Gainford memories
Here are memories of Gainford and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Gainford or a Gainford photo.
The Caledonian (The Cally) ,North Road, Darlington
My first memory is crossing the North Road with my father pushing the dolls' pram he had just bought me for my 4th birthday. We were visiting my grandmother and grandfather's pub The Caldedonian - does anyone remember it or them? Maureen
St Peter's School / Old Orphanage
Hi, I am from Darlington and I would love to hear memories of the old orphanage/St Peter's School. Whenever I pass the building I am so curious, it is such a shame it is going to waste as it is a lovely building. I have researched it on the web and read stories of the Spanish children that were sent there, it's quite sad to think it could all be gone if demolished. Ruth
Matchbox And Dinky Toys
I grew up at Barforth Hall and left when I was 18. I used to spend my pocket money on toy cars with Mrs Brown in this dark and evocative shop, the memory has never left me. I would also go to buy my parents' Christmas present here every year. My parents still have a cottage on the green and I remember Mr Cree, he was terrifying. Does the bus still have a number 75? I can even remeber our telephone number, Gainford 398!
The Corner Shop
The corner shop was owned by my Aunt May. My sister Betty used to help out at holiday times. I used to spend a lot of summer times in Gainford and I still have an affectionate feeling for it. I have memories of the Andersons,who used to live next to St Peter's School (I think I have that name right), who were friends of my sister, as were nearly all of the village.
Gainford - The Post Office And Miss Browns
Reading the memories prompts me to contribute to the nostalgia - My grandfather "Bob Allan" was the Postmaster and his parents before him. My aunt took over from him in the late 1960s and in all the business was in the family for three generations.
The family have as is evident been involved in the village for many tens of years, and for example the daffodils on the banks between between the green and the houses were planted by my grandfather and continue to bloom to this day. We are still represented in the village by one of his daughters who lives overlooking the green.
Claude Cree, a name to conjure with, not only did I attend the village school but was also afforded private "maths" tuition, him being a friend of grandad's - and Miss Browns - oh the hours I spent in there - and the money I spent - my parents spoilt me rotten!
The Sunday morning "Brandy" my grandad's spaniel ran into the... Read more
Gainford Primary School
I was sorry to leave the village, some of my best memories of my childhood relate to Gainford and its residents.
I lived in what was known locally as 'knobs row' or High Row, no.13.
One of my best friends was a boy whose surname was Absolom, and he lived in the row of houses next to this shop.
I went to the primary school when the headmaster was Claude Cree, this would be from 1965 till 1969 when we moved to Scotland.
I remember the shop well, I spent a lot of my pocket money on childhood knick knacks!
Some of my other friends were made when I went on to Barny 'secondary modern'. They kept me on the bus to the end of the village, and had to walk all the way back to High Row!
We all looked forward to when the fair came to the Green, things were a little bit cheaper then, you could get a ride on the Waltzer for 3d.
I also had... Read more
Visiting This Shop
I started Gainford School in 1954 & remember Miss Browns little shop crammed full with habberdashery, stockings (nylons) hankies, knitting-wool, etc., everything you could possibly want - an oasis in this small village. She was kind to us children, softly-spoken & had her hair tied up in a bun. We used to run up the steps on the left of the picture where the railings are to the Post Office the postmaster was Mr. Allen.
May Brown
My Great Aunt May Brown ran this shop for many years in Gainford. She was housekeeper to the local Catholic priests prior to this.
John Francis Donald
Hi, my name is Jean. I have been doing my family history for a while now, but cannot find anything at all about my grandfather John Francis Donald. All I know is that he lived on the green and before that in the Coulton by the river. I found out that he was awarded a pocket watch for rescuing 12 people from the River Tees, I do not know what year. He married my grandmother Mary Lawson at St Oswold's Catholic Chapel in 1927, and in 1929 my father John Raymond Donald was born at a house on the green. My grandfather was a gardener at Snow Hall for 19 years and worked for the Adamson family in that time, can anybody please help me in my search for any information about him? Thank you, Jean
Gainford
I moved to Gainford when I was 7 years old. My dad was German and was called Felix.
I attended Gainford School and Claude Cree was the headmaster and taught the top classes.
My best friends were twins and I am sure lots of you will remember them, Kathleen and Maureen Rourke. I dont know where they are today as we moved to Darlington when I was 13 when my Dad remarried.
I still like Gainford very much and have taken my sons there many times, it is a much larger village now than back in 1959 when I first lived there.
Memories of County Durham
Holiday
I used to come to Piercebridge when i was 11 years old and stay at the George Hotel, my sister was manageress, her name was Iris Wood. I had never been back till two weeks ago, the hotel looks just the same. We really enjoyed our stay. We could live in Piercebridge.
Denton School 1846
Denton School Co. Durham 1846
I have my Great, Great Grandfathers maths exercise book.
On the preface it says Jacop Graingers book
Denton School July 8th 1846.
The first half of the book is Practical Geometry with the second half
Mensuration of Superfices.
The quality of the writing and the various problems are astounding.
The Grainger family that included my mother lived at Low Walworth not far from Denton.
I can place some pictures if I can figure how.
David Strachan - Whitley Bay
The Local
I would like to visit Staindrop again sometime to see how much it has changed since 1943. I was serving with the R.Es and we were in a tented camp on the outskirts of the town and doing Army Exercises out on the Moors and using live ammunition.
I remember the local Pub because all the "live" stuff was kept in the cellars and every morning we would go there to collect what we needed . I dont know what the Landlord thought having that lot underneath him.
Maybe one day I call in for a Pint and remind the present landlord that he missed a lot of exitement.
Better not leave it too long as I am 85 yrs.
Regards to all who read this useless information!
... Read more
Staindrop
I have been to Staindrop. My mother and granny were born there, it's a lovely village.
Atkinson From Evenwood
I am trying to follow my family history and I am trying to find out more about John Alfred Atkinson and Minnie. I was told that they might have owned or rented a shop, and they had a few children, one who was my grandad Alan. If anyone has any pitcures or even information I would love to hear about it . Thank you for your time.
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