Do you have memories of the way Horse Market in Barnard Castle was in the past? Where exactly was the Co-op? Where was the best place to meet friends, or get your hair cut? Which businesses always seem to have been there, and whatever happened to places like the Star Inn and Angel Hotel? How has market day changed over the years?
Children in Barnard Castle will soon be working on a fascinating project to develop a new walk booklet aimed at children, looking at the history of Horse Market in Barnard Castle. The project is seeking memories and stories about the shops, the pubs and the market itself.
This project is part of the Heart of Teesdale’s Trails through Teesdale Programme. This programme aims to provide local people and visitors with the knowledge they need to make the most of exploring the area, by providing leaflets, booklets and audio trails. Children from local groups, will be involved in developing the walk book, as well as families and other members of the community.
“The project will result in a walk booklet taking in the history and stories of Horse Market,” says project leader Jude Irwin. ““For example, several people have already told me about a shop where takings were put into a container and whizzed around the shop on wires, with the person’s change being delivered moments later in the same container. It must have seemed pretty high tech at the time. I’d love to know which shop this was and whether anyone remembers working or shopping there.”
The project has already started gathering photos and anecdotes about the street’s past. The project is also willing to hold reminiscence sessions in local care homes and with community groups to collect more.
If you have some memories or photos you would like to share, or if you would like to arrange a visit to your care home or group call Jude Irwin on 07766 485188 or email theworddoctor@btinternet.com.