Interview with Michael Goodall by Vicky Macdonald

Description

Short interview conducted by Vicky MaCdonald during the ‘Longest Yarn’ with visitors that shared personal memories and family stories in reaction to the exhibition. The Longest Yarn exhibition was a month-long tribute to the War Effort behind the D-Day Landings of 1944 - displaying a 3D tapestry depicting D-Day in 80 panels – was held at the Holy Trinity Church, Llandudno (October 2–27, 2024).

In this interview, Mike Goodall shares his mother Doris Mabel Oldham’s experiences during World War II. She served in the Land Army in Devon before returning to work in the NAAFI at Alton Towers, a base for Canadian airmen. Mike recalls her describing this time as demanding but enjoyable. Mike’s father served in the Royal Artillery, transporting ammunition for five years in North Africa and Italy, eventually returning home safely. After the war, his parents married. Mike appreciates this opportunity to remember his mother’s contributions, highlighting the often-overlooked roles of women during the war.