Nostalgic memories of Thorne's local history
Share your own memories of Thorne 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 11 - 20 of 23 in total
I visited Thorne a few years ago to attend a 90th birthday party with the Scutt family and lots of other people. The hospitality of all of those people that I met was second to none. The party was held in the Southfield Road Club and we had a really good time. I met so many new relatives that I was previously unaware of that it was quite mind-blowing. I met two cousins within 5 minutes of arriving at St Nicholas ...see more
I visited Thorne a few years ago to attend a 90th birthday party with the Scutt family and lots of other people. The hospitality of all of those people that I met was second to none. The party was held in the Southfield Road Club and we had a really good time. I met so many new relatives that I was previously unaware of that it was quite mind-blowing. I met two cousins within 5 minutes of arriving at St Nicholas Church ...see more
One of the few places in wartime Thorne where fun could be had for the town's children was the park. There were only two 'rides' - the American Swing and the Roundabout. Both were fully used, although the teenagers (not that we had such things by name then) monopolised the American Swing as a means of impressing the girls with their daring. The paddling pool was a summer favourite, although the older boys turned ...see more
Canal traffic changed over the years. I recall seeing horse drawn barges - now restricted to the narrow canals elsewhere - hence the towpath on the south bank. Then came powered barges, often towing an unpowered one behind. One spectacular sight was the barge powered by sail. The crew really did have to earn their pay as they passed Thorne. As eleven and twelve year olds, we spent a lot of time around the canal ...see more
The fair arrived annually in June and was eagerly awaited. It was split between three sites in the town. The Market Square, then an open space with stalls only on market day, had as its main attraction what was variously known as a Noah's Ark or a Speedway ride - presuably depending on the ratio of animals to motorbikes available to ride. Outside the Yorkshire Penny Bank was the pitch of the Cake Walk - much squealing for ...see more
One of the highlights of the year was the annual Thorne Water Sports held in the canal between Dunston's shipyard and the Canal Tavern. The event included swimming races and sculling races where competitors stood in a rowing boat and using one oar at the rear could generate consierable speed. The highlight of the day was the greasy pole competition. Here the object was to shin along a well-greased pole jutting out ...see more
Hi, I live in Thorne now. I was wondering if anybody knows anything about G Webster & Son? It was a drapers and furnishers, and was located on Finkle Street, phone number was 812 107. I found an old business card today and would like to find out a bit more. If you only know a little bit could you comment please, it would be much appreciated!
Thanks dears!
I remember Finkle Street, every June there were stalls, children's rides and outside the Red Bear there was a big carousel, and it always rained until school ended on the first day.
My cousin and brothers are in the photo. I'm not because I had cut my foot on the step.
In 1851 my Grandfather had a sixty acre farm at 109 Finkle Street in Thorne. His name was also Richard and his wife's name was Harriet. Is there anyone in Thorne that could share any information with me about the Watson family in Thorne. The earliest Watson I have found in Thorne in my family line was John Watson, born about 1740, and married Ann Glew about 1770 in Thorne.