You can view the archived comments from 2006 here.

You can view the archived comments from 2007 here.

You can view the comments from 2008 here.

The following comments were submitted in 2005.

Date: 03-Feb-2005
Time: 23:20:12

Comments

Alright mate. Just thought I'd take a look at your good work, it's coming along nicely. Give yourself a good plug over at the Forum when you're done. bossman

Date: 04-Feb-2005
Time: 20:35:32

Comments

It looks like you are putting a lot of work into this. Well done so far. I will visit often. Keep up the good work. It is nice to see villages in Durham on line with their history and local information.

Date: 05-Feb-2005
Time: 18:15:12

Comments

At last a website for our village. Andy

WEBMASTER COMMENTS: Yes, it's been long overdue.

Date: 11-Feb-2005
Time: 22:23:24

Comments

some excellent pictures! you have done well to pull them all together. keep up the good work.

Date: 16-Feb-2005
Time: 16:42:45

Comments

the website is excellent it is about time that somebody advertised west cornforth in a positive way all we seem to be gettin these days is a very negative image.It is ammazing what you can learn about your community sitting in your own home. The website can only get better keep up the hard work and reaserch. Tony

Date: 17-Feb-2005
Time: 12:55:20

Comments

It will be good to have a source of information about activities within our village again. Without a village newsletter to inform us, what are we to do? Keep up the good work - some excellent photographs of the old days!!

WEBMASTER COMMENTS: I've been told that a village newsletter is still produced by Cornforth House however we have not seen a copy for a long time.  If you have not received your copy then please contact Cornforth House (tel: 01740 652000) to inform them.

Date: 18-Feb-2005
Time: 14:17:36

Comments

Greetings from the USA. Wonderful website and I will pass it along to descendants of William Green. He was one of those who came here in 1879 with his large family except the oldest - did well for himself and his younger son became Fire Department Chief in Stuebenville, Ohio. I am related to his oldest son William Jr. who stayed in West Cornforth, my grandma and mother being born there also. Still keep in touch with relatives in Cornforth and thank Andy Denholm very much for sending me this website.

WEBMASTER COMMENTS: Thank you very much for your comments.  We are pleased that this site has provided you with a valuable service.

Date: 23-Feb-2005
Time: 20:28:50

Comments

very easy to navigate and good quality pictures. would like to see some pictures of the old cinema and the rosedale pub if you can find any. cheers!

Date: 25-Feb-2005
Time: 21:44:05

Comments

There is some smashing pics on this website .Its good to see my nanna in a one of them.  However there is not many to do with many of the fairs they have had i would be most greatful if you could find some as it would be a pleasure to see our friends and families in these pictures.

WEBMASTER COMMENTS: We are expecting to receive some pictures from Cornforth fayres, taken during the 80's and have also sourced the following movie footage - some of which we hope to broadcast on this website.  Family scenes at West Cornforth (1930's), West Cornforth in the early (1940's), House being built at Garmondsway Road, West Cornforth (1940), Building an air raid shelter at West Cornforth (1940), Winter in West Cornforth (1940-41*), Wartime tea party with visiting soldier at West Cornforth (1940s), Carnival, West Cornforth (1940s), Co-op staff v Chilton football match at West Cornforth (1940), Jazz band parade, West Cornforth (1938*), Jazz band parade, West Cornforth (no date), Wedding at West Cornforth (1950's), Wedding of Min and Brian Jackman, West Cornforth (daughter and son-in-law of filmmaker) (1952).

Date: 01-Mar-2005
Time: 02:13:57

Comments

Can you find any pictures of "Doggie Juniors" football team from the early 80's? I remember the Sunday mornings. Nice site.

 WEBMASTER COMMENTS: Will try to find some.  We are always looking for material which we think will be of interest to other residents / ex pats.

Date: 05-Mar-2005
Time: 12:04:00

Comments

good pictures of the youthie - happy dayz!!

 WEBMASTER COMMENTS: Nice clothes and haircuts eh?

Date: 09-Mar-2005
Time: 16:50:42

Comments

well done it is about time people seen the nice things about the village

Date: 18-Mar-2005
Time: 15:02:55

Comments

Nice to see West Cornforth in a positive light instead of the usual negative thing that we see. Nice site will visit again to see how it is coming on

Date: 19-Mar-2005
Time: 21:14:51

Comments

anyone got any pictures of the westcornforth rebbles i would love to see some ,my nanna Doris stapleton and granda Richard stapleton used to do the jazz band and my aunty emma was on the mace

WEBMASTER COMMENTS: We have some pictures of the Jazz Band from the early 80's but I'm not sure if its the rebels or the cavaliers.  Will upload them shortly.

Date: 03-Apr-2005
Time: 18:08:37

Comments

My grandfather 'Albert Noble' originated from West Cornforth and he moved to the USA in 1891. I've been researching my family history and this site has provided me with some excellent pictures and an insight into the history of the village. Thanks. Mary Noble - Texas USA

WEBMASTER COMMENTS: Glad to be of service.

Date: 04-Apr-2005
Time: 06:57:01

Comments

My gran was born at East howle and my grandad worked at East Howle pit. It would be nice to see some old photographs of East owle if you can find any.

Date: 12-Apr-2005
Time: 23:15:23

Comments

I have lived in the village for 11 years and have just visited your website for the first time.  I enjoyed reading about the history of the area.  Maybe a map showing roads, the position of old historical places (eg Thrislington Hall, Mineworks, Railway Station) would be of interest.  I live in Thrislington Cottage, on Station Road.  Please could you tell me if there is any history to my house. I am also interested in finding out the names of previous owners, particular in the 60s. Do you know how I may be able to find out this information. Best wishes Steve Bown.

WEBMASTER COMMENTS: Thanks for your comments.  A map showing the location of historical sites within the village is an excellent idea.  We are awaiting some plans from County Hall records office detailing the old mine workings which run beneath Cornforth. The following links should help you research the history of your home.  County Records Office   If you would be interested in joining a local history society, then please email info@cornforth.org.uk

Date: 18-Apr-2005
Time: 09:10:39

Comments

Excellent site.Very informative.

Date: 12-May-2005
Time: 01:56:22

Comments

I remember that parade on Gallery7. I think there was a bloke from Tyne Tees television, who was in fancy dress, on one of the floats. Good site!

Date: 22-May-2005
Time: 13:11:33

Comments

Is that photo of Benticks and cart the Billy Bentick? If so my mother jokes that he was my dad. Nice site. Alister

Date: 23-May-2005
Time: 20:46:54

Comments

In Galery 7, bottom row, second from the left. If I'm not mistaken, that's Neville Wanless (Tyne Tees link man) in a cart with the parade Queen. I was in that parade too!.. Struggling to stay onboard an elderly flatbed wagon which we tenuously called the "Boxing Club Float"!:¬) Happy days.

Date: 25-May-2005
Time: 19:30:39

Comments

This site just goes from strength to strength, keep the good work up.

Date: 27-May-2005
Time: 21:10:20

Comments

Brings back memories! Only critism, took me a while to find the website. lisa

Date: 14-Jun-2005
Time: 14:49:54

Comments

GREAT SITE WITH FANTASTIC PICTURES,ANYBODY REMEMBER THE SPOONERS OF CORNFORTH.WILL VISIT OFTEN.

Date: 24-Jul-2005
Time: 02:07:06

Comments

Fantastic web site,
Great way to read up on the history of the village.
Does anyone have any photos of the old iron works that was in the woods,
Or of the tar pits, or could any one tell me if there is a crest for Cornforth?
Would be most grateful for any info.

Date: 01-Sep-2005
Time: 00:05:36

Comments

It's nice to see that the village has a website, which provides historical information and current activities. Keep up the good work and keep them photo's coming.

Date: 09-Sep-2005
Time: 20:40:06

Comments

Recent additional photos gallery 8 and 9 are great, a blast from the past.

Date: 17-Sep-2005
Time: 06:40:16

Comments

I've enjoyed reading the history of this village with the same name as my surname (Cornforth), on the other side of the world from where I live (in New Zealand.  It gives me an idea of where this name came from - thank you.

Date: 04-Oct-2005
Time: 03:10:28

Comments

My dad and his brother are always telling us what great football players they were in the 50's/60's... However, there are no photo's of them in any teams... i rest my case!!
excellent!
hehehe!
M Wallace

Date: 26-Oct-2005
Time: 22:55:56

Comments

Well done mate, Brilliant site, Nice to see someone putting the time and effort into something that is well overdue, i will keep flicking over to this site. Great Work keep it up.

Date: 02-Nov-2005
Time: 16:13:21

Comments

Fascinating. I actually found the site because my brother is researching my mother's family history. She was Eva Dobbin of Coxhoe or Cornforth, so I suspect that the William Dobbin refered to in the Social History page (arrested for breach of the peace)was her father or uncle (she often spoke of an Uncle Bill)
If anyone knows more about the Dobbin family I would love to hear from them.
lyn.kirby@birmingham.gov.uk

Date: 12-Dec-2005
Time: 17:28:04

Comments

Hi

I was born in West Cornforth. I remember going to a Methodisty Church there, Behind the main st I think, next to the club. Vernum Tce?? Also there was the Methodist church next to the now Community Centre and also the Primitive Methodist in the front st, as well as the Salvation Army. It would be good to do some research for these and put them in. Also my Grandfather had a photographers shop, going out of West Cornforth for a time, this was going out to Cornforth church, just passed Cockerill's butchers, a corner type house. I would have to consult with my Mother as to when, how long, and if there is indeed any photos. I lived in Grey St as a child. I was June Davison, Father Roger and Mother May, Brother John.

Good site though keep up the good work.

Date: 21-Dec-2005
Time: 19:05:42

Comments

West Cornforth. People. Places.Past & Present.
The book is a credit to Eileen and the village.

Date: 22-Dec-2005
Time: 08:09:58

Comments

There was a photographer on the High Street called Chambers who is listed on the 1901 census. I have photographs in my possession taken also by "Chambers". If this is the photographer you are interested in please contact me and I can provide you with further information. cornforthhistory@hotmail.com

Date: 22-Dec-2005
Time: 08:13:31

Comments

There are Dobbin's living in Coxhoe and Cornforth listed on the 1901 census, if you require help please email cornforthhistory@hotmail.com

Date: 22-Dec-2005
Time: 17:28:40

Comments

Just to thank you for all your hard work you put into this web site, and to wish you and your family and all the residents of West Cornforth a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous new year.

WEBMASTER COMMENTS: Thank you very much to all the people who have submitted photographs and articles over the last year to share with others.  Without your support, this site would not have developed.  Merry Christmas to everyone in Doggie and all those ex-pats who, for whatever reason, can't be with their families this year.  Cheerz!

Date: 29-Dec-2005
Time: 12:08:04

Comments

I received details of the website from an old school friend and have to say it was a wonderful Christmas present. My grandfather and father were both born and bred in West Cornforth and I grew up there. I now live in Lancashire where our children were born but they too have very happy memories of Doggie mostly the people - who are the best - but also the places I loved as a child; Doggie wood, the Donkey wood, the Jubilee Bridge, the beck at the The Three Bridges, they even got to play snooker in the 'tute (dad's spiritual home) but sadly they were too young to see my favourite place; The Hills and Holes.
It was simply the best place to grow up.
The St. John's ambulance, chapel, salvation army: anniversaries, parties, trips, Stan, the man at the pictures, and Bolton's Cafe - how good were they?
Mum is staying with us for Christmas and was amazed to see her photograph in the 1960 picture.
Mum came to Doggie in 1948 when she got married and taught at Cornforth School and went on to teach at Coxhoe when the secondary school opened there.
Dad had a butcher's shop in the High Street.
We all have so many happy memories of the village.
Thank you.
June - I remember you - we used to go swimming together - I remember your mum dad and your brother.
It would be great to hear from you. My name is Julie Sweeting.
I have sent details of the site to everyone I know who used to live in Doggie.

Date: 30-Dec-2005
Time: 18:47:04

Comments

I was born in the village. My dad was the driver in one of the pics..Tommy Mitton..my grandad was a foreman at the pit and there was a 'Mitton's Bank' underground. My uncle Billy was the lift controller and I remember visiting him in the wheel house where every bit of brass shone like gold.  My mum was a 20 year old Italian girl and there were many kind people who remained lifelong friends. George K. Chatt nursed me. I went to the Methodist Chapel from where I was married in 1973 My auntie Nellie worked at the Regent cinema and was a demon with the torch. We sat on the penny benches at the front and 'got wrong' for stamping our feet when the reel broke. The village was a wonderful place to grow up.
I think the site is amazing. Anna Maria Mitton (Johnston)