Guestbook


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Guestbook 2007
The main purpose of this Guestbook is to allow Seaham Harbour folk around the world to keep in touch, to find each other, to explore their roots and to share cherished recollections. Seaham Harbour Online will not knowingly carry on its web pages any material which we consider to be politically or socially offensiveor of a xenophobic, fascist or paediaphiliac nature. Personal attacks which may be considered to be potentially libellous are not allowed.If you have a criticism it should be supported by facts and is only valid if you identify yourself and your real email address. This is no different from what local or national newspapers would expect. We receive lots of requests to advertise other sites on the Guestbook. Our policy is not to allow advertisements here.

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For Mike Smith in France. My husband used to live in ennerdale close, his sister lives in melrose her husband is Leo Groark, used to work at the Vane Tempest. I can remember your dad dancing with my sister in laws at one of the clubs. Hope you had a good christmas and wish you all the best for the new year
maureen rafferty
farnborough, Hants. UK - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 15:00:06 (PST)

We hope everyone had a happy and paeceful Christmas and we wish you all a happy and healthy New Year.
Ed & Sadie Mason
Seaham, Co. Durham UK - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:50:36 (PST)

Jupiter Thanks to all those who told me how to make peas pudding. I will have another go and this time soak them in HOT water. Lorna Stokes, my husband can remember willies farm, we also have relatives in Murton. My husband is from Seaham. A very happy new year to all our family and everybody in good old seaham. Hope to be up again next year.
maureen rafferty
farnborough, Hampshire UK - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:48:16 (PST)

To Phil Heaton. I have Arthur Pines email address if you want it please send your email address.
Ed Mason
Seaham, Co. Durham - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:45:26 (PST)

Hiya Janet Rowe, I left my e-mail last year so here it is again. I have a TV licence now! So you can safely send me an invite! FROM ED: Janet let me have your email address and I'll forward Ray's to you.
Ray Leighton
Durham, - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:43:39 (PST)

For Pauline, Sorry I've mislaid your e mail address. Would love to meet up in the new year. I apologise for not being in touch sooner but Eddie has had a spell in hospital so it has been a bit hectic. Everything is fine now and would love to chat about old times.
Sadie M
- Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:30:43 (PST)

fao. do ron don masters sorry to hear about your probs, i understand , we have been there where were you, i waited under the clock at the station for our BRIEF ENCOUNTER !!!! just got back home for new years eve, wishing you a healthy new year , catch you on the next trip over the border , fight the good fight
lorna stokes
- Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:27:47 (PST)

fao. judy c glad you had a look at murton on your trip, is the empire still there !!! have you a brother as well? trying to remember people in dene terr. can you remember little titch i have pictures in my mind put can,t put names to them , i am trying to get there for a visit soon , after the weather has settled hope you had a great xmas with your family and wish you a healthy new year £orna !!!
lorna stokes
scarborough, - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:27:00 (PST)

Seaham Town Council seem a very go ahead organisation (at least on the website) I have been keeping a beady eye on them for some time, They are,it seems very good. I like the new cemetary at Byrons walk done in 2005.It reminded me of the fact that the last time I visited Princess Road Cem. was many years ago for the funeral of a kid who drowned in the clay pit.
Brian Greenfingers
- Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:25:50 (PST)

Hi there all and congratulations for a great WEBSITE...I look in from time to time.. Although I must admit I belonged originally to Monkwearmoth and moved to Townendfarm Sunderland when they started pulling MWM down... I now live in Durham but I still have great memories of my youth there.. This site reminds me of the community MWM was when I was young!! Does anyone here know of a simlar site for Monkwearmouth... the ones I have tried were all of Sunderland and mostly occupied by "idiots online".. By the way My Brother-in-Laws's family came from Seaham name of Huntrods.... his dad & brother both won medals for bravery during WW2 The George Medal for the one in the Army and the naval equivilent for the other brother in the navy...(don't know what that was) They were given to them by the then King George... Has anyone got any info on these two?? I believe they were the only 2 brothers decorated together during the war..as I am researching the family tree an! d it seems a piece of relevant near history...... Also my wife was the Deputy at Seaham Family Group Home for a number of years...anyone remember that??? Take care & keep up the chat..Jack
Jack Lawson
Durham, - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:25:00 (PST)

I find myself finally at hyem it seems. My great great great gramma was Maggie Campbell of 68 Marlborough street back in 1891 ( I am sure some of you remember her ) and her daughter Mary , married John W Wilkinson also of Easington in the nineties. Is there any family remnant still about ? Does the street still exist? I understand Maggie has passed and was planted locally. Thanks. Len Smith
Len
Broon Deeah, Wisconsin - Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:23:04 (PST)

To Stephen Ward. In Seaham Harbour Events you wrote about a book in progress on Seaham 1880 Disaster. I would be interested to hear more from you on this topic. I am engaged in a similar task writing about a fictional family in the mining town of Dalton (Seaham) circa 1920/30. Good luck in your endeavours. Brian Rowell
Brian Rowell
- Sunday, December 30, 2007 at 14:21:14 (PST)

Hiya Janet Rowe, I left my e-mail last year so here it is again. I have a TV licence now! So you can safely send me an invite! [ED: no email addresses posted - sorry]
Ray Leighton
Durham, UK - Monday, December 24, 2007 at 15:24:25 (PST)

Hi, thanks for the email but it is not complete. Is it co.uk or .com? cheers vin. ED: Sorry Vin that's how Dougie sent it to me. Why not try both and see if you get a reply? Or maybe Dougie will see this entry.
Vin Maratty
UK - Monday, December 24, 2007 at 15:22:02 (PST)

Hi Phil Heaton, Arty Pine is my cousin and he has moved back to Seaham - I will get my auntie to ask him to write on the guest book to you.
Janet
St Sampsons, - Monday, December 24, 2007 at 15:16:21 (PST)

Message for Lucy Chambers Hi Lucy, Spud is living in Nottingham, so Ian tells me. They are both so happy to be back in contact again after all these years. I will ask Ian about John Casey and let you know. Its Xmas Eve here in Oz and Im feeling very Homesick (even after 35 years)One wonderful memory I have is of my Dad and I walking up the laneway that went up the side of St Johns Church from Blandford St.We were carrying Xmas presents and singing "In The Deep Mid Winter". I still have a few tears when I hear that carol.Have a wonderful Xmas Lucy and to All In Seaham, God Bless, Stay Well and Best Wishes to you All. From Ann
Ann Pike
banora point, - Monday, December 24, 2007 at 15:15:22 (PST)

Hello Harbourites. I'm trying to contact Arty Pine....I hear he's still in town. Phil Heaton
Phil Heaton
- Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:17:31 (PST)

If I remember rightly, my mother made Peace Pudding with lentils. She would soak them overnight, tie them in a muslin cloth, and boil them with the ham shank. As the ham and lentils were simmering she would lift the scum off the top of the water with a large spoon, and top the pan up with boiling water. The salt and natural stock in the ham water was enough to flavour the pudding. If the pudding was a bit stiff (after being transferred to a boil), she would simply add a bit of the water the ham had been cooked in.
Tom Moreland
London, - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:16:31 (PST)

Recipe for Pease Pudding: lb (454gm) Green and Yellow Split Peas 1 Large Onion, chopped 1 Rasher Bacon, chopped 2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce 1 tbsp Butter Salt and Pepper, to taste Method:_Soak the peas overnight, then drain well. Place the peas in a saucepan and adding the onion, bacon and seasoning. Add water enough to reach ½in (12mm) above the peas. Bring slowly to the boil and simmer for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring occasionally. Just before serving add the butter and Worcestershire the sauce. Pease Pudding should have a puree consistency and if too loose raise the heat to reduce the moisture
Lucy Taylor
- Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:15:17 (PST)

re jack foggin he lived a couple of doors away for us in chaplin street and you hear him practising he had quite a voice that took place in late 50s cheers harry
harry hunter
redcar, - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:14:29 (PST)

Thank goodness Sadie M. that brother Norman is still skipping the light fantastic around Seaham (at his age!) and more power to his elbow I say. So many of my old friands and acquaintances are gone. When I visited Beamish Museum not long ago, I could not bring myself to go down their preserved coalmine. I got a feeling of claustrophobia at the thought. I followed my Father's footsteps into mining (He worked at the NAK) and later wished I had'nt!
Brian Greenfingers
- Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:13:31 (PST)

hello vin brighton v sunderland next season. have a great xmas not to much pudd,love to all the family bro mick
mick
sussex, - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:12:24 (PST)

Ann that is good news about having got Ian and Ron (Spud)back in touch with each other. I remember Spud and his family well, another friend of Ian's I was wondering about the other day as I have not seen him around for quite some time now, not that I saw him much but about 13 years ago when I met up with him he told me that he was in touch with Ian ,his name John Casey, does Ian know anything of him these days. Lucy
Lucy Taylor
Seaham, - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:11:31 (PST)

Chris, I never heard Dickie Marrin sing, can you give me a bit of background on him please ?
Raymond Thompson
Seaham, - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:10:07 (PST)

I would like to wishe everyone a very Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year. x
Helen
Seaham, - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:09:08 (PST)

LORNA.been out of sorts ,probs stopped me typing..another bone scan on 26/11,no recall so no news is good news.have bribed border guards again so no probs for your visit.& no kidding,, a time for a meet at the clock & i,ll be there, best wishes for you & yours for 2008.& enjoy your xmas with family,RON M FAO, ED&SADIE best wishes to you & yours for 2008, this service you provide is much appreciated,, thankyou,,,,RON MASTERS
r masters
- Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:08:18 (PST)

. Maureen Raffety, pease pudding used to be a main meal in Seaham (look in Seaham library) in the cook book section you are shure to find it. It was a favorate at Funerals with ham. They even made up a little ditty...Pease Pudding Hot, Pease Pudding Cold, Pease Pudding In The Pot, Nine Days Old. By the way Maureen, a firm called Foresite sell tinned Pease Pudding, I buy It myself.
Brian Greenfingers
- Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:07:13 (PST)

Thankyou Lucy for telling me about Joe, like I said, nearley every time I enquire about someone I knew years ago, they seem to have shuffled off this mortal plain. I did have big trouble myself reacently with cancer, after eighteen monthes of misery and chemo and radio theripy. They told me the cancer had gone. Well, I went mad and booked four short holidays for me and my Partner. Yes, life is sweet and not so appreciated untill I'ts threatened. Cheers Lucy.
Brian Greenfingers
- Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:06:17 (PST)

fao. maureen rafferty, pease pudding my way is boil a bacon joint or ham keep the liquer, steel yellow slit peas in boiling water night before, can use a bicarb tablet from dried peas , only one , rinse off next day , they used to be pea bags in the peas but i use a piece of muslin, which i keep, put the split peas in the muslin and tie it up boil the liquer up and put it in to cook also a few spuds when done ,got to be soft, open the muslin and put cooked split peas in a basin with the spuds and mash it all up ,butter pepper , slice you boiled bacon, and serve it hot any left you can have cold in a sarny , its my memory of home , pot pies ,broth leek pudding, corned beef pasty yummy taught my daughter all my grandmothers recipes, , now she is doing them, my grandmother cooked at willies farm in murton as a young girl .Happy eating , and a healthy new year
Lorna Stokes
scarborough, North Yorks - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:05:05 (PST)

To - Richard Witton Many of the events you have related have passed me by. My last brief knowledge of Seaham was in the early nineties when I was chauffeur driven by my brother-in-law, Alan Claxton, from Keswick. We spent no more than 2/3 hours there and that, from my point of view, was very disappointing. Though my parents continued living in Seaham until their deaths, I moved around a little...from Africa to Australia. My sister's name is Olga. Good to hear from you and yes, I do remember, your father followed Tom Nicholson as Harbour Master. Tom had other daughters, Winifred and Mollie. The latter married Alan Stockdale who became Town Clerk of Shepton Mallet. Cheers
Brian Rowell
Brisbane, Queensland - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:02:51 (PST)

Hi Lorna Yes Nancy is the oldest. I stood under the store clock and the co op is still there.I went into the new Dalden shopping centre into Marks and Spencer's I was talking to one of the girls working there she turned out to be Rose Potts's daughter.Three weeks went so fast. We have had 30cms of snow today anybody want it !!!!!! Merry Christmas to all GB readers.
Judy C
Alliston, , Ontario - Friday, December 21, 2007 at 16:00:54 (PST)

football match played on the dawdon cw pitch between camden square and seaham st josephs 1958 or 9. cam won 3.2 jackie price scored winner. does anyone remember any of the other players. or if any still around.
Popeye
Yorks, UK - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:48:36 (PST)

Dougie: is it ok if I give your email address to vin maratty?
Ed Mason - Seaham Harbour Online
UK - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:42:31 (PST)

Aul Seaham- Jubilee Grounds. Doris Ferguson has many memories of this area. Her grandmother did the catering, for events, to earn extra money. She had a family of 8 to bring up after she was widowed when she was in her early 30s. The Jubilee Grounds are in Dawdon Dene and Dalden Towers was on the right. There were 4 houses there for the grooms. Just behind on the left hand side there was a gate through to the waste ground, over a stream and up the bank with a field at the top. This is now Daphne Crescent. The field was let to people who brought children there for outings, charabangs from the poor areas of Sunderland, Sunday Schools, sports days etc. Her grandmother had trestle tables and used the old stables if the weather was bad. The tablecloths that she used are still used by Doris in the Church. Doris remembers sitting on forms/benches watching her mother and grandmother getting everything ready. Mrs Islip remembers there were a few swings ther! e and Mrs Kilbey and Mrs Musley remember the 'tea hut' where on Sunday School treats, each child recieved a bag of cakes etc, made up at Murleys Bakery. Mr Mussen recalls that a girl was murdered there !! E Leighton
Eric Leighton
- Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:39:23 (PST)

I beg to differ from Raymond Thompson re finest tenors,the best tenor from Seaham was Dickie Marrin.
chris
seaham, - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:38:07 (PST)

"SeahamLad" (John) I hope you are well and that you have a Merry Christmas.
Your friend
USA, - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:37:31 (PST)

To Mick from Sussex, I hope you and your family have a good Xmas. I bet you wish you had Roy Keane at Brighton Bro!
vin marratty
sunderland, - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:36:45 (PST)

To Brian Rowell, you're right, although my dad was Harbourmaster. He died in 1957 when I was 5yo, mam passed away in 1991
Richard Witton
Falkirk, - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:36:08 (PST)

I have a Seaham Colliery Tag. Can anyone tell me, does the number / letter etched on the front have specific significance? Realname: paul
paul
- Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:35:16 (PST)

Massage for Lucy Chambers. Thank you for your help in naming the pub. A friend called Cedric Huitson lived there many years ago and from there I think the might have gone to the Castlreagh pub. Last I heard they had moved again to maybe the Easington area. My Mum was always trying to "Match Make " the two of us.Best Wishes Lucy to you and your family for the Festive Season.Love from Ann xx
Ann Hansen nee Pike
- Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:34:41 (PST)

Message for Lucy Chambers Merry Xmas and a Happy Safe and Healthy New Year to You and Yours.I have managed to find Spud Murphy who was Ians best friend.They are back in touch again after 50 years. Spud remembered you and sends his regards. Love Ann
Ann Hanson nee Pike
- Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:33:36 (PST)

ron masters , how are you not seen you on the guest book for a while, on my way to stevenage dec. 22nd i will see you under the town hall clock wishing you a happy xmas and a healthy new year
lorna stokes
- Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:32:44 (PST)

Can someone please tell me how to make peas pudding. I steap them overnight(yellow split peas) then rinse them and put them on to boil and them simmer. My sister in law who lives in Seaham has also tried but to no avail. I have also done it in the oven, but nothing. Is their any special split peas that should be bought, or just yellow split peas. I love it in a sandwich with ham. Can anybody up there help me. Thank you Maureen
maureen rafferty
- Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:31:49 (PST)

Hi Ed, I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for having this web site, I have made contact with family that I didnt know existed,without this web site i would never have known. I am looking forward to my next visit to Seaham, hopefully in the new year! Kind regards. Wendy
Wendy Fitz-Gerald
Redhill, - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:30:39 (PST)

fao. judy c what did you mean about murton? ? thought you might have called in to see me and i had forgotten about your nancy ,is she the oldest judy , i think she was in my class or my cousin audrey hunter Did you look at the dene and where dene terrace once stood , is the co. op still standing , i am dying to know how you got on pity i was in spain until the 24th.i am off to buckinghamshire for xmas and wish you and everyone a merry xmas and a healthy new year
lorna stokes
- Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:29:15 (PST)

I would like towish everyone that visits this Guest Book a Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New year. Stay safe and be happy wherever you may be in this world. I would also like to give a big THANK YOU to the administrators of the site for all their work in keeping such a good and friendly Site going. THANK YOU
Lucy Taylor
- Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:28:16 (PST)

hello seaham, merry xmas.
next pistols
seaham, - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:27:33 (PST)

"Seahamlad" this is "your friend" - How are you these days? You have taken a break from this G/B as much as I have. I hope you are well and "all is good" for you. Make sure you read your Christmas card... it was sent to your family last week. Blessings!
Your Friend
USA, - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:26:44 (PST)

Sorry Brian Greenfingers to have to tell you that my brother Joe also passed away 5 years ago. He had been happily married for forty years and had a son and daughter.He was a Grand Man
Lucy Taylor
Seaham, - Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 15:24:47 (PST)

Hello Maureen. Sorry for the slow reply been v busy recently. Yes that sounds like my old man. Peter Brannigan used to describe him as the 'epitome of sartorial elegance', and with reason. He was always smartly turned out. He'd never leave the pit unwashed and always came home in a trilby. Married Tess Lennox who died on their honeymoon in Sunderland. Later remarried my mother Eva who was from Germany. Yes I was brought up in Seaham, initially down on Tyne St and later in Eastlea Crescent. How about you? I drifted off at sixteen. As Andy Warhol says "There's only one good thing about a small town - you hate it and you have to leave." Ed Mason. I have a photo' of a team I believe to be Seaham Wednesday in the ? early fifties. Cup winners, photograped with the trophy and including my old man Gerry Smith and his brother Leo. Is this the same Seaham Wednesday that you're researching? NOTE: Yes Mick it sounds like it. Would it be possible to send the photo by email. ED MASON
mick smith
France - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:23:48 (PST)

Message for Ed Mason - thanks for offering to send my email to Wendy Fitzgerald - Wendy has been in touch with my Mother via a cousin and left her email for me - we have since been in touch and chatted - its so nice to to make contact with long lost family - thanks to the Seaham Harbour Guest Book.
Dorothy Hawkins
Harrogate, North Yorks. UK - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:20:27 (PST)

For Judy C. I had no idea you were Nancys sister. It's a small world isn't it.
Sadie M
Seaham, - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:16:19 (PST)

Two of the finest tenors Seaham produced, were Jack Foggin and Jack Wick, both long gone. It would be interesting to hear from anyone who had the pleasure of hearing their voices all those years ago.
Raymond Thompson
Seaham, - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:14:27 (PST)

To Richard Witton of Falkirk Yes, Bert and Hilda were my parents and now both are dead. I don't know what age/generation you come from but I guess your mother was Jessie nee Nicholson and your father Eddie was a pilot and coxswain of Seaham Lifeboat. They lived in the pilot cottages opposite the Coastguard Station...near 'Bessie's Hole' -:) Look forward to your acknowledgement.
Brian Rowell
Brisbane, - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:13:12 (PST)

Thank you Seaham. I have just got home to Canada after three wonderful weeks in Seaham. I am very impressed with all the improvements and was at the opening of Byron Place. Most of all the greeting from all the Seaham folk was great I met a lot of old friends Whatever happened to Murton??? I thought that I had stepped back sixty years in time the only thing I can say is that the old busy Woods Terrace shocked me someone could shoot a cannon down there and not hit anybody. Again thank you all for the wonderful time I had. Oh Sadie did you know that Nancy Dondaldson is my sister?
Judy C
Alliston, - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:11:48 (PST)

For Ann Hansen, All the Best for 2007 and have a very good Christmas send regards and best wishes to your brother Ian and his family please.
Lucy Taylor
- Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:09:35 (PST)

Hi! Is there anyone in Seaham or Ferryhill can help me with my family tree. I am trying to find my grandparents. My parents are both dead now, and the only information I have, is that my father's dad was a man called ? Dodds, and his mother was Charlotte (lotty) Berry. Both were in the Salvation Army around 1920/1922. Lotty moved to Ryhope after having my father and married James Garroway. Thankyou in anticipation.
maureen guy
sunderland, - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:07:32 (PST)

That would be the Northumberland Arms Anne
Lucy Taylor
Seaham, - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:06:07 (PST)

Message for Bobby Smith - hi Bobby, no I'm not the Dorothy Reay from The Avenue at Deneside, the age you gave too is nearer to my Mum's age group, have asked her if she knew of another Dorothy Reay in Deneside, she remembers everything from the past usually, and she could'nt remember another Dorothy with the surname of Reay in the family. Sorry couldn't be of more help. Dorothy
Dorothy Hawkins
Harrogate, - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:05:23 (PST)

I am trying to trace my grandparents on my fathers side. The only information I have from my now deceased parents, is that my dads dad was ? Dodds he was in the Salvation Army in Seaham or Ryhope in about 1920/1922. He sired my dad to a lady called Charlotte Berry,of Seaham, later Garroway of Ryhope, who was also in the Salvation Army in 1920/22. Can anyone help with any information to get me started on my tree?
mosh berry
Sunderland, - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:04:13 (PST)

Lucy Taylor, we are on the right track.Your Joe is the one I knew in the fifties. The trouble is,in trying to enquire about 'old friends' it's been just my luck to be told the old mate or mates are no longer with us. I had this with Alan and Matty Cogden who I went to school with. Anyway Lucy, what is Joe doing now?
brian Greenfingers
- Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:02:30 (PST)

My grandfather, Bob Greener, had a sweet shop and snooker hall in Church Street and as a child I remember everyone calling in for their ket before going to the cinema round the corner (The Gaff!) My mum Olive,who was a good player, once played the great Joe Davis in the snooker hall. If anyone remembers the group "The Cossacks" from the 60s which included myself, Brian Watts, Geoff Hudson and Jimmy Dixon Dawson please let me know. And if any of the band read this I'd love to hear from you.
John Warburton
Leyburn, North Yorks - Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at 14:01:31 (PST)

- Hello Dorothy Hawkins! Wendy Fitzgerald here, and I have just returned (today) from my very emotional trip to Seaham and by chance I met Tom Gilmore after visiting my mothers old house in Dukes Street where a very friendly and welcoming couple invited us in. It was by chance that Rob had previously worked with Tom and knew him very well, which lead to taking us to his house and introducing us to him! I asked Tom about Doris and Jim Chapman but he didn't know them, I also asked about an 'Olive'. Tom only knew of an Olive Tarrant, is this your mother? I remember my mum enjoying spending time with an Olive over numerous cups of tea & cigarettes and if you could find out any other details I would be so grateful! If Ed could kindly forward each of us the other's email address, I would be so happy to have contact with you because I know so little about my mum's past and there is so much I'd like to know, it would mean so much! I look forward to hearing from you. Wendy. NOTE:Dorothy, Please send me your email address and I will pass it on (if you wish). Ed Mason
Wendy Fitz-Gerald
Redhill, Surrey UK - Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 15:07:24 (PST)

Can anyone remember the name of the pub that stood just along from the Post office, The street could have been called Adelaide Row.A friend of mine from years ago lived in the pub with his parents and family. I think they went from there to the Castlereagh Hotel and their name was Huitson and my friends name was Cedric. I would also like to know where another old friend is, he is called David Stephenson and he used to live on The Avenue in the 1950s. We were all met at a Sunday School camp in Marske Yorkshire.Regards to all from Ann in Australia
Ann Hansen nee Pike
- Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:53:31 (PST)

Hello Dorothy Hawkins. There was another Dorothy Reay in Seaham, wayback. Lived in The Avenue, Deneside. Number 25, I think. She will be about 74 now. Any relation? Hello Dorothy Hawkins. There was another Dorothy Reay in Seaham, wayback. Lived in The Avenue, Deneside. Number 25, I think. She will be about 74 now. Any relation?
Bobby Smith
Biggin Hill, - Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:52:14 (PST)

Hello Elizabeth Jallow. I asked Ed if he would ask you for your email address but I see by the guestbook that he has addressed my message to Elizabeth crawley from crawley.A simple mistake we could all make, never mind, hope you and your family are well. how is your mam by the way.please pass on your email address to Ed. best wishes Jim Duggan
Jim Duggan
Seaham, - Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:49:38 (PST)

what is happening to north east football these days, sunderland middlesboro newcastle and hartlepool all being stuffed as usual. why not merge all this rubbish together and have one big useless club instead of four ...did seaham red star manage a win.sack em all.
mick
sussex - Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:48:38 (PST)

There was a time in the North-East when death was of old age or cancer. There certainley is a cancer going through some places where a young Dad K. Johnson can get killed on his own doorstep. Earlier two wearside wonders were jailed for a long time for drug trafficing.Still, there is good and bad everywhere I suppose. In America one bloke shot another bloke for stealing his parking space. But, as the leaves of red and gold shwish by my window, I shall pay no heed and carry on, hoping for better times.
Brian Greenfingers
- Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:47:49 (PST)

Message for Lucy. Sorry for the delay in replying but Ive just had to have my computer fixed. Thank you so much for passing the message on to Joan and Billy Blacks daughter.I havnt heard from Joan yet but I hope I do. I worked with Joan at Cosmos in Sunderland in 1958 and My friend Laura and I were at Joan and Billy,s wedding.We are back in the North East every couple of years and always visit Seaham.Regards to you and yours. Have a Merry Xmas and a very Healthy and Happy New year.Regards from Ann
Ann Hanson nee Pike
Banora Point, NSW - Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:46:34 (PST)

hi liz hows you i hope all is well yes it is me who lived on the parkside cres been back in seaham 4years now
annmarie
seaham, - Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:44:52 (PST)

I have been following your very good website with interest and was wondering if anyone used to go to Northlea Comprehensive in the late 70s. My memory is not what it used to be, but I seem to remember Sandra Jeffries, Laura Stevens, George Hope, Anne-Marie Zawicki (sorry probably spelt that wrong). We were in Steven Lamb's class from 1974 to 1979. Does anyone know or remember anybody from this class?
Janet
St Sampsons, Guernsey - Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:44:02 (PST)

Brian Greenfingers:- My Brother Joe would of been 69/70 this year he was born and lived in Ryton Crescent then moved to the Avenue Deneside until he was about 15 he then lived in Maglona Street Dawdon with my Aunt and Uncle Ted and Jenny Cummings before moving to Hawthorn Square with my mother, myself and two sisters Jean and Eileen Lucy
Lucy Taylor
Seaham, - Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 14:42:43 (PST)

Elizabeth Crawley from Crawley: Jim Duggan wants your email address. If you send it to me I will pass it on. Just use the Guestbook form if you want to.
Ed Mason - Seaham Harbour Online
Seaham, Co. Durham UK - Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 14:48:45 (PST)

I've just signed up with Post Office home-phone and broad-band, it's a good deal. I am paying less than when I was on BT. This up-date Vista makes Seaham and the Guest-Book much sharper. Seahamlad! are you still in the land of the living? If so, speak a few words of wisdom bonny lad. I noticed Jacquline mentioned that she would like to come back to Seaham to retire. Funny how folk will hanker after their roots when they have slid down the razorblade of life for what seems like an eternity.
Brian Greenfingers
- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 14:45:13 (PST)

Lucy Taylor, I think I forgot to add the jupiter code when I replyed to your enquiry about Joe Marley and me. I'm 68 so the Joe I knew would be knocking 70. We worked collecting pig-swill on Sundays by horse and cart.
Brian Greenfingers
- Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 14:44:13 (PST)

Hi Wendy Fitzgerald - we share very close relatives, your mother was my mother, Olive Reay's cousin. My mother's mum was Julia Gilmore who married Harry Reay. It was my Mother's sister Moira who was good friends with your Mother, she moved to Hertfordshire and they retained their friendship, I remember visiting your Mum once when we stayed with them, but the last time I recall seeing your Mum was at my Uncles wedding in Bognor Regis and that has to be about 50 years ago - I do have a photograph of us all at the reception. There is only one Gilmore left now in Seaham and that is Tom Gilmore, also a cousin of your Mothers, he was the youngest son of her brother 'Clary'. It seems so strange that, there were so many Gilmores when I was growing up there, it would seem my generation all moved away. My mother Oliver is 82 now and lives in Grangetown and has a wonderful memory for family names having done our geneology from way back -if you would like me to find out any more details I am sure Ed can pass on our email addresses for us to correspond privately. Also Jim and Doris Chapman are also cousins, Doris being the niece of Harry and Julia Reay (mentioned above) and as far as I know they still live in Seaham and one of their daughters shares my name too. I look forward to hearing from you Wendy Good wishes Dorothy Hawkins (nee Reay)
Dorothy Hawkins
Harrogate, N. Yorks - Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 14:43:11 (PST)

To Brian Rowell, are you my great uncle Bert and aunt Hildas' son
Richard Witton
Falkirk, Stirlingshire - Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 14:40:40 (PST)

To Jacqueline:-- If you describe someone as dyed-in-the-wool, you mean they have very strong opinions and will not change.
Lucy Taylor
Seaham, - Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 14:39:37 (PST)

Hello Elizabeth Jallow,I lived next door to you on the crescent-Ian.
I C
Seaham, - Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 14:38:55 (PST)

For Anne Pike. Tonight, being Thursday 15th I talked to a girl whose mother was a Joan Watson who married Billy Black, they used to be steward and stewardess at the Royal Naval Club North Terrace Seaham.I told her of your posting in the guest book asking about Joan and gave her the net addy.Lucy
Lucy Taylor
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:14:18 (PST)

To Brian Greenfingers:-On looking through old postings I see that you had a posting on(- Monday, February 19, 2007 at 15:05:29 (PST) where you are wondering what had happened to quite a few people from Seaham,one you name is Joe Marley and as I have only known one Joe Marley ( my brother) in Seaham I am wondering if it is him that you refer to.
Lucy Taylor
Seaham, - Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:13:24 (PST)

I don't know what everyone else thinks but I'm very impressed by our new shopping arcade. It's a lovely addition. I hope it stays that way.
Helen
Seaham, - Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:12:18 (PST)

Hello.I am trying to trace my roots as far as I can. If anyone has any information I would be very grateful. My grandmother was Alice Lawrence and she married William Rhodes who, I believe, was a miner at Easington Colliery. They lived in Horden. My great grandmother, ? Lawrence, died on the day of my birth - 10/3/53. I know my great grandmother had two daughter s - Alice and Annie and a number of sons who apparently all died. Some of these during WW1. I am keen to find any information about my family
Steve McCafferty
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:11:35 (PST)

Aud Seaham- POT PIE JACK, Recipe for pot pie's, line a big basin with suet pastry and fill with cut pie meat, kidney and onion, don't forget the salt. Put more pastry on the top and cover with grease proof paper. Wrap a cloth around the top and put it in the pan of boiling water; simmer for 2 hours. Mrs Batey says " Pot Pie Jack (Wilson) was her grandfather and he was called this because he was always eating pot pies. He lived in California Street and was a coal hewer at Seaham Colliery. He lived until he was 91 years old, had 13 children, 3 of whom became professional footballer's - Tom, Bill and George. Tom Wilson played centre half for Huddersfield Town which he eventually captained; he was later elected Mayor of Huddersfield. Could this recipe also be called clouty pudding ? E Leighton
Eric Leightoner
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:10:31 (PST)

Hi, my name is Wendy & I'm trying to find anyone who knew my Mother or her family. Her name was Elsie Gilmore. Her father was Frederick Gilmore - a butcher in Seaham and her Mother was Margaret Gilmore. The only address I have to go by is Dukes Street. I am also looking for either of two daughters (Margaret & Dorothy) of Jim & Doris Chapman, last know to be living in Dawdon in 1972. If anyone reading this knows of any family history, please contact me
Wendy Fitz Gerald
Redhill, Surrey - Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:08:46 (PST)

My last contribution to Seaham OnLine must 3/4years ago now. But the historical comments from Eric Leighton early in October has galvanised me into action again. Though I didn't meet him professionally (perhaps just as well considering the pain he caused), Dentist Hart of Sebastopol Terrace practised across the road from Bath Terrace where my mother's family (Nicholson) lived. Hart's daughter was my sister's friend and they went to the same school, the Secondary School on Princess Road backing on to Camden Square. Davy Maitland was a household name and the bottom of Church Street was indeed his oratory box. Good wishes to all.
Brian Rowell
Brisbane, - Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:07:23 (PST)

I have just found out that my grandfather helped to build The Ebenezer Hall, Londonderry Road, Easington. I wondered if anyone had any memories of this because he later married there. Pat
Pat
Eastbourne, - Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:05:06 (PST)

I do not want to sound ignorant, but, Can anyone tell me, what is a "Dyed in the wool Mackem?" Is that a football team? (Euopean football - not American football) Thanks. Jacqueline.
Jacqueline
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:04:23 (PST)

Hello out here, does anyone remember the name Stoker who used to live on Parkside Crescent ? would love to hear from you.
elizabeth jallow
crawley, - Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:03:47 (PST)

did everybody know that seaham council are banning seaham residents from walking there dogs on seaham beach but are directing you towards ryhope beach to walk your dogs how come they have the power to do that
dogwalker
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:02:53 (PST)

"Julie C" I think the American spelling really set in while I attended college over here. My English Professor "over-looked" some of my "British" spelling, but also stated that as I was taking quote, "American English" I ought to try to spell "American." Now it just comes naturally. Anyway... yes, you are right.. When in Rome, do as the Roman do. "When back in my own, native country, I shall indeed, spell the British way!" I tell you, I am just so impressed by all the beautiful improvements of Seaham - I think it is just wonderful that the town is now really trying to take pride. There was no reason why Seaham always had to have the impression it was a "run-down" town.
Jacqueline
- Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:02:08 (PST)

Sorry for the hold up folks, it was unavoidable. We are back up and running so here we go.
Sadie M
Seaham, - Friday, November 16, 2007 at 16:00:40 (PST)

Anyway, on a lighter note, I see Led Zeppelin are going to play th O2 in London and 25 million people applied for tickets, I wonder if Harry Cattermole got one, I think he is the biggest Led Zeppelin fan there is. Speaking of him, I wonder if anyone ever sees Steve Taylor or Keith Banks, Andrew White, or anyone from that distant pas! t eons ago at Camden Square School. I could tell you some tales about that lot, however I don't need a restraining order at the moment so I'll leave it there. Bye!
Seaham ex pay
- Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 14:48:41 (PDT)

Jaqueline If you decide to relocate to Seaham after you retire I am sorry but you will have to learn to spell English style all over again e.g. Seaham Harbour not Seaham Harbor
Julie C
Alliston, - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 14:47:25 (PDT)

Hi ED, thanks for your reply hope i have helped the seaham wed website. you have my surname as barker on the guest book it is Barkess. regards
bill barkess
coates nr peterborough, - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 14:45:17 (PDT)

My ancestors, John Short and his wife Jane were the first people to live in Francis Street (according to the 1841 census, they lived in the ONLY house there). Their daughter, Jane, had an illigitimate son to (as the story has been handed down) a sailor who went back to sea) called John Short. Some eighteen months later she married a Thomas Hewitson and her illigitimate son took his name and became John James Hewitson Short. The ONLY bit of Frances Street still standing is the pub! It is also handed down that Jane, the daughter, actually worked there.
Frederick Short
Hartlepool, - Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 14:43:52 (PDT)

Bill Barker: Were you our 'keeper? If you send me the info I will add it to the site.
Ed Mason
Seaham, Co. Durham UK - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 15:57:37 (PDT)

to Ed Mason. Could you please give me the email address for Seaham Wednesday , as an ex player I can give the site a lot more news on past players. Bill Barker.
Bill Barker
Coates, Cambridgeshire UK - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 15:55:40 (PDT)

Tony from Spain. A welcome to you after Hospital. May you have many sons and may your cammels have many humps. I gave my e-mail address on the GB once and since then I have won a billion dollars, about fifty million pounds and millions of uroes. Well, this is according to all the junk-mailers who have contacted me. Funny though, I do'nt seem to have received a penny yet!
Brian Greenfingers
- Monday, October 22, 2007 at 15:50:24 (PDT)

Hi this is a message for Mick Smith in France. Hi there, i can remember a Gerry(not sure of surname now) used to go to the knack club, grey hair i think he used to wear a flower in his lapel. My husband is from Seaham.but left in the 60's. Would this be the same gerry do you think. Seaham is looking great at the moment, was up in July for a birthday. I love it up there, did u live in Seaham Mick. My husband still has family up there so we like to go up at least once a year. This g.b is great dont you think. Regards Maureen
Maureen
Farnborough, - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 15:49:01 (PDT)

Eric Ta very much for the maps. they're excellent. Nice to be able to pinpoint Australia Street where my great great grandmother Isabella Mcloughlin lived. found her in the 1891 census but couldn't pinpoint the address, thought it might be a tenement block down the harbour but it turns out to be nearly opposite Peter Brannigans shop at the top of the Mill Inn bank. Not far from you and not far from where I lived in from 62 to 76. Had trouble finding old Bella. I knew she was a McLoughlin whose husband had died in the Low colliery disaster and's buried under the monument at christchurch. Couldn't find her at first but then she turned up as McLofflin! There's pitmatic spelling for you. Looking at the Harbour map, I remember the old 'bomb buildings' as we used to call them. Would they have been Hunters Buildings? Opposite the Golden Lion. I was born in Tyne street and we used to play down there. That'll be Barclays Bank and the car park now. cheers again I owe you one.
Mick Smith
- Monday, October 22, 2007 at 15:47:26 (PDT)

If the new "hollywood" style complex takes off.. I may just retire back in Seaham Harbor. (A little over 20 years or so, until I retire.) The cost of living will increase, but I can imagine it will not be as it is here in the states. Jacqueline.
Jacqueline
USA - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 15:45:51 (PDT)

In reply to pauline Peel's query concerning her father.... My older brother Joe (then aged 14-15) was at that store at the same time. I have just spoken to him in Frankston, Victoria a few moments ago. He too sometimes delivered groceries. This is what he had to say.. I remember a man called Jones, he had blond hair. He had a couple of rooms in the house next to SPENCERS sweet shop. The shop was opposite the bank. We lived in the Battery on the cliffs just past there. I occasionally would see him walking along the prom on North Rd. He was called up early in the war and went to France with the Expeditionary Force. I had understood he was killed out there. My brother is 84 and in good health. He left Seaham in 1940 and went to live in Kettering. He was in the Royal Marines during the war and had lived in Australia since 1956.
Stan Cooper
Sale, Cheshire - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 15:44:36 (PDT)

To Tony from Spain, Nice to see you back on the guest book. Hope you are well.
Sal
Seaham, - Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 15:22:30 (PDT)

My son has a 8 month old whippet dog, He is new to the sport, and really keen, I hoped you would be able to give him and myself, some idea about training and joining a whippet club? After finding the Web site, Dawdon whippet club is the nearest to Murton,the village we live in, so any information regarding the above, would be really helpful. Waiting in anticipation, Yours fraternally. J.Kitson.
J.Kitson
- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 15:21:19 (PDT)

Nice to be back reading the comments again after a rather long spell in the old hospital,unfortunately I see she's back dominating the G.B. with her political and religous clap trap - will you never get the message Jacquline.....
Phil
- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 15:20:40 (PDT)

What a let down to me, the new Asda store in Seaham is.I was really looking forward to not having to travel to Peterlee. I went to the Seaham branch armed with my list only to find they don't stock quite a lot of the things on it. When at the checkout I asked the girl about the items I couldn't find and was told that they wouldnt be stocking them as they are what is known as a convenience store. So its back to Peterlee for me.
Lucy Taylor
- Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 15:20:06 (PDT)

message for tracey murray, it doesn't look as though we are related none of your howe names ring a bell. if you have any further info please place on the noticeboard, as i mentioned before my ancestors came from seaham, hetton le hole and chester le street area's and were mostly coal miners. regards john howe
john howe
- Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 15:05:58 (PDT)

Eric Leighton, if you could send your email address to Ed Mason he can pass it on to me? Ref the Vane Arms do you remember Gerry Smith who had the place in the fifties or his father Jocker who had pubs in Seaham?
mick smith
france - Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 15:05:08 (PDT)

Does anyone remember my father Ernie Jones, used to work at Thompson Red Stamp Stores from 1936 until 1940. He used to deliver the groceries on his bike all over Seaham in those days. He lived in 1 Sebastopol Terrace and Mrs Simmons had the shop downstairs. He is 91 years old now and is still fit enough to ride his bike around Seaham. Would love to know if anyone can remember him. Pauline Peel
Pauline Peel
- Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 15:04:02 (PDT)

Tales from old Seaham. The Black Dentist.- He worked from a cart that stood at the bottom of Church St where the Salvation band gathered on a Saturday night. He pulled teeth out without using any anaesthetic. Many foreign seaman came up to the Vane Arms (maybe for a bit Dutch courage ) and had their teeth pulled out by the Black Dentist. It was cheaper than going to the Dentist who charged 2/6d to take a tooth out, this was considered a high fee in those days. Mrs Islip remembers another Dentist "We also had a Dentist called Hart who lived in Sebastopol Terrace. I went there when I was 9 years old, he had nothing to numb the pain and he only got half of it out. I would' t go to the Dentist until I was 20 years old and that was to get the other half out. Another person remembered who used to stand at the bottom of Church St on Saturday night was Davy Maitland, a reformed drunkard who had 'got religion'. Davy Maitland was a " Hot Gospeler" who often preached at the bottom of Church St. He was a skilled and eloquent orator "Bringing the Word" to all who passed his way. Eric Leighton
Eric Leighton
Seaham, - Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 02:43:31 (PDT)

Hi Sadie, it is a small world. I live in Seaham now as I married again 3 years ago for the second time. Hope you and your husband are well. Pauline Jones
Pauline Jones
Seaham, - Sunday, October 07, 2007 at 02:38:52 (PDT)

FAO- Mike Smith, let me know your e=mail if pos. or the name and address in Northlea.
E.Leighton
Seaham, - Tuesday, October 02, 2007 at 15:46:34 (PDT)

thanks bandit,i am beginning to get info on my mothers side of the family. WHY do we leave these things so late..?? looking at the last dozen entries in the G/book shows what a great service it provides RM
r masters
stevenage, - Tuesday, October 02, 2007 at 15:45:27 (PDT)

My mother (Joyce Watson) lived in Longnewton Street, Seaham and was tought to play the organ by a Mr Routledge who was stand-in organist for Durham Cathedral. Does anyone know anything about him?
Pat
Eastbourne, - Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 15:33:10 (PDT)

Hello E Leighton. Sorry, missed your reply and I'm now back home in France. Can we do this by post, or, if you're nearby you could drop them off in Northlea..... Let me know what you want for them? Thanks in advance. mick
mick smith
France - Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 15:32:22 (PDT)

FAO john rochester,thanks for trying, but i am getting info, this g/book is great,, r,masters
r.masters
stevenage, - Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 15:31:20 (PDT)

fao carol weaver,a correction & addition after info from my bro,,for jennifer read allison,also one more sister,margaret,second eldest had alec,betty,sadie& steve. these senior moments are coming more often.r masters
r. masters
stevenage, - Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 15:30:35 (PDT)

Thank you Lucy !!!!!! I went to Enterprise site and have been able to reserve a car at the best rates I have ever seen..Thanks again
Judy C
Alliston, - Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 15:29:33 (PDT)

Hi Philip Richardson. My Grandmother, Ellen was you grandfather's older sister and of course Charles would be our Great Uncle. I have lived in stevenage for 34 years but do make occasional trips to Seaham Regards John Cookland
John Cookland
stevenage, - Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 15:28:41 (PDT)

what jackie is saying is that if everybody in the world was like god, we would all be living in heaven.
mick
sussex, - Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 15:27:17 (PDT)

to R Masters one of the rochesters that lived in Dawdon crescent was Tony he lived with his gran who ran the betting shop in the alley there was also bill rochester who lived in one othe streets across from the crescent fox street or one of them infact i think he still lives there.There were others alex that lives in grants houses or did and another one that lives in scotland.Tony worked at Dawdon coll and lives in grangetown.There was another big family of rochesters that lived in Ryton cres thier father was called jimmy and ran the jazz band up there.I dont know if any of this would help you.
Bandit
Sunderlsnd, - Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 15:26:33 (PDT)

Hello, does any one remember any Routledge's? My Grandfather came from Seaham and was born in 1915 his name was Edward and he had a brother called Charles, plus several other brothers and sisters (i have the names written down). He left in the early 30's to join the army, the Royal Horse Artillery and was posted to India, then the Desert War with Monty and co.
Philip Richardson
Hemel Hempstead, - Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 15:02:41 (PDT)

hello carol weaver.nice to have the g/book used as intended,my mothers name was florrie.youngest of the rochesters the others were bob,pheobe harriet ,sally.& grace. i was told as a child that another sister had died but no further info. my gran...bobs mother, died in a fire at the lawns about 1946---47 she had remarried a man named lincoln,no info about him. i visited jack.in 1947 with my father,he then lived in willoughby lane tottenham but cant remember any chidren, or much about him or his wife i wasin jnr school when hayley died.& was in nat,service when grace died,in an accident at peterlee. pheobe had no children, harriet a boy,william, grace 2 girls,june & jennifer &aunt sally as far as i know never married,florie my mother had 2 sons,myself & bill.i was told uncle bob served ww1 as an artillery driver but that is the extent of my family knowledge, as a boy i worked for princess dairy & vaguely remember a pheobe rochester living at parkside who ! said she was related but i really am short of info on my mothers side & am grateful for your info r,masters
r. masters
stevenage, - Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 15:01:26 (PDT)

To R.Masters,sorry but I don't recognise any of the names you have mentioned, I know there was two Rochester families in Dawdon Crescent but we were not related, best wishes with your search. John Rochester
John Rochester
Selby, North Yorks - Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 15:00:09 (PDT)

:Have just been listening to an interview with Tommy Steele on the radio .He is shortly to appear on stage as Dr.Doolittle . They played some of his old numbers including "Rock with a Caveman|" one of his big hits. This then reminded me of his appearance at Sunderland Empire, which , I believe , was his first live stage performance and what followed is , as they say , History. Thinking of this I remembered , as a pupil at Seaham Girls Grammer School , a girl called Carol who could do a mean impression of Tommy which we clapped along to while she gyrated and sang his hits and I seem to remember this was in the school hall. Can't think of Carol's surname now ...does anyone else remember her "tribute to Tommy" M.C. Moulton.Lincs.
Muriel Cox
Moulton, Spalding - Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 14:58:49 (PDT)

my grandad worked at dawdon pit. Jack/John Fraser. Norrie Fraser is my nana, she worked at Dawdon junior school as a dinner nanny. my mam Noreen and Aunty Jackie also went to Camdon school. They used to live in Malcolm st. and then to Longnewton St 7a I think. I used to spend many a holiday in Seaham and loved it. Watching the jazz bands and going to the Pit Pond. It would be great to hear from anyone who new nana and i can pass any message on. tracey
Tracy Murray
Newbury, Berks - Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 14:56:37 (PDT)

for Jacqueline.like j,williams i look forward to reading comments about people of seaham area,looking for friends& memories of in most cases our youth.like j williams your inane ramblings make me seethe,,,. first.iran does not have a nuke capability. niether had iraq. but they do have something dear to america,s heart.. OIL..as for jews & christians being persecuted,the jews have for years & are still persecuting & stealing land from palistinians.. isreal is also one of the few nations with the nuclear bomb [ supplied by who ].the other nation killing islamics on a scale almost equaling what happened to christians in WW2 is america [how many civillian men,women & children??? ]America, Led by a clown who is also a religious zealot, with his finger on the nuke button & is at present trying to revive the cold war with russia,your parents,like me,lived during WW2.where the bad guys were on the OTHER side.so yes its more dangerous now only because we have ! blinkered idiots like bush & you as well as an ex prime minister of england who stetched the truth to contend with. your christianity is at best skin deep.& i regard you as dangerous as the many radical islamists you claim to know we have in england. a famous man said jaw ,jaw is better than war,war.for all our sakes,go out in your adopted country & talk peace ,or better still keep your rantings to yourself,dont hijack our G/book
R Masters
- Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 14:55:24 (PDT)

Although I rarely agree with Jacqueline's views, I know her and went to school with her and can honestly say she is a really nice person and I don't think she means to upset people.
Helen
Seaham, - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 15:04:58 (PDT)

I asked if you can pass my e-mail address to John Rochester who was trying to get in touch with me. We have not met in over thirty years and would be nice to find out what has been happening over the years . I was hoping to find out what happened to another friend i have not seen Ian Deighton who lived in Dawdon in the Sixtys if any body knows can they get in touch. this web site has is great i find out more here than when i visit Seaham .I also missed the friends i had when i worked at Dawdon colliery as a fitter back in the late sixtys early seventys any body rember me get in touch.
Dougy
St Austell, Cornwall - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 15:04:14 (PDT)

For Judy C of Alliston Ontario there is a Hire car company in Sunderland called Enterprise Car Hire , they also have an internet site (http://www.enterprise.com) I am told that they have reasonbale prices' Lucy
Lucy Taylor
Seasham, - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 15:02:52 (PDT)

Hello, R Masters, I think that I can provide some more info on Bob Rochester (son of John Thomas and Sarah Jones, I believe) whose second wife was Lilian Plant. His first wife, Elizabeth Ann Wilkinson, was the sister of my Grandma, Alice Ethel Wilkinson (both the daughters of Hailes Harrison Wilkinson and Ada Watson). Robert was living at 60 Swinebank Cottages when he and Elizabeth Ann were married. I am in touch with Elizabeth and Robert's grandson, my 2nd cousin Bob Rochester, living in Kent. He has provided quite a bit of info about that side of the family, and I have photos of Robert and Elizabeth with their son Robert, Bob's dad, when he was an infant, about 1917. Robert is in army uniform, and I think that he was a driver. My grandma and Elizabeth both called two of their children Hales and Ada, after their parents, but I think that Elizabeth's Hales got called Hayley. Alice's Hales was my dad, Hales Alfred Richardson, but he was always calle! d Alf, never Hales or Hayley. Bob has sent photos of Hales (Hayley) and Ada with Elizabeth, and of Grace and his dad's other step-siblings, Billy and Norah Rochester, when they were kids. When I first got in touch with him a couple of years ago, he said that Billy and Norah were still alive. What was your mother's name? Elizabeth Ann died at 8 months pregnant of aplastic anaemia. I think he said 1926, but I am not sure as I think that Robert married Lillian in 1926, and it seems a bit too soon. Robert and Elizabeth also had a son John Thomas, who was known as Jack, and I can remember him coming to visit my dad (who would be his and Bob Jnr's 1st cousin) at New Ollerton, Notts, when I was a kid in the late 1950s I think. He had a big grey Humber, as far as I can recall, and it was very impressive at that time, as very few people could afford cars. I have photos of him, one of them in naval uniform. Bob hasn't been in touch for a while, but he wasn't very well. Let me know if you would like me to mail anything to you. I will contact Bob as well when I have heard from you. Kind regards, Carol.
Carole Weaver
Carlisle, - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 15:02:07 (PDT)

fao. judy c you are welcome to call in judy away nov. 10th/ 24th, go to murton, the dene its halfed with a foot bridge over the road !!!! and a designer outlet on the pit heap, and brassies hossers i don,t know if they are still there as its 1991 since i last paid a visit, wait until you see seaham harbour , the investment that has gone on is just great, now i am getting homesick for my homeland, you think of it how it was , you know my email , when are you coming home?
lorna stokes
scarborough, north yorks - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 14:59:24 (PDT)

jacqeline this site is for people looking for friends and family not for religious views , we know about wars and history AND THE USA , i am proud where i came from ,and keep your religious rantings to yourself thank you
lorna stokes
Scarborough, N.Yorks UK - Sunday, September 23, 2007 at 14:51:26 (PDT)

Hi all I have just booked my flight to come home to Seaham in November.I guess that I will see some changes it has been 19 years since I was home Can anyone tell me the best place to rent a car in Seaham or area for the month.Lorna I may even surprise you and stop in Scarborough on my way up country!!!
Judy C
Alliston, Ontario - Friday, September 21, 2007 at 16:07:47 (PDT)

Hi Lucy, Lovely to get your reply. Ian is on the internet and I will tell him you have a letter in the Seaham Guest book.He does remember you very well . Love from Ann
Ann Hanson
Banora Point, NSW - Friday, September 21, 2007 at 16:06:40 (PDT)

hi terry mckenna i do remember your mams family my mam dolly is fine she is living in london now near my sister margaret i do rmember your husband i hope you are all well it is lovely reading the comments from everyone about seaham it brings back some lovely memories.regards to you all
dorothy mckay
boston, lincolshire - Friday, September 21, 2007 at 16:05:52 (PDT)

there will never be a nuclear war, the rich have too much to lose.
mick
sussex - Friday, September 21, 2007 at 16:04:37 (PDT)

Jacqueline, I have only in the last year started to read the comments posted to this site and most of the time it is great to see old friends getting in contact with each other and passing info regarding the past and future, however when i see your name I cringe as I know you are going to say something derogatory about either seaham or it people and I don't care if you used to live here or not. I get the feeling you take great pride in winding people up by forcing your views on them to get some sort of reaction as you have done with me, so here we go! Please post your religious views and dreads of the worlds end somewhere else because i frankly think you are full of s**t
john williams
- Friday, September 21, 2007 at 16:03:49 (PDT)

My Grandfather Aaron McGlen came to America in 1899 and left his family behind in Seaham. His father was named John Mcglen he married Sarah Lawson and had 8 children I believe Sarah was buried around Easington,Durham,England.in 1902 and John about 1914 or so His father Patrick My 2XGrandfather had 9 children also. some lived around the Chester-le-street Durham England. The last known adress was 6 Seaham Street. New Seaham. Any information email me at marymcglen@hotmail.com I know there is still some liveing in the area and all over England I have quit a book already and I am wait to add any more living or stories to Our book. Please someone find anyone with the last name Mcglen they have to be related but we are trying to put it all toghter Thanks for all your help........Please Help.
Mary Mcglen
Stevens Point , Wisconsin USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 15:16:20 (PDT)

France warning Europe and USA to prepare for War with Iran, if Iran continues with it's Nuclear weapons... What did I tell you people a few years ago? Also, John Armes said the same thing - the country we need to be concerned about it Iran. Oh people.... If we go to War with Iran within the next year or so, as predicted... Lives are changed forever. I have no idea what to expect, but what comes to mind, are Christians and Jews being persecuted - worse than the Jews experienced during WW2. London is filled with radicals - we had all pray for God's grace. You know, it is really interesting for us 30 somethings, (and younger) to be thinking "We have life so good!" So much more than our parents, grandparents, in terms of luxuries, and other materialism - but really, underneath, all the luxuries that we have and all the convenience, we have less - less, because we have become so consumed with wanting more and bigger, that we have forgotten we need God back int! o our countries, lives and families. I think we are just a big mess! Hey, even I admit, I enjoy the luxuries of life and the convenience of things. Wow! what a world we now live in. When I was a kid, I would never have thought I would be an adult living with the reality of a Nuclear War - far dangerous than my parents experienced in WW2.
Jacqueline
USA - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 15:14:13 (PDT)

FAO-Mike - France. I have the maps you want, if your still coming to Seaham. We will have to make some arrangments to hand over the maps. please let me know the dates. E LEIGHTON
E. Leighton
Seaham, - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 15:12:33 (PDT)

marc witten, why were you told off for going into the marattys..
popeye
yorks - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 15:11:49 (PDT)

Yes Ann I am that person (Lucy Chambers) now Taylor I remember Ian well, I used to be at Camden Square school with Joan McCombie(another who went to Australia) and got to know Ian through visits to Joans. I am still in Seaham It is nice to see old names etc. in this guest book.I hope that you are all in good health.Give Ian my regards. Lucy
Lucy
Seaham, Co. Durham - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 15:10:55 (PDT)

fao mark witton do you know my brother in calne, he married one of the brittains , clive brittains sister , why i ask is he said he had been talking to a neighbour about valentes ice cream parlour, that caterina valente the singer was there daughter ? i looked at her life and she was born in paris,is it true or what, do you know ?
lorna stokes
scarborough, N.Yorks - Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 15:09:58 (PDT)

Hi Pauline, Great to hear from you. Sadie Beer here, Sadie Mason. I run this guestbook with my husband. Small world is'nt it. You brought back great memories. How come you are living in Seaham.
Sadie M
- Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:13:30 (PDT)

Hi i have fond memories of seaham as a kid,playing on the beach,featherbed rocks,going to Valentee(ice cream place),high street,getting told off for going into Maratty;s,Both my parents and grand parents came from seaham,gran first lived at bath terrace,last house by the cliff edge,then later moved to dene house road,2nd bungalow on left.i would long for summer holidays and half term,it meant staying at grans.have only been back once and that was in 84-85 time day visit when i was station at RAF Linton on Ouse.happy times all the best from Marc Witten
Marc Witten
calne, wiltshire - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:11:02 (PDT)

I think the idea of creating Seaham docks into a Marina - is such a wonderful idea - and hope that it will be accomplished. Who knows.. Perhaps I may want to invest my earnings from the states back into my home town - Now wouldn't that be ironic! The ideas of a "new and improved" Seaham are just flouishing! Now all y'all need to do is get the kids of Seaham to take ride in their town and to stop with the vandalization and hooligan behavior. However, that is the responsibility of the parents.
Jacqueline
USA - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:09:42 (PDT)

OLD SEAHAM- Abe Smith- The 'dry' toilet of the Colliery houses was situated at the bottom of each long back garden. For obvious reasons when one had the call of nature it was a practice to take a shovel of hot ashes from the coal fire down to the toilet or 'Netty', its local name, especially in the winter. Toilet paper consisted of cut up papers of the local newspaper, so one was indulging in self education as the same time as answering the call of nature. There was a 'LET HOLE' at the back of the netty (or midden) which opened out on to the back street. On a set day Abe Smith and his 'scavenger' cart pulled by a horse would come round and empty the Netties. You avoided the Netty when Abe Smith was about and the young lads who threw cold water thru the emptying hole, it was quite a shook getting cold water on your posterior. The contents of the Scavenger cart went back on the farmland and so the recycling process began again. Thanks to the Newsletter by Seaham Project 1995
E. Leighton
- Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:08:51 (PDT)

hi i am trying to contact any kenworthy,s.my fathers father was charles kenworthy b4/12/1878-d?/10/1946 and would appreciate any help from anyone at all as lost all contacts.
nick kenworthy
lillydale, victoria - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:07:42 (PDT)

In reply to Mrs Stephenson the Sayers family lived in 2nd street i believe. The club you refer to was the officials. It is now called the sportsmans.Just came across the sight by chance. Very good. I recognise one or two names.Terry Mckenna and i went to st bedes with a david groark in the early to mid 70s. Hi to anyone who has a memory that stretches far enough back to remember me. Regards. Brian Connor.
Brian Connor
Easington, - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:06:31 (PDT)

Jacqueline, I thought I'd seen the last of your "Godly" zealot views. The reason there's a huge increase in crime by teenagers is not because they haven't found God you stupid woman, it's because there is no credible punishment for these morons from being out of control. Bleeding heart liberals like you have got both the US and the UK rewarding criminals and punishing the victims. Shut up jacqueline just shut up.
Seaham ex pat
- Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:05:24 (PDT)

This is for Lucy. Hi Lucy, I spoke to my brother Ian and he said you could be the Lucy that he used to deliver newspapers with when he was a lad. Ian is now living in Tasmania. Tara for now from Ann
Ann Hanson
Banora Point, NSW - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:04:34 (PDT)

Yes Lucy, my Parents lived in Corcyra St many years ago. I have a brother called Ian. Regards from Ann
Ann Hanson
Banora Point, new south wales - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:03:34 (PDT)

My name used to be Pauline Jones, I stayed with Aunt Hannah and Uncle Ned in Stanley Street, I was very friendly with a girl called Sadie Beer at the time from Oliver Street, I live in Seaham now. Does Sadie still live here?
Pauline Peel
Seaham, - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:02:30 (PDT)

fao. do ron ron masters . sorry i missed yu , and that yu have been layed up , yu wouldn,t reconize the dene now yu cross a road bridge a19, my last visit was a bit of a shock ,but i did my video of my haunts , take a l@@k at google earth ,ive been to murton, seaham harbour , so if i get homesick i take a l@@k. I was told about northern people that we are stubborn, resilient, steadfast and have integrity , it was how we were brought up , AND i agree, keep fighting do ron ron , i am coming for xmas , had a great time in stevenage nice town, went to watford, hemel, chesham , yu play bones , i on mouth organ, my hubby on trumpet make a good trio , can yu remember tot hedley lived on dene terrace, he did THE ONE ARMED, ONE LEGGED SILENT HARMONICA PLAYER ,not a sound came out, he got a standing ovation in murton vic.my yorkshire hubby said he,d never seen anything like it , bet judy c remembers him, my daughter had a barby and i did that for them!!!!! fao.WALTER RILEY WERE ARE YU? keep well ron.
lorna stokes
scarborough, N.Yorks - Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 13:01:17 (PDT)

Hi folks. Its that time of year again when we will be carrying out site maintainance. Although no new messages will be added to the Guestbook for about two weeks please keep them coming in and your contributions will be added when we get back to normalagain.
Ed Mason <Seaham Harbour Online>
- Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 15:51:14 (PDT)

Hi, this is Jacqueline... and I want to bring to attention, what you probably are already aware of.. and that is what I read in the newspaper this morning, just 20 minutes ago.. The growing violence in Great Britain. I read an 11 year old boy was shot and killed, in the bigger cities, this year alone, 18 kids have been either stabbed or shot. I am not comparing the US to the UK or to other countries around the world - every country is now experiencing a new wave of violence among our youth, more severe than ever. This has everything to do with the "break-down" of families, the lack of God in family homes, the lack of knowing what is "immoral." kids, and families, in their 20's, 30's are so desensitized against immorality. The respect for parents, teachers, and authority is no longer there. The family unit has broken down. Our laws of society should be divine laws, and divinity comes from God - the basic 10 commandments. I would say, we are coming close t! o a "Spiritual Warfare." We have lost all sense of "Godliness" - We are now becoming a "free-for-all" society. Not many people in my age group are in agreement with me, but I can bet my last dollar, people in their 50's, 60's and upwards, are in full agreement. Why? Because those people grew up with "God" in their homes, and morality was instilled in their lives. I know for a fact that Elizabeth Armes agrees with me, as many of you "older" people. My opinions here have nothing to do with pushing "Jesus" on to you, Instead, is has everything to do with try to promote God back into the family unit. We have become a society of I-Pods, cell phones, computer games, etc... long gone are the days where kids went out to play, or had evening meals with their parents. I basically have said all of this a few years ago.. and I was mocked, well, now I am saying it again... and again, each year, society is getting worse.... Now we are again on the brink of War with Iran - Nuclear War... ! I will say it now, as I said it before, Mother Theresa said, "! The fruit of abortion is nuclear war." The fact we have become so far from Godly values, is showing within society.
Jacqueline
USA - Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 15:46:05 (PDT)

FAO Carol. It wouldn't have been me who helped you as I don't work on Tuesdays but I'm pleased you got the information you were after. I hope I do meet you there if you're in again. Best wishes
Helen
Seaham, - Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 15:42:31 (PDT)

FAO.lorna stokes.sorry for the delay.glad you enjoyed your holi.sorry i missed you but was a guest of the local hospital& missed your entry ,seems i wont be able to do that run thru the dene & up the times bank to the nack again.but ive done it before,why bother doing it again,heard about your performance on the spoons.a virtuoso performance,,local places of entertainment contacting me as your manager to book you .im ok on the bones so could accompany. usual fees less a leek pasty ,,my commission,,fixed the guards,sorry could do nothing for the weather, look after yourself & the other half, the kids just tell me,keep going you old fool,& i try.RM
r.masters
stevenage, - Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 15:41:45 (PDT)

Ann Pike of Banora Point did you ever live in Corcyra Street
Lucy
Seaham, Co. Durham UK - Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 13:55:14 (PDT)

Ann Pike of Banora Point did you ever live in Corcyra Street
Lucy
Seaham, Co. Durham UK - Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 13:55:07 (PDT)

Hi, I went on "google earth" this morning, and I was able to zoom in on my parents street and house! I saw the next door neighbors car parked in the front. Oh Gosh! Now you cannot tell me we have still got our freedom - We have not! And this freeked me out! Our Government use the excuse of "terrorists" well that may be so.. but the Patriot Act completely takes away all freedom. I also am aware that Great Britain has little freedom rights also... Big Brother is on every corner. Anyway, this evening CNN are doing another report, this time on Islam, - the Jihad... Islam is the fastest growing Religion in the world and the extremeist do indeed want to convert all of us. This next election here in USA will pave the way! With a Hillary or Obama - My Gosh, we will be in such a mess! And the Republicans are equally as dangerous. Everything I have said, previously, is all coming to a head.... And John Armes was right a few years ago.. he had said "Iran" is the country we need to be concerned about... Well... wouldn't you know, there are "talks" of attacks with Iran. Once that happens... Christians need to be on guard.
Jacqueline
USA - Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 13:54:17 (PDT)

Evening all. I`m after a map of Seaham (The Godfrey Edition) showing the town around the eighteen nineties (ish.) I`ll be visiting in Sept so could collect. Happy to pay a reasonable price for this out of print map
Mick
France, - Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 13:53:04 (PDT)

I was born in Seahamin 1935, left for Manchester when I was 7 and returned when I was 14 and went to the SIS as my older brothers and sisters had done. I returned to Manchester when I was 16. While I was in Seaham I made some very good friends. I have since seen one occasionally, Bill Whitelock. I'd love to know how the others got on. They were; Harrison Mullen, Margaret Hoy, Evelyn Trewick, Joan Strong, Sylvia Smith. I also spent some time delivering groceries (rationed) for Seaham Co-op. We used a horse and cart. The two guys I worked with were Tony and Joe. I'd love to hear from any of them.
Stan Cooper
Sale, Cheshire UK - Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 13:52:19 (PDT)

Doing Family Tree Oliver,Young,Robinson ( moved to U.S.A? early 1900s),Cattermole,Smith lived in Hetton-Le-Hole and Second St Horden Durham.If anyones has photos etc of Second St 1930/1940s please get in touch.
Clair
Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire - Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 13:51:11 (PDT)

can anybody remember bob philips the barber on the avenue half way through your cut he would go the goerge for a bootle of double maxim if you went at five oclock you got fhe basin on ha ha
coalhewer
- Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 13:49:12 (PDT)

To Ex Pat. I am Eric's son if you wish to get in touch. Eric still lives in Seaham with my Mother Ena.
Ian Watson
Stevenage, Herts - Thursday, August 23, 2007 at 13:48:28 (PDT)

Yes Peter we know yr mum and dad(ha ha) Hope all is well Maureen and Frankie
maureen
farnborough, - Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:42:06 (PDT)

hi jackie. proplems with the church today is that sadly no one believes in god anymore. they have been let down to many times. to much pain so much poverty tro out the world. and the murders and muggers. there punishment or diciplin. i would like to believe in god but i dont know. by the way welcome back.
popeye
yorks, - Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:41:20 (PDT)

Old Seaham-The Humpty Barber. There are many several different recollections of this character, "He was a possible relation of old Tom Stamper and had a barber shop by the Mainline Store next to the chandler's. Many ship's captains came to him and they each had their own individual shaving mugs which were set out in rows in the shop. He was quite a character and either a bit of a hump or a wooden leg" George Willis and Arthur Lane think he had the barber shop in Parkinson's Buildings which stood where the Methodist Church in Enfield Road stands now. Mrs Islip recalls "He was a terrible barber. I once cut my own hair and my mother was so shocked that she sent me to Humpty's to straighten it out. When he had finished my hair, it looked twice as bad" Mr Mussen say's he believes he used to have a shop where the pet shop stands now at the bottom of Church St. Mr Falconer says "His real name was Woodward and he had a barber's shop in North Railway St (near Aldi's). He was a hunchback and was only little so he had to stand on a pop bottle box to see over the counter"
E. Leighton
- Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:40:28 (PDT)

I have read the name Watson in quite a few of the letters.I wonder if anyone knows of a Joan Watson from Parkside who married a lad called Billy Black about 1958/9.I worked with Joan at Cosmos in Sunderland. I live in Australia now and I would love to know how Joan is.Regards to you all from Aussie
Ann Piike
Banora Point, NSW - Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:39:03 (PDT)

F.A.O.john rochester,saw the name in the G/B.been going thru family history,my mother was a Rochester,but i never knew any one other than her sisters.i now find she had a brother BOB,he lived in dawdon, near boozy alley.???his son Hayley,died when i was 4 so didnt know him,his daughter grace was killed in road accident at peterlee some time in 50s ,his second wife was called Lilley and they had children but i have no records of them.is there any connection with yourself and that family.grace & hayley would have been my cousins but i was to young to remember them.any info would be appreciated ,R,M
r.masters
stevenage, - Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:37:50 (PDT)

hi would anyone remember a William henry Wood,he used to live in viceroy st with his gran,worked at dawdon colliery and saved by his pit pony in a blast.
William Wood
Birmingham, - Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:35:45 (PDT)

FAO. Wade Lawson my mother has spoken to Tom Dawson and he was delighted to here that you had made contact. probably made his day. he said he hasn't got an email address but if you'd like his home address i'd pass it on to you if you give your email address to sadie mason who runs this site.
angela
Seaham, - Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:34:23 (PDT)

hi pepper its me again glad to hear your all ok, our karen is not courting now norman is still with debbie.are you still working, the new landlord out of the oddies has done a bunk, and funnily enough young melissa has aswell strange, but funny i might invest in a sat nav and come to see you with the little fella for a few days and we will hit the town will keep in touch ime at work on saturdays phone me with your e mail address love terry
terry Mckenna
Seaham, - Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:33:39 (PDT)

Sorry - yes, the meeting I didn't get to was a one-off, I think, on the Wednesday pm after I had been to Seaham. I don't know whether you are the one who helped me at first, Helen, but the help was first class. Thanks to one and all. I've emailed Cath with some details, but I haven't heard back as yet.
Carol Weaver
Carlisle, - Sunday, August 19, 2007 at 16:31:52 (PDT)

Just found a Cook relation on board a ship called 'Vane Tempest' on the 1901 Census: I wonder if there is any connection, and if so, what?! Like the sculpture
Enid
Scotland - Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 16:15:32 (PDT)

does anyone remeber my mum sheila browm or my dad harry neil
peter
- Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 16:14:38 (PDT)

Hi, this is Jacqueline, I just read the online Sunderland Echo - I had some time, and decided to browse the "happenings" of Seaham... Given family members have told me life is totally different as to what it was 20 years ago. Anyway... does seem things are very different - mostly positive, I shall say! Though, one thing I read, that disheartened me, was about the guy who became ill on one of the ride at the Seaham Carnival - and then to have hooligans steal his wallet - I think that is outrages! Furthermore, to my surprise, I happen to know the guys partener very well - Debbie Harrison. She was in my class at school from Ropery Walk, and at Northlea. She was in my Math class - Debbie and I knew each other very well indeed. I am sorry to hear that happend to her "friend" and that she has to go through much grief. If any one sees her, and talks to her, please tell her Jacqueline sends her condolences and prayers. Other things I notice about the "goings on! " is there is a lot more crimes than before... more muggings, killings, and drugs... what is all of that about? Otherwise, the "cleaning" up of the town and all the new facilities and other things to do and to see - are great! All Good! All Positive! Though, I do wish the attendances of churches were all positive - that is one thing that has gone down the drain pipes over the 20 years. I remember when St. John's had a Sunday School and the Youth Group, and kids in the Choir etc... Long gone are those days and that is a shame, because there are 2 things that keep kids on the " right path" and those are number 1: Church, and 2, Scouts or sports.
Jacqueline
USA - Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 16:14:01 (PDT)

Anyone know the whereabouts of Eric Watson? Worked in the pay office at Vane Tempest and was later a Seaham councillor. Has a sister, Jean
'Ex-Pat'
London, UK - Saturday, August 18, 2007 at 16:11:17 (PDT)

Just to say that I had realise that the Chris was actually Cath. That's what happens when you get all excited about finding where your ancestors lived! Cheers.
Carol Weaver
Carlisle, Cumbria - Monday, August 13, 2007 at 15:01:59 (PDT)

hello to Wade Lawson i've just seen your message to Tom Dawson, i'm asuming thats Reuben John and Alma's brother i have passed on the message to my aunty Margaretand Reuben. they will see them tonight at the hal where they go dancing.
angela
Seaham, - Monday, August 13, 2007 at 15:00:37 (PDT)

Hello lorna stokes, my husband apparantly knew the surname conlan from Westlea, his name was Tom, also a conlan went to live in the states, he married a german girl. Hope this helps you a little bit. Dont know if it was you that left a message for con vickers, my husband would love to hear from him, a very old friend.
maureen
farnborough, hampshire - Monday, August 13, 2007 at 14:59:47 (PDT)

John could you send your email address for Dougie Robson. Sadie Mason
John Rochester
- Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 15:33:52 (PDT)

Just wanted to point out that the Family History Group meet at Seaham library on a Wednesday morning not afternoon. Carol had the right day but the wrong time. The library closes on a Wednesday afternoon, at 12.30. So if you turn up after then you'll be locked out! I'm not being a know it all here though. I'm a library assistant at the library and a member of the family history group. Can I add to what Carol already said and say anyone who is researching their family history would be well advised to try the FH group as they have a lot of resources and also other intresting local history information. Ta
Helen
- Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 14:04:36 (PDT)

Terry the tony rochester you know lived with his grandma in Dawdon cres she used to run the bookies next to the Dawdon hotel,i know because i knocked about with him for years he know lives at grangetown with his 2nd wife karen.He has 2 children a boy and a girl the boys name is john and the girl is adell.His 1st wife was called avril she passed away about 1980-81 she was a nurse.He also had family living in fox street called billy and connie infact i think they still live there.Tony lived the same side of the cres as chalkie black.I remember your grandad and granma and your aunty Barbara she married my mate Tony Davison(sadly he has passed away also).
bandit
sunderland, - Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 14:03:20 (PDT)

looking for johhny and may workman, lived in peterlee in the 70s, they scottish.anybody know.
popeye
yorks, - Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 14:01:50 (PDT)

is there anyone in seaham harbour with the surname CONLON doing research on charles laughtons mother , the film actor he,s mother came from seaham harbour , her parents had the CASTLEREIGH HOTEL they went bankrupt is it still there ?she was irish catholic, i have conlons in my family tree on my mothers side
lorna stokes
scarborough, N.Yorks - Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 14:01:15 (PDT)

Hello from Redcliff Alberta Canada! If you know Tom Dawson say hello, I don't have an email address for him. All his friends and relatives from Canada say hello.
Wade Lawson
Redcliffe, Alberta Canada - Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 14:00:13 (PDT)

hiya terry takes me ages to answer cos am just learnin am pleased you passed your drivin test wont even try to work out how long you tried!am pleased all the barrys are ok want to send you my email adress but dont know if i can put it on this site let me know how ican contact you love me laura and kay.x
pepper
ollerton, - Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 13:59:02 (PDT)

Jupiter Hello Dougie Robson, I've asked the editor to send you my email address, I hope this works and we can get in touch again after all these years, in the mean time I hope you are well. Best Wishes, John Rochester.
John Rochester
Selby, N.Yorks UK - Tuesday, August 07, 2007 at 15:40:18 (PDT)

Anybody know the whereabouts of john robson. He served his apprenticeship at Seaham docks and then went to work at the dawdon pit. He used to live in one of the the streets behind Princess Road.
john brennan
Hong Kong - Tuesday, August 07, 2007 at 15:34:19 (PDT)

Hiya everyone, Pam, I can also remember my mum mentioning a Florence Kirby, but I will have to do a bit of research to see where that fits in. With regard to Rutherfords Buildings, we took a trip to Seaham Harbour today, and I went to the library. The librarian was great, and brought out a file of old maps, but there was no mention of Rutherford's Buildings. Just as I was about to say thanks anyway, a lady called Chris walked in, who is a member of the Seaham Historical Society. She instantly knew where it had been. You know the clock tower with the plinth around, next to Drive 2 Data, which used to be the Noah's Ark mentioned in the censuses, well that clock tower stands on the site of Rutherford's Buildings. It was a tenement block, which must have been commercial as she has access to a photo on her computer of Rutherford's Buildings showing the shop fronts and names on them. Now was that luck, coincidence, or was it my ancestors at work? I'll leave you to make a choice. She is going to send the picture to me by email. By the way the Society meets in the library on Wednesday afternoons. They have access! to a huge number of photos of Seaham, and it costs only £5 to join. I'm in. Hope this is helpful.
Carol Weaver
Carlisle, - Tuesday, August 07, 2007 at 15:33:32 (PDT)

Terry McKenna, sorry but I can't remember you in Dawdon Cres., I do remember Tony Rochester as we were about the same age but were not related. I lived in No. 56 which is on the bottom right side of the Cres. towards what was the Dawdon Hotel, the only family I can remember in No. 58 were the Lloyds. Sorry again but I didn't know your aunt either. John Rochester.
john rochester
selby, north yorks - Tuesday, August 07, 2007 at 15:31:01 (PDT)

hiya terry get us typin when we used to pullin pints eh! mamas fine dont no if u no she had accident and hurt her head dont worry it hasnt affected her shes still nuts! how is karen is she still courtin? is debbie still with norman i hope so duno if i can put my email address on this site so i will ring engies and leave it behind bar 4 you its great 2 hear from you marra.x
pepper
ollerton, - Tuesday, August 07, 2007 at 15:29:23 (PDT)

hi pepper its terry here hope youre keeping ok i often visit the guestbook got a shock when i saw youre message, barry and baby barry are doing fine, ive just passed my driving test at long last, theres no holding me down now ive seen youre mam quite a few times latley she looks really well you will have to send me youre e mail address so i can keep in touch lots of love terry and the two barrys
terry Mckenna
- Saturday, August 04, 2007 at 15:22:56 (PDT)

Is there a moira swan who was a good friend to my mam, noreen fraser. it would be great get you in touch and catch up.
tracy murray
newbury, berks - Saturday, August 04, 2007 at 15:21:55 (PDT)

hiya terry mckenna its pepper how are you? av just cum across this site and couldnt believe it when i saw your name! hows bass and baby barry?
pepper
ollerton, nottingham - Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 15:19:10 (PDT)

Hi Pat: my uncle John watson - his brother was called Thomas (Tot), Isabel and Joan. i asked my sister and she said our family never lived in Dawdon, just parkside and bethune ave. i am going to ask about the other watsons you mentioned though - you never know!
joan farn watkinson
- Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 15:17:55 (PDT)

Hi Carol. I have been trying to find any info on my grandad, John Watson, he married Florence Kirby in 1926. She died in 1930 and he married Winifred Godfrey.Do you think they could be the same people you are looking for? Pat
pat
eastbourne, - Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 15:17:05 (PDT)

angela. thanks for replying to my request. it must be fifty years since i last saw joe and he was walking his greyhounds then.there was a lot of people had greyhounds.in seaham them days. and lots of people used to keep pigoens. i remember a lad donaldson who had them,and they nick named him pigoen donaldson.nice to see joe chalton still going well ...popeye.
popeye
yorks, - Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 15:54:49 (PDT)

I remember well Tim, the black labrador that Mr Sanderson the park keeper had, and it used to do the same thing to anything that moved. It moved around the bowling green area like a stealth ninja on winalot viagra, tracking legs, pushchairs, bowls, crisp packets, anything ! His main love interest was aged bowlers, and must admit we cracked up many a time at the looks on their faces at a sudden "bending to bowl back attack". Sometimes took quite a number of other players to disuade him his romantic interludes.
Geordie Wood
Seaham, - Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 15:53:44 (PDT)

Where were Rutherford's Buildings? Hello, Does anyone know where Rutherford's Buildings were? My great-grandpa, Hailes Harrison Wilkinson, was listed in Kelly's Directory for 1914 as a shopkeeper at 2 Rutherford's Buildings, as well as being listed as a confectioner at 58 California Street (a colliery house). His daughter, my grandma Alice Ethel Wilkinson, married an Italian called Alfredo Efisio Venucci, a master confectioner, although he changed his name to Alfred Richardson before they were married in 1913. My father, Alice's son Hales Alfred Richardson, was born at 58 California Street, although Alice's address was given as 2 Rutherford's Buildings, so I assume that Alice and Alfredo/Alfred were running the shop. In addition, I have found entries for a John Richardson who was running the Stamp Office (presumably post office) in 1914 at Rutherford's Buildings, although it doesn't say what number. He was also a shipping agent, shipowner and all sorts of other things. The Seaham Observer also operated from Rutherford's Buildings. There were also a couple of bu! tchers and several insurance agents at Rutherford's Buildings, so I think that it is fairly certain that they were commercial buildings with some living accommodation. One of the Insurance agents was operating from Lady Londonderry's Office, so maybe Rutherford's Buildings were sited near to that. Different subject: grandma's sister, Elizabeth Ann Wilkinson, married Robert Rochester from William Street, in 1915, and I am now in touch with their grandson, my 2nd cousin Bob Rochester in Kent, if anyone has a family interest and wants to be put in touch. And hello to Pam Moore from New Ollerton, my birthplace. My dad and mum went to Notts from Durham in 1940, and lived at 24 Sycamore Road until they passed away in 1985 and 2005, respectively. I regularly come back to see the rest of my family. I am planning a day trip to Seaham within the next 2 weeks to try to find out more about my dad's home town, and his family if possible. Have you been away from Seaham for a long time? Different subject: I hope that this will be helpful for anyone interested in Seaham history. There are certain directories online at www.historicaldirectories.org, if anyone wants to search. It was a project by Leicester University, and I think that the funding ran out, but there is still a huge amount of useful info from the 1800s on. Cheers,
Carol Weaver
- Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 15:52:40 (PDT)

Hello, I was interested in the name Kirby. My dad (Hales Alfred Richardson, although his dad was an Italian who changed his name to Richardson, so it isn't really the family name)was born at Seaham Harbour in 1913, and I remember the name Kirby being mentioned when I was younger, as one of the ladies of the family had married a Kirby, Johnny Kirby I think. He was quite well off from what was said, and they moved away from Seaham. The next family names back from mum and dad are Wilkinson, Watson, Millington and Barnett. I'm not sure which family married into the Kirbys. Does this ring a bell with anyone? Cheers. Carol Weaver.
Carol Weaver
Carlisle, - Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 15:51:37 (PDT)

FAO Joan Farn Watkinson....... Hi Joan the names you mention are all in my family. I have a cousin John Watson who worked at Dawdon his brothers and sisters are Steven Dianne Leslie and Joan. I last visited in 1995 and I have lost touch since then I would love to find them. To the older guys reading this my Uncle was known as Taffy Watson he married Jenny Spurr from Parkside any body know where they are now ? Thanks
Judy C
Alliston, - Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 15:50:23 (PDT)

FAO POPEYE you were asking about Joe Charlton who kept greyhounds, he used to live in cedar crescent but when they pulled down that street to put up new houses,he moved onto parkside crescent. See him still walking his dogs daily
Angela Kirby
Seaham, - Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 15:44:00 (PDT)

Pat: My mothers maiden name was Watson. My uncle is called John Watson and so was my grandad. i am going ask my aunt if they ever lived in that street you mentioned. I think my uncle john worked at Dawdon pit and my granda at Seaham Colliery but i am not 100% sure. i will find out.
joan farn watkinson
mission, - Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 15:42:53 (PDT)

fao. ron do ron ron masters , got into stevenage and out was not reconized by the border guards ,also where were yu, i waited under the clock from 12/ 3pm had my identity card AND CORNED BEEF with me, sat playing my spoons to pass time and made money from passers by !!!!! Nice place stevenage I,ll be back
lorna stokes
scarborough, north yorks - Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 15:41:20 (PDT)

Does anybody remember the black labrador which used to hump the small children queuing for the Cosy cinema Saturday morning matinee. It took me until I attained my eighteenth birthday before I realized this was not real sex.
john brennan
hong kong, China Sar - Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 16:15:29 (PDT)

fao. diane allen, i knew a allen family at houghton-le spring ronnie, lionel, albert and they had a sister, cannot remember her name ,my friend and i met them at the tanner hop in south hetton 1957/58 thats all i remember as i left the area in 1958
lorna stokes
scarborough, north yorks - Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 15:49:56 (PDT)

Hello terry mckenna, just wandered if you know my husband frankie rafferty, had brothers johnny and peter, sisters patsy married to leo groark and betty who married jacky dent, he does know some mckennas. Regards m.rafferty
maureen rafferty
farnborough, yorks - Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 15:48:37 (PDT)

does anyone remeber a joe charlton he used to have a large garden. where he kept greyhounds and pigeons in the 60s.
popeye
yorks - Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 15:47:43 (PDT)

FAO Terry McKenna. Hi Terry ... I knew your Aunt Barbara, we were related somehow .. second cousins or summat. As youngsters we knocked about in the Crescent, then as teenagers we sorta drifted apart. If I remember correctly she married a Tony Davidson from Deneside, who I heave heard is no longer with us. I don't remember Winnie tho .. but I must have met her at some time as I spent a hell of a lot of time following Babs around lol.
Ray Scollen
Drifield, East Yorkshire - Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 15:46:55 (PDT)

Is their any chance of being put in contact with My friend from way back in the sixties John Rochester He sent this Message to the Guest Book? "Hello Dougie Robson i've just found this site and seen your name when looking through the guest book. We went to St. Mary Magdelens school together in the 50's then I went to Camden Square 61-66. We met up again when we both started our apprenticeships, you at Dawdon and me at the Vane Tempest until my family moved to Yorkshire in 69. I lived in Dawdon Cres. 53-69 and was also good friends with Ian Deighton, but haven't seen him since I moved. I think the guestbook is a great idea and recognised a lot of names and places, some that had slipped my memory. Thanks to all involved in recapturing my youth." John Rochester Selby, N Yorks.
Dougie Robson
St Austell, Cornwall UK - Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 15:22:48 (PDT)

hi john rochester i can vaguely remember the rochester family in dawdon crescent as i lived at no 58 then moved into my grans house at no7 later her name was nan reay, and bob reay my mams name is winnie she also had a sister named barbara if i remember rightly did you have a brother called tony or was it you who had a thing for my auntie barbara did you live in the top of the left hand culdesac terry mckenna
terry Mckenna
- Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 15:16:30 (PDT)

Just wanted to say"Hello" to any of the Copeland family that used to live in Corcyra St, Clive Todd that used to live at the bottom of Church St, Cedric Huitson who Parents had the pub near to the post office.To all the old members of the methodist church in Church St. I remember going to the dances they used to have, with my parents Eric and Bessie Pike and my brother Ian.I live on the Gold Coast of Australia now but remember Seaham with fond memories.Regards to all your readers this is a wonderful website, From Ann Hansen
Ann Hanson
Banora Point, NSW - Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 15:15:12 (PDT)

Does anyone remember John Watson from Longnewton Street. What pit did he work in does anyone remember?
pat
eastbourne, - Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 15:13:37 (PDT)

I am speaking on behalf of my sister in law. She wanted to say a very big thank you to all the people that were in park lane sunderland when her husband collapsed, they included 1 boy, 3 girls(maybe students) who were very kind and stayed until the paramedics arrived, a gentleman and also another lady. My sister in law would like to thank you all so very very much and to say that her husband is now ok. Thank you once again for being so kind and considerate.
maureen rafferty
farnborough, - Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at 15:01:57 (PDT)

regarding the pit pond i think it opened around about 1947 as before that it was full of fish and weeds charmaine walsh and brian phelps trained at the pit pond for the 1960 olympics as mant a time we would be sat at the dirty end of the baths having our last fag before going down the pit when they would walk past on their way to the pond cheers
Harry hunter
Redcar, - Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at 15:00:30 (PDT)

i miss my uncle keith, we used to have such a good laff, i will neva 4get you, xxx
Kylie
Newcastle on Tyne - Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at 14:58:08 (PDT)

hi brian greenfingers my mams name was winnie reay she lived in dawdon crescent but she played football plenty when she was young she was a bit of a tomboy but she was a good looking woman and still is as someone commented earlier she did work in the nack canteen my father was a deputy at the nack his name was norman mckenna he sadly passed away 5 years ago terry mckenna
TERRY MCKENNA
Seaham , - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:43:29 (PDT)

hi dorothy mackay i can remember you in beech crescent you lived next door to my aunty moira and uncle arty noble my mam is winnie reay, ime now living with one of your neils best mates bass newton we had a little boy nearly four now and he is a pleasure hope you and your family are ok , how is your mam dolly its afew years since i last spoke to her in sylvias at the harbour bass says take care, terry mckenna
TERRY MCKENNA
Seaham , - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:42:44 (PDT)

Hello Dougie Robson i've just found this site and seen your name when looking through the guest book. We went to St. Mary Magdelens school together in the 50's then I went to Camden Square 61-66. We met up again when we both started our apprenticeships, you at Dawdon and me at the Vane Tempest until my family moved to Yorkshire in 69. I lived in Dawdon Cres. 53-69 and was also good friends with Ian Deighton, but haven't seen him since I moved. I think the guestbook is a great idea and recognised a lot of names and places, some that had slipped my memory. Thanks to all involved in recapturing my youth. John Rochester Selby, N Yorks.
John Rochester
Selby, N.Yorks - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:41:39 (PDT)

to john howe. i do not know of your father but, my great grandmothers family has the name howe in her family tree. her name was mable cole, her sister is violet cole who i think married a howe. that is all i know to date.
tracey murray
newbury, berks - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:40:11 (PDT)

to Pam Moore. My grandparents lived at 7a longnewton street. they lived there from around 1971.
tracey murray
newbury, berks - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:39:08 (PDT)

i used to swim at dawdon pit pond every week. when i think back it was pretty gross! i remember you couldnt get a membership unless you could swim a full length while the man held a wooden pole incase you had to grab hold. did anyone actually ever see the bottom of the pond. last time i was in Seaham it was gone and there were fancy flats on it. (I think). good memories.
Joan (Farn) Watkinson
mission, b - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:38:09 (PDT)

hi margaret tennick, its great to hear from you. yes i do remember quite clearly my dad catching us smoking while he was working on a roof and many times ive relayed that tale to friends and family!! i believe we can exchange email addresses via this website without having to divulge it through a message. it would be great to reminis and catch up on the past 30 years or so.take care sharron
Sharron Meek
doncaster, south yorkshire - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:36:54 (PDT)

Hi. The message I addressed to Tracey was accredited to Pam Moore but it was in fact from me, Pat from Eastbourne. Thank you for telling me about the pit pond, I have few memories from those holidays so long ago. I have been trying to trace family for my tree so any memories people have of Longnewton Street I would be pleased to hear.
Pat
eastbourne, Sussex - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:35:21 (PDT)

My Nan was from Seaham and had fond memories of the town after moving down South when only 14. I made a pilgramage there once whilst staying in Newcastle and it's nice to see the community buzzing. I've been doing a bit of family research and discovered one of her brothers was John Bell who was in the Home Guard and sadly passed away when the Germans dropped a mine on Viceroy Street. I found out his wife was called Elizabeth but have no idea if they had kids. I'm also after any leads on Gladys, Jane or Lily Bell or anything else relating to Thomas and Isabella Bell from the early 1900's. Keep up the good work. All the best.
Loafer
Woking, - Sunday, July 15, 2007 at 15:34:20 (PDT)

Hi To Pam Moore the swimming pool would be Dawdon Colliery pit pond as it was commonly known. It had one ,three & five metre diving boards which were up to olympic standard. I learned how to play water polo there with cant remember his name now. Brian Phelps used to train at the pool for the 1962 ish olypics. Had some great times @ the pond.
John Spencer
Portsmouth, Hampshire - Monday, July 09, 2007 at 15:34:33 (PDT)

hello again to pam moore read your bit about going to swimming gala it was at dawdon pit pond my inlaws lived in longnewton st. ill give you a clue who iam i live not far from your foster and gordon and know then well no more clues
coalhewer
- Monday, July 09, 2007 at 15:33:16 (PDT)

hi sharron watson (meeks)ov doncaster who lived opposite me in beech cres its all your fault that i smoke do u remember your dad catching us when he was on the roof love to hear from u margaret tennick hello sister dorothy mckay
margaretr tennick
hornchurch, - Sunday, July 08, 2007 at 15:04:19 (PDT)

Hi Tracey. When did your family live in Longnewton Street,my grandparents lived at no 17 until the 1970s. I remember going to visit them twice in the 1960s. My grandad worked as a miner but I do not remember which mine. I remember one day, late afternoon he took us for a short walk to an outdoor swimming pool and we watched a synchronised swimming team. I would be interested to know where that was and if it is still there. I remember there were stone or concrete steps all round to form seating. Realname: Pat
Pam Moore
eastbourne, - Sunday, July 08, 2007 at 15:02:55 (PDT)

to coalhewer ,,, sorry you will have to tell me ,, i am trying to work it all out , with not much success ,, please tell me
Pam Moore
New Ollerton, - Sunday, July 08, 2007 at 15:01:57 (PDT)

rita mortimer.did your husband tom live in grantham ave as a boy.i had a school friend of that name1939ish then he moved near to deneside school& I to ivy ave.other names from that time& street. bob wilkinson.uncle had the butchers& fish shop on the avenue bottom shops & allen batey,, funny how a name or word can bring back memories from nearly 70 yrs ago.the tom i knew had i believe 2 sisters but the memory is,nt that clear ron masters
r masters
Stevenage, - Thursday, July 05, 2007 at 00:35:30 (PDT)

Hi coalhewer if your dad was peter ray that played darts and dommino,s for yorkhouse i knew him well because i also played for them as did my dad.He was also on the committee and coned us rotten,i remember when he said there was going to be this diana doors look a like stripper on and it turned out to be a 40 stone shrek look alike,he has this laugh like muttley.John spence yes i know you and your brother-in-law alan,plus dek and doris rowntree and most of the mob from that part of malvern.I used to go around with joe turnbull who was johny macado,s brother in law they were all related.There was also David if i remember corectly and arty.I also knocked about with the late jim savage,gene and den willis,ray anderson,barney,thrip there was loads of us we all played on the dump some even ended up playing profesional like freddy guy and his brothers.
bandit 10
Sunderland, - Thursday, July 05, 2007 at 00:34:33 (PDT)

j cookland.my homeground was deneside,eastlea,& peterlee after marriage,south 1966,routledge,golden and scorer all names i recall from the past but also spent lot of time in murton .1 son & family in NZ,rest local.eldest caretaker heathcote in shepall.tell the locals we,re sent from N/E as missionaries. R M....P/S ED,now i,m almost housebound i would like you to know how much i & i,m sure many others appreciate the effort you put into bringing the info & memories to us exiles.long may you continue. many thanks
r masters
Stevenage, - Thursday, July 05, 2007 at 00:32:32 (PDT)

F.A.O. Cornelius Vickers, how's the weather in Palmy not as cold as the Harbour I dare say,( I miss the rip roaring fire in the Dunn Cow.)
Jim Robinson
Taupo, b o p New Zealand - Thursday, July 05, 2007 at 00:31:08 (PDT)

Hiya Con, this is your old friend frankie rafferty from seaham, sounds like your enjoying yourself with the family. I did leave a message on the site before but thought i would try again, i am very well, still living in farnborough have been for 37 years now. We are going up north on 5th July, which would have been johnnys(me brother) birthday, but he died last september. We are up for my sisters 80th birthday, we will give everybody your regards. Hope to hear from you soon. Take care Frankie
Maureen Rafferty
farnborough, - Thursday, July 05, 2007 at 00:29:50 (PDT)

Hi Derek, I was cub leader at 5th Seaham in the late 50s & Tom, my husband, was scout leader there.I recognise your name. We now live in Louth in Lincolnshire.
rita mortimer
louth, lincs - Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 14:59:03 (PDT)

Hello R Masters. I don't think you will know me, but you may know the family. We shifted south in the 50's to Roehampton and for the last 35 years I have lived in Stevenage. I have seen your name quite often on the site and have now got round to sending a message to you. Other names in my family are Watson, Routledge, Scorer, Brown, Golden, etc. Do these ring any bells with you. Best wishes from another Seaham exile
John cookland
shephall, stevenage - Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 14:58:04 (PDT)

I hope you dont mind me leaving a message but i am looking for relatives in the sunderland area. from which my dad came from his name was Ronald James Allen born 1938, I just wondered if you could help he had one brother and sister I think but have never met them any help would be appreciated. Thankyou.
diane allen
ashford, kent - Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 14:56:23 (PDT)

Dear Lilian - lovely to hear from you, sorry I didn't reply sooner but I have to use my daughters computer and she has been very busy. You were one of the best footballers that played on Hoys Crescent! I now have a grandson called Robert and I teach him soccer, also I have a pupil for singing lessons who has just one 2 x 2nds and 2 x 3rds in a music festival - he is from South Africa. I have sang in the cathedral out here and am still in canny voice. I built a 3 bedroom house called a Lockwood (all wood) and am getting more like John Wayne every day. I have chickens,canaries and pigeons to feed and take my daughters dog everywhere. I live in my daughter and son in law's garden, they have 4 acres of woodland. Have made quite a few friends out here but I still miss the Mill and the Roadside. Hope to hear from you again with news from the nack - I will try and have a look at the website more often now I know somebody out there remembers me. Ta ra, CON
Cornelius Vickers
Palmerston North, - Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 14:55:05 (PDT)

Reference Bandit 10 i liked your comments about the Dump. My name is John Spencer and i lived at 81 Malvern Crescent and then we moved to 81A across the road when they modernised Malvern in the late sixties early seventies. My Dad was Jack Spencer and he worked at Cliffords across the Wodden Bridge. My Brother in law Alan Mcaddo played for Deneside Rangers that was the foootie team that played on the Dump,you are right they did have to walk across the woooden Bridge to get to the dump. Mrs Guy used to make the (camp) coffee in the big urn for half time. I very fond memories of my life in Malvern Crescent. I will be visiting this christmas and new year to see my sister Margaret and brother in law Alan and also my neices. Anyone who remembers me especially Derek Rountree who i was best man for in 1968 please give me an e-mail via the Ed who has my permission ti divulge my e-mail address.
John Spencer
Portsmouth, - Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 14:53:35 (PDT)

Hi Seaham. Does anyone remember the Watson sisters, Joyce, Olive and Eileen from Longnewton Street. Maybe you knew them at school. Joyce was my mum and I am trying to find out about her life. Where she went to school or any of her friends. Her parents were John and Nellie and they attended the local chapel. If anyone remembers please leave a message.
Pat
eastbourne, - Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 14:51:59 (PDT)

bandit10 deneside rangers played on the dump alanmcadoo peter mcdowel peter ray my father plus terry mckennas mam winny used to work in the nack canteen bonny looking woman always laughing
coalhewer
- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 14:50:51 (PDT)

Brian greenfingers i think terry,s mam belonged Dawdon not malvern cres and i dont think you can blame computers ect for the cause of Diabeteis mind they dont help either.I played football on the dump years ago aswell but i am not as old as you but have a lot of memories of malvern,queensbury, oxford nepy and Rhyton cres.Been 67 you must of played on the dump when they had the old football team.I remember them having to walk across the old wooden bridge next to what was the legion before it became the labour club{i think.I remember Harold wilson been there.I can remember terry as a lttle shirley temple type girl running around Dawdon Cres.
bandit10
Sunderland, - Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 15:43:51 (PDT)

hi seaham. i spent a lot of my early years there with my grandparents, jack and norrie fraser. grandad worked in dawdon pit and nana was a dinner lady at dawdon school. my mam and aunty (noreen and jaqueline, born 40 & 44) went to camden square. they first lived in dalton-le-dale and then malcolm st. they also lived in longnewton st and then finally in the minors cottages by the pit. grandad has long since gone, but it wud be great if anyone new of them and my mam that i can pass on. they are great memories of seaham, the pit pond, the jazz band parades etc. this was all 35 years ago. please contact
tracey murray
newbury, - Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 15:42:28 (PDT)

Hi, anyone out there remember me ? I went to the SMS school in the mid 50's. I was also with 5th seaham scouts for a lot of years. Love to hear from anybody. derek
derek stockton
billingham, - Monday, June 25, 2007 at 15:52:20 (PDT)

My grandad was James BRASS or Merrington. I have an only cousin in Durham City, but wondered if I could shake the family tree a bit, and see who fell out. By the way how's the Lawn Bowling in Seaham? TaTaForNow, Pat
Patricia Rose
Fitzroy Harbour, Ontario Canada - Monday, June 25, 2007 at 15:51:21 (PDT)

fao. r masters. i know its upmarket the kids a banker ,like her ma can count her mazoola!!!she keeps telling me no mouth organ, trys her best to control me ,her friends luv it when i appear ,its what yu call character , hubbys tried it for years to no avail , been up to bonnie scotland and tried to bribe the coach driver to do a detour on the a19 no chance i was so near yet so far away, ask about treatment ZALODEX every 3mnths, it works .yu should never tell ME where yu whole out , i might if time, hunt yu down AND WALTER D. RILEY WHERE AR YU, STILL RACKING YER BRAIN ? another clue next month, also stephen morris still waiting , judy c. ru ok ? are they any relatives from seaham harbour called FITZSIMMONS MY AUNT MARRIED A EDWARD FITZSIMMONS IN THE 30,S. you should see the northeast now what a change for the best, if mum and dad could see it know, they wouldn,t believe the changes, all good .
lorna stokes
scarborough, N.Yorks - Monday, June 25, 2007 at 15:50:05 (PDT)

Hi Terry Mckenna. Thankyou for your comment. I am exactly the same age as your Mum. If she had lived in Malvern Cresent as a girl I would maybe have known her. I expect your Mum takes metformin for diabetus? I do not sit down much, I'm posting this message at 6am. I'm always in the garden growing something in the daytime and when I was a kid played footy on the dump. I bet your Mum can tell you some great stories from the 50s? and much more interesting than computer-age kids.
Brian Greenfingers
- Monday, June 25, 2007 at 15:48:18 (PDT)

TO vin maratty(sunderland): Jim Duggan would like your email address. Include it in a Guestbook entry and we will forward it to him. It will not appear on the Guestbook.
Ed Mason
Seaham, Co. Durham - Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 15:42:28 (PDT)

Geoff Creese: we have a request for your email address from Margaret. Please send to Guestbbok in the normal way if you wish it to be passed on. It will not appear on the Guestbook.
Ed Mason
Seaham, Co. Durham - Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 15:39:31 (PDT)

Dear Br Thomas. I replyed to your 11 June, but it has not been entered in the Guestbook, I dont know if I missed out jupiter or the highers above found it to nasty to print. Yours Eric-the-red.
E Leighton
Seaham , - Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 15:34:18 (PDT)

Visited last year, such a nice place. Thanks to everyone for a great trip!
Will Door
- Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 15:33:35 (PDT)

hi brian greenfingers your comment about kids getting diabeteis you blamed nintendo what about people like you and me reading and writing into this guestbook sitting on our rumps. sometimes it comes with age aswell my mother is 67 and has just recently become a diabetic and b not by sitting on her but on a computer ok
terry mckenna
Seaham , - Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 15:32:58 (PDT)

lorna,there,s no colliery houses & very few council houses in chesham,its a bit up market to mur