Megha came to the UK in 1961 following her marriage to her late husband Babulal Naik. Babulal worked for a company based in West Croydon, at the time the company was offered to move to Basingstoke under the Greater London overspill project. They moved to Basingstoke over 60 years ago to a new build house. They were delighted with this move as were expecting their first child and had previously lived in a bed sit flat. Here they raised three children who were all born in the famous Burberry's house as there wasn't a maternity hospital at the time.

Megha explains that she was the only person nearby expecting as the other ladies from the neighbourhood already had a couple of kids.

“My happiest memories that we had ladies group coffee mornings, they taught me knitting, I learnt English in different accents as some were from Birmingham, Manchester, London and Ireland! They also taught me the English way of cooking. They helped with babysitting too. The majority of men would go to work on bicycles not in cars. Babulal and his friends would swim in the open-air swimming pool at the back of the Thornycroft factory early mornings before going to work all year round. In the 1970s, we borrowed money for our first car which was an Austin 8 costing £30, driving lessons were 10 shillings at this time. Great memories, I will never forget happy times I had.”

Megha tells us that Babulal paid an annual rent of ten shillings per allotment where he grew lots of soft fruits and vegetables, even Indian vegetables too as Megha’s dad used to send them seeds. As a family they always had plenty vegetables and fruits to last all year around. Megha used to blanch them for the freezer which they bought second hand much later when they could afford it.

Megha explains that the winters used to be very severe.

“Even the Thames River was frozen in 1962/63. The snow started on Boxing Day and never stopped until easter! At that time we had no central heating. My sister-in-law kindly gave me a boiler and wringer which really helped with washing many terry towel nappies. Anything was welcome at that time as Babulal’s wages were only ten pounds per week. Times were really hard as after paying 3 pounds for rent to Basingstoke local council, buying coal for our open fireplace and paraffin for our small heater, there was not much money left! My children used to tell neighbours that I cooked jelly in front room bay window. That was the coldest place in the house where the jelly would set!

Megha worked at Eli Lilly for over 25 years, starting work as a Junior Analyst. Eli Lilly encouraged Megha to study alongside her employment.

“The company encouraged me to have day release courses i.e one day and one evening to study in O levels in BCOT, A levels in Reading college of Technology and a degree in Southampton University. It took me 6 years to complete it while looking after home chores, three children, working full time and travelling and studying in my tea breaks and lunch times, I really don't know how I managed! I was then promoted to a Senior Analyst post at Eli Lilly within the laboratory.”

Eli Lilly had a social club which would organise events and activities. This included an arranged coach trip to see the Phantom of the Opera show in London which turned into an eventful journey home to Basingstoke:

“The show was enjoyable but afterwards there was no sign of the coach driver. Midnight passed and in the end we had to come back on a goods train! Only to find out from the police that coach driver was fast asleep in the parking lot in his coach!”

Megha explains to us how after a serious back operation she changed jobs and began working for the AA in Fanum House alongside studying a computer accountancy course at John Hunt of Everest School in Popley. Megha also worked at Copenhagen Court and for an American company called Atmel (advanced technology in memory and logic) In between jobs Megha did meals on wheels service, women's royal volunteering and teaching maths to neighbour’s children. Also completing jury service three times in Winchester Crown Court.

Megha tells us about other local traditions and events they enjoyed as a family including the yearly carnival procession and funfair at War Memorial Park. The local company social clubs organised ten-pin bowling competitions, theatre trips and other social events. Cricket teams formed to play cricket in town War Memorial Park. They also used to have picnics near Basing Canal and go to farmlands to pick their own vegetables and fruits.

Megha explains how the area has changed:

“I like it here. It used to be quiet. Our area changed having more houses in the front of our house, more people moved in. A new junior school was built. Open farmland was visible from our bedroom windows. In autumn farmers would burn the fields; my children would watch them burn from our bedroom windows. That area has since been built on with a secondary school, shops and more housing. The whole landscape has changed.”

Her favourite places to visit in Basingstoke and Deane include Old Basing for walks and picnics, Old Hackwood Park, Basing House, Whitchurch Silk Mill, War Memorial Park, Leisure Park, Chute House and the beautiful cottages in Overton and Whitchurch.

Megha now spends her time painting, jewellery making and is a regular visitor to the Leisure Park. She enjoys summertime evening walks with friends, having friends around, going to the cinemas and the Anvil.

 “Recently I went to watch Swan Lake at the Anvil and it was fantastic.”

Megha loves to travel. She explains that she enjoys the ease of getting the train to London to visit the portrait galleries and art exhibitions. Megha has visited 120 countries and is still travelling, yet has called Basingstoke home since 1961.

“This is my town, where my three children were born, brought up, had grandchildren and a great grandchild too. Where my late husband Babulal and myself worked all our lives. Where my husband passed away too. For me Basingstoke is a treasure chest of memories including my life’s ups and downs, Basingstoke is part of my life where I am comfortable, where I am surrounded by relations and friends. What more one should need in third age of life!”

January 2025