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An Historical Photographic Archive of National Importance

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Nostalgic memories of Willington's local history

Share your own memories of Willington 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 Willington

Displaying all 9 Memories

Doubt The Year (Maybe 60)
Beside the end house was a single path. The house was occupied by Tommy Jewell I was in the same class as his daughter Pat. Next door was George Smailes the school master who was secretary for Willington when they won the Amateur cup. Frank Smailes was a good centre forward and played for Northern League clubs.
Willington, Dene View c1955
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Added 01 November 2012

.?Date
Somewhat puzzled by this photograph, if this is 55',where is Simpsons petrol station? HI Malcolm, I passed your comments to our archivist and she has changed the date to c1960 - these later images were not dated so we have to make educated guesses! I hope that this makes sense now. Regards, Editor.
Willington, High Street c1960
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Added 08 June 2012

Memories
Recently visited for first time in 10 years and High Street is a shadow of what it used to be, quite sad.
Willington, Shops, High Street 1962
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Added 23 April 2012

Pop Pop Hodgson
My Great-grandfather William Edward Hodgson was born in Willington, Durham, England, 7 October 1860. He emigrated to the United States around his 21st birthday. He lived in Elizabeth, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. He died 4 April 1947. At the time of his death, he still had a brother living in England.
Willington, Shops, High Street 1962
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Added 21 January 2012

Childhood
I spent many happy days in Willington with my grandparents Billy and Hilda Davison who lived in Brown Avenue. I can remember my grandad taking me to the park on the estate and going on summer trips with the working mens club. I was absoluetly gutted when, after 20 years away i returned for my grans funeral to see Brown Ave and the rest of the estate had been demolished and felt that part of my childhood had gone.
Willington, Shops, High Street 1962
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Added 12 August 2011

Willington.Co. Durham.
I was brought up by my parents, Tom and Norah Hill in Willington, along with my 5 siblings. We moved from North Terrace to Brown Avenue on Dene Estate. I often went to play on the swings and top-hat just outside the Miners Welfare Hall. Sometimes I would sit and watch the men play bowls on the green, or the tennis players in the courts. My father would play billiards in the Welfare Hall on his days of leisure ...see more
Willington, Shops, High Street 1962
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Added 10 June 2011

Born In Byers Green
I was born in Byers Green ( at the vicarage) in 1950, my dad was the Rector, Arthur Russen. I had four siblings, Margaret, John, Barbara & Michael (Deceased). We then moved to Hunwick where my dad became the Vicar & in 1956 we moved to Warham a small village in Nth Norfolk.
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Added 06 March 2011

Listers Of Willington
My mother told me about her great-uncle who was schoolmaster at Willington during 1850's,'60's or '70's before moving on to a school at Tudhoe. He was John Lister and his wife was Sarah Lister. Are there any Coates or Lister families still there?
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Added 28 January 2011

The Sweet Shop, Hight Street, Willington.
My grandmother, Joan Hobson (nee Charlton) owned the sweet shop here and ran it from about 1945 onwards, until the early 1960s. Her mother, Mrs Charlton, ran it before her. Joan was in the WAAF as a young woman, whilst her mother resided in Willington. After the Second World War she returned and lived with her mother in High Street, along with her husband. She went on to have 2 children, ...see more
Willington, Shops, High Street 1962
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Added 09 August 2010