Ampthill Past Memories presents oral histories from residents of the town. Produced by Radio LaB 97.1FM at the University of Bedfordshire and Ampthill Past Memories.
Avenue House, Ampthill - memories of Film Maker Douglas Downing
In this episode, Researcher and Film Maker Douglas Downing reflects on a once-in-a-lifetime filmmaking journey alongside historian Simon Houfe. Together, they created Avenue House – A Collection Revealed, an intimate documentary exploring the magnificent, eclectic art and architectural collections gathered by Simon's grandfather, the renowned architect Sir Albert Richardson, during his years living at Avenue House. Join us as Douglas shares behind-the-scenes stories, personal memories, and the passion required to bring a legendary family legacy to the screen.
19 Jun 2026
The Life and times of No37 Church Street, Ampthill (AKA The Wingfield Club)
From grand houses and forgotten buildings, to the lives of ordinary residents whose stories might otherwise be lost to time, Ampthill Past Memories is about bringing history back to life—through research, recollection, and the voices of those who remember.
Today, we’re peeling back the layers of time, traveling all the way back to 1742. We’re uncovering how a private family home evolved into a public landmark, and meeting the fascinating ghosts of its past along the way.This is the story of Number 37 Church Street, or as it’s known today The Wingfield Club
26 Jan 2026
Sheila Smith
Sheila was born in Glasgow and moved to Ampthill in 1959 when she was 13. They moved into a house on Woburn Street which went with the job her father had been offered with AER refrigeration engineering company. Sheila details how hard it was for her and her mother to settle into Ampthill initially and describes how things eventually improved.
Ampthill Past Memories is a podcast series by Sandra Read and Mariella Cook.
Long-standing residents of Ampthill and around, have recorded their memories of Ampthill Past giving a unique insight into their personal and working lives of several decades ago. The interviews conjure up a fabulous picture of how Ampthill used to be and highlights some of the interesting goings on and colourful characters that used to reside in the area. If you would like to be involved and help us continue to preserve Ampthill’s historic past, email ampthillpastmemories@gmail.com (mailto:ampthillpastmemories@gmail.com)
Who has been a guest on Ampthill Past Memories
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
John Hele
Richard Nicolls
George Maxted
Mavis Knight
Marion McClurg
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 50 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
75
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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