Interview with Melvin Walton
“I remember the first time I went in a shop with one of my young friends, and somebody said: ‘Oh, what’s he come in the shop for, he won’t know anything about it.’ And again one of my friends said: ‘He’s got as much right to come in the shop as me.’”
Born 15 February 1952
Educated Elmfield School, Harpenden
Tape 1, Side 1
MW lived with Grandparents for 18 years, whilst mother worked. Home tutor four times a week. At 11 or 13, sent by Local Authority to a special boarding school Elmfield School, Harpenden. Left School at 16. Squint operation. Watched football. Disabled football team. At 17, first big party, organised by Nan and Granddad. Closer to Nan than mother and father. Visits to shops to buy Milky Bars and bottle of lemonade. Interest in cars. Sunday School. Involved with cubs and scouts after school. Born Westoning, Bedfordshire. Father was fruit and veg lorry driver/salesman in London. Mother worked in factory on a tool lathe. MW weighed approx 2 lbs when born. Lucky to be alive. Drip fed when born. At 9, realisation of disability. Reactions of others. Moved to mother after death of Nan at 18.Anger when not allowed to attend Nan's funeral. Pets. Move to Leonard Cheshire Home. Grandparents’ house was 3-4 bedroom house with cellar and big garden. Voluntary work. Social Services Day Centre in Leighton Buzzard. Playing dominos.
Tape 1, Side 2
Started at Day Centre aged 16-17. Answered phone in day centre office. For 10-12 years, co-ordinated 8-9 vehicles in control centre at day centre. MW lived in Leonard Cheshire Bungalow for 9 years, previously moving to Leonard Cheshire Home at 30. Gets up 6.45, 7am, with time of rising decided by staff. Little choice over menu in first 5-6 years. Wish for more privacy. Marriage by one couple in Leonard Cheshire Home. 'Care at Home'. Cooks in microwave, lunch 12.30, tea 6pm, breakfast 9.30. Activities Dept organises visits to cinema, shopping - group activity. Changed attitudes to disability. Own car and 2-3 friends who will drive the car for Melvin in the evening or at weekends. Visits cinema, concerts at 'The Stables' at Wavendon, Homes Exchange Holidays. Managing money. Friends, relationships. PHAB club. Electric bed hoist is best piece of equipment. Electric wheelchair is life saver. First wheelchair 13-14, first electric wheelchair at 16-17. 40th birthday and big 50th birthday party disco. Sees social worker once or twice a year. Waiting on housing list for two years.
Download transcript of tape 1