| Description | Track 1 [00.57.25] [Session One: 13 February 2018] Hywel Francis [HF], born 1946. HF describes mother’s family struggles and traditional household role. Mentions how his parents met and married in 1936. Describes father, Dai Francis (DF) upbringing in a semi-traditional mining family. Mentions family as deeply religious. [00.06.06] HF describes father’s political developments and involvement in the South Wales Miners’ Federation. Mention of Dai Dan Evans. [00.08.57] HF considers welsh identity and Anglicisation of Wales following World War Two (WW2). Describes Welsh speaking household, reprimanded for speaking English in the home. Comments on Welsh medium schools. [00.12.51] HF describes the effects of DF becoming a national figure on his Welsh language proficiency. Comments on BBC Welsh as detached from colloquial Welsh. [00.15.03] HF Describes local primary schools. Describes attending Llangatwg state modern secondary school. Mentions his father’s appointment as Chief Administrative Officer for the National Union of Miners at this time. [00.16.32] HF describes traumatic experience of moving to Cardiff suburbs. Mentions the culture shock of attending a large school. Mentions lack of Welsh speakers. Comments on growth of BBC in Cardiff as resulting in more Welsh speakers. HF describes transfer to Whitchurch Grammar school. [00.20.10] HF comments upon teachers, relating to them more than other students. Mentions notable attendees of Whitchurch Grammar school including Will Paynter and Rhodri Morgan. HF describes playing rugby. Describes A level studies and university choice. [00.23.26] HF expresses critical opinion of the grammar school system. Comments upon high stakes of the 11 plus exam. [00.28.33] HF comments on class segregation caused by grammar system. Mentions changing Cardiff borders. Comments on diversity, mentions Jewish families and the complete lack of black students. [00.31.51] HF describes university choice process, including importance of Rugby. Mentions meeting Mair, his future wife. [00.34.14] HF comments on being socially conservative, lack of desire to travel. Describes living in Swansea University accommodation throughout his time at the university. [00.35.30] HF describes majority of students from South Wales. Mentions Swansea University as popular with working class students. Describes impressions of Swansea University as new and growing. HF describes Swansea University sports facilities and reputation. [00.39.45] HF describes experience of living in Swansea University halls. Comments on the development of interdisciplinary studies. Mentions memorable staff members including Roger Petherbridge, Howard Erskine Hill and John Lee. HF comments on large number of Chinese students. [00.43.17] HF reflects on the formality of university halls. Mentions recognising students from rugby matches. Describes hall activities, including sports teams. [00.47.05] HF describes social situation. Mentions early political interest and reservations. [00.48.29] HF describes experience of playing rugby at Swansea University. Mentions Gareth Edwards and influence and Clive Rowland. [00.50.33] HF describes cultural boundaries between East and West Wales. Continued description of playing rugby for Swansea University. Describes talented athletes at the university, including Phil Roybal and John Bayliss. [00.55.41] HF describes frequently visiting family and girlfriend in Cardiff. Mentions hitchhiking. Mentions disabled friend at Swansea University.
Track 2 [00.62.56] [Session One: 13 February 2018] continued from Track 1. HF describes Neil Oliver (NO), a friend and fellow student who was disabled. Recounts an anecdote in which NO’s Swansea University interview with Glamor Williams (GW) led to the installation of a lift. HF mentions an incident where a boy had gravy poured on him for making a joke about the Aberfan disaster. [00.04.49] HF describes his student social life. Mentions the separation between the university campus, town centre and The Mumbles. [0.07.17] HF describes Mair’s art college experience. Comments upon the sexist attitudes of lecturers at the college. Mentions visiting London with art trips. Describes Cardiff as having more nightlife compared to Swansea. [00.09.32] HF mentions meeting Dai Smith when starting his research position at Swansea University. Mentions living in Cardiff while studying in Swansea. Describes Swansea University student protest. Mentions attending a meeting of the Action Committee and chairperson Colin Williamson. HF considers the motivations for this protest and the nature of student protests. Recalls GW and the History department agreeing to student demands. [00.15.42] HF describes experience of student action as a member of staff. Mentions lecturing as a show of solidarity. HF considers the motivations of student action during the 1960s. Mentions political and economic turmoil alongside pit closures and the Vietnam War. Mentions the rise of Plaid Cymru. HF comments upon baby boomer identity and privileges. [00.23.46] HF describes motivations for student rebellion and disenchantment with the labour party. Comments on influence of the mass media, America and the Vietnam War. [00.26.49] HF describes in detail the anti-apartheid protests as a result of the South African all white rugby team, the Springbok’s, UK tour. [00.29.20] HF describes violent Swansea protest and police intervention. Mentions student presence in the protest. Describes protest in Cardiff. Recounts protestor’s signs and tactics. [00.39.21] HF describes visiting Francoist Spain. [00.41.22] HF comments on the growth of Swansea University since the 1960s. Describes the unique situation of Swansea University in comparison to other universities developing at the time. Mentions identity crisis of Swansea University. [00.48.21] HF considers the Welsh identity of Swansea University during the 1960s. Mentions disparity between departments. Mentions large number of young mature students studying Engineering. [00.53.27] HF describes his academic experiences at Swansea University. Mentions Swansea University History course as unusually contemporary. Mentions module on the Social History of Wales as influential. Mentions academic Max Cole and economic history. [01.01.23] HF comments on decision to do a PhD. Comments on expectation to teach.
Track 3[01:03:12][Session two: 19th March 2018] Content summary available onsite at the Richard Burton Archives
Track 4 [00:23:57] [Session two: 19th March 2018] Content summary available onsite at the Richard Burton Archives
Track 5 [00:44:25] [Session two: 19th March 2018] Content summary available onsite at the Richard Burton Archives
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