Sylvia Utley

Sylvia talks about growing up on North Hull Estate and her childhood during the Second World War including her memories of being evacuated and bombing raids. She goes on to discuss her teenage dreams of being a dressmaker, her first jobs and then meeting and courting her husband, including some details of her wedding day and the costs involved during the time of rationing.

Media No: 1001
Interviewee Forename: Sylvia
Interviewee Surname: Utley
Year of Birth Unknown
Interviewer: Rupert Creed
Location: Unity In Community, Endike Lane, Hull
Date of Interview: 06/02/18
Duration (HH:MM:SS): 00:39:46

 

Time Code Notes

[00:01:00] Sylvia describes the evacuation of four of her siblings to Foston on the Wolds during the Second World War the youngest of whom drowned. She was the eldest of six siblings.

[00:04:06] Sylvia recalls growing up in Hull and Cottingham, going to the Endike Picture House, street games and family life.

[00:07:24] She remembers the Doll’s Hospital on Prince’s Avenue corner.

[00:12:20] Sylvia describes Hull in the Blitz. She remembers sleeping in the shelter at night and going into Hull after the bombing, seeing the shops in ruins.

[00:15:42] She describes the shops and cinemas recalling The Rex on Endike Lane, Saturday cinema and seeing Flash Gordon.

[00:19:40] Sylvia talks about courting, the facts of life, romance and her first kiss. She was married in 1948 and lived with her aunt until 1951. It was 2d a head for the reception and her wedding dress cost £3.

[00:20:00] Sylvia describes North Hull Estate and living on 12th Avenue. She remembers the Greenwood pub. Her husband passed away the day it was closed.

[00:30:00] She talks about travel and expectations. Her skills in dressmaking and knitting. Holidays.

[00:38:09] Sylvia concludes that Hull is a great place to live with good people.

These time code notes are provided as a rough guide to the above recording. Untold Hull would like to thank all the volunteers who took part for their time and hard work in producing this information.