In this captivating episode of Ampthill Past Memories, Mariella Cook sits down with Pamela Massey, a lifelong Ampthill resident with a treasure trove of memories spanning decades. From her childhood on Baker Street in the 1930s to her vibrant social life in later years, Pamela’s journey is a testament to the town’s rich history and evolving community spirit.
Pamela recalls her early days at St. Clare’s Convent School, a place of discipline and tradition, before moving on to Alameda School. She paints a picture of Ampthill as it once was—when cars were a rarity, local businesses thrived, and the community was tightly knit. Her working life took her from the post room at Randall’s in Bedford to mastering early accounting machines long before computers were commonplace. Eventually, she found herself at the brickworks in Stewartby, navigating redundancies and new roles, including an unexpected stint on the switchboard.
But Pamela’s story isn’t just about work; it’s about passion. A lifelong performer, she delighted in the Ampthill Operatic Society and Stewartby theatre productions, dancing and singing her way through unforgettable shows. She even performed the Can-Can in The Merry Widow! Her love for performance never faded—she remained part of the company well into her eighties.
Beyond the stage, Pamela immersed herself in community life. From the WI to church groups, she found companionship and purpose, still keeping in touch with old school friends. She fondly remembers her father, a bus driver and businessman who once owned four houses in Baker Street, and her husband, who worked his way up from a mechanic to a respected draughtsman in the brickworks.
This episode is more than just a recollection; it’s a vibrant portrait of a woman whose life intertwined with the beating heart of Ampthill. From bustling high streets to wartime memories, theatre productions to local traditions, Pamela’s stories are an invitation to step back in time and experience the town through her eyes.
Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series from the Ampthill and District Preservation Society.
Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago. The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area.If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ampthillpastmemories@gmail.com or go to the Ampthill and District Preservation Society website for further information.
