Guestbook : Wheatley Hill History Club Durham

While you are here, why not sign our guestbook ?

126 entries.

Tony Trotman-Beasty wrote on September 17, 2019:

My grandmother's family were miners in this area. My Great-Grandfather, Henry Pounder, was killed in a tragic mining accident at Wheatley Hill Colliery on 6th August 1896.

James Parsons wrote on February 14, 2017:

Seeking relatives I never knew about. - My late Father James Parsons who married Kathleen Rutherford lived in Thornley and Wheatley Hill.|In 1955 my parents moved to Stoke on Trent my father was a miner.|As my father served in the Maritime Royal Artillery for the duration of the 2nd World War defending Merchant ships.|I am aware some photos of my father were published in a book about men and women from the surrounding area.|I would be interested in purchasing the book if it is still possible.|Kind Regards James Parsons Jnr

Neil Trotter wrote on January 15, 2017:

Fathers family & my childhood memories of vis - Anyone remember me and my brother Brian visiting my grandmother in Burn Street during the 1940's & 50's.|There used to be a very friendly number of children - at that time-... Read more

Kevin Gardner wrote on November 6, 2016:

Old friends - I lived in Wheatley Hill from 1950 to 1969 when I left to join the RAF, I went to school with Eric Henderson, Robert Wait, Allan Bradshaw, Robert Harper, Richard Currie and others, if you know them... Read more

Christina Hardy wrote on July 25, 2016:

Does anyone know of Gilbert Hardy from WH - Hi I am trying to trace some of my cousins whom I have never met! My Father was Gilbert Hardy and was born in 1921. All I know is he had... Read more

Does anyone know of Gilbert Hardy from WH - Hi I am trying to trace some of my cousins whom I have never met! My Father was Gilbert Hardy and was born in 1921. All I know is he had brothers Christopher, Stanley & Henry and a sister Elsie. I would love to hear from anyone who knows this family.

Paul Walton wrote on March 26, 2016:

Isaac Walton - Please can you help with my family history search. My Great uncle Isaac Walton 1887-1916 is named on the war memorial in your village cemetery. I know that in 1911 he lived in Alexandra st Luworth in and in 1914 he lived in Emily St (birth cert of son) Wheatley Hill. Following his death at or near the Somme 27.08.16 his widow Mary Hird Walton remarried to a Christopher Dunn (Thornley 1919). At this point I Loose track of Mary and her second son John Walton. I would very greatful for any information or pointer as a t where best to search.|Regards, Paul Walton

Ann Cass wrote on March 2, 2016:

my mums family - my mum family lived in wheatley hill she lived on darlington street with her mum and brothers you where called Fury and pringle ted and anty'

Jan Lawson wrote on November 11, 2015:

GREAT SITE! - What a wonderful website! Found it while entering stuff about my family (Kirtley) on the Durham at War site - have forwarded to someone I know has links down there. I just love the interactive map!

Allan Robinson wrote on November 11, 2015:

Village life - Great web-site, congratulations to those who did the interactive map. Its very sobering to see, and in a pit-village, how many men 'went to war'.

John Rickard wrote on November 3, 2015:

Nicholson or Young - Love the website. Looking for any information anyone may have about the Nicholson family who have lived in and around Thornley and Wheatley Hill for generations. any info, anecdotes, remembrances greatly appreciated. jprickard@yahoo.co.uk

Marion luke wrote on September 2, 2015:

Family - Does any one remember the Luke's that lived in thornley road

Doreen Huntley (nee Armstrong) wrote on August 16, 2015:

Howe or Armstrong history - I was born at 2 Office Villas in the pit yard at Thornley and my family (father Wilfred Armstrong, mother Emily Armstrong (nee Howe)) moved to 22 East View, Wheatley Hill in 1960. I have many fond memories of playing in the quarry (didn't realise how lucky I was seeing all the limestone flowers and butterflies at the time) and walking to Trimdon (to see my Aunt) and Wingate/Station Town (to visit my Gran). If anyone has information about my fathers family (Armstrong - all miners I think) or mothers family (Howe - her father William Howe died in an road accident I believe in 1922) I'd be very grateful. My mothers grandmother (Howe) became a spiritualist in the early 20's following the death of her son in this accident. Great site guys, brought back lots of memories for me. Saw my first film (Dumbo) at the 'Royalty'.

George Hetherington wrote on July 28, 2015:

Thornley born - Although I am now almost 84, and have lived in Durham for my life, I was born in Thornley (Hill House, opposite the Catholic Church) and later moved down to Office Villas, which was actually in the pit yard, where my father Henry (Harry) was colliery joiner. In 1937 we moved to Sherburn Hill as my father became undertaker at the 'Store'. I had relatives in Wheatley Hill for many years..Cousin Ken Hetherington drove the G&B buses, and cousins Leo, Peter, May and Jean Robinson were in Stockton Street, next door to Arsenal footballer Teddy Carr. For a while I was helping out at the Dramatic Society under producer Vera Fairclough. All are now gone of course but Thornley and Wheatley Hill I still think of as my home patch.

Eddie Cooper wrote on April 26, 2015:

1950s - I lived in No. 4 Third street in the so called Dardanelles from 1950 to 1962 when I married and left Wheatley Hill. I well remember wandering free and safe as a young boy down the dog track fields over the gassy gutter and into sandy beach near Bonzies pond where most years we were able to see a Kingfisher and many other wild animals which seemed so profuse in them days. Happy memories "Thanks Wheatley Hill"|My next door neighbour was Benny Harvey one the one side and the Richard Robson on the other. I had many friends back then and remember them all.

Sharon Armstrong wrote on April 3, 2015:

anyone have any pictures of the onion family - does anyone have any piccys of the Ionian family from thornley please they would like to share ??? Many many thanks xxxx