Index of Past Events

Jul 2024 - Annual Exhibition

Nov 2023 - Remembrance Day Service

Nov 2022 - Remembrance Day Service
Sep 2022 - Group Visit to Newcastle
July 2022 - 20th Anniversary Exhibition

Nov 2021 - Remembrance Day Service

Nov 2020 - Remembrance Day Ceremony

Nov 2019 - Remembrance Day Service
Sep 2019 - Group Visit to Sunderland Museums
July 2019 - 17th Annual Exhibition
Jun 2019 - Group Visit to Great Ayton

Nov 2018 - Remembrance Day Service
Oct 2018 - Group Visit to Pickering
Sep 2018 - Group Walk of Normanby Boundary
July 2018 - 16th Annual Exhibition
July 2018 - Group Visit to York Castle Museum

Nov 2017 - Remembrance Day Service
Aug 2017 - Group Visit to Mining Museum
July 2017 - 15th Annual Exhibition
May 2017 - Group Visit to Richmond

Nov 2016 - Remembrance Day Service
Aug 2016 - VC Commemorative Ceremony
July 2016 - 14th Annual Exhibition
Jun 2016 - Group Tour of Ormesby Hall

Nov 2015 - Saint Helens Church Opening
Nov 2015 - Remembrance Day Service
July 2015 - 13th Annual Exhibition
May 2015 - Church Flower Festival 2015
May 2015 - Group Visit to Ripon Museums

Nov 2014 - Remembrance Day Service
Aug 2014 - Remembering Normanby Men...
July 2014 - 12th Annual Exhibition
Jun 2014 - British Legion Memorial Walk

Nov 2013 - Remembrance Day Service
July 2013 - 11th Annual Exhibition
July 2012 - 10th Annual Exhibition
Oct 2011 - Mallinson Park Show Homes Opened
July 2011 - 9th Annual Exhibition
July 2009 - 7th Annual Exhibition

Normanby Local History Group’s
    Annual Exhibition
       - Saturday 13th July 2024

  Our Normanby Local History Group’s Annual Exhibition took place on Saturday in Normanby Methodist Church with preparations of displays and stalls taking place on the day before.
  Despite the adverse weather our exhibition proved to be very successful and the displays generated much discussion between visitors and members.
  Harry Greenmon did a roaring trade selling our group’s Publications  as well as our postcards.
  The refreshment team and cake stall were kept busy!
  Many thanks to all those who generously donated food, drink and prizes for the tombola.

  The day was deemed a great success that wouldn’t have been possible without all those who researched, donated, organised or helped in any way -
  and especially the residents of Normanby & beyond
who really did want to find out more about Normanby’s past !
  Thanks to you all !

To get an overall impression of our 2024 exhibition
go to our photo gallery  page
(photos by Amanda Proud)

If any of the photo captions are incorrect
or you know the missing names
- then please Contact us   with Message Subject
"2024 Exhibition Photos"

All visitors were made very welcome !
ENTRANCE WAS FREE !
All exhibition costs (such as accommodation hire & insurance)
were covered by our Group.
Please come again next year !

11th Hour of 11th Day of 11th Month
    Saturday 11th November 2023
      - Remembrance Day Service

  Our Normanby Local History Group organised a Remembrance Day Service on Saturday the 11th November 2023 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  The participants assembled at the Normanby War Memorial at 10:50am following the road closure of West Street.
  Reverend David Godfrey M.A. (Methodist Superintendent Minister) led the service.   This year’s Standard Bearer was Eric Taylor and piper Phil Meadows played the Last Post.   As it was a Saturday no organised groups of children from local schools took part this year but several children attended with their parents.
  A wreath was laid on behalf of our Normanby Local History Group by Sue Longstaff (Group Secretary).
  After the concluding prayer Phil Meadows the piper & Reverend David Godfrey led us to the new Remembrance Garden in Cleveland Street for the laying of more wreaths and personal poppies.
   All who wished then proceeded to Normanby Methodist Church for refreshments.

Click on the images opposite for larger images of
the Poster and "Order of Service" sheets
(open in new window).
For views of this ceremony and the wreaths laid
go to our photo gallery  page
(photos by Amanda Proud)

11th Hour of 11th Day of 11th Month
    Friday 11th November 2022
      - Remembrance Day Service

  Our Normanby Local History Group organised a Remembrance Day Service on Friday the 11th November 2022 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  Those wishing to participate assembled at the Normanby War Memorial at 10:50am.
  Reverend David Godfrey M.A. (Methodist Superintendent Minister) led the service.   This year’s Standard Bearer was Eric Taylor and piper Phil Meadows was in attendance.   A small group of children from Bankfields Primary School took part this year.
  A member of our Normanby Local History Group led the laying of wreaths.   Others then had the opportunity to place their own personal poppy.
  After the service Phil Meadows the piper & Reverend David Godfrey led the children & others along the High Street to the traffic lights then up Cleveland Street for a Blessing of the new Remembrance Garden. This has railings surrounding an obelisk of Portland Stone bearing the Inscription "Lest We Forget" and standing on a plinth flanked by planters.
  When the Blessing was concluded a wreath was laid on behalf of our group at the new obelisk and others could then place their own personal poppy.
   All who wished then proceeded to Normanby Methodist Church for refreshments.
  The High Street & Remembrance Garden were adorned with knitted poppies lovingly prepared by History Group members, their families and friends.   Hope that you saw them!

Click on any of the small images opposite for larger images
specifically of the Poster and "Order of Service" sheets
(open in new window).

Views of these ceremonies and the wreaths laid will eventually be available on a new gallery of Photos.

  Sadly this was the last time that a Remembrance Day Service was held by the Normanby War Memorial on the High Street.   Future proposed road changes will mean no right-turn at the traffic lights into Cleveland Street. An increase in traffic into West Street will therefore no longer permit a road closure.
  It is hoped that in future the service will be held in the Remembrance Garden on Cleveland Street.

Friday 9th September 2022
  - Group Members’ Visit to
      Great North Museum: Hancock,
         Newcastle upon Tyne

   Our History Group’s trip to the Hancock Museum in Newcastle was organised for Friday 9th September 2022.

   Unfortunately on the day it was raining – hence no complete group photo- just some quick shots of some of us waiting for the coach to return home.

   There was time to visit the Museum or to get out and about in Newcastle - and to go shopping if you braved the rain!

   Special thanks for planning this visit should go to Harry & Barbara Greenmon.

To see more of our group’s trip to Newcastle upon Tyne
go to our Photo Gallery
Photos taken by Sheila Nicholson.

   For more information about the Hancock Museum including it’s history - Click on Great North Museum: Hancock

Saturday 9th July 2022
    Normanby Local History Group
       20th Anniversary Exhibition

  After two years of cancellation due to the Covid pandemic we are pleased that our group was able to hold another of our free exhibitions at our local Normanby Methodist Church.

  There were displays of some of our group member’s research & interests which included:-
     - Old Postcards Eston & Normanby,
     - Evans Grade 2 Listed Monument,
     - Old Normanby Hall,
     - Building & Occupants of New Normanby Hall,
     - Ironstone mining,
     - Extracts from William Ward Jackson Diaries,
     - Norwegian sailors buried in Eston Cemetery

  Our group’s Publications  were on sale and refreshments were available for purchase.

Click on the images opposite to display a large image.
Unfortunately Teesside Archives staff were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

All visitors were made very welcome !
ENTRANCE WAS FREE !
All exhibition costs (such as accommodation hire & insurance)
were covered by our Group.

  To get an overall impression of our 2022 exhibition
go to our photo gallery  page.
(photos by Amanda Proud and Barbara Greenmon)

  [If you have any photos of our exhibition day that could be
    added to our Photo Gallery or know missing names of anyone in our photos then please contact us  !]

11th Hour of 11th Day of 11th Month
    Remembrance Day Service
      - Thursday 11th November 2021

  Our Normanby Local History Group organised a short Remembrance Day Service on Thursday the 11th November 2021 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  Nearly 100 people assembled at the Normanby War Memorial at 10:50am to participate.
  Our local chapel minister Reverend Christopher Wood-Archer led the service.    This year’s Standard Bearer was Eric Taylor and piper Phil Meadows was in attendance.
  John Richardson (Chairman of Normanby Local History Group) led the laying of wreaths.    Others then had the opportunity to place their own personal poppy before we dispersed to our homes or places of work.
  Due to Covid restrictions this year we did not retire to the Methodist church for the usual refreshments after the ceremony.
  Unfortunately Banks Field School could not take part this year. We missed them but hope they will be back for next year’s service.
  The High Street was adorned with knitted poppies lovingly prepared by History Group members, their families and friends.
   Hope you looked out for them.

  Our group thanks all the volunteers who helped with many tasks to ensure all went well on the day.
  Special thanks for organising the service is due to Sylvia Fairbrass & Marion Davies - proven to be worthy successors to the late Tom Towers (Normanby LHG Honorary President) who was for many years the main drive to ensure success of our Normanby Service of Remembrance.

Click on the images opposite for larger images of
the "Order of Service" sheets (open in new window).
For views of this ceremony and the wreaths laid
go to our photo gallery  page
(photos by Amanda Proud, Barbara Greenmon & John Richardson)

Wednesday 11th November 2020
  - Remembrance Day Ceremony

  Due to the continued local restrictions imposed as a result of the Coronavirus epidemic our group was regrettably not able to organise the usual Remembrance Day Service held at the Normanby War Memorial on the corner of the High Street and West Street.

  Despite the Covid restrictions a short ceremony at 11am on Wednesday 11th November at the Normanby War Memorial drew a crowd of about 50 wishing to pay their respects to the brave men from Normanby who lost their lives during World War 1.
  A wreath laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday was attended by nearly 200 people.
  Responsible and due care was taken by wearing face-masks and social distancing.

  Special thanks is due to Tom Towers (Normanby LHG Honorary President) who has for many years been the main drive to ensure success of our Normanby Service of Remembrance.

  For views of this ceremony and the wreaths laid go to our photo gallery  page
(photos by Sylvia Fairbrass, Eric Taylor & Barbara Greenmon)

Monday 11th November 2019
  - Remembrance Day Service

  Our Normanby Local History Group organised a short Remembrance Day Service on Monday the 11th November 2017 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  The service was attended by a crowd of 130 adults plus 200 local school children wishing to pay their respects to the brave men from Normanby who lost their lives during WW1.
  The Reverend Christopher Wood-Archer with Lieutenant Kathryn Stowers (Salvation Army) led the service.
  Afterwards many of the participants enjoyed refreshments provided at Normanby Methodist Church where a display of memorabilia of the World Wars was set up by our group.
  Some of the children from local schools who were at the service came to our church and entertained us by singing topical wartime songs (see and hear the Video!)
  Our thanks to volunteers from our group (in HiViz jackets) who managed the traffic and crowd. And many thanks to those who worked in the kitchen (one lady had taken a day off work to help!)
  We thank the owners of the property on which the War Memorial is mounted (No.1 The Jennings), who had kindly again given permission for sound equipment to be used for the service.
  Special thanks is due to Tom Towers (Normanby LHG Honorary President) who has for many years been the main drive to ensure success of the Normanby Service of Remembrance.

  For views of this service go to our photo gallery  page
and for action sights and sounds go to our VIDEO  page.
(photos and videos by Barbara Greenmon)

Thursday 19th September 2019
  - Group Members’ Visit to Sunderland Museums

  The day dawned fine and as usual for our trips Group members and guests assembled near to Beever’s store in Normanby.
  But where would the bus stop to pick us up as workmen were busy at Normanby Top with diggers and lorries?
  All safely aboard the bus we headed towards our first stop at Sunderland Museum.
  Free time to spend looking at exhibits and enjoy the calm and greenery of the Winter Gardens (& its Jurassic Dinosaurs ).

  After refreshments taken in the cafeteria many enjoyed a stroll round Mowbray Park gardens and Garden of Remembrance.

  Then it was time to climb aboard the bus and move onto the National Glass Centre on the river Wear waterfront.   A quick photo opportunity to capture the group took place as we arrived then time again to explore the centre.

  One of the highlights of the visit was to watch glass craftsmen at work - despite the last demonstration going amiss !

  Special thanks for planning this visit should go to Harry Greenmon & Sue Longstaff.

To see more of our group’s trip to Sunderland Museums
go to our photo gallery  page
and for videos (including sound) of some of the sights
go to our VIDEO  page.
Photos by Barbara Greenmon & Sheila Nicholson.

If you would like to plan your own visit see
Sunderland

Saturday 13th July 2019
  - Normanby Local History Group
           17th Annual Exhibition

Our Normanby Local History Group’s Annual Exhibition
was held as usual at Normanby Methodist Church.
  There were displays of some of our group member’s research & interests which included:-
     - The Manor House (Edna Walker & Sylvia Fairbrass),
     - Methodist Churches (Tom Towers & Marion Davies),
     - High Farm (Janet Coulson),
     - New Normanby Hall (Sandra & Les Portas),
     - 1838 Tithe Map (Sylvia Fairbrass),
     - Old Normanby Hall (Sheila Nicholson),
     - Normanby & Area on Old Picture Postcards -
                     (Harry & Barbara Greenmon),
     - Florence Easton (Joan Outhwaite),
     - Elsie Hind (Joan Outhwaite),
     - 1950's Air Crashes on Eston Hills (Joan Outhwaite),
     - Sandstone Cottages & N. Side of High St. (Sue Keegans),
     - Sandstone Cottages & S. Side of High St. (Alan Middleton),
     - Crossbeck House (John Richardson)

  Our group’s Publications  were on sale and refreshments were available for purchase.

All visitors were made very welcome !
ENTRANCE WAS FREE !
All exhibition costs (such as accommodation hire & insurance)
were covered by our Group.

  To get an overall impression of our 2019 exhibition
go to our photo gallery  page.
(photos by Sheila Nicholson and Barbara Greenmon)

  [If you have any photos of our exhibition day that could be
    added to our Photo Gallery or know missing names of anyone in our photos then please contact us  !]

Wednesday 24th June 2019
  - Group Members’ Visit to Great Ayton

  Our Group members made their own way there for 9:50 am and parked in the Conservative Club car park before proceeding to All Saints Church for a guided tour given by Ken Pellant a Great Ayton resident.

   All Saints Church   is 12th Century and the oldest recorded building in Great Ayton.   It was the original parish church and was replaced by Christ Church in 1876.   There was a service being held in the church that morning so our group moved into the Churchyard where Captain James Cook’s mother and five siblings are buried.

  We then moved on to the
Cook Family Memorial Garden   which commemorates the site where James Cook's father built 2 cottages.

  A short walk along the river bank took us to the
Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum  where again local people were on hand to give us more information about exhibits.

  Our group then had time in Great Ayton to visit shops or tea rooms before returning to Normanby for our monthly meeting.

  Special thanks to Susan Longstaff (Group Secretary) for planning this visit and to those residents and members of the local history group for welcoming us and providing a wealth of additional knowledge.

To see more of our group’s trip to Great Ayton
go to our photo gallery  page.
Photos by Sheila Nicholson and Barbara Greenmon.

If you would like to plan your own visit see
Great Ayton

11th Hour of 11th Day of 11th Month
    Sunday 11th November 2018
      - Centenary Remembrance Day Service

  On this special day of remembrance it was exactly 100 years since World War One came to an end after so many years of death, injury, suffering & destruction.
  Our Normanby Local History Group organised a short Remembrance Day Service on Sunday the 11th November 2018 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  For this very special occasion we had a good attendance of 120 of those wishing to pay their respects to the brave men from Normanby who lost their lives during WW1.
  They assembled at the Normanby War Memorial at 10:50am.
  Our local chapel minister Reverend Christopher Wood-Archer led the service.
  The police were not providing officers this year so volunteers managed the traffic and crowd.
  After the service participants were provided with refreshments at Normanby Methodist Church where a display of memorabilia of the World Wars was set up by our group.
  This included photos and stories of those recorded on our Normanby war memorial.
  But the display also included information about those men and women of Normanby that served in any war - including those who returned safely home.

  Special thanks is due to Tom Towers (Normanby LHG Honorary President) who continues after many years to be the main drive to ensure success of the Normanby Service of Remembrance.

For views of this service, the display on Normanby Corner & the moving display at the Primary School
go to our photo gallery  page
(photos by Barbara Greenmon & Sheila Nicholson)

Wednesday 12th October 2018
  - Group Members’ Visit to Pickering for
      - NYMR 26th "Railway in Wartime"

  According to John Keats October is meant to be a
"season of mists and mellow fruitfulness".
  Unfortunately that wasn’t the case when 30 History Group members and friends visited Pickering on Friday 12th October.
For a large part of the day it rained!
  However, it did not dampen the group’s enjoyment of a visit to the town and The North Yorkshire Moors Railway 26th "Railway in Wartime" event.

  After setting off we headed towards Helmsley and then Pickering accompanied by a stirring speech by Mr Churchill and nostalgic songs of the period. En route we were able to sit back and admire the beautiful autumnal colours of the Yorkshire countryside.

  On arrival in Pickering group members headed into town to visit shops or head towards the railway station for the opportunity to admire steam trains, enactments or visit the many displays.

  The event was made more authentic by residents and visitors dressed in 1940’s style.   Thumbs up also to the two members of our group who entered into the spirit and dressed accordingly.
  Many of the shops had 1940’s clothes and accessories for sale and there was lots of memorabilia too to purchase.

  Static displays in Pickering Station main car park included:
- HMS Vernon(Royal Navy Bomb Disposal);
- Trench life of a British soldier;
- Blitz and Pieces - Auxiliary Fire Service and Home Front;
- Operation Fortitude:
How the British fooled the Germans before D-Day.

  Displays in the Learning Centre on Platform 2 included:
- HMS Badger - Navy X craft;
- Joan’s Wartime Hair Salon;
- Germany’s V-weapons;
- Wartime spinning display.

  Particularly emotive was the sight of local schoolchildren re-enacting evacuees leaving Pickering Station on a steam train and the flag raising ceremony on Platform 1.

  No group photograph on this trip - the bus proved to be a welcome refuge from the weather both going and coming back.

  A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all despite the weather - thank you Harry and Barbara Greenmon for organisation.

To see more of our group’s trip to Pickering
go to our photo gallery  page
and for a video (including sound) of the
Enactment of Evacuation by Steam Train from Pickering Station
go to our VIDEO  page.
(Photos by Sheila Nicholson and Barbara Greenmon).
If you would like to plan your own visit see
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Wednesday 3rd October 2018
  - Normanby Boundary Walk by Group Members

  Sylvia Fairbrass (History Group Member) first suggested at our monthly meeting that the Group should walk the ancient Normanby Boundaries.
  This would recreate an event first proposed by a Mr Franks recorded in the 1884 Normanby Minute Book.

  Sylvia devised and led, with the help of John Chilvers, two historical walks based on the 1839 Tithe map.

  These walks took place on Wednesday 12th & 19th September & 3rd October 2018 and were open to our Group members and Normanby Health walking group.

  Sylvia produced a leaflet of these walks for others to use. This can be viewed by 'clicking' on the images opposite to display a larger version which can be saved and printed.

  To see more of our group’s Boundary Walks
go to our photo gallery  page.
Photos by Sheila Nicholson and Barbara Greenmon.

Saturday 14th July 2018
  - Normanby Local History Group
           16th Annual Exhibition

Our Normanby Local History Group’s Annual Exhibition
was held as usual at Normanby Methodist Church.   There were displays of some of our group member’s research & interests which included:-
     - Lieutenant Richard Douglas Sandford VC R.N.,
     - Oddfellows Hall & Hewley Street,
     - South Park Wood & Normanby Hospital,
     - High Street - Old Eston and Normanby,
     - St Helen’s Church.

  There were Pop-up banners about the life of local hero Private William Henry Short VC and there was considerable interest in a showing of the film
"Gallantry in the Face of the Enemy - William Henry Short V.C."

  Our group’s Publications  were on sale and refreshments were available for purchase.

All visitors were made very welcome !
ENTRANCE WAS FREE !
All exhibition costs (such as accommodation hire & insurance)
were covered by our Group.

  To get an overall impression of our 2018 exhibition
go to our photo gallery  page.
(photos by Sheila Nicholson)

  [If you have any photos of our exhibition day that could be
    added to our Photo Gallery or know missing names of anyone in our photos then please contact us  !]

Wednesday 30th May 2018
  - Group Members’ Visit to Castle Museum, York

  Our Group members were taken by coach to York.   A short walk from the car park to the Castle Museum and a wait while the group was processed.
  Then time in the museum to look at whatever we liked.
  Museum done there was time for a coffee, a bite to eat or a spot of lunch and for some a wander along the river or into the city centre and even some shopping.
  Thanks to the museum staff for their welcoming our group.   Another excellent trip that went without a hitch thanks to organisation by Harry and Barbara Greenmon.

  To see more of our group’s trip to York
go to our photo gallery  page.
Photos by Sheila Nicholson.
  If you would like to plan your own visit see
York Castle Museum

Saturday 11th November 2017
  - Remembrance Day Service

  Our Normanby Local History Group organised a short Remembrance Day Service on Saturday the 11th November 2017 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  The service drew a crowd of over 100 wishing to pay their respects to the brave men from Normanby who lost their lives during WW1.
  The Reverend Christopher Wood-Archer with Lieutenant Christopher Kelly (Salvation Army) led the service.
  Afterwards many of the participants enjoyed refreshments provided at Normanby Methodist Church where a display of memorabilia of the World Wars was set up by our group.
  Our thanks to several volunteers from our group (in HiViz jackets) who managed the traffic and crowd.
  Note that classes from the local schools were not attending this year as the 11th November was a Saturday - though some children were present with their families.
  We thank the owners of the property on which the War Memorial is mounted (No.1 The Jennings), who had kindly again given permission for sound equipment to be used for the service.
  Special thanks is due to Tom Towers (Normanby LHG Honorary President) who has for many years been the main drive to ensure success of the Normanby Service of Remembrance.

  For views of this service go to our photo gallery  page (photos by Barbara Greenmon & Sheila Nicholson)

Wednesday 30th August 2017
     - Group Members’ Visit to Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum at Skinningrove

   The growth of our village of Normanby was very much based on the local ironstone mines  with many villagers working in them.   So a visit to this museum was very appropriate for our group.
   Our group members made their own way to the Museum where they had tea and coffee before lining up for a photo shoot to record the event.
   The group was then split into 2 parties and members were provided with hard hats before the tour began.
   We all squeezed into the hut where miners picked up their talleys before entering the drift and divested themselves of matches.   No smoking underground!
   We got to experience just how the temperature decreased and the darkness increased as we went further into the drift how dangerous a place it could be with tubs travelling close and only an iron brake that had to be thrown into the wheels to stop them.
   We heard the sounds of the mine and Gladstone the rat (one of many that would be down there) in the darkness.
   We also had a demonstration by our guide setting off a charge to bring down the rock containing the ore.   We again squeezed into a little hut while the explosion happened and ventured into the darkness again to see the result of the rock fall.
   On then to the rest of the museum to see more of the history of the mines, mining artifacts (hats, boots and horse) and the fans that brought fresh air into the mines.
   Our guides on the day were very informative and an enjoyable time was had by all.
   Thanks to the museum staff for their welcoming our group.

  To see more of our group’s trip to the museum go to our photo gallery  page.
Photos by Sheila Nicholson.
  If you would like to plan your own visit see
Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum

Saturday 15th July 2017
   - 15th Annual Exhibition:
           "Normanby of Yesterday"

  The Normanby Local History Group's recent annual exhibition was held as usual at Normanby Methodist Church.
  Although the weather on the morning was inclement and the turnout was down on previous years there was lots of interest in both members' displays and the exhibits.
  Once again the group thanks everyone who put in such a lot of hard work to make the day a success (including local residents not even members!)    Members had been busy prior to the event preparing displays of their research, material for stalls including the tombola and baking delicious wares to sell.   Special thanks also should be given to Tom Towers and Marion Davies who spent much of the day before preparing the hall and also to the ladies from the church who assisted with catering.

  There were displays of members research & interests including:
    - William Short VC information
               (associated with our Lottery Funded project) -
          football teams he played for,
          sister Florrie’s fundraising for the soldiers in Hospital,
          family connections,
          newspaper coverage of his death.
    - Short-Sivil Family Tree
    - Normanby & Around Old Postcards
    - Normanby Brickworks
    - History of Vehicle Licensing & Registration in Normanby Area
    - Group Vistit to Richmond 2017
    - Normanby School Class photos
    - ....and others too!

  Derrick Previll (a Development Officer for Volunteering Matters) displayed an exhibition of memorabilia from the war years that has original and replica items as well as a "Tees Valley Great War 1914-1918" display.   Derrick also brought some Anzac Biscuits, Trench Cake and Jelly Babies to try!

  All of our group's publications were on sale with our postcards, prints & booklets being very popular - as was our Tombola with many donated prizes to be won.

  Our very hard-working kitchen volunteers provided welcome refreshments - tea & coffee as well as home-made cakes & scones to keep us all going.

  Entrance was free - all exhibition costs (such as accommodation hire & insurance) were covered by our Group.
             All visitors were made very welcome!

  To get an overall impression of our 2017 exhibition
go to our photo gallery  page.
(photos by Sheila Nicholson)

  [If you have any photos of our exhibition day that could be
    added to our Photo Gallery or know missing names of anyone in our photos then please contact us  !]

Wednesday 17th May 2017
     - Group Members’ Visit to Richmond

   Members of our group spent a fine day visiting Richmond - a beautiful Yorkshire Dales market town.
   Our trip started at the Green Howards Museum on Trinity Church Square.
   Members of our group are currently working with the Heritage Lottery Fund and Lonely Tower Film and Media on a project about William Short V.C. who served in the Green Howards during the First World War. (see William Short Film Project )
   We were met at the Museum by Mark and Marie from Lonely Tower as they wanted to capture media that would help in the making of our video regarding William Short.   Their attendance was a well kept secret , no time for hair or make up, so apologies to anyone who is not happy with the final shots!
   Our group then had unlimited time in the museum and the staff also kindly opened up the chapel beneath the museum so that some members could visit.
   After the Green Howards there was free time to seek out refreshments and explore the town (the castle, river walk, Georgian Theatre Museum ) or to shop.
   It was a very interesting and informative day which we all enjoyed (although some got lost on their return to the bus !).

  To see more of our group’s trip to the Richmond go to our photo gallery  page.
Photos by Barbara Greenmon, Sheila Nicholson, Mike Wheatley.
Group photo thanks to Lonely Tower F&M.
  If you would like to plan your own visit see the
Richmond Online Guide

Tuesday 11th November 2016
  - Remembrance Day Service

  Our Normanby Local History Group organised a short Remembrance Day Service on Tuesday the 11th November 2016 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  The service drew a crowd of over 300 adults and schoolchildren wishing to pay their respects to the brave men from Normanby who lost their lives during World War One
  The Reverend Huw Sperring led the service and over 200 children from nearby Bankfields Primary School sang "Pack Up Your Troubles"  and "It's a Long Way to Tipperary" which was very moving.
  The trip was organized by the teachers and the children were accompanied by staff and volunteers from the school. The children were safely shepherded across the roads to and from the service by several volunteers from our group (in HiViz jackets).
  After the service many of the participants including many children enjoyed refreshments provided at Normanby Methodist Church where a display of memorabilia of the World Wars was set up by our group.
  We thank the owners of the property on which the War Memorial is mounted (No.1 The Jennings), who had kindly again given permission for sound equipment to be used for the service.

  For views of this service go to our photo gallery  page (photos by Amanda Proud, Barbara Greenmon and Tom Towers).

Saturday 6th August 2016
- Commemorative Ceremony for Local Hero
              - William Henry Short VC

   A ceremony took place on Saturday 6th August at 11 am to unveil a commemorative paving stone for local hero Private William Henry Short VC in our Eston Cemetery in front of the Memorial Cross by the West Lodge at the Normanby Road entrance.
   Local Hero Private William Short of the 8th Battalion Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) won his VC for most conspicuous bravery during an attack at Munster Alley near Pozieres on the
6th August 1916 (100 years ago).
   Although severely wounded he refused to go back and continued fighting.  He died of his wounds the next day before he could be carried out of the trench.  His body was eventually buried in Contalmaison Chateaux Cemetery some four miles to the north east of Albert, France.
   William's name is recorded on the obelisk in our local Eston Cemetery and on the Grangetown war memorial.
   The ceremony was well attended with members of William’s family and their friends, representatives of local associations and local dignitaries as well as many local people including members of our History Group.

For views of this special ceremony go to our photo gallery (photos mainly by Amanda Proud.)

Saturday 9th July 2016
   - 14th Annual Exhibition:
           "Working Life of Normanby Residents"

  The Normanby Local History Group's recent annual exhibition was held as usual at Normanby Methodist Church and we were pleased to see so many interested visitors on a mainly sunny morning.
  Once again the group thanks everyone who put in such a lot of hard work to make the day a success (including several local residents not even members!)

  The main theme of the exhibition was "Working Life of Normanby Residents" - though we did cover a wider area!

  There were many displays of research & exhibits by our group's members including:-
   - Normanby & Ormesby Brickworks
   - Dereliction & Demolition - End of the Brickworks
   - Health & Safety - Not a Good Track record
   - A Day at Snowden's Blacksmiths in 1956
   - Memories of ICI Wilton
   - Brief History of ICI
   - Occupations in Normanby & Eston 1790-1810, 1900 and 1910
   - The Picture Hall Eston
   - Walking from Normanby to Eston c.1952
   - Civil Defence Corps Eston
   - Normanby Hospital 1925-1979
   - Matchboxes Use in WW1 Propaganda.

  An interesting display showed some of our group's collection of artefacts and memorabilia including:-
   - Old signs from Normanby streets
   - Bottles from Richardsons Brewery
   - Bricks & tiles made at Normanby Brickyards
   - WWII ARP First Aid Kits and ARP Axe
   - Trowel used at laying of Wesleyian Chapel memorial stone
   - Steetley Refractory Brick Co official stamp.

  All of our group's publications were on sale with our postcards, prints & booklets being very popular - as was our Tombola with many donated prizes to be won.

  One of our visitors was William Short a descendant of local WW1 hero Private William Henry Short VC born in Eston.

  Our very hard-working kitchen volunteers provided welcome refreshments - tea & coffee as well as home-made cakes & scones to keep us all going.

  Entrance was free - all exhibition costs (such as accommodation hire & insurance) were covered by our Group.
             All visitors were made very welcome!

  To get an overall impression of our 2016 exhibition
go to our photo gallery  page.
and for a video of a General View of Visitors at Our Exhibition
go to our VIDEO  page.
(Photos by Sheila Nicholson and Barbara Greenmon).
If you would like to plan your own visit see
North Yorkshire Moors Railway (photos mainly by Amanda Proud with some by Mike Wheatley)

  [If you have any photos of our exhibition day that could be
    added to our Photo Gallery or know missing names of anyone in our photos then please contact us  !]

Wednesday 22nd June 2016
     - Group Members Tour of Ormesby Hall

   Only a few miles west of our village of Normanby is the 18th century mansion of Ormesby Hall - the home of the Pennyman family for over 400 years.
   Twenty nine members of our group spent a sunny morning at Ormesby Hall on a two hour conducted tour after which we rested on the terrace with welcome refreshments from the shop!
   We would like to thank the staff and volunteers who opened the hall for our tour and provided such knowledgeable and interesting guidance round the hall.

  To see more of our group’s tour of Ormesby Hall go to our photo gallery  page.
  If you would like to plan your own visit see the
Ormesby Hall Website

Sunday 15th November 2015
  - Saint Helen’s Church Opening

  Saint Helen's Church started life as a 12th century Chapel of Ease within the parish of Ormesby.  It became a parish church in 1868 until the building of Christ Church at Eston in 1884 when it became a cemetery chapel.
  The final funeral service was held in 1985, after which it was sealed up by the local Council.  Regretably, much of the fabric and fittings were stolen, the building was badly vandalized and even set on fire!
  This grade II listed church was dismantled in 1998 and the rescued remnants were moved and stored at Beamish Open Air Museum for over 10 years.
  In 2011 the museum began rebuilding Saint Helen's Church in the 1822 Georgian Style and it was made weatherproof by August 2012.  Further funding was eventually raised to restore the interior of the church.
  Members of our history group were pleased to be invited to the opening of the restored church on 15th November 2015 to see the splendid achievement of Beamish Museum.

For views of this visit go to our photo gallery  page
and for a video (including sound) of the interior of this church
go to our VIDEO  page.
(photos and video by Barbara & Harry Greenmon).

For detailed information on the church restoration
see the Beamish Museum website.
More on the church deconstruction before removal from Eston at Beamish Museum Peoples Collections.

There is more about Saint Helen’s in our Article
Saint Helen’s Parish Registers & Cemetery

Tuesday 11th November 2015
  - Remembrance Day Service

  Our Normanby Local History Group organised a short Remembrance Day Service on Tuesday the 11th November 2015 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  The service drew a crowd of people wishing to pay their respects to the brave men from Normanby who lost their lives during WW1.
  The Reverend Huw Sperring led the service and young children from nearby Bankfields Primary School sang "Pack Up Your Troubles"  and "It's a Long Way to Tipperary"  which was very moving.
  The schoolchildren were from four classes of Years 1 and 2.
Their trip was organized by teacher Mrs Kirsty Forde and the children were accompanied by staff and volunteers from the school.
  After the service many enjoyed refreshments at Normanby Methodist Church and the school children had well earned fruit juice and biscuits.

  For views of this service go to our photo gallery  page (photos by Amanda Proud).

Saturday 18th July 2015
   - 13th Annual Exhibition:
           "Normanby A Century Ago"

  The Normanby Local History Group's recent annual exhibition was held as usual at Normanby Methodist Church.
  It was a great day - the weather was mostly fine - and we were really pleased to see so many interested visitors.
  Once again the group thanks everyone who put in such a lot of hard work to make the day a success (including several local residents not even members!)

  The main theme of the exhibition was Normanby of a hundred years ago - though we did cover a wider scope!

  There were many displays of research & exhibits by our group's members including:-
   - Home Front Normanby 1915
   - 1915 Designs & Fashions
   - Lillian Graham Born 1915
   - 1915 News Flashes
   - Early 20th Century Life
   - Tom Kerrison 1907-2005 with Memorabilia
   - Soldiers Who Returned
   - Normanby & Smiths Dock War Memorials
   - Pte. J.William Holdsworth
   - Popular Postcards c.1915
   - Coins of the Realm 1915 George V
   - George Gale RASC P.O.W. on Burma Railway
   - Toys, Confectionery and Brand Names from a Century Ago
   - Postcards from Normanby (Thomas Caldwell to His Sister)
   - 1915 Plan of High St Shop Alterations & Rail-less Traction Co
   - Visit of King George V and Queen to Smiths Dock in 1917
   - Century Ago in Normanby, Eston and South Bank
   - Photos by Local Photographers in 1915
   - Middlesbrough FC 1914-15

   The North East Meccano Society provided a superb exhibition of working Meccano models demonstrated by Fred Thompson.   Many of those attending remembered the many happy hours they spent with these world-renowned construction sets that were first produced in the early 1900s.
For videos of these models in action go to our VIDEO  page.

  All of our group's publications were on sale with our postcards, prints & booklets being very popular - as was our Tombola with many donated prizes to be won.

  Our very hard-working kitchen volunteers provided welcome refreshments - tea & coffee as well as home-made cakes & scones to keep us all going.

  Entrance was free -   All visitors were made very welcome!
(Our Group thanks North East Meccano Society for exhibiting their great models for free!     All other costs such as accommodation hire & insurance were covered by our Group.)

  To get an overall impression of our 2015 exhibition
go to our photo gallery  page.
(photos mainly by Amanda Proud with some by Mike Wheatley)

  [If you have any photos of our exhibition day that could be
    added to our Photo Gallery or know missing names of anyone in our photos then please contact us  !]

Whit Weekend 23rd to 25th May 2015
   - Normanby Methodist Church Flower Festival

  The Normanby Local History Group provided one of the many flower displays at this festival held to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the new Church which replaced one that had stood on the corner of Cleveland Street with Patten Street for over 100 years.
  Bible stories and group activities formed the theme of this festival.  Proceeds of the festival were shared between Zoe's Place and the Church.
  For more details see the Flower Festival Poster  that was designed by the children of Normanby Primary School.
  A Quiz Sheet (based on the floral exhibits) sold for £1 with all proceeds going to the Great North Air Ambulance.
             See the Quiz Answers.  here.

  The beautiful floral displays were much admired and appreciated by all who attended and many thanks are due to all the display arrangers, sponsors - and especially to the organisers of this festival.

  To see more of this beautiful Flower Festival go to
our photo gallery  page (photos by Amanda Proud).

Wednesday 13th May 2015
     - Group Members’ Visit to Ripon Museums

   Members of our group spent a sunny day at Ripon visiting the museums and whatever else took our fancy!
   First visited was the Prison & Police Museum, followed by the Courthouse Museum and after lunch the Workhouse Museum & Garden.
   One soon appreciated the harsh & uncompromising condtions that some of our unfortunate ancestors may well have suffered if they were found guilty of breaking the laws or fell upon hard-times.
   It was a very interesting and informative day which we all enjoyed.

  To see more of our group’s trip to the Ripon Museums go to our photo gallery  page.
  If you would like to plan your own visit see the
Ripon Museums Website

Tuesday 11th November 2014
  - 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month

  Our group organised a short Remembrance Day Service on Tuesday the 11th November 2014 at the Normanby Great War Memorial (corner of High Street & West Street).
  The service drew a crowd of over 100 people wishing to pay their respects to the brave men from Normanby who lost their lives during WW1.
  The Reverend Huw Sperring led the service and young children from three classes of nearby Bankfields Primary School sang "Pack Up Your Troubles"  and "It's a Long Way to Tipperary".
  People at the service were deeply moved by the children singing and there were many with tears in their eyes.
  Decorated veteran Dave Camish said the children's singing had added another dimension to the Remembrance Service and had been "Extremely poignant".
  The 75 children from year 1 and 2, who had been learning about WW2 and other conflicts since September, were accompanied by 8 staff and volunteers from the school.
  After the service people enjoyed refreshments at Normanby Methodist Church and the school children had well earned fruit juice and biscuits.

  For views of this service held in the Centenary Year of WW1 go to our photo gallery  page (photos by Amanda Proud).

Monday 4th August 2014
                  - Remembering Normanby Men...

Our Group was contacted last April by Michelle & Stephen Ellis.   They live at No.1 The Jennings and consider they are blessed to have the Normanby War Memorial as part of their home.   They suggested that we take up something similar to Stockton Council's idea to grow sunflowers in memory of the men who never returned from the Great War (which we now know as World War One).
   At a meeting of our Normanby Local History Group the members enthusiastically agreed and have grown & distributed sunflowers to blossom around Normanby in memory of the men of Normanby who did not return home from all wars.
  On Monday August 4th the 34 men named on the Normanby World War I Memorial at the High Street end of West Street were remembered at the Memorial by having their names attached to 34 specially grown sunflowers.

  To see this floral tribute on the Centenary of the Great War go to our photo gallery  page (photos by Amanda Proud).

Saturday 12th July 2014
         - 12th Annual Exhibition

  The Normanby Local History Group's recent annual exhibition was held at Normanby Methodist Church as usual.
  Monday 4th August 2014 is the centenary of the start of the Great War - so the theme of our exhibition was based on WW1 & WW2 Normanby connections.
  It was a great day - the weather was fine again - and we were really pleased to see so many interested visitors.
  Once again the group thanks everyone who put in such a lot of hard work to make the day a success (including several local folks not even members!)

  There were many displays of research & exhibits by our group's members including:-
   - Fallen Heroes WW1 Graves in Eston Cemetery
   - Tees Submarine Base & 10th Submarine Flotilla
   - 1914-18 Postcards
   - Collection of World War memorabilia
   - Collection of Match Box Holders of WW1
   - Memorabilia of Flt.Lt.N.Osborne of Wren's Nest
   - Private James H. Hammerton
   - Life in the Trenches
   - The Forum Cinema
   - War Stories with Connections to Normanby
   - Collection of War Medals
   - Normanby War Memorial
   - Private William Holdsworth

  In keeping with our theme Phil & Lesley Meadows brought along their fully equiped US Army Jeep.  Phil (dressed as a piper of the Black Watch) played & talked about bagpipes.   See (and hear) Phil playing his pipes on our VIDEO  page.

  Group member Kester Marsh's gleaming Triumph Bonneville Classic motorbike was much admired.

  Sylvia Fairbrass conducted an interesting guided tour round Eston cemetery (luckily the weather was fine!)

  We were entertained by a young lady (Miss Rebekah Chapman from Marske) singing WW1 & WW2 songs.   Rebekah performed three sessions & she encouraged the people in the hall to sing with her.   She was attractively dressed in 1940 fashion with her hair styled as in the 40s.
  Rebekah sings for her school's charity which visits a school in Ghana to help build, repair & maintain the community there.

  We provided four guided visits (all fully booked) to Normanby's only remaining WW2 air-raid shelter under Beevers store (formerly Walter Bakers and one-time Forum cinema ).   Our thanks to Beevers store for being very helpful.

  All of our group's publications were on sale with our postcards, prints & booklets being very popular.  Hot off the presses - a new booklet was launched about the 34 Normanby men commemorated on the World War One Memorial entitled "In Memory of the Men of Normanby"'

  Our very hard-working kitchen crew provided a never ending supply of tea & coffee as well as home-made cakes, pastries & sandwiches to keep us all going.

  The Grand Finale was the exciting flypast of a Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire piloted by a Squadron Leader.
  This aircraft - the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.LFXV1E TE311 is a low-back/bubble-canopy Spitfire with 'clipped' wingtips.   It is painted to represent the Spitfire Mk XVIe TB675 '4D-V' of No.74 Squadron, the personal aircraft of Squadron Leader A.J. 'Tony' Reeves DFC, the Squadron's Commanding Officer from the end of December 1944.
  Everyone was really excited by the three successive passes made by the Spitfire across & along Cleveland Street where about 270 of us gathered.   We were all thrilled by the sight & sound of this spectacular Rolls Royce Merlin engined WW2 aircraft!
  A great finale to a memorable day for Normanby!

  To get an overall impression of our 2014 exhibition go to our photo gallery  page (exhibition photos mainly by Barbara Greenmon & Mike Wheatley with others acknowledged in captions).

[If you have any photos of our exhibition day or of the Spitfire Flypast that could be added to our Photo Gallery
then please contact us  !]

  Entrance was free -   All visitors were made very welcome!
   (Our Group thanks performers for their free contributions!
  All other costs such as accommodation hire & insurance were covered by our Group.)

23 June 2014
         - British Legion Memorial Walk

  Members of Normanby Local History Group met with Eric Howden from the Royal British Legion as his sponsored Memorial Walk  reached Normanby on the morning of Saturday 14th June.   A crowd gathered at the WWI Memorial as a dedication was made to those who fought so that people now may be free.   Crosses with Remembrance poppies on them were placed at the Memorial and donations were made to the Royal British Legion.   A commemorative vase was placed at the foot of the Memorial which contained poppies and a sunflower.
  A new Photo Gallery of this event has been added.

11th November 2013
         - Remembrance Day Service

  A Remembrance Day Service at Normanby War Memorial was organised by our group at 11am on 11th November 2013.
  About 70 people attended the service which was conducted by Minister Huw Sperring.
  Alan Stewart (Marske Brass Band) played the Last Post & the Reveille.
  Wreaths were laid by:-
  Joan Outhwaite with Eric Taylor for the Normanby LHG; Amanda Proud on behalf of Ian Swale (MP for Redcar); Carole Simms (Normanby Councillor) & George Dunning (Redcar & Cleveland Council Leader) & Cleveland Police.
  After the service refreshments were made available at the Chapel where there were displays set up by our group.
  See the Photo Gallery of this service.

Saturday 13th July 2013
   - 11th Annual Exhibition - Fantastic Success!

  The Normanby Local History Group's annual exhibition last year was held at Normanby Methodist Church.
  It was a fantastic day - the sun shone brightly - the flags and bunting fluttered in the breeze - and we had many happy visitors.
  The group thanks everyone who put in such a lot of hard work to make the day a success (including several local folks not even members!)

  Thanks are due to Teesside Archives & Beamish Museum for bringing their displays and to Charles Archer for bringing his superb collection of Meccano, Dinky, Corgi & Airfix models to add to the display of our many toys of yesteryear.

  As usual several of our group's members had set up displays of their own researches into Normanby, its history and people.

  It was great to see Phil & Lesley Meadows again with their fully equiped US Army Jeep and they brought an old gramophone to play nostalgic 1940s music. The jeep was joined by group member Kester Marsh's gleaming Triumph Bonneville Classic motorbike.
  Our very hard-working kitchen crew provided an unending supply of tea & coffee as well as home-made cakes, pastries & sandwiches to keep us all going.
  The children had great fun making kites, paper aeroplanes & Pom-Poms as well as looking at the display of old toys.
  All of the group's publications were on sale with our postcards & Christmas cards being very popular.

  The Grand Finale was the exciting flypast of a Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire piloted by Anthony Parkinson MBE.
  This aircraft - the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.LFIXe MK356   - was painted (unusually) in silver to represent the Spitfire Mk.IX MJ250 of 601 Squadron (code UF-Q) during the Italian campaign of 1944/45.  [This has since been repainted to represent Spitfire Mk IXc ML214, coded 5J-K !]
  Everyone was really excited by the three successive passes made by the Spitfire along Cleveland Street. Who could not be stirred by the sight of this spectacular aircraft & the so distinctive sound of its Rolls Royce Merlin engine!
  A truly wonderful finale to a tremendous day that Normanby will remember for many years!

  To get an overall impression of our 2013 exhibition go to our photo gallery  page (exhibition photos mainly by Amanda Proud & Mike Wheatley with others acknowledged in captions).

Saturday 28th July 2012
         - 10th Annual Exhibition

  This 10th Anniversary exhibition (held at Normanby Methodist Church) was open to all and entrance was free.  Note that once again all the costs were covered by the group with no financial support from the Council nor from others.
  The day was a great success with many visitors attending throughout the day showing a keen interest in the many displays, costumes, talks and walks.

  Members of the group were pleased to show their own research material on subjects of their own choice. The various displays included:
     - 1854 plans for the building of Normanby Township
        (includes High, West, Lambton, Cleveland, Parrington,
         Dixon, Laird & Mason Streets) & their development.
     - Normanby Magnesite Football Club
     - Buxton family shops and houses in Laird & Cleveland St
     - Normanby Pre-1942 & Post-1942
     - Normanby School
     - Brewery House
     - Church Life
     - Normanby High Street

  The Group provided a guided historical tour of parts of Normanby.   This included a treasure hunt and was wheelchair accessible.

  There were costumed appearances by "Ralph Jackson" (Dave Wilkinson) who talked about his life & time in Normanby and by "Elizabeth Parrington" (Sylvia Fairbrass) who talked of her husband Joseph's plans to build Normanby Township on his land.
  Members of the Historical Re-enactment group, "Best of Times, Worst of Times", were at the exhibition in Victorian costumes.
  Beamish Open Air Museum had members attending in Georgian costume.   They brought a display on St.Helen's Church which used to be in Eston Cemetery but was dismantled and is being rebuilt at Beamish.
  Teesside Archives also kindly attended with a display.

  Two special visitors had to stay outside -
                                      - a Trolley Bus & a WW2 Jeep!
  This trolley bus is the last surviving one of the Teesside Railless Traction Company. A video of the TRTB trolleybuses in action was shown on the two large screens inside the exhibition.
   Another star attraction was the WW2 US Army jeep. This was complete with an impressive set of equipment & armament and clearly proudly cared for by the uniformed driver accompanied by a 1940s costumed passenger.

  Purchased refreshments were eagerly welcomed & our publications (books, postcards & calendars) sold well.

  Many thanks to all those who organised, contributed, helped and participated - it was a great day and went very well.
  We hope that you enjoyed our exhibition discovering new things about Normanby & reminiscing on olden times!

  To get an overall impression of our 2012 exhibition go to our photo gallery  page (exhibition photos by Amanda Proud & Mike Wheatley).

Saturday 8th October 2011
         - Mallinson Park Show Homes Opened

  Normanby Local History Group Chairman Tom Towers and supporter Ken Farr were pleased to open the new show homes at Mallinson Park in Normanby on Saturday.

  Builders Taylor Wimpey searched the Normanby area for inspiration for a name for their new housing development. They became aware that in 2007 Normanby Local History Group had added a soldier's name to the local War Memorial. Sergeant Maurice Mallinson's name had been mysteriously omitted from the memorial for over 90 years!

  Taylor Wimpey approached the History Group who then liaised with Sgt Mallinson's family to get their agreement to use his name. On Saturday October 8th 2011 the show homes for Mallinson Park were officially opened by Ken Farr, a History Group supporter, and Chairman Tom Towers.

  Normanby Local History Group prepared a display telling Sergeant Mallinson's story which is on show in the Sales Office at the Taylor Wimpey site in Normanby.

  Ken Farr read out this statement from the Mallinson family at the opening:-
    "The direct descendants of Sergeant Maurice Mallinson are very honoured and proud that this residential area has been named after him. He died a very young man as did many others but he would have been very gratified that his memory continued in such a way. He leaves a daughter-in-law, two grandson's and a great-granddaughter, all of whom know him in their thoughts but never had the privilege of meeting him. May his name live on forever in our minds. The family hope to visit the site next spring when a special bench will be installed on the site and dedicated to his name. Thank you."

  For further information see article about
    Sergeant Mallinson's War Memorial Entry .

        (photos of the event by Amanda Proud)

Saturday 9th July 2011
         - 9th Annual Exhibition

  This year's exhibition (held at Normanby Methodist Church) was open to all and entrance was free.  Note that all the costs were covered by the group with no financial support from the Council nor from others.

  Members of the group showed their own research material on subjects of their own choice. The various displays included:
     - Normanby from 1890-1900
     - Normanby demolition & rebuild
     - St.Helen's Church deconstruction & rebuild

  Beamish Open Air Museum had a display on St. Helen's Church. They are eager to hear from people who have memories of the Church - especially anyone who may have photographs of the Church. They are extremely keen to get images of the stained glass window. They are still hoping people can check in their gardens for any sandstone blocks which may have come from the Church in the past. Contact the group if you can help.

The two large screens in Normanby Methodist Church showed a slide show of the demolition of the old Methodist Church & the building of the new Church.

  Teesside Archives also had a display at the exhibition.

  "Dorothy" (the 1949 ex-United single-decker vintage bus) hired by the group provided 122 passengers with free trips from Normanby to Eston and Ormesby and back.

  Refreshments were eagerly purchased & our publications (books, postcards & calendars) sold well.

  If you took any photos or videos of the event and you are willing to share them with us please get in touch.

  Thanks to all those who organised, contributed, helped and participated it was a fantastic day and went very well.

  To get an overall impression of our 2011 exhibition go to our photo gallery  page (exhibition photos by Amanda Proud).

July 2009
         - 7th Annual Exhibition

  Many thanks to everybody who attended the exhibition. We featured photos of Normanby 'Now & Then' highlighting what has changed (and in some cases what's the same) in our village. As in previous years, the event proved to be a fantastic community gathering with stories and memories shared across the generations.

  The highlight of the day had to be the RAF 'flyover' of the Dakota. We had been promised a Spitfire but the RAF informed us of the change just the day before the event. Many people have been talking about this ever since and most agree that we got a better deal with this beautiful and graceful plane. The pilot flew round three times with the final pass being right down Cleveland Street itself! One airman was clearly seen waving from the parachute door. Many thanks to Paul Currie for his great photo capturing the moment.

  If you took any photos or videos of the event and you are willing to share them with us please get in touch.