Bigrigg, Cumbria

Slag Heaps

I was born in  Birks Road, Cleator Moor in 1954. I was from a large family called Sheldrake. We lived over the railway bridge towards the brewery. The neighbours that I know of are: the Watsons, the Moors, the Wrights, the Richardsons, the Sumptons (I married one), the Rogans, Dempseys and Brocklebanks. Does anybody remember the old gasworks house that the... [more]

Childhood

As a boy I thought my hometown of Frizington to be a wonderful place. We played football for hours on the Ball Alley or on the square. (Trafalgar Square)
Also hours of fun "up the backs" The houses behind Nook St playing marbles. Sublime days which never seemed to end. I often wonder if today's children are as carefree as we... [more]

Pims at the White Mare

The White Mare used to serve Pims No1, No2, No3, No4 and No.5
3-card brag parties were Thursday nights.

Happy & Horsey Holidays

I have the fondest memories of childhood holidays spent in Ennerdale and a deep and lasting love of the valley, brought about not only by the remote beauty but also the many, very happy times that I have spent there with those closest to me.
Residents of Blackburn, Lancashire (Wainwrights home town!), my parents and two brothers spent most of... [more]

Researching Ann Fraser or other area Fraser

I have a death notice for Ann Fraser, beloved wife of John Fraser who died Sat. November 10, 1894 at age 44. Interment at Harrington Church, on Wednesday, leaving Rose Hill at 2:30.
I believe this is my great grandmother and I'm interested in anyone that can help in determining if the St. Mary's Harrington Church is the same as... [more]

Buffell family

I am researching my late grandmother (Molly Bufell)'s family history and wonder if anyone can help.

I know a lot of her sisters performed on the stage in Workington and her mother owned a guest house where a lot of the actors stayed.

They lived in New Yard, Sewells Lane, Marsh Street, Jane Street and Jane Street. I... [more]

The Fairground, Cumberland Run

I worked with Broughtons shows, doing the run. We spent two days in each place. We had a load of Cumberland lads working, Alan Blacklock, Jackie from Egremont. We stayed at Salterbeck. I knew a lass called Mary. I was Scots but they called me Scotch Paddy. I wonder if anybody on this web remembers them. It was hard work. I... [more]

My Grandfather

I was born in 1953 and my Grandfather was already dead. His name was William Bowe and he was the last mill keeper at Hall Mill, although his son John, my uncle, ran a joinery business for a few years from there. Billy Bowe was the last official mill keeper. It was purely a saw mill, powered entirely by water. How... [more]