Browse Items (36 total)

Extracts from interviews carried out with 36 people who knew the Spencer family, or York Gate Garden during their lifetime.

Recording and transcript of an interview with Biddy Marshall, former county organiser for the National Gardens Scheme, who knew Sybil well. She talks about her memories of the garden and amateur dramatic performances held there.

Interview with Tony Bedford who was a friend of Robin from school days; Sybil’s accountant; attended and hosted dinner parties; and suggested to Sybil that she leave York Gate to the Gardeners Royal Benevolent Society.

(Transcript written from…

Recorded Interview with Brenda Bedford, wife of Tony Bedford, Robin’s friend and Sybil’s accountant; attended and hosted dinner parties (audio file and transcript)

Recording and transcript of an interview with Ann Fergus. Her father gave Robin a pampas grass cutting. See YGA01709 for a picture of the pampass grass at York Gate

Recording and transcript of an interview with Ann Philpott, a frequent visitor to York Gate to buy duck eggs and see the garden

Recording and transcript of an interview with Anne Wivell who attended Sybil’s open days and the evening events that followed; memories of Sybil include when she had her portrait painted.

Recording and transcript of an interview with Ann Lightman, a volunteer at York Gate

Recording and transcript of an interview with Brian Latty a school friend of Robin, he went with the Spencers to an opera in the Grand Theatre in his early teens.

Recording and transcript of an interview with Dr Layinka M Swinburne who visited York Gate to buy duck eggs; became friendly with Sybil and gave her plants from her own garden.