Ellon reminiscences [transcript]
Taylor, RussellUUUU
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Imprint:
Formartine Partnership 2008.
Series title:
Formartine Oral History Project ; FP060740
Notes:
Interviewed by Fiona-Jane Brown on 7/6/07.Transcript for compact disc Bib ID No 584962.Summary: Russell was born in 1949 in Ruthrieston, Aberdeen. He talks about his childhood in Ruthrieston, his family background, school, shops in Aberdeen, and how he couldn't afford to go to university but began working in the education department for the city council and then latterly became Chief Administrative Officer moving from St Nicholas House to Woodhill House. He then worked for Grampian Police and helped them set up their Human Resources department, then took early retirement. He and his wife now run a franchise business called 'Pet Pals' which is a professional pet-sitting service. He talks about dances, dance halls, cinemas and leisure activities in Aberdeen in the 60s and 70s, shops in Aberdeen again, the first Christmas lights in Union St in 1964, trams, living in Ruthrieston, and how different it is in Ellon. Russell enjoys singing bothy ballads which came about through attending folk clubs and singing at open nights. He then sings the bothy ballads 'Nicky Tams', 'The Muckin o Geordie's Byre', then songs by Ian Middleton, a comic song called 'Auld Davie's Draaers', and a more reflective song called 'A Sign o the Times', which he finishes with.
Local class:
F1
Language:
English
BRN:
637349