Cultureshock

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Video transcript

I couldn't seem to muster out the words 'Grandma' and 'Grandpa' at a young age. Instead my Mother's parents were duly known as 'Mama and Bampa.'

Bampa died when I was 4. I have very few memories of Bampa, except as a warm, intelligent man who always seemed to have a kazoo in his pocket.

Bampa was a draughtsman at Head Wrightson, Teesside, a major supplier of peaceful nuclear power. He designed reactors, draughting on highly stretched fabric, bits of which he would bring home and Mama make into hankerchiefs. Mama was a teacher and a highly talented piano player- They married in 1951.

Bampa joined the nuclear division of Head Wrightson in 1960, seeing the potential of Nuclear power for the future.

Mama tells me the story of the transit of a nuclear reactor Bampa had worked on. Its destination was Bradwell Powerstation in 1962. With such a large load and many minor roads, the reactor often came to a stand still due to a farm building or barn being in its path. As the beggining of a now by gone nuclear age, the arrival of this humongous reactor was of most importance- The truck would simply plough through these barns and buildings: An apology was sent out by Head Wrightson to the landowner and men came to resurrect the building the next day.

Mama and Bampa had my Mum in 1959. Bampa continued his work designing and revolutionising the industry, they had a healthy social network; attending dances and parties for both parent and children.

Bampa left Head Wrightson in 1974.

Mama, now 81, plays the piano for ballets and for herself. She still lives in Teesside where they both shared their lives together. I am very proud of the work Bampa achieved, his intelligence and outlook on nuclear energy. In one sense I am saddened that Bradwell powerstation and alike have closed its doors and forgotten about the innovative, passionate minds behind them.