Gainford, The Island, The Lord Nelson c.1960

Photo ref: G102301

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 ...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