Cycling Club c1950s

This photograph taken circa early 1950’s shows my father, Geoff Parkin (3rd from left, back row). I believe the photograph might have been taken during a Cycling Club outing. Does anyone recognise any of the people in the photograph?

Photograph and details courtesy of Simon Parkin.

The Leek Family, 1944

This photograph was taken in 1944 to be sent to my Father who was serving in the RAF. We were living in Cornwall Crescent in Billingham at the time. Standing at the back is my eldest sister Margaret (Margo), front left is my brother David, next is my mother Emma then me (Freda), with my elder sister Pat on the right. My father Sid was in the RAF in the 1920s and re-enlisted at the start of the Second World War, he was in his mid 40s when demobbed in 1945. My Brother David was well known in Billingham, he ran “Leeks” DIY shop in Mill Lane for many years. Does anyone remember the shop? I live in Australia now and David lives in Stockton.

Photograph and details courtesy of Freda McCorkell (Leek).

Hardwick Juniors Football Team 1965 – 66, Stockton Schools under 11 League Winners

The team was unbeaten all season, won the league including a play-off against Mandale Juniors who we beat in a replay. Graham Rutherford, Stephen Sharp, David Mellvin (Captain), ??, Bobby Bista, Russell Crawford, Graham Highfield, Geoff Stockburn, David Brown, Alan Jones, Jeff Green, Michael Beale (Goal Keeper) and George Hardwick, ex Middlesbrough, England and Great Britain footballer. I hope this photograph interests a few people!

Photograph and details courtesy of Alan Jones.

Clevo Flour Mill

The Clevo Flour Mill stood on the South side of Victoria Bridge and took four days and 265 pounds of gelignite to bring down, with each attempt increasing the tilt until it finally fell on 17 June 1970. I took this photograph on 14 June 1970.

Photograph and details courtesy of Andy Wood.

Stockton High Street Models

Before the Castlegate redevelopment, this historic part of the High Street included the Unicorn pub, Doggarts department store, Henderson’s (jewellers) and Thomas Hunt, and based on photographs I made this diorama, which includes buses of Stockton and Middlesbrough Corporations. These buildings were demolished in 1970.

Photographs and details courtesy of Andy Wood.

Glebe Farm, Billingham c1949

This photograph was set up by my dad, Beldon Bensley who helped out on the Dixon’s farm. Dad is 4th from left with mug, bottom row. I think Leslie Dixon would be 2nd from right on bottom row. The photograph was taken circa 1949, possibly down by Billingham Beck and St. Aidans Crescent as the houses can be seen in the background.

Photograph and details courtesy of Bruce Bensley.

Members of The Billingham Players, 1984

Cast members of The Billingham Players prior to their production of “Sleeping Beauty” at the Theatre Upstairs on Belasis Avenue, Billingham. The pantomime was to be staged on the 10th of December 1984. Does anybody recognise any of the three ladies, or know if they are still involved with the Billingham Players?

Photograph and details courtesy of Bruce Coleman.

Clarkes at Thornaby c1906

This photograph shows a wedding party outside 16 Russell Street, Thornaby. Taken around 1906. My great-grandparents Edwin and Isabella CLARKE lived at No. 20 for many years. Edwin worked as a bricklayer in the steel works. He had travelled up north to find work in the 1870s from his home near Great Yarmouth, leaving behind an ancestry steeped in the corn milling business. He met Isabella HULL from St Helen Auckland and they married in 1876. Their first 3 children were born in Craddock Street, Bishop Auckland and their last 3 in Thornaby. In the photo, Edwin is standing in the middle at the back and Isabella is on the right in her fine hat! Their daughter-in-law Lucy is sitting front right with her young son.

When I was given the photo many years ago I was assured it was not a family wedding so I don’t know who the bride and groom are. I was told the lady in the middle on the left ran a local pub and the girls on either side of her were “gaiety girls” but who knows if that’s true! Seems unlikely to me. I wonder whether anyone with links to the area might know who they all are? Edwin died in 1937 and Isabella in 1932. They are buried at Thornaby Cemetery in an unmarked plot, which I visited many years ago while in the area.

Photograph and details courtesy of Diane Johansen.