Sharing Memories
Recorded 4 years ago
About this recording
Sandy and Margaret Munro share many wonderful memories and stories. They each recall their schooldays, growing up in Caithness during the war years.
While working at Noss farm Sandy witnessed three German bombers flying over Staxigoe, dropping bombs on a hangar at Wick airfield before the planes flew back over the sea towards Norway.
At the age of 16, Sandy headed south to Glasgow to work, initially as a riveter but later as an assistant electrician at Glasgow's Theatre Royal where he operated the spotlights during shows such as the musicals Merry England and Desert Song.
Later, while working at Kelvin Hall, the Bertram Mills Circus came to town and a conversation with the main elephant handler, John Gindle led to Sandy helping to groom and feed the elephants. He also took part in a circus act that involved volunteering to be shaved by an elephant. Sandy took the decision to travel with the circus. However, at Preston he received his call-up papers, so he left the elephants and joined the Parachute Regiment.
Margaret recalls her employment as a shorthand typist and her decision to work at the newly opened stocking factory at the airport. She describes the occasion when she was concerned about being late for work but got a lift on the back of the dust cart, travelling from Kennedy Terrace to the factory in dramatic style.
She also tells the entertaining story of meeting Sandy and getting married.
This interview took place at Pulteney House with the background sounds of a welcoming care home where Margaret and Sandy are residents.
Photograph - Sandy Munro with Letch the elephant
Sandy passed away in March 2022.
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