The Particular: John’s story – PART 005

Sound Vault

Episode 5 of The Particular features John's story. John Carter was born in the 1930s in Blackwater. His family heralds from Eversley, and he has spent most of his life living in Yateley, Hampshire. His story includes National Service in the 1950s, with time serving in Malaya. His time in the army saw him become a fully trained HGV driver with some distinction, which meant on his return to civilian life, he quickly progressed from a role as a 'driver's mate', to a long career in what was called the Milk Marketing Board. with its distinctive blue tankers. Wound up in 1994, for a long time, the producer-led body regulated the production and distribution of milk in the UK. He talks about life driving the lorries and collecting the milk churns from the farms, and the high regard with which he held his employers. He also talks about another employer later on in his life, the well loved local independent supermarket chain, Robert Greig, who had a branch at what is now Aldi at Blackwater. John talks with much passion about his family. Having received a card from The Queen on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary this year, John recalls how he first met his wife, Daphne. He also talks with affection about his "wonderful girls" - his six daughters, Jackie, Jen, Pat, Jo, Sue and Marion. He also recalls his time spent volunteering for Aldershot Town Football Club over the decades, and his support for the club. As much as the specific episodes in his life, John's story is about the little things, and the values that have come to shape his life. John's is a truly particular story, of dedicated service to family, community, company, club, and country.