Nostalgic memories of Great Ayton's local history

Share your own memories of Great Ayton 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 all 7 Memories

The three cricketers are myself, (from Skelton), Fred Yates (seated, Nunthorpe) & John Wilsdon (Battersby), none of whom attended the Friends' School! We were classmates of the Headmaster's middle son, Nigel Reader & used to make free with the facilities during the holidays. Bicycle polo, cricket, fishing, rafting & racing a 98cc motorbike around the grounds were our favourite activities. Happy days, despite the long bike ride there & back.
I vividly remember my first day at the old school. I was taken by my granny (my mother had just died). We had to hold hands in dancing. I also remember an unfortunate girl (called Heather?) who had awful excema, and being the only one who would hold her hand!
When my parents moved to Ayton in 1954 they were, unusually for then, strict vegetarians. Cockerills reacted to the request for whole foods and fresh produce by my mother, and this then became their standard stock. Happy memories browsing all the tempting foodstuffs!
Tracing my family history and led to Great Ayton. My G/mother..Anne Eliza Stabler and my G/father Frederick Henry Stabler lived in Church St...... now Guisbro Road??? Found her unmarked grave recently in graveyard. Died March 1933. Frederick Henry was born in Canada in about 1885, but I cant find out much about him. My father Frederick John married my Mother..Ethel Noble in 1942 ...see more
My memories of Ayton are through Gribdale, I had many relations who lived there, like the Bailey family. If anyone can give me information on any of them, it would be welcome. Thank you. Regards, Albert.
My Great Aunt stayed in Holly Garth and we visited her frequently as children during the 1970's early 80's, I have many, many happy memories of times spent in the beck, herding ducks and Suggit's ice cream, the best on the planet. We spent many hours walking up High Street to the High Green, walking up to Captain Cook's Monument and up Roseberry. My Gran (Laura Armstrong as was) and Grampa used to take us down, they ...see more
The first house in Waterfall Terrace is where my grandparents lived for many decades. John and Ann Scott. I love that place.