In the 1930s and early 1940s,and perhaps even earlier,every morning (except Sundays) a figure would be seen trudging through Toronto towards Bishop Auckland and every afternoon the same figure could be seen plodding back. Dressed in a shabby black overcoat which was only removed on the hottest of days he was a vagrant known to everyone as Jack Ravenger. This was not his real name and very few people seemed to know what that was. It was not known who gave him this name nor if it had any other significance. Was it a corruption of scavenger (which Jack was not) or some Durham or pitmatic name which I had never heard of? He spent his days in Bishop Auckland and slept each night at North Beechburn Brick and Pipe Works,where even on the coldest nights there were plenty of warm spots. No one seemed to know why he had chosen the life of a vagrant and I don't think anyone ever asked him. All his worldly possessions were carried in a hessian sack which he carried over his shoulder, I doubt if he owned a change of clothing and this sack could contain the remnants of a loaf of bread,a bit of jam in a jar, a bit a scrap metal,a couple of rabbit skins and any other scraps of food that someone may have given him. His only utensils were a large pocket knife,a table knife and an old battered enamel mug,
He was regarded as absolutely honest by all who knew him. Although always grateful for anything given to him I never knew him to beg as a lot of others of his ilk did. Parents were not worried if their children were seen talking to him as they knew he would not harm them,although he was no doubt in need of a wash. The local kids would often scrounge a bit of cake or a couple of slices of bread from their mothers to give to him. He was trusted.
As a youngster he and I had a "business" arrangement. I would collect clean two pound jam jars and when I had about 10 I would contact him. He would collect them and paid me one penny each(old money) for them.He then sold these to Hanratties Scrap yard for two pence each. He had other arrangements with other children for anything that would bring him a few coppers. In this way he managed to survive. He always had a cheery word for everyone,young and old, and was respectful towards women. I remember seeing him one day,stood to attention and bare headed as a funeral cortege passed whilst some others around him were not so respectful. I recently read a Chinese proverb which said "There is many a good man under a shabby hat." I thought that fitted Jack Ravenger well. As I grew older and work filled more of my time,I lost touch with him. He died some time in the forties.
Another Bishop Auckland character about this time was a man who (as the story goes)was employed at the railway station. It was part of his duty to walk along the platform when a train terminated at Bishop Auckland and call out "All change,all change" so that passengers would know they had to get off. These words did not appear to his liking so he would stroll along the platform calling out "All swap,all swap." This became the name by which he was known. I don't think many people knew his proper name but everyone knew who Allswap was

Anyone remember "Apple Annie".

She meanered the streets of Bishop Auckland selling vegetables and fruit from a horse and cart.

I recall the day she had an accident in Watling Road, where I lived, and she sustained a large cut on her forehead. She was left with a large scar and I believe she appeared to be never the same again after that.

I recall I used to have nightmares about this accident for some time.

PS After stumbling on this site yesterday all the memories seem to be flooding back. Just let me know if you all get bored.

I remember a man called Jimmy selling the Pink on a Saturday night on his bike. I can still here him yelling PINK! I also remember a lady with a horse and cart selling fruit and veg. It must be the same one. Was she rather large? I also remember Mr Blacket coming round selling groceries in his blue van. He always stopped outside our house in Irvin Avenue. Mam always bought stuff from him.

Oh yes, and the lady with the horse and cart used to yell "TAYTEEEZ" at the top of her voice!

Anyone remember Lawrence who sold the Gazette and the Pink around the town for many years. I seem to remember him coming into Kingsway and letting Harry Sharratt have a look at the racing results - never mind what was going on on the pitch! I remember Lawrence coming into the Cricket club with his papers and one of his main pitches was outside the old Essoldo cinema. There was a rumour that he was `actually a wealthy man. I doubt it!

John, I saw Lawrence around Bishop Auckland for thirty years and more, and can’t remember him dressed in anything but his old black donkey jacket and battered pork-pie hat, a hessian paperbag slung over his shoulder. I believe he was originally apprenticed to that supremo of street-corner papermen, Frankie (commonly known as Funky) Trueman. Do you remember him?

Funky dominated Newgate Street news-vending throughout the 50s and 60s, supported by his “partner” Dot. Funky was short and wiry with sharp features and a thin moustache. Dot was rarely seen without her plastic rain-hood, pacamac raincoat and yellow wellington boots. (It seemed to rain more in those days).

Their main pitch was on Halford’s corner (previously the Durham Hotel) opposite Rossi’s coffee bar. They were out in all weathers, sold the Auckland Chronicle ,the Gazette and of course, the Pink. At the end of their evening shift, they would often go to the Marina Café for a cup of tea. Everybody knew them. They were characters.

It was rumoured that Funky had no toes. Apparently, he had once worked at Hunwick Refractories, and had lost some or all his of his digits while cleaning out hot kilns.

When Funky ceased to trade, Lawrence became No. 1. He would ’work’ the Street, top to bottom and back again, going from pub to pub, selling newspapers. You mentioned the cricket club. I imagine he worked other clubs and the cafes, too, and he always seemed to be in a hurry. I doubt if he made a lot of money but he was certainly persistent!

Everyone knew him although I never heard anyone use his surname. Like Billy the Lamplighter tending the gaslights with his ladder, little Bobby Olley trudging slowly up Newgate Street with his sandwich boards, and Frankie di Palma with his gold teeth and ice cream kiosk, Lawrence, in his way, was a Bishop Auckland character.

AHHHH!!!!!! all those memories are coming back so clear. What a great site this is. I too went to the sunday school in Watling Road. I have always wanted to know what the name of the church was. Anyone know please? I just cannot remember. When we were finished there I would run home to Abbey Road and get my bike to catch the sunday school in the Methodist Chapel at Etherley Dene ( where I was born, and where my grandparents lived ) Yes, I too remember Lawrence. Familiar faces back then huh? Especially Bobby Olley. Keep those memories a coming folks. Take care, Keep smiling and God bless, Sandie

I do remember a building near to the crossroad at Cabin Gate but I cannot remember the name.

That was in the days of course when Woodhouse Close Estate was just a field.

Anyone remember all the wonderful circuses and fairs there. I recall vividly lying in bed unable to sleep for the noise and listening to the lady up the pole playing "oh My Papa".

i only remember that building as the church hall. i used to go aged 8 or10 to the GFS (girls freindly socioty) we had dances to a record player. i also remember the lady that climbed up a white pole and played o my papa on a trumpet i could watch from my bedroom window in abby rd. keep them memories coming

Hi all !! Seeing Apple Annies name (above) reminded me of dear old "Mutt" dont know his real name but he also came around the streets with a horse and cart selling fruit and veg in the late 50's early 60s....shouting at the top of his voice!! He used to "park" his horse and cart at the end of Thompson Street...and if my memory doesnt fail me it was in a shed like place belonging to a Mrs Richmond? Others I remember in the street were....Mrs Liddle and daughter Betty (who was my friend) Old Mrs Cassidy(smoked a pipe)The Lye family.Saunders family.I can also remember Darkie Rispen and family and a daughter called Sandra. These were there ooooh 45years ago now.Also where Vinovium house is now.....was it Hawthorn Cottages? I cant remember but through the gargen part of it up to the top end was a big house...well it seemed bigger than the rest of the cottages and I think there was an upstairs. Lived Mrs Wooley...anyone remember her? A very tall woman slim and had long black hair down her back....she was very very strict and precice in everything she did, I remember being terrified of her, then getting to know her....and what a lovely lady she was.