| Description | Interview conducted by Mike Banfield.
00:00-00:31: Introduction
00:31-04:15: Why Battersea College? Describes aspiration to be an engineer; explains time at Battersea Institute completing O-levels and studying for A-levels; moved across road to Battersea Polytechnic college for degree in electrical engineering
04:15-05:35: Adjusting to University: explains how the Institute and Polytechnic were interlinked; describes more mature life style
05:35-07:24: Student demographic: Ex-service men; mentions small number of international students
07:24-10:52: Socialising: describes role backstage in dramatic society; mentions time as social secretary of Students' Union; details value of involvement in Students' Union
10:52-13:37: Accommodation: recalls living at home whilst at Battersea Institute; mentions death of mother and move to rented accommodation; recalls Manor House hall of residence for girls, Hotel & Catering students
13:37-19:57: Social Events: mentions regular dances, hops; remembers caving society, trip to Portugal, minibus, fundraising event at Chislehurst Caves, Nick Barrington; mentions Mike Woods, president of Students' Union; mentions 1951 Festival of Britain, Oscar the mascot, boats on Battersea Park lake
19:57-22:31: London University Union: mentions involvement in newspaper; recalls meeting wife through London University Union, Anne was president of Bedford College Union; recalls Summer Balls at Battersea
22:31-24:12: Student Newspapers: remembers University newspaper was entitled 'Sennet'; Battersea college had 'Poly Focus', Mike Woods editor
24:12-26:55: Student Politics: Remembers number of political societies; describes student union candidates campaigning
26:55-29:18: Memorable People: praises engineering staff, Dr Dombray; describes equipment and facilities available
29:18-30:46: Food: Describes local café, egg and chips; mentions The Grove public house and The Refectory
30:46-32:28: 1950s: explains student body included ex-servicemen; describes small Corgi motorcycle
32:28-35:03: Finances: provided with student grant from London County Council; describes state of finances, compares to those of international students; mentions part time job washing up
35:03-39:11: Battersea area: focus on Battersea Park, lake, Festival of Britain; The Grove public house; recalls very thick fog, followed bus along road; discusses public transport, trams and cycling
39:11-43:51: Industrial Placements: not studying on sandwich course; remembers Battersea tutors encouraged students to write to employers at end of course; two year graduate apprenticeship at Telephones and Cables; recalls industry fairs; began MEC course at Northampton Engineering College to avoid National Service; found employment in small business with friend
43:51-46:26: Impressions of Guildford campus: consideration of size difference; provides summary of student attitude at Battersea College
46:26 - End |