a shower that's what she wants to do a shower (laughter)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) yeah aye

Speaker 3:

oh dear

Speaker 2:

well we are we're going to have double glazing done you know we had a quote for that but eh (pause) (unclear) you know they keep improving they bring out new cars and you know you you like them you (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

well this was an improvement you know it was a bit s more silent and it's got that what's that new thing (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

I like eh (unclear)

Speaker 3:

what's that new thing they have on that's all new cars have to have now

Speaker 2:

ca was it catalyst or something

Speaker 3:

a catalyst yeah (interruption) for the (unclear)

Speaker 2:

aye (unclear) sure

Speaker 3:

but apart from that it's just the same (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

I like for I like the n the new Mondeo I think (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

so do i it's lovely looking (unclear)

Speaker 2:

smashing car and compared to the price you've just quote I mean eh you can get them less than that

Speaker 3:

yes

Speaker 2:

you know if you go up to the top of the range (unclear)

Speaker 3:

but it doesn't mean anything if you says Mondeo

Speaker 2:

aye

Speaker 3:

it doesn't really mean anything (NAME) because you can (unclear) I don't know but you can get a new Mondeo for twelve thousand

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

but you can always get one for eighteen thousand

Speaker 2:

that that's right

Speaker 3:

that might be an exaggeration but that's (interruption) the sort of thing isn't it

Speaker 2:

yeah oh yeah (unclear) top of the range two litre (unclear) GLX (unclear) (interruption) you're going to pay in into the eighteen for it (unclear)

Speaker 3:

yeah (pause) oh aye so

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

so I think we're stuck I said I'd ring him back after I'd (interruption) spoken to (NAME) but it's eh it's just the same I'm not going to bother (interruption)

Speaker 2:

(interruption) mm mm yeah mm mm mm (interruption) well (NAME) did a one he he changed his over the road there a fortnight ago (unclear) he had a Peugeot 3 0 6 diesel I think he's just changed into the same one course it's a smaller model and and he ehm he did a deal

Speaker 3:

mm-hm

Speaker 2:

there was deal on at the time and then there was five hundred pound off for this and this that to cut a long story short I think it only cost him three and a half to change

Speaker 3:

and how much did it cost to start with

Speaker 2:

it was the car was eleven and a half course he got a good his was only

Speaker 3:

phew how old

Speaker 2:

his must have been two and a half year old to three (pause) but ehm he's got pow it's got power steering got everything on

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

and the time he he got I says 'you what' (unclear) said 'oh aye' he

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

he got five hundred quid (unclear) and then there was so much off the car and all you know he got this this that and the other and all told it co he (unclear) reckon it cost him three and a half to change into that model that's standing in (interruption) the driveway

Speaker 3:

that's cheap isn't it

Speaker 2:

(unclear) for a it's eh (unclear) the ehm that one is I think it's about eleven eleven and a half (interruption) (unclear) think he's had his arm twisted right up his back (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) so it means I could twist this (unclear) twist Toyota's arm a bit couldn't I

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

on that principle

Speaker 2:

my goodness aye aye aye

Speaker 3:

because although that car of mine's gone up from eh twelve to about fifteen that's three thousand eh only going to offer me let's see seven thousand five hundred

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

in three years it's only and he'll have done a (interruption) lot more mileage won't he

Speaker 2:

(unclear) and eh all the big eh motor dealers if they've cut the the profit margin to the dealerships (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) yes (interruption) well you see

Speaker 2:

(unclear) about ten percent off them all (interruption) as far as I understand

Speaker 3:

said he would he'd d do the insurance free but you're only talking about two or three (interruption) hundred pound you see

Speaker 2:

aye that's what (NAME) got he got that free he got the insurance and he got I think the road tax by the time they did the deal on this that and the other he come away with a very very (interruption) very good deal indeed but eh

Speaker 3:

(unclear) good well I was asking the lad there whether how busy they were he says 'well we're quite busy we've eased off this month we're a bit (interruption) quite reasonable June and July'

Speaker 2:

mm they're getting rid of August the first (unclear) they

Speaker 3:

but I don't think you know (interruption) there (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

for instance I rang up about this eh this special (pause) ten

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

ten point eh free service thing

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

and this was just yesterday and they said they can do it today

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

so they can not be that busy (interruption) can they

Speaker 2:

not that busy not really

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

talking about that we got a letter ehm I think it was addressed to (NAME) as well ehm there was there was a key to a new Ford Fiesta we've been our our names have been drawn out of the hat (laughter)

Speaker 3:

(laughter) dear dear dear

Speaker 2:

but we haven't eh (interruption) as I say

Speaker 3:

and how much money have you won (interruption) ten thousand (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) I'll tell what no it's it's to do with (unclear) you've got to send it in but you've also got to agree to take ehm Empire Stores catalogue

Speaker 3:

(laughter) oh dear

Speaker 2:

no thank you

Speaker 3:

no

Speaker 2:

(unclear) (unclear) (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

I think (NAME) said she'd (unclear) I said 'tear it up' she says 'you've cost me fifty thousand pounds' (interruption) (unclear) that was just yesterday (unclear) all the time doesn't it

Speaker 2:

ha ha yeah yeah yeah yeah (unclear)

Speaker 2:

well have you enjoyed the football (NAME) the (pause) World Cup

Speaker 3:

yes well (pause) funnily enough in Malta the there's a live (pause) eh music on most of the pubs but there was live music there and the television was on (interruption) there so (unclear) against each other (unclear) all the hotels and all the all the ca cafes and bars

Speaker 2:

(unclear) both (unclear) together (laughter) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

amazing the amount of enthusiasm in Malta for and they're not even involved

Speaker 2:

no no no

Speaker 3:

but there there's too many fouls and things (interruption) isn't there and pulling (unclear) jumpers it's not like

Speaker 2:

I was surprised at eh the way the the and the the number of eh (pause) yellow and red cards that's flying about of course (interruption) (unclear) really

Speaker 3:

that's (unclear) ridiculous though isn't it there must have been about a about what six (interruption) six (unclear)

Speaker 2:

well I watched I seen eh Nigeria and Italy game and (NAME) you know he's he watched the one after that

Speaker 3:

uh-huh

Speaker 2:

and eh they reckon the referee made a might right mess up I didn't see (interruption) that game but he said he he eh

Speaker 3:

I didn't see that one I didn't either the second I saw the I saw the Nigerian game

Speaker 2:

he booked eh the wrong bloke for a foul or something

Speaker 3:

(laughter)

Speaker 2:

(laughter) (unclear) realize the mistake he'd made

Speaker 3:

well this

Speaker 2:

I think there's two two of the refs have been sent home I think and eh

Speaker 3:

well it makes you wonder how the r th th ref for the Nigerian I think was a Syrian well they haven't got much football

Speaker 2:

no

Speaker 3:

ideas I mean they haven't (interruption) (unclear) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

they're hard them that Nigerian team were hard as well I thought you know

Speaker 3:

oh aye big big blokes (interruption) weren't they

Speaker 2:

(unclear) Italy they did well a

Speaker 3:

ten (unclear)

Speaker 2:

I think they were afraid to go home after lossing it (laughter)

Speaker 3:

oh (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) the coach was on the line he was absolutely desperate you know (unclear) he was doing what Jack Charlton got his knuckles wrapped for (laughter)

Speaker 3:

aye (laughter) yes but still it's (pause) (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) entertainment yeah (unclear) (pause) so

Speaker 3:

you're looking at your clock there (NAME) (interruption) (laughter)

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

mm well I've I've been busy I've been very busy this week (NAME) (interruption) I've ehm

Speaker 3:

have you

Speaker 2:

talking about work that is the outside of the house

Speaker 3:

(unclear) garden

Speaker 2:

I've been treating the lawn it the back lawn's all ehm (pause) full of moss so I've treated that treated the front lawn then I've got the wrought iron gates to do because I didn't get them done last year so I've been sanding them down and painting them so eh

Speaker 3:

(unclear) you do more on the house I just keep mine (interruption) tidy

Speaker 2:

I'll eh I'll have an easy day today (unclear) (pause) I've got I've still got one to do though you know (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

I I cut my lawns yesterday and that's all I've done since I (pause) came back but eh it looks tidy

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

those marigolds I don't know where I've got them all from (unclear) I had one or two they're spread all over the garden (laughter) it's great (laughter) (unclear) a lot of (unclear) flower you know (interruption) and colour

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah yeah (interruption) yeah

Speaker 3:

so eh if you want any marigolds (interruption) you can have some (unclear)

Speaker 2:

well we we (NAME) got eh some little seedlings in the packet we planted them in the pots there they came out and they should have been beautiful white surrounding flowers but they've they've never materialized there

Speaker 3:

oh

Speaker 2:

(unclear) just the green we've got some nice ones inside the porch that eh

Speaker 3:

aye (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

possibly the warmth has been better for them but eh as far as eh (interruption) (unclear) they're a flop them ones

Speaker 3:

(unclear) these these marigolds are perennials just put a (interruption) few in the back there (unclear) you'll have a lovely gold surround in no time at all

Speaker 2:

(unclear) oh well (unclear)

Speaker 3:

they've they seem to just eh (pause) (interruption) seed themselves you know

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

so I've got a load down the

Speaker 2:

uh-huh

Speaker 3:

both sides of the drive and the

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

some around the front there (laughter)

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

lovely (unclear) garden there

Speaker 2:

well it's one thing about gardening it doesn't wait for you you you've got to get cracking you know it's not very eh

Speaker 3:

aye well I'm not keen (interruption) (unclear) time

Speaker 2:

very sympathetic (unclear) you don't (unclear) (unclear) so (pause) that's eh

Speaker 3:

well it's a it's amazing (NAME) I never I don't how I found time to work you know since I (interruption) retired

Speaker 2:

well I (unclear) it's the best thing that ever happened to me I've got (interruption) no regrets at all about eh retirement

Speaker 3:

oh aye should have done it five years before (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

no not at all none absolutely none I've eh I keep my well I've been busy I'll be four year come November and I've eh (pause) I've found plenty to keep busy with

Speaker 3:

yes (interruption) makes you wonder

Speaker 2:

eh plenty to keep (unclear) bit more leisure time and you know get around a bit more than what you did

Speaker 3:

yeah (pause) no complaints

Speaker 2:

none whatsoever none at all none at all

Speaker 3:

(unclear) get the police coming into the Post Office (pause) (interruption) and the security business

Speaker 2:

eeh dear me (unclear) mm mm (pause) yes (unclear) just have to keep wor eye caught one or two out in there with the police and the security people

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

(unclear) we were fortunate I suppose in as much as eh

Speaker 3:

but you got out as well (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

all the years we were there fortunately we did we didn't have any eh

Speaker 3:

attacks did you

Speaker 2:

any attacks but eh the people that took over from us they'd only been in three month and they got one you know on a Saturday morning

Speaker 3:

did they did they take did they get anything (pause) (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

not a lot they came in ehm (pause) they would close at twelve thirty I think it was round about twelve when they were attacked which by that time there wouldn't be a lot of loose cash lying around (interruption) I would think

Speaker 3:

(unclear) the safe would be time locked was it (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

yes yes

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

so I mean they never divulge I mean you see you read (pause) reports in the press about this Post Office done and how much money they got I think a lot of that's speculation on behalf of the press because

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

there's neither police nor the Post Office authorities would release what was taken

Speaker 3:

no (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

they guess the figure by the size of the Office I think you know (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

that's all they're doing isn't it

Speaker 2:

and as far as that one was concerned eh there was I think there was money taken but I don't think a large amount

Speaker 3:

no

Speaker 2:

more important than that I think was eh the trauma for the the sub post mistress and her husband because (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh aye has she still got it (NAME)

Speaker 2:

yes oh aye she's still there (unclear)

Speaker 3:

do you ever see her

Speaker 2:

no I've actually I've never been to eh I rang up you know when I heard about it and I rang up and had a word with them but I never eh I've never been down I've never had occasion to go down to see (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

I've seen (NAME) occasionally he he's had a rough time this last (interruption) eh six months you know

Speaker 2:

has he (unclear) I think a lot of eh retailers have really haven't (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

well I don't mean financially he says the business is still okay

Speaker 2:

oh

Speaker 3:

but he says the ehm h his health's been bad

Speaker 2:

has it

Speaker 3:

(unclear) he he never had any when we were together he never had never had a day off

Speaker 2:

no no he didn't no

Speaker 3:

ehm but since November he's had (interruption) a lot of trouble

Speaker 2:

has he (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

mm aye he's been in and out of hospital well he he had a heart problem and then it went down to ehm somewhere in the (interruption) prostrate area you know so he's still not not quite right (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) (pause) I was lucky really I mean I I was I worked all the whole all my working life and right up till I was sixty four you know

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

till I took the angina attack I never never had a day's illness in my life but anyway as I say since eh

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

since then I've been fine ehm just a case of join the club there's thousands and thousands eh

Speaker 3:

oh aye (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

got that sort of thing I mean they're so advanced nowadays they just keep you right with drugs you know

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

but eh how old's (NAME) is he (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(NAME)'s sixty three

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

but I've told him I said he wants to get out as soon (interruption) as possible but

Speaker 2:

oh if he can

Speaker 3:

you see his h h his son eh is an accountant

Speaker 2:

is he still in Australia he went to Australia (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) well he came back you know

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

and he got a good job and now he's working for NEI

Speaker 2:

oh yeah

Speaker 3:

he's an accountant as I told you

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

ehm but he's talking about going to ehm back to Australia

Speaker 2:

mm

Speaker 3:

and the the (NAME) and his wife of course are a bit concerned (interruption) but what can (unclear) do you know (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) what can they do aye

Speaker 3:

the the girl is a a teacher

Speaker 2:

yeah

Speaker 3:

ehm she's got quite a good job

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

so th there's (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

aye I remember when he went to Australia when he qualified didn't he he went out there

Speaker 3:

but he's talking about going back and he's (unclear) he's got a great job making a lot of money he's travelling all over (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

mm mm

Speaker 3:

(unclear) well not South Africa now but he was travelling to South Africa before they took over I don't know

Speaker 2:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

what's happened there now but (pause) (unclear) (interruption) he really he's really doing well

Speaker 2:

mm mm-hm course you say it's they must well I suppose it's a different life in Australia I don't know (interruption) (unclear) must (unclear)

Speaker 3:

well that's it as an accountant (unclear) not be able to go wrong you see it's it's eh

Speaker 2:

fully qualified as well (unclear)

Speaker 3:

and he's (interruption) (unclear) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

I mean it's there not (unclear) and I suppose professionally like that I think he should get a job

Speaker 3:

oh aye

Speaker 2:

eh and yet I think in the accountancy field you will but eh there's eh news lad across the road he just done a three year university degree for a (pause) eh to be an architect

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

passed with flying colours I think he's got honours and it's early days you know I mean but he hasn't (interruption) up to now got a job

Speaker 3:

(unclear) yeah well you see there's not a lot of building going on is there

Speaker 2:

no no

Speaker 3:

really I mean I would think that's one (unclear)

Speaker 2:

I mean at one time you would step into a job once you come out of university (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh (unclear) (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

pass your finals and but the thing is there's not a lot of building what what building has gone has gone on in the past there's been so much done but I don't know (unclear) I think there's still room for a lot more so there must there's got to be eh room for these young chaps coming out of the university because it must be very very depressing to think you've worked hard and studied and passed and you've got your finals for your (interruption) chosen profession

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

not to be able to step into a job (interruption) you know (unclear)

Speaker 3:

that's right but I think ehm anything in the building trade's been a bit eh dicey (interruption) this last few years hasn't it

Speaker 2:

oh yeah I think so yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

yeah aye well fortunately we don't have any of them problems to face now (NAME) do we

Speaker 3:

no you're right it's great (interruption) just sitting back

Speaker 2:

yeah yeah we just sit back and see how (NAME) and (NAME) fare when (laughter) when they leave school eeh

Speaker 3:

eeh I don't know about you (NAME) but I could do with a cup of coffee (interruption) I'm feeling a bit dry after all this talk (unclear) (laughter)

Speaker 2:

aye (unclear) (laughter) yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

you should be able to press the button and she should come (interruption) running you know (NAME) shouldn't she (laughter)

Speaker 2:

press the (unclear) (unclear) (unclear) she'll be ready by now aye I think I I'll press the button yeah and see if eh yeah (unclear)

Speaker 2:

mm-hm

Speaker 3:

well have we said enough

Speaker 1:

(unclear) nearly

Speaker 3:

nearly (interruption) oh dear me (unclear) (laughter)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) not quite not quite yet not quite yet not quite yet

Speaker 1:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

eh

Speaker 1:

(unclear)

Speaker 3:

raining is it (interruption) (unclear) oh well they said it was coming didn't they

Speaker 2:

oh (unclear) they said it would be on the on

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

the the weatherman this morning said it would rain later it was moving up moving up the country (unclear) (interruption) mm-hm mm-hm

Speaker 3:

yeah (pause) (unclear) I'm not doing anything (unclear) I I wasn't going to go in the garden so it's (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

no no no not (unclear) not much (unclear) I see they've got that stand at Saint James's nearly finished though (NAME)

Speaker 3:

yes

Speaker 2:

it's just about ready I've been passing in the bus (unclear) they've certainly done wonders there you know (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

the Strawberry Place is still closed though you know isn't it

Speaker 2:

pardon

Speaker 3:

you can't get along Strawberry Place

Speaker 2:

oh no (interruption) no no no it's closed

Speaker 3:

it's still closed down at (unclear) right back aren't they

Speaker 2:

I feel sorry for the newsagent there it was in the papers you know I mean eh I know he's just (laughter) not a very big man (unclear) only a small man there but

Speaker 3:

where was it

Speaker 2:

they're closing the (unclear) you know that street there's a newsagents along there there was you know further

Speaker 3:

where the Strawberry pub is

Speaker 2:

somewhere there aye aye (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh I didn't know I (interruption) I know they've done that Strawberry pub out (unclear)

Speaker 2:

(unclear) first (unclear) you know until it was finished you know they they had to close the street you know for

Speaker 3:

uh-huh

Speaker 2:

building work et cetera and eh (interruption) but he said it was going to hit them very badly (pause) so (unclear)

Speaker 3:

oh (unclear) oh aye it's bound to isn't it it might be good of course if he can stay there for the matches he must (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

if he can hang on until this is finished (interruption) it'll be done by August (unclear) very well then

Speaker 3:

aye (pause) well (unclear) someone was telling me recently that Strawberry pub it's someone who I didn't expect (pause) to say this actually it was a girl who I can't remember who it was now but she's been in that pub you know The Strawberry (interruption) right on the corner where you go down into the car park from Strawberry Place

Speaker 2:

yeah uh-huh uh-huh yeah yeah yeah

Speaker 3:

she says it's beautiful inside now

Speaker 2:

well we (pause) were in there and it's the only time

Speaker 3:

I've never been in

Speaker 2:

was last summer well we're a member (unclear) the George's Diners Club you know and (unclear)

Speaker 3:

yes

Speaker 2:

and one eh night in the summer (unclear) we had they had a their summer meal we had it in the Italian restaurant there

Speaker 3:

yes yes (interruption) it's on Leazes Park Road

Speaker 2:

and we parked the car we were a little bit early you know

Speaker 3:

uh-huh

Speaker 2:

so 'come on we'll pop in here' and we popped in there for a drink before (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

and what was it like then

Speaker 2:

and it was all nicely d it was sort of it's it's been done out it's not like the the eh chromium plated (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

no that's what this lass said

Speaker 2:

it's not like that at all it's more or less (interruption) like the old style

Speaker 3:

(unclear) this was a young girl that was te (unclear)

Speaker 2:

eh and (unclear) it was a Saturday night and and it was in the summer time and (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) wasn't all chrome and i it it was just done out like a pub you know in the old days it looks smashing

Speaker 2:

oh no no it wasn't it's the opposite actually just sort of wood tables and

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

eh (unclear) old (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 3:

and (unclear) from the outside it looks nothing does it

Speaker 2:

no no

Speaker 3:

no it's amazing

Speaker 2:

that was the only time I've been in it eh

Speaker 3:

(unclear)

Speaker 2:

but (unclear) very very popular spot (unclear) I was surprised it was so popular (pause) never been in any of the the trendy places like (unclear) kids (unclear)

Speaker 3:

I don't know Italian restaurant (unclear) (NAME) (interruption) (unclear) Italian restaurant (unclear) can't be bad can it

Speaker 2:

eh oh (laughter) yeah mm-hm

Speaker 3:

(unclear) if it's the one I'm thinking about is it the one as you go eh on eh Leazes Park Road

Speaker 2:

yes (interruption) yeah

Speaker 3:

(unclear) we did the carpets there

Speaker 2:

aye

Speaker 3:

they're two brothers two Italian brothers (interruption) own it the one I'm thinking of mm

Speaker 2:

I believe so (unclear)

Speaker 3:

yes it's eh nice inside sort of (unclear) it gives you the right (interruption) atmosphere

Speaker 2:

(unclear) there'll be further changes taking place as well when Marks and Spencer take over them shops in the Haymarket you know

Speaker 3:

are they go definitely going to do that

Speaker 2:

mm-hm mm-hm it showed you in last night's paper the ehm sort of artist's impression of what it it looked very nice (interruption) (unclear) it'll you know

Speaker 3:

(unclear) I didn't get The Chronicle last night

Speaker 2:

if they get they get permission they're they're coming right back from the back of the store to the Haymarket to where the bus station is you know

Speaker 3:

what's happening to that Farmer's Rest (interruption) pub then

Speaker 2:

well that's going to remain the building's going to remain but I believe eh they want to change it into an a a new what's I forget is it mexican style pub or something but there's opposition to that from the locals who want to leave it as it is

Speaker 3:

yeah

Speaker 2:

but from there onwards them shops along there Marks and Spencer's are taking them over eh and so it's going to be (interruption) it'll be the biggest store (unclear)

Speaker 3:

(unclear) was at one time wasn't it

Speaker 2:

eh I don't know if Oxford the Oxford Street store is any bigger than that but it is if if not bigger than that it's going to be number two to that

Speaker 3:

mm-hm

Speaker 2:

which it will be when you think of the area

Speaker 3:

oh aye

Speaker 2:

even now it's big but (unclear) take over all that

Speaker 3:

aye

Speaker 2:

it's going to be one of the biggest stores in the country

Speaker 3:

the other furnishing store at that time I c I couldn't remember was Chapman's

Speaker 2:

oh (interruption) yeah

Speaker 3:

Siesta they're still here (interruption) (unclear)

Speaker 2:

Siesta right round the corner of Osbourne Road there

Speaker 3:

that's right on the corner of eh although I can at one time they called that Prudhoe st

Speaker 3:

I beat it gate paint fatal later I hate it eighty eight bet bent felt fettle better I met him hat ant battle batter drat it cart can't carter pot totter bottle font sal salt I got it caught daughter and chortle (pause) haunt I bought it boat total motor I wrote it put footer put it in boot Bootle hooter bite title mitre pint bite it out fon fount outer pit bitter brittle print I hit it hilt beak wreck back I seek it I wreck it I back it (pause) bank lamp leap cap steep it lap it apron matron micro Metro leprosy petrol acrid atlas hopper butter hacker topple bottle hackle whisper custard after whisker doctor chapter jumper hunter (pause) bunker I'm in those often (unclear) golf course appear attend occur appearance attendance occurrence alpine altar polka staircase half past half cut no comment atomic Jupiter epileptic sheet read breeze key gate made may boat load (pause) go boot brewed booze brew out loud cow sight side size sigh sighed knife five knives dive dial Friday diary I've got to do it tomorrow I had to put it off he meant what he said he's booking separate tables for supper a simple sentence pick up a packet of fire lighters pack it in or beat it he's putting it off he put it he put in a bid jump up on the tractor he won't do that in a hurry put a comma in it

Speaker 2:

sheet beetle metre I beat it gate paint fatal later I hate it eighty eight bet bent felt fettle better I met him hat ant battle batter drat it cart can't carter pot totter bottle font salt I got it caught daughter chortle haunt I bought it boat total motor I wrote it put footer put it in boot Bootle hooter bite title mitre pint bite it out fount outer pit bitter brittle print I hit it hilt beak wreck back I seek it I wreck it I back it (pause) bank lamp leap cap steep it lap it apron matron micro Metro leprosy petrol acrid atlas hopper butter hacker topple bottle hackle whisper custard after whisker doctor chapter jumper hunter bunker appear attend occur appearance attendance occurrence alpine altar polka staircase half past half cut automatic Jupiter epileptic sheet read breeze key gate made may boat load (pause) go boot brewed booze brew out loud cow sight side size sigh sighed knife five knives dive dial Friday diary I've got to do it tomorrow I had to put it off he meant what she said what he said he's booking separate tables for supper a simple sentence pick up a packet of fire lighters pack it in or beat it he's putting it off he put it in he put in a bid jump up on the tractor he won't do that in a hurry put a comma in it

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