Memories are made of this

Sylvia Cox I was born in a house opposite Finedon Infant’s School in 1930.I was educated there and then the Girl’s Junior School in Church Street. I would say that I was certainly not happy there as there was one teacher there who was not particularly nice as she would grab hold of the back of my hair and I was really frightened of her and she used to make me cry. I would say that there was nothing about that school that I liked.

My mum used to help the nurse to deliver babies in Finedon I remember but I do not know whether or not she was paid for this.

My first job was at the Ideal Factory in Irthlingborough Road where I patched trousers and did general mending for the Americans who were lovely people. I remember the men used to take us in the back of their trucks to dances held at different places like Irthlingborough Drill Hall and Chelveston.

I later worked at Gammidge's mainly in the making room and worked from 7.30am to 5.30pm.
When I was seventeen years of age I had to be home by ten and if I tried to go home later I would not be allowed out the next day.

I met my husband along Welling borough Road, as he wanted to borrow my bike as his motorbike had broken down. It was a brand new bike from Curry’s that we paid so much for each week and my mum went mad when she learnt what I had gone and done. However, the next day my bike was returned to me. I was eighteen when I had my first child and it was a home confinement as there was no thought of having my baby in hospital.
The best thing about Finedon is that we do not get a lot of hassle like in some places. People are not as friendly as they used to be as they do not want to seem to stop and talk at the garden gate now.

I remember we had a party in the Crescent to celebrate Coronation Day and the street was shut off. Everyone made a contribution in some way or other and it was lovely.

Sat June 6th 1953
Kenmuir Road, Ewenfield Road, Wellingborough Road

Regarding games I remember playing with a whip and top and making my own games like dickie and stick and ay ackie then there was a game called jacks, French skipping and marbles. Kids today just seemed to get so bored and they do not seem able to organize themselves as we did. Small children are no longer safe even in the park or recreational ground unless they are supervised. Sometimes older kids take money from younger ones and even take packed lunches from them when they are at school; although this is very rare. I would say that there is nothing for children to do now or spend their money on.

Independent Wesleyan Mothers and toddlers

When I was younger there were discos at Star Hall as well as the Band Club. We also had a picture house called the fleapit which was a bit basic but we all loved going to it and saw it as a real treat .I think the biggest improvement for here would be somewhere for young people. I also wonder why the Community Centre is not used more.