My Life In New Hartley

A Memory of New Hartley.

I was born in the midlands in 1945. When I was a young girl my father used to take me to my mother's relatives, namely the Pikes at 6 Hastings Gardens, New Hartley, I used to play with a boy named Bryn Pike. Over the road at 68 Seaburn View lived twin sisters, May and Mary, and their brother Arthur named Smith, although May was married to George Williamson. We had so many good memories there in that little village, going to Seaton Delaval Hall with Bryn and seaing Lady Grey, walking across the railway crossings. Aunty May always made me pease pudding, I haven't had that for years now. My Mom (now 94) used to go up to the Pikes when she was a girl on the train from the midlands with her two brothers, Bill and Ted, and her mom Sally, their names were Jones. I am trying to find what relative they are to me. My mom's mother was Sarah Thomas, her sister was Gladys Thomas, I believe they were orphaned and ended up at New Hartley. The last time I saw Bryn was when I was about 15 years old when he turned up at my parents' house (Joe and Sally Lappage, nee Jones) in Halesowen, West Midlands. We were so close and people move on. I would presume that the Smiths are no longer alive, they didn't have any children, but the Pikes I would image are still around, far be it distant relatives to Bryn. I know the house number 6 Hastings Gardens is still standing but no mention of a Bryn Pike, I am wondering if Bryn or anyother people with the surname of Pike are still living in the lovely little place in my memory could share some light to my questions, I have tried to ask my mother she remembers New Hartley, the Smiths and the Pikes very well but says the Pikes are relatives to her but why or how she can't put her finger on it, therefore if you could help me to help her memory and find my friends I would be so grateful to you. Please get in touch, email: Shannette791@hotmail.co.uk

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