Interview with Mary Jones, aged 94, by David Phillips for Age Concern North Wales Central, in which Mary reflects on her childhood in Llanrhaeadr and Wrexham, her father’s work and wartime experiences, and the close‑knit community life that shaped her early years. She offers vivid memories of air‑raid nights, local stories, school ambitions, and post‑war adventures around Wrexham, painting a rich portrait of growing up in mid‑20th‑century Wales.

00:00–01:06

Mary begins by describing her early childhood in Llanrhaeadr and Mochnant, where her grandfather managed reservoir pressure and her mother worked as his housekeeper. She recalls attending the local school before the family moved to Wrexham.

01:06–02:59

She talks about her father’s work for Denbighshire County Council and remembers him bringing home one of the first “cat’s eyes” used on the Horseshoe Pass in 1939.

03:00–07:10

Mary gives a vivid account of wartime life, including nights spent in a makeshift Anderson shelter, carrying supplies during air‑raid warnings, and experiencing the bombing of Minera Mountain, which had been used as a decoy to protect nearby factories.

07:10–10:55

She recalls selling football programmes with her brother, interactions with miners, and community life in Plas Coch, including pig bins, miners’ widows, and shared resources.

10:55–12:53

Mary recounts a local scandal involving a neighbour’s affair and an unexpected death, illustrating the close‑knit nature of the community.

12:53–15:36

She describes her schooling, her wish to become a teacher, and joining the tax office at age 15 during post‑war demobilisation.

15:36–24:05

Mary shares memories of Wrexham’s shops, caring for her baby brother, scoring for Bersham Cricket Club, long walks to Erddig and Bangor‑on‑Dee, exploring Erddig Hall, and enjoying outdoor adventures with friends during the 1940s.