David Mills

“See I didn’t really, when I was at school, one of the things I couldn’t do was write: but of course I could read all right. Someone at the centre I went to from 1974 onward, helped me to, to learn to write, and I can write a couple of things.…I mean, when I was at school, they gave me a typewriter, because it was easier to write, which is true. Computers: wonderful; because, I mean, I can use a little bit of skills that I learnt with my typing, and just follow my nose... Then I got this other computer, which I got from Ability Net, and, I’ve got email, and I go on the web. I know exactly what I want.” David Mills

Born 17 May 1953
 
Educated Phoenix Centre, Farnborough, Kent; Vallence School, Westerham, Kent

David Mills Tape 1 Listen here:
Born in General Lying-In Hospital, Lambeth on 17 May 1953. Diagnosed at age of four with cerebral palsy and labelled ‘mentally retarded’. Home tutored from age of six. David has sister who is four years older. Family moved in... 00:31:22

David Mills Tape 2 Listen here:
Went to Phab Club from 1971 to 1978. Church of England. Sister got married in 1972. Meeting Lord Soper in 1996. 21st birthday cake in the shape of a record player. Aunt’s inaccessible house in Hereford. Pets: a cat and a terrapin... 00:24:09

David Mills Tape 3 Listen here:
Not offered examinations at school. Playing with his sister. Three days a week doing printing in a hut in Erith with a local group. Using a typewriter at school. Days out to churches and cathedrals, Leith Hill Tower and Malvern... 00:31:32

David Mills Tape 4 Listen here:
Played concert at an old people’s home in Swanley. Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Brent Centre. Computers. In 1989 David organised an Arts Day at the Beck Theatre [Hayes] and Grassy Meadow Day Centre [Hayes]. Service Users’ Committee... 00:24:25

Download a transcript of the David Mills interview (PDF, 295kb)