Posted on 02 September 2009.
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Hello,
My name is Derrick Parsons and I live in Stoke Climsland, a village in Cornwall. On 28th December 1941 Sgt Edward Robinson was killed in an aviation accident near the village. The Parish Council intend to put a commemorative plaque for those killed in this accident in our local church. No date for this has been set yet.
Sgt Robinson was the son of Wilson and Ethel Robinson of Fence Houses. I am trying to trace any living relatives with the objective of letting them know what we are doing and to invite them to the service.
It’s a long shot, I know, but is there anyway that you can publicise my search locally? Or advise on where I might place notices, ads etc?
Any information would be gratefully received.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks in advance.
Derrick Parsons
Hi, I am in the process of researching my family tree and asking my Dad about the family, over the past few years I have been able to prove all sorts of his memories to be correct however……he is driving me mad on this one, please help.
Were you, or anyone you know brought up in or around the Fence Houses area during the 1940s or 50s of County Durham? Do you recall a gentleman who was “deaf and/ or dumb” or used sign language.
My father recalls that in the 1940s or 50s visiting “some relative of his mother, possibly called Leslie in Fence Houses who was “deaf and/ or dumb” and who was “possibly a farmhand or farm worker or had something to do with horses”. Dad thinks he was around the same age as my Nana who was born in 1908.
I am sorry to be so vague but any help with a possible surname or other information would be gratefully received.
Many thanks in advance
Ian Barron
Well!!!!
We think the man is “Tommy Towers” he used to live in 45 Rose Avenue Fence Houses.
We know he used to work for Houghton Council as a road sweeper.He was well liked by everyone and is still remembered by a lot of people..
Ralphy Baron used to live in number 4 Station Avenue? Tell your relation that son.
According to my mother-in-law Ellen Hope his name was Tommy Towler. My husband Callan and I were both born in Fencehouses and can remember Tommy sweeping the streets with his dust cart in tow
It has been suggested that the man was
Tommy Osmond, who also had a club foot.
He was described as “a very nice man”. Sadly he died last year.
He was always riding a bike and was friends with a Tommy Rose.
Don’t know if it’s the same family but a Baron family lived in 5 Station Avenue South. (I lived next door at number 6). They had an invalid son called Leslie who I can only vaguely remember. I don’t think Leslie was deaf and dumb (We hardly ever saw him.)I never quite worked out what was wrong with Leslie but it could have given the appearance he was dumb or his condition could have deteriorated. I remember Ralph(Flat Cap) and Ada (I think that was her name)
Is the last contributor, Brian Forbes, a lad I used to go to Fence Houses Secondary with around 1962 to 1967. If it is, as I recall, he was quite “brainy”.What are you doing now?
Thank you to Money Penny, Paul and Brian for your time trying to help and your messages. Unfortunately the information doesn’t fit with my father’s memories. We do not have a Ralph or Ada Baron in the family, also my surname is spelt differently.
However, if I can ask you to have another think about the description of a gentleman who may have been deaf/ dumb, born around 1908, who was living in Fence Houses in the 1940s or 50s.
The surnames Lowery, Kirtley, Davey, Hall, Chadwick, Frazer and Gleghorn link in to my Nana’s family, which may be another avenue to follow.
Many thanks again
Hi Ian,
I was brought up in Fence Houses and still love the place
I can remember a deaf and dumb gentleman called Eddie Bowman used to always drink in the Comrades Club lovely bloke although very firery at times
Hi Billy
Many thanks for your suggestion, the name Eddie Bowman doesn’t ring any bells with me but it’s something I can look into and ask my Dad.
You never know I might eventually solve the mystery!
Eddie Bowman was deaf, but definitely not dumb, he was a good friend of my Dad’s- Frank Robinson- as you say Billy, he was a very nice man and always a “natty” dresser!
Hello Alan
Hows life! I’m living in North Yorkshire near Northallerton and have done for the past 15 years since moving from Birtley. Still visit Fencehouses occasionally (for old times sake – You can take the man out of Fencehouses but you can’t ……). You used to live just along from The Roxby’s of demon barber fame. Peter Roxby used to play centre forward for Dubmire school when you played in goal. I played left half before they invented midfield. Nice to see your name.
Hello Brian
I´m very fortunate, I worked for the Northern bus company for over 30years and was very lucky to be able to retire in 1998.Since 2003, have been living in the Jallon Valley (Costa Blanca Spain)and absolutely love it.Still get a Christmas Card From “Alfie” although he now lives with his son Peter somewhere “in the south”.My sister still lives in Fence Houses (North View Chilton Moor)but my impression of there now is not a good one and I prefer to remember it as it was.
Keep in touch.
Message For Ian Barron
My recollection is of a “farm worker” who went by the name, locally, as Deefy (Deaf) Briscoe. In the 1940/50s he worked at Dryden’s Farm in the Sixth Pit area of Fence Houses.
My Mother’s maiden name was Anna Hariet Lambelle. Her mother, my grandmother, Mary Anne Lambelle lived in Fence Houses untill her death in 1953 at age 63. She had 4 children, affectionately called Harry, Sunny, Elisabeth and Nan. My Grandmother Mary lived in a small row of terraced houses which i visited with my parents in the mid 1940s. As I was only an infant then, my recollections are vague. My Gran was a devoutly religious catholic. There is a mystery that surrounds our family history. None of her children has ever spoken or mentioned to their children, the absence of a Grandad Lambelle. Although I now live in Southamton, I still have relatives in Houghton Le Spring but they have failed to find enlightenment regarding my missing grandad. It could be that he was killed in the first world war. My Mother Anna married Ted Plater from South Shields in 1935, had a child shortly after and moved south about the same time. If you could shed any light on my family history, Please contact me either by email or phone on 01489 584116. Thanks for your interest. Freddie Plater.
freddieplater@ntlworld.com
u mentioned lowery on ur mothers side… i remember mr lowery had a tiny little shop on the corner of james terrace, (now a house, like so many of fence houses’ independant businesses). he was a lovely fella.
Hi helen, I remember Mr Lowrey! his “shop” was a converted house.
It orignally was in the middle of a row of terrace houses, one side was called “brickyard” I think the other side was James Terrace. I lived at no2 Brickyard and often visited Mr Lowreys (Tommy?)shop. He was a very special person, Brickyard was condemned during the 1960′s but Lowreys shop stayed! Lovely memories.
Alan Nelson and Brian Forbes Now there are two names I have not heard for a long time
I am Bob Holton but most in Fence Houses will remember me as Hicks
( ex 15 Rabey Close ).
I am living 9 miles north of Portsmouth Hampshire these days.
( About 20 miles from Peter Roxby and Alf I gather but I dont have the address )
I am a freelance software engineer now – when there is work about.
I visit relatives in the North East every year or so but its a 700 miles round trip so I don’t do it often.
All the best
Bob
my dad lived rabey close colin melvin had a brother called ian melvin the both went to dubmire school as well x
I lived in Fencehouses from being a couple of years old until I got married, aged 23 – from 1950 to 1971. If Brian Forbes was the brother of Peter, then he may remember me – we had some hair-raising times!
I lived in Station Avenue, and then in Rose Avenue. I’ve moved around a bit, but have lived in Manchester for the last 27 years – won’t be moving, now.
I’d be really pleased to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Hi John
Yes I’m Peter’s brother. Of course I remember you. You moved to Rose Terrace next to the path from the YM. I occasionally borrowed your football boots which were far better than mine.
Peter lives in Birtley now and where the YM once stood is now a housing estate. Relatively new. I would love to re-visit those hair raising times if only I had enough hair to raise.
Good to see your name – Brian Forbes.
Just seen your post, Brian. One of my earliest memories is of watching Brazil play, courtesy of your TV – they hadn’t won their first World Cup at that time, but looked very exotic.
Good to know that Peter’s ok – been a long time!
I’ve got fond memories of your parents, who were good folks.
Best wishes, and take care.
John
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Hi all.
I worked at Lambton Coke Works from 1966 to 1986 when it closed. I drank at the Wellington from 1968 to 1987 when i moved from the Burnside Estate, Houghton to Hetton, not along way a way, but enough to drift away from all my friends in fencehouses.Anyone wishing to meet up for a drink or just a chat about old times,(before we all popour clogs) my e-mail address is, normswe@yahoo.co.uk, hope to hear from some of you.
Hi Norman,
i dont think you will know me but im sure you will know my brothers George, Kevin, and sister Margaret who is married to Eric Walker who tells me that you worked with my Dad at the Coke works if youre ever in Perth Western Australia me and George would certainly have a few drinks with you
Hello Billy, I hope you are still playing the Fence Houses song and frightening the roos
billy did you live acacia av. all the very best form canada, to nelson, forbes and hodgson a great place grow up .jane melvin your dad was very good friend to me
to grow up I love my time there
Hi, Must be old age, but i went to Fence Houses Secondary Modern school from 1964-1968 and have lived in Fence Houses all my life and don’t recognise any of the names on here! I remember the deaf road sweeper, can’t remember a name but my dad used to talk to him in sign language whenever we passed him.still live just around 200 yards from the school, which my grandson now attends! Makes you feel old !!!!
Hi,I’ve lost touch with my uncle Chris .
He lived in Fence houses ,He had twin sisters Pat (my mam) and Pauline .My gran was Phylis Thompson who died around 9 years ago ,they lived in Acacia Avenue.
Does anyone know any Greenwells that lived and/or might still live in Fence Houses? My gggrandfather (Joseph Greenwell) was born there abt 1820 (his father was Peter Greenwell). My mother Carmen Greenwell is 80 years old and I am researching her ancestry for her. We live in Canada. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Doris, I went to school in fencehouses with an Edward Greenwell
He lived I think in Avenue Vivian. He would be have been born about 1953/4,I never heard from him after he left school but I have group school photo with him in if that helps you? Also remember his friends were Alan Ball, Terry Hughes, Stuart Lax and Tony ?????
hello Doris,my name is Richard Weeks,I have an aunt Connie who was married to Jimmy Greenwell,a lovely bloke.Uncle Jim passed away about 10 yrs ago and he had a brother called Joe,I know that he was also related to the Hahn,s because Joe Hahn and his wife I think she was also called Doris were frequent visiters to Cement street where aunt Connie and uncle Jim lived,I think Joe used to live in Britania Trc. I hope you get this message as I have just started on this computer lark.Good luck on your search
Was your Dad Bobbie Weeks, married to Rita (nee Angus ) they had 3 boys I think Dennis, ?? and Richard. If so your father was a cousin of my mother, Doris Hudson! which makes us half cousins!!
hello Anne, I have just read your question on the dubmire web sight ,I am not sure as to who it was actually meant for but I am the son of Robert [Bobby] and Rita,You are right there was 3 brothers Dennis myself, and Leslie both now sadly passed away along with my mam and dad.I remember aunt Doris well AS well s Billy Tom Nan and all.They lived in Avenue Vivian as did we.
Incredible! Nice to touch bases with you Richard- sorry to hear about your brothers. I remember your Mam and Dad so well- nice to know you remember my family. I have lived in the USA for many years now, but get back to Fence Houses almost every year- most recently in September. Usually have a Dubmire school reunion with old friends- you should come next year! All former Dubmire school students are welcome!
Richard- I have a picture of our mothers as school girls in fancy dress as a bride and groom. Do you have this picture? would you like to have a copy??
ricie sorry to here about dennis and leslie great days in fencehouse all the best from canada joe
Hi Doris, Iv’e known a Derek Greenwell for 45 years, When his dad Certie or Sertie Greenwell was alive they lived in Grange Avenue, then moved to Colliery row next to the petrol garage at Chilton Moor. Derek has 2 brothers & a sister, Alan is the oldest, can’t remember the other lads name, the sister was called Freda. They still live near Chilton moor. Derek and his dad worked at the Lambton Coke Works.
Was Morris Hahn any relation to you, I remember Morris as we went to the Wellington pub for many years, Morris played on the Domino team.
freda and fred greenwell were good friens with my mam and dad june melvin ne passmoor and my dad colin melvin doris if them any relation x
i am looking for info on foster hartis family of finchale ter his daughter was mary ellen hartis she married robert marsden or colliery row in 1910 can enyone help me in finding this family thank’s aien
hi my name is aiden marsden i am looking for info on foster hartis and his wife mary ann hartis/huctinson and daughter mary ellen hartis she married robert marsden from collirey row in 1910 foster work in lumley six pit and fell to his death in the pit in 1917 can enyone help me aiden marsden
Dear Mr. Marsden,I am helping a friend find her grandmother Mary Ellen Hartis,born 1881 Nettly(nuttly park?)Yorkshire Eng.In searching I always run into your inquiry about mary ellen hartis and the one I am looking for didn’t marry a Marsden,The one Im looking for married a Goodsall and moved to New Zealand.If you could offer some help ,that would be great.They are supposed to be related to a Lord Rosebery, but I cannot find out how.Thanks so much for your considerations.Kathy
Hi Aiden
I know a foster Hartis who must be 95 year old now
He is as I am aware alive and well and lives in bournmoor
I will make some enquiries and post my findings
I hope you get a few more responses.
I was at his 90 birthday party.
hi thank’s for your reply hope he is well. i am liveing down in haartlepool.and go to south hetton to see my ant she is the daugther of maye ellen hartis she is 100 next yaer thanks again aiden
hi i’am looking for robert marsden family from colliery row in 1882 can you help me thank’s aiden
Hey! Pretty good article, but some link to sources would be helpful. Cheers.
Hi I was Napper before I became Debbie Hinds in 77,
I went to Fence houses Sec. Modern school on and off from 71 to 76
I moved to Durham when i got married.
my Aunt has the Comrades club so come through once or twice aweek but have never met any of my old school mates.
I knocked around with Pat Maule,Lynn Glenndening,
my sister is Shelly she was a year below me.
hi, looking for information on my grandfather john henry who worked as a master mason for (30yrs)at lambton ‘d’ pit in the 30′s apparently he was also a morton grange parish council chairman, member of both rural and urban councils and a durham county council member 1937.
my records indicate he lived at south view chilton moor and died in 10 station terr
My gt gt grandparents lived in Colliery Row, Chilton Moor for quite a number of years, their names were EDWARD & MARY ANN HAMILTON. Both from Ireland.
I am curious to know why Mary Ann would die leaving a will(worth £6,500 in todays money). Does anyone know where I can find out if she had a small shop or some other business?
Edward Hamilton was always a miner, so how come his wife left such a large sum of money, and pay a slicitor to draw up a will, is beyond me.
Also, which graveyard would they have been buried in?
Many thanks.
Does anyone remember or know a Lawson Foster, lived in Sidney St.(??) the street behind Gill Cres. looking over towards Lambton. He would have been born about 1940, mother was Ethel (nee Fairbairn ). He was a cousin of my mothers (Doris Hudson), but about the same age as I was. None of my family or friends in FH can remember him, and they think I am losing it!
All the best from the Station, to you comrades men in canada.
Bolar would want to send regards and Robbie Todd to.