Nostalgic memories of Darlington's local history
Share your own memories of Darlington and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying Memories 21 - 30 of 38 in total
I lived in Richmond, Yorkshire and Darlington was our nearest large town. I remember buying second-hand comics in the indoor market in the 1940s.
I also did a 6 month stint as an apprentice mechanic in Motor Deliveries Garage, in 1952/3. It is no longer there.
My Mom and my aunt were placed in care in St. Joseph's. My mother never spoke of it and my aunt only started telling us (my sisters and me) shortly before she died. We believe their mother and grandmother were financially unable to care for them. Their names were Agnes and Eleanor. They were probably placed in care around 1929.
I am trying to trace anyone who might have any history about the Conor family who lived at 14 Queen Street, Darlington in 1909. That year my nan was born to Sarah Jane Conor. She also had a daughter Elizabeth who was probably 2 years older than my nan Agnes. Around 1915 their mother Sarah Jane died in childbirth and the 2 sisters were sent to an orphanage run by the Catholic nuns as their father was unknown. ...see more
My name is Mike Pearson and my father used to work at the Skating Rink in South Park, more or less full time at one stage in his life. His name was Ernest, or Erne, Pearson. He gave out and took back in the skates and did the music I think. Maybe someone will remember him.
Post house coffee bar (Dilaplos), I lived in there, lunch most dinner times, and back in when the shop closed. I worked in Stylo's, corner of Northgate and Crown Street. Myself and a lad called Frank Uttley(hairdresser) used to get our lunch time snacks on tic and pay on Fridays on payday. On an evening, it was straight out of work and down the bowling ally with my pal Dougie Kelly (worked at Illingworth & Co, ...see more
My sister and I lived for a short while at a place called Portrac Camp between 1949-1953/54. We think we were living with our father, Richard Denis Stephenson and our mother Winifred, (formerly Mansell) (both deseased in 1970s). We never knew them as we were placed after this at St Joseph's Orphanage, Carmel Road, Darlington. Does anyone have any photos of Portrac Camp or any idea what it was. I've been ...see more
Janine, I grew up in Darlington, we left in 1968 to come to Canada, I remember very well the Scots Greys buses On the back they had their slogan, "Glorious Runs and Safe Returns". My mother used to organise street trips to Redcar and Seaton Carew, and we always hired those buses. I lived in Hewitson Road and Park lane, went to St. Johns School and the Grammar School
My name is ANN ROY - I was in St Joseph's home from 1948 - 1958 and would love to hear from anyone who was in the home at that time or has any information/details/memories of that time. I am especially looking for KATHLEEN BRENNAN, MARY RICHARDSON, an older girl RACHEL CARTER (perhaps moved to London at some point). I am already in touch with ALICE FRANCIS (now in USA), ANN McCORMACK (Canada).
My grandad was christened at St Hilda's church in 1890, he was married there in 1914 and was buried from there in 1965. My mother also got married there and I was christened there. My grandad was Alfred William Morland and he worked at the Pease's Mill for over 40 years. Our branch of the Morlands goes back to the 1700s, all in Darlington.
I regularly went to St Hilda's church and eventually spent some time in the ...see more
Christine, I also used to skate at South Park. I was a member of a roller skating club, along with Tim Tong, the Chinese man you mention in your post. A lovely man, who I bet is STILL skating. I still have my skating boots but haven't skated for years. Very happy memories of South Park. It's very sad that the roller skating rink was allowed to deteriorate, eventually closing, though I believe it's reopened as a skate park. Completely different unfortunately. Happy memories. Linda