Summary of Oral History Mrs. Doris Baddick, b 1924, recorded 15/10/2013
- Mrs. Baddick – mother born in a cottage on the riverside (Tawe)
- Father worked on the railway as did his father.
- Father gassed in WW1, suffered poor health and died aged 36.
- Moved as a young child to the “Quarry Cottages” officially Samlet Row immediately above White Rock Works and White Rock Ferry.
- Four houses in the row with neighbour families: Hancock/Needen/Davies.
- Attended St. Thomas school, Kilvey Parish Church and Canaan Chapel Band of Hope.
- Her mother when widowed sought relief from “the Panel” (parish relief) and received a loan of 10/= per week for herself; 5/= for Doris; and 3/= for each of her two sisters.
- Rent was 8/= per week paid to Mrs. Screech , landlady, who kept a newsagent shop on Port Tennant Road.
- Mother worked as a cleaner and did washing for 1/6d a household.
- Two rooms up and two rooms down, with no indoor facilities.
- Worked at a Printers in Green Dragon Lane before and after the war.
- Recalls experience of air raids and displaced relatives having to move in with them at Samlet Row!
- Recalls death of an Uncle in the Copper Works aged 27 years and an Aunt who worked in White Rock as a cook.
- Describes drams carrying waste over the road on an incline to be dumped on the hillside.
- No money for school outings but kept well as children. Others not so fortunate, no shoes for school.
- Paid at the door for medical service and Doctor was across the river near High Street Station.
- White Rock ferry discussed, 1d journey.
- Went to the “Pictorial” cinema, later called “Scala” near the Midland Railway Station, on Wednesday and Saturday, 2d a show.
- Worked in Cwmfelin Steel Works on war service welding “Jerry Cans” and used ferry to cross the river, becoming a supervisor, paid £3.10.0d per week.
- People just got on with things and did not grumble about conditions.
TJP 15th October 2013