Nostalgic memories of Elswick's local history
Share your own memories of Elswick 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 1 - 10 of 12 in total
I was born at hopedean in elswick 1953. My mothers name was Eva may haddock. I wasn’t adopted but placed in a children’s home in hebburn when I had just turned 4 years of age. All my brothers and sisters were all adopted but I was the only one who wasn’t for some reason. I take it my mother resisted on me being adopted as well although I don’t know why. Unfortunately my mother died in 2002 I believe, and as I ...see more
I was born in December 1962 in the mother and baby home in Hopedene. I would have been there last three weeks in December and first three weeks of January. It was one of the coldest winters on record. I'd love to hear from any adoptees that were there around that time. You never know. I found my birth mam eventually and knew her for about 15 years until she died.
Thanks for reading this. Thanks for sharing your lives.
HI I am trying to track down a lady who had a baby here in 1953. The mothers name was Margaret Cook. I'm afraid I don't have much else to go on. She had a little girl in June 1953. The little girl was adopted in 1956 but I'm unsure whether she was with Margaret for this period or in foster care. The little girl was called Janet. I am looking on behalf of Janet's daughter,
Many thanks
Donna
Your Mam Margaret has been trying to find you for years and years and never has and never will stop thinking about and loving you. It was not your Mams wishes for you to be adopted you were taken away solely because she was unmarried.
If any of the above information connects to you PLEASE contact me through here and I will pass on your details to Margaret as she would dearly love to hear from you.
Hi I was born in Hopedene in September 1960
I was never adopted just fostered for a short while then I spent my life in care homes through no fault of my own
I found my mam but as of yet we have not spoke I also have 3 brothers and a sister
And I speak to one of my brothers life must have been hard for my mam and I don’t blame her at all xx
Looking for anyone who remembers my husband's mother, Hannah Onion, she gave birth 27th March 1964 and my husband was named John.
Hi, I was in Hopedene in January 1968 till May of that year, my mum changed her mind and let me take my baby home which I was elated about. Two years ago I saw a name of one of the girls in there who also lived in my area; her son was looking for her. I scouted round my home town until I found her for him. It was a very happy ending for them both. I saw at least 150 girls come and go. about 80% had their ...see more
I was in Hopedene in 1964, from late Febuary till June. My baby died in there before her birth in the town's main hospital. Won't go into details here. Have only unhappy memories of the place and I will never forget being in there. My maiden name was Pauline Sutcliffe and I was put in there by my parents who intended for me to have my baby adopted, and I would have had no say in the matter. Glad these places don't exist any more.
I would like to know if there is anyone out there that knows of the practise that went on in Hopedene.
My partner was born there in 1965, his birthmother was also a domestic there, presumably to pay towards her keep while she was waiting to have her baby. We have now traced his birth mother but unfortunatley she died in 2002, but we have been able to get hold of a few records that were recorded at the time. ...see more
I was born in Hopedene at the beginning of July 1960. I think it was good neutral territory as my father was Nursing at the General, and my mother was a Physio at the RVI. They had moved down to Corby at the start of the year to start new jobs. Thankfuly, by the Grace of God, I was born a Geordie. The only memories that I remember being given, was that there was a terrific thunderstorm and the coke boilers were almost flooded out - very little hot water available.