Nostalgic memories of Middlesbrough's local history
Share your own memories of Middlesbrough 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 Memories 11 - 20 of 21 in total
My memory bank has been activated by the contributed items about Hugh Bell Central School, though my recollections of Hugh Bell are older than those published on this website. My years at Hugh Bell were 1938 to 1942 and so my memories have had many years to fade and I’ve been living on the far side of Canada in the beautiful Okanagan Valley since 1948.
Most of the teacher’s names have ...see more
A nice memory of Hugh Bell School was that at assembly each morning when the weather was fine, the old men would sit in the park outside to listen to our hymn singing. Hence "Old Man's Park". They had no money and their scruffy dogs were on bits of string while they filled in their time with nothing to do. Could you imagine old men these days listening to children sing hymns? Not everything has changed for the better.
My grandma lived in Stovin Street and I attended Westbourne Grove Methodist Church from about 1948 until 1956ish. I remember the hospital and the wonderful markets where we used to buy a penny bag of winkles. I also remember the Gem cinema (local flee pit but fabulous). Above the Gem was Central Mission, a very happy religious place, I don't know what denomination but it was great fun (no sermon). St ...see more
Sorry, but this slightly worries me. My uncle was John McFarlane, who for my memory taught at Stainsby School as the Head of Bell house. But I have heard of people describe him as 'Spanky'. I don't know if he worked at High Bell, but it's very possible. Interestingly, I now work for the firm of architects who are building a new school on the Stainsby site.
My father's family came to Middlesborough at the time of the Pig-Iron. He came from Worcestershire, around Lye. His name was Robert Jepson. He had 4 sons and 1 daughter. Charles Jepson, being my great grandfather. Fred Jepson, his son being my grandfather. Fred and his brother Frank were professional footballers for Spennymoor United Football Club, and received a medal medallion which hangs on a necklace. I still ...see more
Hi, I was interested to see you were in 4p Clifford as I was also and of course Dickie Purvis was a familiar name to me as he became School Captain with me as Vice. Our House if I remember rightly was Dormans, which is where I had my first job for a very short time - in other words i worked for Dormans but not for Long! You would have to be from the Boro to appreciate that 'joke'!I was also ...see more
I have many memories associated with this church in as much as it was where I went to Sunday School and my brother James was an Altar Boy and chorister. During the war years my mum ran the "Castrees" fish and chip shop in the market square right opposite the church. Her name was Rebecca Wilson but she was always known as "Becky". Although these times were not good ones because of the war, black outs etc., that ...see more
Seeing Norman Jackson's reflections on the teachers of Hugh Bell School conjured up all sorts of wonderful memories. I agree totally with his description of the two headmasters, "Taffy" Evans, the cane toting, foot stamping disciplinarian and Charles Harmer, a gentle man but with a persuasive manner. Mr. Evans at times took us for music and he would always push "Sweet Lass on Richmond Hill" to the point ...see more
Reading John Culberts memories, I was reminded of my own time at Hugh Bell from 1947 to 52. I believe Hugh Bell to have had the most significant influence on my future career together with the Southfield Road Baptist Scouts. It made me try to think back to the teachers. They were in my opinion all sound and decent men. Anyway this is how I remember them. I would appreciate any corrections or additions if ...see more
My great grandfather, Mark MIDGLEY was a member of the First North Yorks Artillery Volunteers. He was in number four battery for 11 years where he rose to the rank of sergeant-major. I have news paper cuttings of him celebrating his 90th birthday (1941) in which he recalls those days. He remembered the visit of the Duke of Connaught when he opened the Albert Park in Middlesbrough 1868. He was a member ...see more