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As part of our Voices from the Village of Hope project, forty oral histories are being gathered. We are recording the memories of people who have lived, worked or been treated at Papworth over the past century, since the first TB patients arrived in the village in 1918.
The project will put these memories into the context of nearly a century of treatment, care and rehabilitation for those living with medical conditions and disabilities in the United Kingdom
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Mrs Gillian Skillings
“Hard work, long hours”. Mrs Skillings recalls the family atmosphere at Papworth Hospital.
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Mrs Ellen Kemp
Ellen Kemp recalls her interview at Papworth Hospital. The village of Papworth in 1977. Training. Memories of…
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Mr Bob Baker
Mr Baker shares his memories of the doctor’s waiting room at Papworth.
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Mrs Christine Moore
Mrs Moore recalls her treatment at Papworth Hospital as a child in the 1960s. …
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Mrs Angeline Walters
Mrs Walters remembers the pond at Papworth Hospital.
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Mr John Baxter
Mr Baxter fondly remembers his wife’s involvement in village life.
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Mrs Pam Howlett
Mrs Howlett shares her memories of nursing TB patients at Papworth Hospital.
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Mr Gary Hockey
Mr Hockey shares his memories of his beloved girlfriend, Alex.
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Mrs Margaret Hamilton-Smith
Mrs Hamilton-Smith recalls the controversy in the early days of heart transplantation at Papworth. “The best…
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Mrs Jill Mackenzie
Mrs Mackenzie describes how her parents met while working at Papworth. Memories of Sir Pendrill Varrier-Jones…
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Mr David Calver
Papworth helped regain Mr Calver’s independence. Is there a community spirit? Mr Calver talks about living in…
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Mr Andy Hawkes
Mr Hawkes tells of his admiration of the dedicated staff. Memories of Dr Stott. Mr Hawkes’…
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Mr Michael Starr
Mr Starr remembers waking up after receiving a heart transplant and his first trip outside to…
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Mr Steve Rossin
First impressions of Papworth – a grand set up A hive of activity Memories of the…
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Mr Ian Burton
Mr Burton recalls Papworth’s family atmosphere Matron’s Christmas Party Prejudice against Papworth Wilfred Pickles brings his…
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Mr Roy Gill
The atmosphere of Papworth Hospital Mr Gill reflects on the changes he witnessed at Papworth Hospital
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Mrs Mary Sawford
One year to live Happy memories of getting married and moving to a Papworth Prefab
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Mr Keith Robinson
The Teddy Boy gang in Papworth The Ramblers skiffle group Memories of playing football Prejudice against the…
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Mr Peter Pattle
Sloshing about! Mr Pattle’s memories of childhood fun. There were two highlights in the year. The…
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Mr Colin Oxbury
Meeting Sir Pendrill Varrier-Jones. Another clip round the ear! Finding souvenirs.
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Mr Alan Robinson
An interview at Papworth Industries in 1961. Mr Robinson reflects on the qualities needed for the foreman’s…
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Mr Maurice Garner
Treatment at Papworth Hospital. I’d like to know where you people leave your wings? The pond was the…
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Mr Ken Dench
Memories of the initial diagnosis and the first angiogram. I thought my life had finished. I could…
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Mrs Alma Easter
Treatment for TB, including the antibiotic called streptomycin Vivid description of the surgical treatments Mrs Easter…
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Mr Keith Easter
Arrival in Papworth and subsequent treatment for TB.
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Mrs Ruby Topham
Arrival in Papworth, and meeting Matron Borne. Village children walking ‘The Block’. The Annual Flower Show…
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Mrs Sonja Allerton
Arrival in Papworth in 1948. Good relationships between patients and nurses. The flap went down! Meeting…
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Mr Dave Garrett
First impressions of Papworth. Recollections of the porter’s uniform. The role of the hospital porters at Papworth. The working…
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Mr Charlie Townsend
Arrival at Papworth Village Settlement. Passing the time while on bed rest for two years. Life in a…
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Mr David Coles
First injection of anti-biotics to treat his TB. Memories of life on ‘bed rest’. The recovery process for TB…
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Mrs Jo Corkovic
Arrival at Papworth. First impressions of Papworth.
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Mrs Iris McCallum
Description of the family’s roomy house at Papworth Village Settlement. Memories of school days, and headteacher…
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Miss Vera Arnold
Miss Arnold’s brother Charlie receives treatment for TB at Papworth. Very white, very thin. Description of…
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Mr Bert Truelove
Memories of caring people. Papworth Hospital as a big family. Helping people as a hospital volunteer.
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