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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Spennymoor's local history

Share your own memories of Spennymoor 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

Add Your Memory for Spennymoor

Displaying all 6 Memories

Happy Days!
A lot of us met our future partners there me included.There was nowhere like The Rink - we saw all the big bands of the day and even were taught to dance by Harry Waterworth,a great dancer.I would not change those years with anyone!
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Added 03 October 2015

Spennymoor Rink
I was interested in Doris's memory of the rink in that her boyfriend at the time was George Pennington, sax player. I knew Geoge and we played together from time to time in dance bands at the Rink. One band I remember was Bob Forbet. I played drums. Also another local band was Fernley Mitchell. It all seems light years ago but, yes, great memories. I remember one Friday night there was a group turned up to play ...see more
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Added 11 February 2012

West Cornforth
I remember the donkey wood, the pit ponies that used to roam in the wood. The old picture house now has the lop house at the time at the bottom of the pit bank. Also the hills and the holes where we used to play as kids. Back to back houses down old Cornforth. Johnson barbers at Slake Terrace. The tar beds where the gipsy used to stop. The big old lime pond. And Bolton cafe where all the lads and lassies met ...see more
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Added 06 January 2012

Music At The Rink
I played guitar with a skiffle group in a talent competition at the Rink during the 1950s. Frankie Vaughan appeared there and I saw the Temperance Seven and Screaming Lord Sutch, amongst others, on the Rink stage. Many of the country's biggest stars appeared in Spennymoor in those days - a tradition which continued after the Rink became a Variety Club. Everything revolved around the Friday dance (10pm ...see more
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Added 12 July 2011

Spennymoor Rink
Dancing the night away at the rink, from 10pm until 2am on Friday nights, was the highlight of my teenage years. My boyfriend played in saxophone and clarinet in the resident band. Had some great times, felt so grown up staying out so late. George Pennington was my boyfriend's name. I have lived in Australia for the past 41 years but have never forgotten my nights at the rink. I lived in Leeholm but travelled ...see more
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Added 16 May 2010

The  Rink
Surely someone remembers Spennymoor Rink in the 1950s or am I the only one left? That last dance! 'Cherry Blossom Pink' etc played by that superb trumpet, the Teddy Boys. The fights, they were not so great! What about the pub next door. Was it the railway or something? Three Newcastle Brown Ales and a rum and pep then off to the dance. The late one... 12 Midnight till 4 am was it, the late buses or if you missed them ...see more
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Added 18 August 2009