Memories of Gainford

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 Cross Keys front door and "peed" in the hall. The day when walking "Misty" (another cocker spaniel) and she helped herself to a fisherman's sandwiches whilst he watched his float in High Boat pool.

The smell of the Spa and the taste of the water we all pretended to love.

The approved school where because the youngsters wore "little brown suits" and "played football", I wanted to go too - that stopped the threats to send me there! - as an elderly aunt told me in later years, "You were a little sod".

Running through the arch, past C A Webb - Plumber, turn right, past the Queens Head into a house on the main road "Stella" - Grandad didn't have TV but Uncle Dick had.

Cleaning out the telephone box (a post office responsibility) which was at the top of the steps leading down to Miss Brown's - "Bob a Job" - easy money I have to admit - still remember the number "Gainford 201"

I could go on and on - I feel sure I will have known some of the contributors to these memories - Hi to you all - they were great days and it is still a lovely village to which I hope to return many times  


  

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 another friend who lived in the house at the top of these steps.
We all got together in winter time and went tobogganing in the field at the back of High Row, we used the bonnet of an old car!
I would love to hear from anybody who still lives in the village, and can remember Penelope Pitstop!
I now live on the west coast of Scotland, but do still remember Gainford.

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.