West Auckland memories
Here are memories of West Auckland and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of West Auckland or a West Auckland photo.
My Aunt
I wasn't from West Auckland, my dad was. My Aunt Belle lived there, who still wore a long black dress in the 1940s and 1950s. She made and sold vinegar, she also kept hens at the back of the house, she had names for them too like Hetty and Dolly. She would give me a can to go over the road for milk. She would say "If you don't behave, I'll get Mary Cotten to you".
Swanson Store
Bob and Sarah O'Neil owned a store at Swanson back in1927 to 19?, they died in the 1950s, apparently they lived there too. I think the old homestead is still there. Does anyone have old pics ofthe store, perhaps even pics of the shops back then? There weren't many.
Memories of County Durham
Tindale Warriors
I remember going down the field when there was swings, a roundabout and a slide just by the little woods and further up the pit heaps were the so-called big woods. We used to all go up to the little woods and play foxes and hounds and some of the games we had were memories that stay with me even now. I ran away from a childrens' home in 1990 and my mates from Tindale kitted out a shed in an empty house opposite the chippy and converted it into my own little bedroom. Eight months I was in that shed and even had a hand in building the little wall that runs by the West Auckland bus stop next to the club. Aah, to be kids again...
Infants School
Born and bred in Red Houses (then Red House Estate) at a time when everyone took time and effort to keep their home and gardens beautiful. Everyone knew everybody and it was a community that looked after each other. I remember going down to the infants' school (just off from cricket field) having a birthday and being given a cardboard cake by the teacher to open and take out sweets. Before Dale View was built that field had a lovely bank and at Easter we used to roll our paste eggs down the bank. Going over quarry heads and picking all the rosehips and taking them to Mrs. Hart in South Road to cash in.
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.
New Moors Potteries
My family, the Lees, lived at New Moors although the houses are long gone. If anyone has any photos of the area we would love to see them. My father's uncle Billy Lee is still alive and now in his 90s and would love have some info. Thanks. Lynne Adamson, was Bowles.
Toft Hill
My nana and grandad lived at Toft Hill and although we were Forces children, the trip back home to Toft Hill was always brilliant. Sat in front of the open fire with my Nana's home-cut chips (my nana was called Jean Alderson and my grandad Norman Alderson). My Aunty Ann ran the sweet shop down the road and my Uncle Gary would be down the farm. My Uncle Graham still lives on Toft Hill. I miss those times so much. Fab memories.
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- Osterley, Greater London
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- Consett, County Durham
- Liverpool, Merseyside
- Margam, West Glamorgan
- St Andrews, Fife
- Riddings, Derbyshire
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- Alton, Hampshire
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- Savernake, Wiltshire
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- Potters Bar, Hertfordshire
- Seaton Carew, Cleveland
- Royston, South Yorkshire
- Chadwell Heath, Essex
- West Dean, West Sussex
- Birch Vale, Derbyshire
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I Remember When...
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