Roseworth Estate, Stockton. c1957
Description
Roseworth housing estate, Stockton. The rent in 1957 was:
- Bungalows - 17s 6p per week
- Two-bedroom houses - 23s 0d per week
- Three-bedroom houses - 24s 6d per week
- Four bedroom houses - 27s 0d per week
Comments
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Posted comments/stories
Alan Wealleans
I think I am right in stating that the estate was started shortly after WW2. I remember my parents taking me on a walk from our home in Hutchinson Street to Roseworth just to see what the houses were like. I would be around eleven at the time. Little did I know then that I would be seriously involved romantically with a girl from Roseworth and do the same walk many ,many times after missing the last no 3 bus back home. No wonder I coped so well with the basic training that I went through on conscription three years after!
Posted on: 17/08/2005 08:02:46
Frank Bowron
I don't recognize the street but that photo would be typical of the early days of Roseworth Estate. We moved into 44 Roseneath Avenue when I was six or seven and Dad had just left the navy. That would have been 1953 or 54. The houses were up but there were no footpaths and we had to walk on planks laid over the mud. We bought plants and grass seed from Kiaora Hall but had to dig all the rubble out of the ground first. The picture shows how it matured once the paths were laid and everyone had their lawns and plants going nicely.
Posted on: 25/10/2005 07:52:08
Mike Geurds
We moved into 6 Reddich Ave in May 1951 from Elton army camp and left in 1962 for Australia. Hope to return for a visit next year. The houses towards Ragworth where mostly built when we moved in. I can still remember the big street party for the Coronation and still have a cup given as a memento.
Posted on: 26/10/2005 08:49:09
Ann Dove(Storey)
I moved to Rockall Avenue, Roseworth in 1953 and lived there util I married in 1959. The road in question in the photograph looks to me like Rosslare Road coming down towards the shops.
Posted on: 26/01/2006 15:14:37
Graham Wright
Does anyone remember the Penny A Ride, it was a horse drawn cart with a boat attached to the cart with a door at the back. It was often seen going around Roseworth in the fifties. Also The co-op travelling shop with its doors in the middle and bobs travelling bus shop. I would love to see a photo of the Penny a Ride
Posted on: 31/01/2006 21:32:07
Bob Harbron
Ragworth Estate Re Penny-a-Ride street carts In the late 1930s both a Mr Skipp and Mr Lightowler had street rides in Norton , one was a roundabout with 4 chairs, the power a large mangle wheel driving a belt under the cart, a strong push was needed to set it in motion, another was the 'Queen-Mary' a small rowing boat, seating 8, also on a cart, painted the red and black of Cunard, it even had an anchor and port-holes painted on its side. The 'voyage' around the streets lasted about 3/5 minutes.The fare was one penny or 3 clean jam-jars, which was 'street currency' of the 1930s along with 'ciggy-cards' and marbles.
Posted on: 03/02/2006 07:50:57
David Mills
I remember the 'penney a ride'. It was owned by Ronnie Lighthowler who also used to come around Stockton with his fruit and veg cart.
Posted on: 03/02/2006 07:52:23
Jim McCurley
Interesting some of the connections you can make through this superb site. The Penny-a-Ride, known as the Penny Long Ride in Parkfield, was owned and operated by Ronnie Lightowler. I mentioned that Luke Casey, still a Tyne Tees TV presenter from what has been said, married a Norton girl called Mavis Lightowler. Mavis is Ronnie Lightowler's daughter.
Posted on: 03/02/2006 13:38:13
Cliff Thornton
Ahoy there! More sightings of the horse drawn boat, this time in Swainby Road and around Oxbridge, both in the early 1950s. The "captain" would advertise his presence shouting out a hearty "Penny - Long - Ride". Interesting to see that he still charged the same price after the war as before it - 1d. (Information courtesy of Jim Whiting and Irene Watson.)
Posted on: 03/02/2006 13:56:31
Bob Irwin
Mavis Lightowler was probably the youngest daughter of Joseph Raymond and Jessie Lightowler, living at either Ancaster or Alverston Road, Norton. Joseph Raymond had nothing at all to do with the Penny Ride. He worked a small holding on the Blue Hall Allotments in Norton
Posted on: 06/02/2006 08:30:10
Jim McCurley
Bob Irwin, you may well be right. I was always of the impression that Mavis Lightowler was the daughter of the penny long ride guy, but it must have been a case of name association on my part, probably combined with the mists of time. Mavis was indeed from Norton and the youngest daughter in her family, having an older sister Dorothy, who worked with my sister at Harrison's the Printers in Portrack, and a brother.
Posted on: 06/02/2006 14:06:46
Bob Irwin
I have the records of the Lightowler family. I have a nephew who married into their family and there antecedents come into our family Ancestry. Dorothy is an older sister by 2 years.
Posted on: 07/02/2006 08:44:09
Dave Gordon
This picture is Ragpath Lane, just before you get to St Chads Church at the corner of Redhill Road, you can see the trees of Kiora Hall in the background on the left hand side.
Posted on: 14/02/2006 07:55:12
Dave Summerfield
The photograph shows Ragpath Lane - the white house in the centre is no 102, for many years the home of the Goring family. In the left background is Kiora Hall - while attending Roseworth Junior school in the late 50's we used the Black Huts in the grounds of Kiora Hall as temporary classrooms - I believe these huts were previously used to house Italian P.O.W's during & after World War 2.
Posted on: 08/03/2006 07:46:23
Glenn Snabel
Would that be the Gorings of Spanish descent. I went to school with Mario Goring and briefly went out with his sister Elaine. I think their mother or/or grandmother was from Spain.That was around 1979/1980 when I had just finished at The Grange School
Posted on: 13/03/2006 09:34:07
gordon armes
I remember the Lightowlers well. Ronnie used to always sell his fruit and veg outside of the Avenue picture house in Norton and Dorothy was an old childhood sweetheart of mine. I remember her well, I seem to remember that Mavis won some sort of beauty competition? Give my best wishes to Dot
Posted on: 03/05/2006 07:57:25
Tim Hardy
Every street name on the Roseworth estate began with the letter 'R'. Very confusing to strangers. I lived in Redditch Avenue until 1964 and remember the Penny Rides, I now work with another Mr. Lightowler (related) and he is a young engineer.
Posted on: 04/05/2006 07:54:52
paul cuthbert
I lived in Redditch Avenue at no10 40 years ago. I remember the penny ride/bobs bus/jims bus from Ringwood Cresent.
Posted on: 17/05/2006 08:14:55
Veronica Copeland (Hoy)
I lived in Repton Avenue, we moved there in about 1952. The doctors surgery was held in one of the bungalows over the way before the new one was built on Ragpath. I remember the penney a ride man, it was all great fun. I remember going to Sunday School in the tin hut before St. Chad's was built and fun days at Kiora, fancy dress parades and egg and spoon races. I remember a street party for the Coronation and everyone joining in the fun and the visit by the Queen and we all got a day off school to wave our flags. There was a good atmosphere on the estate as everyone was making a fresh start after the war. I remember the travelling shop and the bread van because that was when we got an iced bun. The shops and school were not built when we moved there, they came later.
Posted on: 19/05/2006 12:39:39
Corina White
I live in Australia my great-grandfather Richard Lightowler emigrated from St Annes Hill Portrack Stockton in 1910. He was born at Whitton Town End Farm in 1892. Does anybody know this family history?
Posted on: 10/08/2006 10:10:59
Corina White
Bob Irwin can you please contact me regarding the Lightowler family history. I live in Australia my great grandfather Richard Lightowler emigrated to Australia 1910. Email corina3@bigpond.com.au
Posted on: 22/08/2006 10:15:40
Keith Lightowler
Raymond Lightowler was my Grandfather and Mavis and Dorothy are my Aunts. Ronnie was both my Granfathers cousin and I believe Richard who went to Australia was my other Grandfathers (Tommy Lightowler), brother. Sound complicated? Raymond and Tommy were second cousins and therefore had the same surname.Tommy had 2 sons Frank, my Father who died several years ago and John who still lives at Roseworth. It was Ronnie who ran the boat trips and Raymond the allotment, both had fruit and veg carts.
Posted on: 28/09/2006 07:56:15
Mike Renwick
It's fascinating where these postings lead. Roseworth - leading to the Penny A Ride & the Lighthowler's fruit stall outside the Avenue cinema. The memory of coming out of there and being bougt a paper bag full of cherrys. It was the first time I'd ever tried them - sheer bliss! Paul Cuthbert, don't know what age you are but, one of my first girlfriends, Roz Thompson, lived in Ringwood Crescent - does the name ring any bells for you?
Posted on: 29/09/2006 10:13:35
Christine Harris (nee Holligon)
I remember living in Redruth Avenue, Roseworth and attending school in the black huts at Kiora Hall for about a year before junior school. I moved to Fairfield shortly afterwards so my memories are sketchy as it must of been about 1960 when we moved. I remember having a friend who lived in Ringwood Crescent called Barbara Redfern and our neighbours in Redruth Aveneue were Mr and Mrs Simmons. I think they had three children but can only remember the names of 2 of them - Terry and Sandra. I was a bridesmaid for Sandra. My most vivid memory is going to my friend Barbara's house and getting lost on the way home even though it was only a few streets away and asking this man directions who was doing some gardening in his front garden and he pulled out his false teeth!! I ran like mad and managed to find my way home. He frightened the life out of me but looking at it now, the poor soul probably couldnt talk properly with his teeth in and was removing them to speak. Unless anyone else remembers a similar incident in which case maybe he had his fun scaring kids? I never went on my own to my friends house after that for quite some time and walked on the other side of the road to the scary man's house!
Posted on: 29/09/2006 13:51:42
Dorothy Lightowler
Well I never thought I'd see my name on an internet site. I have some wonderful memories of my life in Norton but unfortunately would need a reminder from Gordon Armes as to when and where we met. You are all quite right. Joseph Lightowler was not the penny a ride provider but had a small holding at Norton. He had nine children with Mavis being the youngest and myself as the second youngest. Apart from myself, all his children remained in the Stockton area and from the nine there are four of us still alive and kicking, Ray, Winnie, myself and Mavis. Kind regards to all who knew us.
Posted on: 23/10/2006 09:07:07
Phil Rambert
For Dorothy Lightowler. Dorothy was it your Dad who used to come round our estate (Primrose Hill)on a friday night selling fruit & veg from a horse and cart. He used to have a big guy with him who I think was called Norman. I think Norman's main job was to stop us kids hanging on the back of the cart to get a ride up the road! You could watch the seasons change by what was on the back of the cart I seem to remember! If that was your Dad I can still hear him calling out as he came round the corner - although for the life of me I never knew what it was he shouted!
Posted on: 23/10/2006 14:45:09
Jim McCurley
Dorothy Lightowler: it was me who first spread the rumour that your dad was the penny-long-ride guy. I'll blame my fuzzy memory for that! I do remember you though through my sister Joan who worked with you at Harrison's the Printers, and Mavis from going to the dances etc.
Posted on: 24/10/2006 08:24:34
gordon armes
good to hear from dorothy we met dot, when we were about 13 or 14 ,i lived at grange road in norton and you went to william newton school ,you later worked at paton and baldwins in billingham with my now wife wendy strike,i used to knock about down the allotments at the back of your old house with a lad called derek christon and another called tommy nicholson,they were good days and i have many happy memories
Posted on: 07/11/2006 08:28:48
Dave Rudge
We moved into No 33 Rockferry Close in about 1954 after living with my Great Gran in Howden St No 14 which was next door to my Gran in No 12. We had the front room and front bedroom to live in and shared the kitchen and outside toilet. In Rockferry Close we lived next door to the McCartneys whose daughter Val I fancied. She went on and married Bill Curbushly and had a daughter Alison who ran for Great Britain in the Sydney Olympics. I believe Mr & Mrs McCartney still live in the same house now. I remember that when the Queen came to Stockton was it 1954 or 55? We kids from the junior school went and stood on Durham Rd about halfway between the milehouse and the Horse & Jockey to wave as she went by. Other families who lived in Rockferry Close were the Wards (Mr Ward worked at Sparks Bakery) / the Rapers / Lintons / McGraths / Pitts who had a son Trevor.
Posted on: 12/12/2006 08:55:36
Richard Scott
Dave, My wife and myself are friends of Bill and Val Curbishley and I have passed your comments on, and even after all this time she is impressed with the flattering remarks!!.Mr McCartney still lives in Rockferry Close and Mrs McCartney is living in Elton Hall Care Home.
Posted on: 14/12/2006 15:42:35
Sarah Sheraton
My mother and father Kenneth and Jean (nee Hatton) Sheraton were one of the first families to occupy newly built houses on Ragpath Lane in the 1950's. My mother was delighted with their first family home at 124 (in the distance on this photograph) Ragpath Lane, 'until' she discovered that the houses that were built after theirs were much larger. :) My mother recalled trudging through the mud that the builders left behind. My sister Kay was very young when they moved in. Greetings to anyone who remembers them.
Posted on: 18/12/2006 09:53:37
Dave Rudge
Richard. I'm pleased you mentioned me to Val - give her my and my wife (Sue) our best regards also to Bill. My mam is currently staying with us for christmas (near Aberdeen) and she also sends on her regards. She used to see Val in Stockton High St often on saturdays but has missed these past couple of years or so.
Posted on: 26/12/2006 13:38:30
John Jackson
Does anyone know Jennette Bates who who went to St. Johns School from about 1954. She was the love of my live long before I knew what that meant.
Posted on: 29/01/2007 07:48:05
Rachel - Stockton
Does anyone have a picture of the penny long ride? My dad is always going on about how great it was and I would love to see it and remind him of 'the good ole days'
Posted on: 22/01/2007 09:11:38
chris midgley nee malcolm
I remember all this very well l was born on Roseworth 1953 Reigate Close we backed on to Ragpath lane and the picture, bottom of it the 4 bed roomed house lived the Harrison's they backed on to us. Malcolm Harrison l remember, and for the Gorrings there was a son and daughter the boy was ginger forgot his surname and the daughter was the same age as me near enough and she died very young trying to think of her name and its gone from me. l remember the penny a long ride but a used to run in the house and get 2d and ride on the front that’s what it cost 2d. Them were the days!
Posted on: 24/01/2007 09:07:03
Dave Summerfield
Peter Goring was the ginger haired lad you remember Chris, he was born in 1951 & we were friends for many years - he is still in the area although I have not seen him for some years. His sister Pat was slightly older than Peter & tragically died in her late teens,early twenties. Well remember Pat taking Peter & myself to the Sinners at Billingham when we were young mods, happy days.
Posted on: 25/01/2007 08:11:56
Corina White
For Dorothy Lightowler do you know the history of the Lightowler family? Are you a relative of Richard Lightowler? My grandmother (Richards 2nd eldest daughter) was named Dorothy Lightowler. It sounds like the majority of the family remained in the area.
Posted on: 19/02/2007 12:27:47
EMMA LEE
MOST OF MY FAMILY ARE FROM ROSEWORTH MY MAMS FAMILY LIVED IN ROTHBURY AVENUE UNTIL THEY MOVED TO GRANGEFIELD, ANNE AND JOHN REEVES. MY MAM STILL LIVES IN ROTHBURY AVE. MY DADS FAMILY LIVED ROUND THE CORNER IN REIVAULX CLOSE. ALEX AND VALERIE LEE. GRANDAD STILL DOES UNFORTUNATELY NANA PASSED AWAY. IF ANYONE KNOWS THEM LET ME KNOW PLEASE. ITS FASCINATING THAT ALL THESE COMMENTS CAME FROM A LITTLE PHOTO TAKEN SO MANY YEARS AGO. ITS NICE TO NO A BIT OF HISTORY ABOUT MY PAST. I LIVE ON PORTRACK NOW BUT ID LOVE TO BE BACK UP THERE IN ROTHBURY AVE WHERE I GREW UP AS A BABY. I REMEMBER MAVIS AND TERRY WELL AND MADGE CURRY WHO ID HAVE A LITTLE NATTER TO WHEN I WAS ABOUT 10TH MONTHS OLD SAT ON THE WALL OUTSIDE NANAS HOUSE. MY NANAS SISTER ELLEN SALTMARSH (HINDMARSH) STILL LIVES THERE AS WELL IN THE SAME HOUSE NEXT DOOR TO WHERE NANA AND GRANDAD LIVED. ITS FUNNY ALL THE MEMORIES A LITTLE PHOTO CAN BRING EVEN WHEN YOU WERENT AROUND TILL LONG AFTER THE PHOTO WAS TAKEN
Posted on: 16/04/2007 16:08:23
Winifired (nee Lightowler)
To all the people who have made comments about the penny a long ride, I would like to confirm that Joseph Lightowler was my father and it was not him but his uncle Geordie who used to frequent the streets of Norton with his Boat ride. Ronnie Lightowler was Geordie's son - my father's cousin and was not the father of Mavis. Joseph Raymond had nine children - Raymond, Joyce, Geoffrey, Winifred, Joan, Maurice, Norman, Dorothy and Mavis. Ronnie did not marry or have any children. I would be very intersted if anyone has any photographs of the penny a ride or of Joseph Raymond or his children. It is very endearing to know that so many people have good memories of our family.
Posted on: 04/07/2007 08:20:55
Trevor Ayre
I remember Ronnie Lightowler very well, he used to have the Penny long Ride,and a fruit and veg round. Ronnie lived with his father 'Geordie' and his Sister Maggie in Number 9 Lucy Street, Tilery, they had a dog called Paddy and the horse was called 'Alexander the Great'.
Posted on: 24/09/2007 12:38:40
jane lightowler
I came across this site by accident but having lost my dad Norman Lightowler three years ago its comforting to still hear his name mentioned and also the rest of the family would love to hear any more stories from anyone who knew him or my family.
Posted on: 31/10/2007 15:23:23
anon
I remember the Penny a Ride. It used to stop at the bottom of Rampside Avenue then go down Rostrevor Avenue towards Redbrook School, turning left into Roseneath Avenue and then back down Rampside Avenue to where it started. Us kids loved it - around 1956-7 I reckon.
Posted on: 31/10/2007 16:01:43
Gareth Hill
My mothers family lived on Roseworth from 1950 when they moved into a brand new house corner house on Rostrevor Avenue, they stayed there until they moved to another brand new corner house on Tithebarn Road, Hardwick in 1970 which is where I lived as new born baby with my parents, grandparents and two aunties until my parents moved back to Roseworth in 1974 to Radnor Close we we stayed until 1978. My memory is the Chippy on the corner of Ryde Road and Radnor Close, which also used to stock huge range of sweets as well which was quite unusual for Chip Shops. We also used to sledge down the hill outside. Drove past there a few months ago the chippy is now a house and the hill doesn't seem quite so big!
Posted on: 05/11/2007 08:27:38
elizabeth hill (nee hindmarsh)
I'm Gareth Hill's mam. We lived at 8 Rostrevor avenue. The highlight of the week as we came out of Redbrook school was when the penny-a-ride man was there. I can still feel the excitement now, and feel a warm glow when I think about it. The best bit was if you were on the last ride of the day, as you got an extra long ride round past kiora hall, then we ran all the way home. I was at Redbrook School between about 1959-1965, so it was between this time when we used to go on the penny-a ride. We were the first family in our house in about 1954, and I was born there not long after we moved in. Kiora Hall also brings back a lot of memories, that lovely orange juice for babies/young children in a sort of small milk bottle, sunday school, youth club, the ghost of the grey lady. Then it later playgroup for my son. Lots of good memories.
Posted on: 19/11/2007 10:22:20
Caroline Jamieson
I noticed Trevor Ayre (24/9/07) you lived at number 9 Lucy Street, did you know anyone of the surname Wells living at number 7 as that is where my grandad used to live?
Posted on: 21/11/2007 10:07:08
Roy Parkin
Green Green Grass of Home It must have been pure luxury to go to Kiora Hall to buy grass seed and plants, also rather dull. Getting fit and filling your lungs with fresh air is what made our garden at 25 Repton Ave bloom. One of the family’s favourite past times was walking mainly up Blakeston Lane and at the right time of year, each with a brown paper bag to collect wild grass seeds. Finding out were previous homesteads were but now demolished was easy, just look for the flowers growing and either take a cutting or remove the plant in its entirety, either way it was free. Roy.
Posted on: 14/02/2008 15:51:46
andrew cann
ive lived in portrack all my life, my nan lived here for 50 years, she sadly passed away april of this year. just wondered if anyone had any memories of her? her name was Dot Cann.
Posted on: 17/12/2007 07:56:27
Roy Parkin
First Footing and Shot Glasses. Many years ago when money was tight and even tighter with a house full of kids one week after Christmas Day. The rule was on New Years Eve, a skin full at the pub/club, 10.30 out you got and home did trot, saw to the baby sitter settled the kids down and waited for midnight. A couple of minutes before midnight the person that was first footing, usually the man of the house were turfed out in to the street. Invariably freezing with snow on the ground, the whole street was full of men, gathered in to groups huddling around clouds of cigarette smoke, all waiting for the church bell to chime to say it was time to knock on your own door to be let in as the first foot for that New Year. Can’t remember which church it was to say one rather than the other will invariably get me corrected it was either St Chad’s or St Peter and Paul’s on Roseworth. Then came in to play the shorter than short shot glasses, the youth of today think that shot glasses are something new or imported from Germany, well they are not, cant ever remember a set or even two of these glasses resembling each other. From the size of a thimble to may be twice the size, covered in an assortment of pretty patterns and dimples, which today would be mistaken for an antique eye bath, that was all you got, every one had a bottle of QC Sherry and QC Port, (well you did have a choice), if there were any other spirits such as Whisky or the like, they were never on show. One of these glasses a piece of Christmas cake on a tea plate you were presented with in each and every house you went to and most put on a finger buffet of some sort to peruse and partake. A Lot of hand shakes, kissing and cuddling and invariably a few tears were shed, but that was my New Years of yesteryear how I remember them. Roy.
Posted on: 14/02/2008 15:51:46
Jeff Smith
Ron Parkin - Don't forget the piece of cheese which was usually put on top of the Christmas cake. My Uncle John, who lived in Ragpath Lane, used to add a little jam on his cheese! I must ask him if he still does this!
Posted on: 07/01/2008 09:02:53
Roy Parkin
To Jeff Smith Jeff if we were to put down every variation of offerings on New Years Eve I am sure we could write a book, I am sure that the jam on cheese was delightful. Roy.
Posted on: 14/02/2008 15:51:46
Susan Chatterton nee Callender
I have happy memories of celebrating New Years Eve with family and neighbours on Newham Grange Estate. I can remember the look of horror on my boyfriends face when he was asked to step outside just before midnight. The male with the darkest hair was always sent out. He knew nothing of this custom so he was not sure what was in store for him. The year 1968/69 I remember well. I celebrated too much that night with various neighbours, saying goodbye because Colin and I were emigrating to Australia. Boy did I have a sore head the next morning. Oh to be young.
Posted on: 09/01/2008 11:21:12
Roy Parkin
Down the Beck. - Do you remember the beck at Roseworth between Rotherham Ave and Rothwell Crescent, quite a big dip before you came to the beck which was lined with trees, quite a lot of them? There was an extra large tree that stretched out across the beck with a rope swing on it, spent many hours on this swing and over the years seen many busted limbs and heads. The beck was eventually piped under ground and the dip filled in and all the trees removed, the trees which stretched over Durham Road to Ketton Road in Hardwick are still there? The other direction the tree line went all the way along in front of Rhondda Ave to Fuzzy Bridge. Roy.
Posted on: 14/02/2008 15:51:46
Roy Parkin
Roast Spuds - November 5th, Bonfire Night, Bonde Night. All building up to one night of the year, when Guy Fawkes gets his come-uppance, with as much gusto as possible, and mine in the Early Years on Roseworth were spent at my Auntie Auds and Uncle Bill Hardy at Rhondda Ave. No relation, but then all good friends of your parents were Aunts, Uncles and their offspring cousins, its not until later on in life does the complications set in who’s your real family, but hopefully all still friends. The eldest of those friendly cousins were Audrey, Peter and Christopher, there were others later on but not in my story. At first way back I remember going down there en mass, the fire was lit, the fireworks were lit and we had something to eat and drink, had a good time then went home very tired to bed. One thing did puzzle me then being so small; towards the end of the night all the big kids and some of the adults put spuds on the embers of the fire. Must have been an offering to someone, like for Santa and his Reindeers on Christmas Eve, because being so young we went home and never saw them come back out of the embers. A few years later is when all the fun started, in from school, tea, changed and out, bonde raiding, scavenging the streets, fodder for our bonfire, if it wasn’t nailed down and it would burn then away it went. I remember being chased by an irate wife once, wanting her old pram back, she needed it for her not yet walking baby, you can’t win em all. Any unguarded other peoples bonfires was also fair play. We always had an abundance of fire wood and would light a fire each evening to sit around and talk about our conquests that evening, I then found out what the spuds on the embers were for. It was on one of these evenings I lost an eye, Picture Stockton get up very early to start up this site before the majority of the populous have their breakfasts or are just having them, so the gaudy bits I have left out or they won’t publish it. Oh! Just a foot note, I think I know now where all those trees went? Roy.
Posted on: 14/02/2008 15:51:46
Roy Parkin
Televisions - Who had one and who didn’t; I vaguely remember the Coronation in 1953 (this must be a first never been this far back) and the only house in the area that was letting on they had a television was in Runcorn Ave off Repton Ave on Roseworth. The first house on the left, you would think the Coronation was there, house full, back garden full and quite a lot out the front as well, at least they can say they were in the vicinity of a television when the Coronation was showing. In the early 1960’s it was time for 25 Repton Ave to get their television, it was a school day as I remember telling the class of this long awaited arrival, half the class following me home to see the new arrival and not, it wasn’t there. The engineer with the valve tapping screwdriver was late, the kids wouldn’t have it, I was being ridiculed for building up their hopes to have them dashed, the ridiculing only lasted a few hours then other subjects and thoughts filled our heads. We did get our television the next day. Roy.
Posted on: 14/02/2008 15:51:46
moira mckeown
Andrew Cann,I'm looking for relatives from this area ,Stockton ,moved there from Norfolk.Going back a bit I know. In the 1891 census William Cann c1858 born Lyne? Norfolk married to Matilda c1873 born Darlington living in Windmill Lane, Stockton. Arthur c1866 born Lancing, Norfolk married to Mary c1866 born Norton, Durham and daughter Hara? born Stockton living at 12, Alms Street, Stockton Do You think there are any connections to my family. My Great Grandad was called Fred and a baby at the time. I believe a Thomas and a Louisa Cann lived there too maybe they stayed only for a short while,maybe not. Their children were Walter,Thomas and Emmerline. Maybe they moved back to Norfolk but I don't think so. My family moved to Blaydon area.Fred and Mary,children William Fred and Lilian.
Posted on: 28/01/2008 08:29:32
moira mckeown
Hi Iv'e found the Cann connection ,Arthur Cann married Mary Hannah Carter sept 1889. Can anyone help me further with this? I'm not absolutely sure but I think Arthur is part of my Cann family tree which I am having problems with. Any help at all appreciated. I see Carter is a common family name for the area. Thanks in advance.
Posted on: 29/01/2008 10:21:29
Geraldine Wilson (nee Naylor)
Christmas time I communicate that once a year with old friends and acquantances, one of whom is Mrs Mary McGrath who lived opposite us at Rockferry Close. My family (Naylors) were in the 4 bedroomed home next to the laneway after the war (about 1955) I remember the Bruce's lived next door and a questionable lady named "Fifi" also lived in the Close. We used to have great Guy Fawkes nights with bonfires and fireworks and roast potatoes in the fire and got up to all sorts of mischief with bangers! My sister moved into the corner house when her husband was posted overseas with the Navy their name was Adams. My father was an officer in the RAF and we didn't see him often. He was stationed at Middleton St George for a while, had been in Palestine and came home at weekends. We were a Catholic family and were parishioners of the local Catholic Church where my sister was Housekeeper. I am now in Australia but keep in touch with Mrs McGrath who must be nearing 90 by now. Her son Terry is a catholic priest and is in charge of St Dympna's at Harrogate. We had a great little community in the Close. I remember sledging in the ice down the Close in the winter, and roller skating in the summer - drove the neighbours mad I guess. Lovely to connect. Keep up the memories. Regards Geraldine
Posted on: 30/01/2008 11:24:02
Dave Rudge
Geraldine - you won't remember me but I lived opposite you in Rockferry Close from Jan 1954 to March 1961. I have spoken to my mother tonight and asked her about the families in the close. I hope the following brings back memories. We remember the Wards at no 3 , had a son called Terry - then Rapers at no 4 in the corner, they also had a son Keith - the next we remember are your nextdoor neighbours McCann's - then yourselves , did you have a brother called Philip? - further along were the Pitts, son called Trevor - a bit further were the Trotters who had a Downs Syndrome boy cant remember his name - the next we remember are the McGraths who you mentioned ( Terry was a bit of a lad then he and I actually had some fights) further up from them were the Easby's - then the Linton's - then us at 33 the Rudge's, dad Wally & mam Molly - finally at no 34 were the McCartneys. Like you I remember the bonfire nights and the sledging down the 'steep' bank. The boys played football in the middle nearly every night from school. Oh so young - happy days. Best Regards dave
Posted on: 01/02/2008 08:17:31
BARRY PARKIN
DAVE RUDGE; I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU TO ADD A COMMENT, SINCE YOUR LAST ONE MANY MOONS AGO WHEN WE REALISED THAT WE SERVED IN THE TERRITORIAL ARMY TOGETHER BACK IN THE EARLY SEVENTIES, IF YOU CONTACT PICTURES STOCKTON AND ASK FOR MY EMAIL ADDRESS, IT WILL BE NICE TO HEAR FROM YOU AFTER ALL THOSE YEARS, I NOW LIVE IN BENIDORM AFTER TAKING EARLY RETIREMENT, AND I HAVE JUST HUNG MY UNIFORM UP FOR THE LAST TIME, ON THE 22ND OF SEPTEMBER 2007 I COMPLETED 40 YEARS. HOPE YOU GET IN TOUCH.
Posted on: 04/02/2008 08:01:36
Geraldine Wilson (nee Naylor)
G’day from down-under – Adelaide to be precise! Thanks Dave, I don't remember many of the names you mentioned. The Bruce's lived next door to us in No 9 (the Naylor's living at No 10). When he was home on leave, my Dad used to plant night scented stocks which exuded their fragrance across the common. People always commented on how lovely it was as they passed by - he wasn't home much, but I remember the trouble he went to with the back garden and the vegetable patch. Speaking of which, Do you remember us digging a big hole in our end of the common? (the boys called it the "air raid shelter") they camouflaged it by covering it over with galvanised iron and grass, the council came to cut the grass one day with one of those bulky ride on tractor mowers (high tech at the time) and the machine fell into the hole. The boys (my mischievous brother Gerard and his friends - you must have been one of 'em), thought they were going to cop it. As for Guy Fawkes and the lead up, we used to go down neighbouring streets bondy raiding. We used to store our stash and the purloined hoard, on our outhouse roof at No 10. Gerard (who was the bossy britches – Sergeant Major if ever there was one, and he was) and I used to take turns (at his insistence and the threat of pain of death if I didn't) in the night to keep watch so we weren’t raided - booby traps and all sorts of things were set. No wonder our lot made good soldiers! I also remember making "phones" out of two tins and a piece of string. We had them going in all directions from the bedroom windows at No 10 talking to people across the Close - was that you? And the Middletons at the back of us in Renvyle Avenue. As for Terry McGrath, yes, I remember he used to stand up "for honour" at a young age. I used to baby-sit for the McGraths occasionally being a little older – we never got paid in those days. It was just a treat to sleep over at someone else’s house. Terry is now Reverend Father Terrence McGrath with a lot of letters after his name which he richly deserves! Margaret his sister is a Nun and I think Theresa is also. Does anyone remember the Grocery Van that used to come around Rockferry on a Monday if I recall? I was very sick when I was 17 and had to eat bland food for a while and the best at the time for digestion was tins of baby food would you believe, so the Van used to bring me my weekly supply! Then there was the milkman – did he ever have trouble in the winter engineering his precious cargo of milk down our slippery deadly beautifully conditioned sledge slope. Dare anyone throw salt on our painstaking efforts of making it shine like glass and they were banished for life! As for the Milk. we used to have to race the birds to the front door in the winter to bring in the milk before the foil tops were broken. Good old milk bottles hey! They reverted back to the cardboard ring seals and we used to clean them and use them to make pom poms which we duly attached to the French knitting (using cotton bobbins) that we made from scraps of wool for our dressing gowns and pyjama cords! I think I’ve rambled long enough. Thanks for the memories everyone. I need to read through the thread to do it justice, but so far it’s been very therapeutic. Have a good week and God bless from down-under…..Adelaide is in a bad way with the drought…it hasn’t rained for months water is more precious than oil. Yet in the north, parts of Queensland and New South Wales are inundated with floods and monsoons….go figure….hey God ‘sup! Geri :)
Posted on: 13/02/2008 12:05:54
john whitmore
wow , what a great site for olde stocktonians. the road is definitely ragpath lane, we lived at 114 on the corner.you can just see it in the right distance. i do remember playing with pat and peter goring and the robinsons who lived next door to them, john i do remember well. alan kett and david rayner lived on the opposite side of ragpath and david seddon lived round the corner. i am now inspired to dig out some old photos, watch this space !
Posted on: 29/02/2008 12:27:16
Trevor Ayre
I remember Caroline Jamieson's family from Tilery,they actually lived next door to us.If my memory serves me right her Gran died in about 1968 just as they were demolishing Lucy Street. They had several sons, Peter was one and I am struggling to think of the others but was there a Richard.My mother remembers the family very well, she is still alive and kicking and 86 years old, and still living in Portrack,so if you want any information on the family let me know and i will ask her.
Posted on: 13/05/2008 08:02:36
Pat Pattison (nee Beard)
I lived next door but one to Mike Geurds family at 3 Ruthin Close. We moved there at Easter 1952, and our Mums were great friends. I am impressed that he still has the Coronation Mug, can't remember what happened to mine. We had a big marquee in Ruthin Close for the Coronation and re-enacted the ceremony. Norman Huckle organised it as I remember,he was a Scout Master from No.4,I noticed his death in the Gazette recently. Brenda Cuthbert from No.6 was The Queen, Ronnie Huckle the Archbishop, I was a Maid of Honour in a long white dress which, because of the rain and the fact I was wearing a red white and blue rosette, ended up with a big purple stain on it! The Davidson's at No.1 had a 9 inch television and everyone crowded into their front room to watch, with sandwiches and sherry and port being provided by the ladies of the road. Talking of the Penny A Ride and the travelling shops, I am surprised no one remembers Norman Fernie who used to come round with a horse and cart on a Saturday night with fruit and vegetables, he soon progressed to a small van, so trade must have been brisk! He also used to sell Smiths Crisps with the blue bag of salt - that was our Saturday treat. I used to go to St. Chad's Youth Club and was married there in 1966. I remember when Mike left for Australia - Mum was very upset about it and missed his Mum dreadfully.
Posted on: 15/05/2008 13:35:08
Diane Picard (nee Daubney)
I lived at 113 Ragpath Lane from 1957 to 1966. I have viewed the photo on line and the photos I have of my childhood neighborhood and my pictures show a view to the main "T" intersection. On the other side of that was a long laneway up to a 'tile company' and at the "T" junction I remember a butcher shop. I attended the school in Roseworth and St. Chad's church where my eldest sisters (Marguerita Daubney - who married Denis Peacok of Norton and Rosalie Daubney - who married Leslie Elwell, were wed). My sisters were part of a touring professional dance duo named the Daubney Sisters. I also remember morning deliveries by the milk man and weekly visits by the 'rag n bone' man and his horse.
Posted on: 19/06/2008 14:30:57
Diane Picard (nee Daubney)
Hello John Whitmore, I lived at 113 Ragpath Lane and wondered if you remembered the Daubney family. I was definately known as the 'little red haired girl' and my chums were a Peter and Gordon and Harold...unfortunately I do not remember their surnames....I remember as well the Guy Fawkes bonfires we would have on the front garden which was all grassed and that the double decker bus stopped right out front of our house.....I think this is an amazing site....and all from one picture.... I'll keep reading this one !!!!!
Posted on: 19/06/2008 22:23:03
Pat Watson(nee quinn)
I was just wondering if Diane Pickard (nee Daubney) had a sister (or maybe mother) called Rosalie, as I went to school with a girl by that name and if my memory serves me right, I think she was a good dancer. Regards, Pat Watson(nee Quinn)
Posted on: 20/06/2008 19:01:21
Anon
The Daubney sisters, who were dancers, lived in Fenny Street, next door to Geoff & Mally Moody. I think they went to St Marys school.
Posted on: 07/07/2008 16:12:01
Merv James
I lived at my parents house at 75 Ragpath Lane. A large four bedroomed semi detached, next to the rent office and the doctors surgery.
Posted on: 15/07/2008 10:48:25
Frank P Mee
The rent office is long gone Mr James the Doctors surgery is now a dentist after the place was left empty and run down for years. The Roseworth Pub is boarded up and due for demolishion but your old house is still there. Your old neighbour from over the back is still living in the house and was talking about you when I mentioned you had posted on here, she asked if you remember Mrs Fishburn and sends her regards. One good point, the row of shops including the Co-op are still active and well preserved. They are still a communal meeting point and although I have not lived there for many years I still often pop in for the library or shopping, seeing some of the people I knew, those still about that is.
Posted on: 19/07/2008 11:03:19
ann george
I am writing for my mom, Ann George who lived on Ragpath Lane with her family. Her family lived on 13 Ragpath lane in the 1950's . My mother has three sisters, Joan, Doreen and Margaret. Does anyone out there remember her. Her father James George used to repair the locals shoes, a cobbler part-time you might say. He was killed by a drunk driver when my mom was young. I think he died around the age of forty. Ann George went to St. Marys. If anyone remembers the George Girls from Ragpath Lane, would you write back a few words as I would love to tell them to my mom. thanks!!!!
Posted on: 31/07/2008 05:00:16
Pat Watson
I seem to remember the name Ann George. I also attended St.Mary's from 1944-1954, would that be at the same time as your mom? I have 1 older brother and 2 younger sisters named Mary & Margaret(Mardi). You could ask your mum if she remembers any of the Quinn family. We lived at the Castle&Anchor from 9138-1956. Regards Pat Watson(nee Quinn)
Posted on: 31/07/2008 14:48:00
Ken Harris
Hi, regarding Ann George. If I am correct, she was my mams sister - Connie and I stayed with her a while after being in hospital, ..I also remember visiting my Auntie Doreen in Billingham, she had two girls but sadly after the youngest died in a car accident she moved to Canada.
Posted on: 31/07/2008 19:02:48
Vicky Collier
Pat Watson mentioned her brother John Quinn . Is he the same John Quinn who used to work at ICI Agric Division Billingham ? If he is , I remember him with affection . He always kept us laughing , doing impersonations of senior managers ! Give him my best wishes , Vicky ( from Registry )
Posted on: 01/08/2008 20:07:27
ANN GEORGE
RE: ANN GEORGE, KEN HARRIS - YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS BUT MY MOM IS OVER FOR A VISIT, AS WE JUST LIVE A FEW MINUTES FROM EACH OTHER HERE IN VANCOUVER CANADA, I PULLED UP THE SITEHOPING TO HEAR FROM ANYONE OUT THERE AND MY MOM IS STANDING NEXT TO ME AS I READ YOUR COMMENT REAGRDING YOUR MOM (MAM ) CONNIE, YOU AND MY MOM ARE COUSINS!!!! YOUR MAM, CONNIE WAS MY MOMS AUNTIE. MY MOM SAYS SHE CAN REMEMBER BABY SITTING FOR YOU AND YOUR SISTER LINDA, AND YOUR BROTHER WILLIAM. I WILL TELL YOU, MANY YEARS AGO WHEN WE AS A FAMILY VISITED ENGLAND WHEN I WAS 10 YEARS OLD, ( 30 YEARS AGO), THE FIRST VISIT MY MOM HAD TO HAVE WAS WITH HER AUNTY CONNIE, IN ROSEWORTH ESTATE. I WILL NEVER FORGET THE WONDERFUL TEA. AND THE TEARS IN CONNIES EYES WHEN SHE SAW MY MOM.!!! DOREEN WAS ALSO YOUR . WE ARE HOPING TO MAKE ANOTHER TRIP AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, BACK TO ENGLAND FOR A VISIT TO SHOW THE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF STOCKTON (OF ANN MY MOM)TO MY CHILDREN. WHAT A TERRIFIC SITE!! I CAN'T BELIEVE WE FOUND A RELATIVE? ANY STORIES!!!!
Posted on: 02/08/2008 00:37:41
Diane Picard (nee Daubney)
Hello Merv James....Yes, I believe that my mother (Rosalie Daubney aka Rooney) lived on Fenny Street as a younger girl and then we moved over to 113 Ragpath Lane which is where I grew up until the age of 8....I have a couple of snap shots of Fenny street but they are very grainy and its difficult to make things out....Did you go to school with my mam....also my Godparent were the Moodys...I think it was Geoff and Maude....do you know of the Brocklesby family....???? that was my Grandmother (Frances Daubney's (nee Wilde) sister....their names were Alice and Charles Brocklesby....they had many kids...7 I think.....thanks for your note....love this site....
Posted on: 30/08/2008 13:24:58
Anon
There was a Brockbank family lived in Exeter Street they had a large family.People who lived in the same row of houses as your mother in Fenny Street were the Harbron's sisters shop on the corner of Allison Street,Buttles,Orrs,Daubneys, Moodys,Ellis & McQuillan.
Posted on: 05/09/2008 10:47:16
Susan Valerie Wilkinson
The Penny Long Ride man! oh what happy days. Buying bricks to build St Chads Church, going to birthday parties and sitting 3 children to two chairs - why did I always get the join? I often cried until Mum made my brother Malcolm let me play with him and his friends - usually Dead Man falls - seeing who could gallop their imaginary horse across the grass get shot and act a dying cowboy - very ladylike! Mum bought all her fruit and veg from lighthowlers who progressed to a van after the horse and cart, coalman had a horse for a lot longer. I was terrified of the big burly blokes with black faces and leather jerkins bringing in the sacks of coal. We lived at 74 Romford Road, a two bedroom house, and then moved to number 8, a three bedroom. We lived next to Charlie Williams who also had a mobile shop. My favourite teacher at Redbrook school was Mrs Estensen who taught me to sew - a lifelong hobby. Her daughter Elizabeth is now in Emmerdale on TV. Does anyone else remember Mrs Estensen? I was Susan Oliphant then and lived with Mum and Dad and my brother Malcolm.
Posted on: 08/11/2008 12:06:05
Merv James
Hello Frank. Nice of you respond. At the back of us lived Vera and Jim Fishburn and next door to them, the Johnson Family. I new Christine Fishburn very well. You mentioned someone who still lived there who knew me. Can you give me their name? I'd be most interested. Jim Fishburn and my dad had a mutual hobby. Namely short wave radio and they erected a long short wave aerial between their two houses. Next door to the Fishburns, further up Rudyard Avenue lived a man called Mr Glen who was an avid gardener.
Posted on: 09/11/2008 05:50:34
Merv James
Oh, and I forgot to mention Frank that next door to us at 75 Ragpath Lane lived the Mclone Family. Next door to them lived the Orpen Family. I was a friend of Gary Orpen. Just around the corner in Rudyard Avenue lived Sandra Hutchinson with whom (as a young teenager) I was somewhat besotted.
Posted on: 09/11/2008 06:12:34
Frank P Mee
Mrs Johnson Died a few months back Merv. Vera still lives there though Jim is long gone. Christine and Karen come up from Derbyshire to visit. We lived in Rosedale Gardens back then before the Church was built. Moved away from Roseworth a long while ago but still have good memories from those early days when it was a bustling community.
Posted on: 10/11/2008 12:32:09
Gareth Hill
My mam, Elizabeth Hindmarsh (now Hill) went to Redbrook School and remembers Mrs Estensen. I remember her daughter from an obscure childrens TV programme called TBag. My mam and dad went back recently to take some pictures of the school as it has now closed as it has merged with Roseworth Primary School, which was was my school before we moved. Haven't managed to get back to get pictures of that school yet!
Posted on: 10/11/2008 21:10:15
Merv James
Sorry to hear of Mrs Johnson's death, Frank. Both she and her hubby were very quiet. Regarding Christine Fishburn; I can recall sitting with her inside my Dad's greenhouse, just chatting late at night. The doctor next door saw us and told my Dad, implying we were up to no good. Dad promptly told him to mind his own business. I was also a great friend of Alan Jones who had a brother, Harry. The lived at the back of our house in Rudyard Avenue, next door to the Johnsons. My Mam worked at the rent office, Sparks the bakers in Redhill road and also at Kiora Hall.
Posted on: 12/11/2008 03:46:39
PETER JORDISON
OXBRIDGE BORN ELIZABETH ESTENSEN NOW APPEARS REGULARLY IN TV'S EMMERDALE (NOT THAT I WATCH IT OF COURSE)
Posted on: 13/11/2008 21:40:45
Keith Waller
You're right Peter, Elizabeth Estensen does appear in Emmerdale and she also appeared in The Liver Birds taking over from Polly James I think. If I remember rightly she was in the same class at school as my niece whose son, Glenn Chapman, is the personal trainer for the film star James McAvoy. I'm sure my niece said that Elizabeth attended a school reunion a few years ago.
Posted on: 14/11/2008 13:02:52
Peter McLone
MeI remember Mervin James and his sister Susan very well, in fact as a youngster I thought Susan was really pretty. I cannot remember much about his dad but I had tremendous respect for his mother, never auntie or anything like that always Mrs James, a lovely lady. I also have very fond memories of the Orpen family, Jim Orpen gave me much encouragement in my choosen career path.
Posted on: 18/12/2008 16:18:51
Bob Davies
I was brought up on the old estate, 12 Radford close, then moved to Fairfield when I was 16, Mam and Dad bought a house, I lived a short while on Ragpath Lane. I remember a few names mentioned along the list Christine Malcome, Peter Goring and his sister Pat who was a real nice girl. I remember chatting to her a lot, some deep stuff she was like a confidente. I have travelled a lot and live outside of the UK. During a visit I was talking to Peter in the Stockton Arms and knew nothing of his sister passing, I was quite shocked when he told me. Terry McGrath went to school with me, I remember him telling me he was born on a boat in American waters hence a US passport. Good old Roseworth and a lot of memories!!
Posted on: 26/12/2008 14:15:39
Library Reference
Dewey Decimal: 999 Reference: t2209 - link available