Interview with Larry Pryde by Jill Jones

Description

[00:00:33] Early Life
Born in 1944 in Pentre Broughton, and moved to Minera aged 7. Attended Pentre Broughton Infant School and then Minera School, Penygelli, and finally Denbighshire Junior Technical College.

[00:01:38] Work
Started working at the waterworks after finishing school, after 7 years moved to the steelworks. In 1967 LP moved to the limeworks which had just been purchased by Tarmac. After 5 years he was promoted to head office in Shotton and was then made redundant. Then he returned to Wrexham to work for G.R. Davis [unsure of spelling] which produced cattle food. After 7 years again returned to Minera Quarry.

[00:04:50] Minera Quarry
Talks about friendly atmosphere at the quarry, representing them on the local council. Ownership passing from Tarmac to Redland in 1990 or 1991 [possible discrepancies with these dates] before closing end of 1993.

[00:09:11] Chatter
They mistakenly think they paused the recorder. Discussing what to talk about next.

[00:10:35] Return to Childhood
Memories of climbing at the quarry and in the trees, collecting birds’ eggs. Mention of peregrine falcons retuning to the area 1994-1995. Talking about the private railway from the quarry. LP talks about going to the “top woods” to play with friends, then the layout and location of the quarry over time.

[00:16:37] Issuing tickets
Talks about tickets being issued from a small cabin on site. Describes process of creating tickets.

[00:18:48] Colleagues
LP describes the various characters who worked at the quarry, he and JJ discuss other local acquaintances.

[00:22:23] Working hours and pay
LP talks about the different working hours and salaries in the quarry. Goes on to describe the output of the quarry.

[00:25:52] Changing community
Talks about effects of the quarry’s closure, loss of work and shops.