Back To Home Page
Nov 16 2009 02:30 pm
Hi Margaret,
I've corrected No. 20 as advised (we take information / names as given - until advised otherwise that is).
Look forward to seeing pic's of Ab.
Cheers
Dave
Hi Dave,
It's me again.
Just seen the large photo of the "Post Office Home Guard". The person, second from the left on the second row from the top (numbered 20) is actually Herbert "Ab" Brown, my husband's grandfather. The caption is incorrect and says that number 20 is Charlie Metham.
I looked on the "Scrapbook" page and saw the local newspaper report on Ab's death, which my husband had never seen. Also there was a report of my grandfather, George Stannard's, retirement.
We have some photo's of Ab in Post Office uniform and First World War uniform.
Margaret Steen (nee Stannard)
Nov 16 2009 12:36 pm
Hi Dave,
Just seen the photos on the excellent website.
On the first photo showing several postmen, the chap on the left was my grandfather, George Stannard, and second from the right is Ab Brown, who was my husband's grandfather. Ab's real name was Herbert Brown and they worked together at the Post Office and were both members of the local RAOB lodge. George was awarded the British Empire Medal for (I think) services to the Post Office. George is survived by my Dad, Ken Stannard of Barnard Castle and my Uncle, Jack Stannard.
Both served in the forces during the First World War, George in the Navy and Ab in the Royal Engineers. George went on to serve in the Second World War in the Naval Services on wireless duty and Ab was a member of the Home Guard in Barnard Castle. George died in 1982, aged 85, but Ab died in 1949, when my husband, Phil, was only two years old.
We were told that Ab used to deliver the post on horseback, or by pony and trap.
We have other information, if you would like to contact us.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Margaret & Phil Steen
Sep 15 2009 08:16 am
Hi I am the grand-daughter of T Shepherd from Barningham. I would be grateful if anyone can give me any information at all about him and his life as post master at Barningham Post Office. I do know that my grandmother took over when he went to fight.
Any information please email to rosyat@aol.com
Thank you.
Jul 26 2009 06:20 am
Hello,
Your site was reccommended to me by the one and only "Harry Maddison",Ive enjoyed browsing through and taking a look back in time,great info and fab pics. Well done! Linda in South Hylton.
Jun 19 2009 11:34 am
Hi very good site
[Anon]
Apr 19 2009 10:38 am
Hi Dave,
Just been looking at the Royal Mail in Teesdale website and I must say it’s turned in to quite a comprehensive affair and also quite an achievement.
Take care, Martin.
Jun 1 2008 06:39 am
Barry,
Many thanks for the info.
The homepage has been updated with the names etc. - any chance of a copy of the Teesdale Mercury article ?
Best regards, Dave.
Re: Photo taken in the top yard of the Sorting Office, Flatts Road, Barnard Castle. (Note the petrol pump over Tom Ireland's right shoulder.)
The Teesdale Mercury 03/05/1989 identifies names to your above picture. It quotes "Some of the Teesdale postal staff before World War 11. This was probably taken in 1938. At the back from left are George Stannard, George Whitfield, Wilf Robinson, Abe Brown and Tom Ireland. In front are two telegraph boys, Fred Robinson and Ronnie Lowe".
Ronnie Lowe was my father.
Enjoyed viewing your website, brilliant information - passed it onto relatives in Australia and California.
Barry.
May 4 2008 07:50 am
Annette,
Thanks for your message in the 'Shout Box' re. our 'collection of memories - if only we had more pics of Barry.
Kind regards, Dave.
Mar 9 2008 11:36 am
Richard,
Jim McTaggart has written more on your ancestors in this weeks 'Teesdale Talk'.
Regards, Dave.
Mar 1 2008 10:40 am
Richard,
'Doomed bootmaker who sailed away to find his fortune'
FYI - Jim's article, on your ancestors, has featured in his newspaper column today.
Thanks once again for contacting us - every contribution helps to enhance our history project.
Cheers, Dave.
Feb 16 2008 11:27 am
Richard,
The details you've supplied about 'Postie' Walton have been featured in Jim McTaggart's column 'Teesdale Talk' in the Northern Echo. As a result, I've created a new webpage in dedication thereto.
Best regards, Dave.
Feb 15 2008 11:57 am
Will contact Jim today
Richard
Feb 14 2008 03:19 am
Richard,
Jim McTaggart, Reporter for the Northern Echo, would like to make contact. Please e-mail him on jim.mctaggart@nne.co.uk.
Cheers, Dave.
Feb 12 2008 03:28 am
Look forward to seeing the photo of Postie Walton on the site. I wonder where Tom got it from. Does he know anything about its history. Perhaps he got it from a family member?
regards Richard
Feb 11 2008 05:17 am
Richard,
I've contacted Tom Hutchinson and he's letting me have a print of the photo you mentioned - it will be posted to the Website in due course.
Regards, Dave.
Feb 9 2008 02:48 pm
Sorry again,
Yes Chapel Row where the two buildings are joined together and a carriage way goes under one.
Richard
Feb 9 2008 02:46 pm
Hi again,
I dont have the book but noted the photos some years ago when in the UK because of the family link.
I imagine the book is in local Teesdale libraries?
There were old post office photos and similar included with the normal village photos.
regards Richard
Feb 9 2008 10:40 am
Richard,
Don't suppose you can scan the book photos and get the image files to us is there ?
Thanking you in anticipation, Dave.
P.S. Do you mean Chapel Row in Middleton ?
Feb 8 2008 11:56 am
Dear Richard,
Many thanks for the info.
To think our quest in gathering details of Teesdale Posties has gone 'down under' is truly remarkable!
Cheers, Dave.
Feb 7 2008 02:30 am
I forgot to mention there are some excellent photos of Teesdale Postman in the book called "The peoples history of Barnard Castle and the Tees Valley" by Tom Hutchinson. Amongst other clear ones in the book is a photo of John Walton "Postie Walton " on his horse circa 1895.It is on page 20. He was born about 1860 in Middleton in Teesdale. He is not the younger John/Jack Walton also referred to on your site.
regards Richard Greene
Feb 7 2008 01:06 am
Hello from Australia,
A John Walton was the Rural Postie in Middleton in Teesdale from about 1889 until 1921 I believe.
John was a son of Nancy Wholah Walton and Joseph Walton. His mother Nancy Walton died in 1905 and is buried in St Marys Middleton in Teesdale. I believe he used to ride a horse around the delivery route.He lived at one time next to his mother at 18/19 Chapel Lane[both houses still there in July 2007]
Nancy was the sister of my Great Grandfather John Wholah who came to Australia.
From Richard Greene
Dec 9 2007 08:18 am
Dear Harry & Joan Maddison,
Many thanks for the 'Magical' Christmas Card and the bouquet enclosed.
Season's greetings, Fred & Dave.
Harry writes:-
"Dear Fred & Dave,
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on the wonderful job you have done creating the Royal Mail Teesdale Website. It is very comforting to know that my old friends and colleagues, who I have been so very proud to have known and worked with, shall be remembered for many years to come. Thanks to you and the work you have done to create this lasting memory.
Very well done!
Many many thanks,
Harry Maddison".
Nov 13 2007 11:39 am
Hi there,
Good to read the excellent site and see a photo of my Uncle - Tony (Tom) Raine amongst the group of postal workers receiving their safe driving awards. Whilst I was growing up in the 1950s he lived with his family in the flat above the post office and I have happy memories of visiting there and playing in the huge walled garden behind the post office.
Can I please just make a correction to the information that my cousin Captain Pat supplied you with re our Great Uncle Harold Robert Lumley. His date of birth was 18th July 1897 not April 1892.
Dear (unknown nephew of Tom Raine / cousin of Captain Pat) - thanks for correcting the DOB for Harold Lumley. We always accept info as given until corroborated.
Cheers, Dave.
Oct 21 2007 11:00 am
Captain Pat Thompson: Greetings, I have been trying to find the phone number of Bd Castle Sorting office as I have a picture (not very good but a picture nevertheless) of my Great Uncle Harold Lumley (His name appears on the Roll of Honour).
Dear Captain Thompson,
Many thanks for getting in touch - any photo, regardless of the quality, adds to the collection.
Cheers! Dave.
Feb 13 2007 09:41 am
Jarvis,
Thanks for getting in touch.
The info you supplied appears to have come from the Website of Martin Edwards: www.roll-of-honour.com the source of which is our own Roll of Honour. Martin has now cross referenced the Rolls of Honour at Barnard Castle [Bowes Museum], Barnard Castle Post Office, Barnard Castle St. Mary's and now Darlington Post Office where 4 of the fallen are mentioned.
The full transcript of this info, supplied by Mrs Sarah Quinn of the CWGC, can be found on this Website on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission webpage.
Good luck with your research - we'll be glad to share any original findings.
Best regards, Dave.
Feb 7 2007 12:24 pm
Dave, I have the following n the 'fallen' posties. I also more the those who survived. I'll see Fred as he lives over the road.
GILMORE John Sergeant 8403, 6th Battalion, Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own (Yorkshire Regiment). Killed in action at Gallipoli 21st August 1915. Born and resident Barnard Castle, enlisted Richmond, Yorkshire. No known grave. Commemorated on HELLES MEMORIAL, Turkey. Panel 55 to 58. See also Barnard Castle St Mary and Barnard Castle.
BAILEY John Private 46685, 19th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. Killed in action 9th August 1918. Aged 18. Born and resident Barnard Castle, enlisted Newcastle. Only son of John and Mary Elizabeth Bailey, of 4, Wood St, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham. Buried in LINDENHOEK CHALET MILITARY CEMETERY, Heuvelland, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Plot II. Row A. Grave 10. See also Barnard Castle St Mary and Barnard Castle.
LUMLEY Harold Robert Private PS/8964, 20th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers (City of London Regiment). Died of wounds 30th July 1916. Born and enlisted Barnard Castle, resident New Shildon. Buried in CAUDRY OLD COMMUNAL CEMETERY, Nord, France. Plot/Row/Section A. Grave 2.
[Listed as Sergeant on memorial]
SHEPHERD, THOMAS
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Private
Regiment/Service: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment)
Unit Text: 10th Bn.
Age: 34
Date of Death: 27/10/1918
Service No: D/22066
Additional information:
Husband of Florence Shepherd, of Barningham, Barnard Castle, Co. Durham.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Plot 4. Row D. Grave 2.TEZZE BRITISH CEMETERY
Killed in action 27th October 1918. Aged 34. Born Cleatlam, Durham, enlisted Dalton, Newcastle-on-Tyne, resident Baringham, Durham. Formerly 301904, Royal Army Service Corps. See also Barnard Castle St Mary.
THOMPSON William Private William, 235403, 4th (Reserve) (Territorial Force) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment. Died in the United Kingdom 21st August 1918. Aged 37. Born and enlisted Middleton-in-Teesdale, Durham. Husband of Aline M. Thompson. Formerly 31612, Yorkshire Light Infantry. Buried in ST. MARY CHURCHYARD, MIDDLETON-IN-TEESDALE, Durham.
Feb 7 2007 05:02 am
Javis,
Thank you for letting us know you have some info on our WW1 'Posties'.
As Piczo is a commercial site we're not at liberty to advertise Royal Mail's E-mail address. However, our contact details can be found on the 'history of the post office in teesdale' Webpage:-
contact Fred Fawcett at the Callers Office, Royal Mail Barnard Castle Delivery Office, Harmire Enterprise Park, BARNARD CASTLE, DL12 8AX.
Tel: 01833 35 6121 Fax: 01833 35 6122.
Details can be posted to the Guestbook as well.
Cheers, Dave.
Feb 6 2007 10:53 am
An e-mail address would enable me to send you an update on some of your WW1 'posties'. I have a little info to add.
I can't spot one easily on your site.
Jarvis
Jan 28 2007 11:11 pm
29 Jan 07.
Harry,
Thank you for the positive feedback on the Postmasters Order Books - it makes it all worth while!
Harry,
Thanks for the phone call this morning.
I look forward to seeing you 'Old Posties' in the Barney Meet.
Best wishes, Dave.
PS. Pics rec'd and will be posted to the 'Meet' Page plus the two good ones of you.
PPS. Thanks for your letter of 26.9.06 re: your 'rushing back' memories. Needless to say, however, we won't be uploading Clint Eastwood's 'rear view'.
Kind regards, Dave.
Aug 18 2006 01:34 am
Harry,
Many thanks for the additional photo's of Bill Sebbage & Fred Robinson received this morning. I'll get them scanned and posted to your Web Page as soon as.
Cheers, Dave.
Jun 10 2006 12:27 am
Dear Harry Maddison,
Thank you for your letter of 9.6.06 together with your Boy Messenger Rule Book and promotion to PHG. We'll scan the letter and add it to the web page.
Incidently, Fred has been wearing his own 'Straw Boater' this week! Also, he keeps his black shoes regularly polished - Rule 17.
May 26 2006 10:58 pm
P.S. Dear Harry Maddison,
Thank you for your letter received this morning - glad you like your Web Page.
It would be truly great if you could put your hands on the photo of you delivering the Queens Telegram to Cambridge House!
Jun 6 2006 01:02 am
P.S. Dear Mrs Barron,
Many thanks for the photo of Fred delivering mail up Teesdale in the Snow of 1953 / 54. The print has now been scanned, cleaned and sharpened and added to the Forest in Teesdale page along with the photos of his Section Mates.
P.P.S. Thank you for your letter of 1/6/06 - indeed, 'every little helps' immensely! To happy memories!
May 26 2006 12:54 am
I have only been looking at the web page .for a short time.and only now discovered the Guestbook page .
In answer to the question .are there any photographs of Fred Barron.the answer is, yes.you already have one on the Forrest web page.also in the safe driving awards pictures,I am given to understand.My husband Fred.did work in the three man section.delivering mail to the upper reaches,of Teesedale,from 1950,to 1962,approx.and you have his photograph.on that page.but have made the mistake of naming him.as Freddie BARTON.instead of Fred BARRON,so perhaps it could be altered? We have a photograph of him in the snow,up Teesdale,but do not wish to part with it.Can it be used,and given back,also where would I send it please?
My husband,who is still alive,was a lay preacher as Harry rightly says,and went on to be a minister in the Methodist Church,retired now,but remembers Harry,and all the other postmen,too,Thank you.for doing this history of the Barnard Castle Post office,We have told all our friends in America.they too,are very interested,and enjoying the information.
Reply: Dear Mrs Barron,
Many thanks for pointing out the mistake (we take information / names as given - until corrected that is).
It's good to know your friends in America are finding the site usefull.
Any contributions can be made by contacting Fred on 01833 35 6121 or dropping into the Callers Office at Royal Mail Barnard Castle, Harmire Enterprise Park, BARNARD CASTLE, DL12 8AX. Photo's can then be copied, uploaded to the site, and the originals returned (thanking you in anticipation).
P.S. Dear Mrs Barron,
Many thanks for the photo of Fred delivering mail up Teesdale in the Snow of 1953 / 54. (When scanned and sharpened it will be added to the Forest page.
Cheers.
May 9 2006 09:02 am
Just to rectify my previous error re John Walton's address... it was called Stoney Keld and not Stony Gill as typed... sorry! Thanks in anticipation of me finding some more info on John within your web-pages!
Mike Heaviside (Cockfield)
May 9 2006 03:15 am
I have been seeking information about a certain John Walton born at Stony Gill, Bowes, who was half brother to my own distant relative, Valentine Heavisides of that place. John's mother was Hannah Walton of Middleton who married Joseph Heaviside in 1894. It appears that according to the 1901 Census that John Walton (aged 8 years) was living with Joseph and Hannah at Stony Gill in Bowes.
I have noticed a photo of John Walton on your site although I have no other to compare it with, and would like to know when John started and finished for the Post Office...excellent site!
Reply: Many thanks for the superlative - it's most appreciated!
As far as obtaining dates for John's career please contact the British Postal Museum & Archive:-
info@postalheritage.org.uk
www.postalheritage.org.uk
Mike Heaviside (Cockfield)
May 9 2006 03:16 am
Harry Maddison Sunderland - I do remember Fred Barron he was a Postman at Barnard Castle Office. I worked with Fred in the 60s until I transferred to Sunderland in 1969, he was a grand lad who did not approve of bad language the worst word I ever heard him say, and I can hear him now was "Oh, sugar". I do beleave Fred was a Lay Preacher.
Reply: Thanks for the info Harry - it may help to track down some photos (unless you have any of course!).
P.S. Thanks for contacting Fred.
May 10 2006 01:15 am
from Mary Myers Bishop Auckland. Is there any photographs of a Fred Barron who was a postman in Barnard Castle?
Reply: Fred Barron is unknown to us and have, therefore, no photos of him. However, we'll make enquires.
P.S. Harry Maddison from Sunderland writes:- "While browsing through the Scrapbook I spotted Fred Barron on one of the Safe Driving Award photographs in fact Fred may even be on a couple of them." ... 'another pair of eyes'...
