| Description | Track 1 [00:37:40] [Session One: 24 July 2017] Murray Thomson [MT], born in Brighton in February 1948. MT talks about his schooling at Hove Grammar School. [00:01:53] MT discusses the advantages and disadvantages of grammar schools. [00:05:32] MT talks about his interest in arts subjects at school and describes his dream of becoming a teacher. [00:07:27] MT describes being accepted at Swansea University [SU] [00:09:49] MT talks about his interest in Wales and his decision to apply to SU. [00:12:17] MT describes his first impressions of Swansea. [00:13:59] MT talks about his first days at SU and describes living in Sibley Hall [today Kilvey Hall]. [00:17:30] MT describes different activities during Fresher’s Week, including Fresher’s Ball. [00:20:01] MT describes his interaction with girls and talks about the gender ratio at SU. MT compares the figures of students at SU in the 1960s to today. MT discusses whether going to university in the 1960s meant being part of an elite. [00:23:12] MT describes how SU was inspired by the Oxbridge culture regarding halls and dinners. MT talk about the food in halls and the JCR [Junior Common Room]. MT describes formal dinners and talks about staff sitting at the high table. MT describes being invited to sit at the high table. [00:33:00] MT talks about the conservative atmosphere at SU during the 1960s. [00:33:52] MT talks about the Sibley Hall porters and their interaction with the students. [00:37:40]
Track 2 [00:41:28] [Session One: 24 July 2017] MT describes his memory of the 1966 Aberfan disaster. [00:03:27] MT describes his social life at SU. MT talks about the bar in Fulton House. [00:08:44] MT talks about the music scene in Swansea, including bands that played in Swansea. MT describes his interest in classical music and names his favourite composers. [00:12:55] MT talks about the 1960s youth culture and the changes at SU. MT describes his involvement in a satirical student newspaper called ‘Shame’. [00:18:36] MT talks about the conflict between paternalistic and radical attitudes at SU. MT describes student protests, including a sit-in at the registry. [00:22:48] MT talks about other student protests across Europe and compares Swansea to them. [00:24:14] MT talks about being part of the Baby Boomer generation [babies born from 1945 to ca. 1964]. [00:26:54] MT talks about his experiences raising money for charity during rag week. MT compares his political views to those of his parents. [00:30:21] MT compares his work ethic to that of his friends and talks about failing to get on the honours course. [00:31:41] MT describes his degree course structure, studying English and History. MT talks about his interest in American Literature and Anglo-Saxon poetry. [00:37:00] MT talks about the standard of teaching at SU and describes good lecturers, including Dr Smith, Mike Simpson, Dr France and Glanmor Williams. [00:40:02] MT talks about the collegial atmosphere in the History and English departments. MT discusses the role and responsibilities of a Head of Department. [00:41:28]
Track 3 [00:39:36] [Session One: 24 July 2017] MT talks about owning a car as a student and describes being a member of the motor club. [00:02:17] MT talks about his financial situation whilst studying at SU. MT describes his summer jobs in London. [00:05:36] MT talks about his living situation at SU. MT describes living in Sibley Hall in Year 1 and 2. MT talks about living in shared accommodation in the Mumbles with his friends. MT compares halls and shared housing. [00:12:22] MT talks about room sharing with Neil Evans in Sibley. [00:13:03] MT discusses the lack of Welshness in Swansea. MT talks about the difference in Welshness between Carmarthen and Swansea. [00:19:02] MT talks about his parents’ visit to Swansea. [00:20:55] MT describes his experiences doing a teacher training course at SU. MT talks about a placement at a school in Manselton. [00:26:01] MT talks about taking part in a drama group and doing a play called ‘Semi-Detached’. MT discusses Kingsley Amis and his rivalry with Isabel Westcott. [00:28:30] MT talks about his social activities in his fourth year at SU, including a ski trip to the Pyrenees. [00:31:23] MT describes his career as an English teacher and later Head of English at a girls’ comprehensive school in Horsham. [00:35:55] MT talks about why he enjoyed studying at SU. [00:39:36]
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