B. Drysdale , Billingham 28th June 2004

From First Ushaw Moor Memories BLOG

B. Drysdale , Billingham 28th June 2004

I enjoyed reading about Martin and Ruby Gallagher. My Gran and Grandad lived at 28 Arthur St. and as a child I was often sent to the little shop. It was a happy place, Ruby was always singing. My Gran never called her Ruby Gallaher it was Ruby Deaton. Also in Arthur St. were Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Jolly , Mrs. Nanncarrow and the Wallige family. They were friendly with the Young family who lived in Whitehouse Lane.

The place I liked most was the Co-Op Store. I think the Manager was called Kilpatrick. Sometimes we had to go upstairs to the shoe dept. It was like an Aladdin's Cave. All kinds of boxes and drawers, I would have loved looking inside them, but all my Gran ever bought were Portland shoes. Another of my favourite places was the Empire Cinema. Upstairs, at the front, my head on the wide rail watching anything and everything, and a bag of Cherry Lips, magic.

My Gran kept the Doctors surgery when it was in Arthur St. Does anyone remember Dr. Dickinson? He was there when Dr. Millyard came to Ushaw Moor. Anyone wanting the Dr. would phone my Gran on 'New Brancepath 202' and leave a message for the Dr. to call.Other names from my early years in Ushaw Moor are Billy Defty, Tommy Hall, John Aberdeen and Susan Lough. Susans' family had the shoe shop on Station Rd.

Did anyone go to the Christmas parties at the Baptist Chapel? They were great fun, games and food, all home made by the ladies of the Chapel. We all had to wind different coloured cotton around our knives forks and spoons so that we didn't get them mixed up. They were held in the school room of the chapel, it seemed huge. The tables were set up on tressles, and everyone contributed plates and bowls, I wonder if they were returned to their owners?

Well I hope I have set some memories stirring. My Gran and Grandad were Janet and Jo Henderson, my Aunt Cissie and Uncle Jack lived next door at No.29 Arthur St. My Mams name is Peggy Elliott and she lives near me in Billingham. Looking forward to reading some more memories.

via Memories of Ushaw Moor: November 2004.