Nostalgic memories of Gainford's local history
Share your own memories of Gainford 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.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying all 10 Memories
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 ...see more
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 ...see more
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
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
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 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.
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 ...see more
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 ...see more
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.
My Great Aunt May Brown ran this shop for many years in Gainford. She was housekeeper to the local Catholic priests prior to this.