THIS picture is in Tony Eaton’s archives in Northallerton – but who is on it? It appears to have been taken by one of The Northern Echo’s photographers, and it says on the back of it that it is a final reunion by 25 First World War veterans in The Three Tuns Hotel. But there are no names, no regiments, no towns and no dates.

So who are they, and where are they? If you don’t recognise the faces, do you recognise the windows in the Three Tuns?

The gentlemen look to be, say, 80, and so if they were 20 at the end of the war, the picture would have been taken in the late 1970s. If you can help us at all, please email chris.lloyd@nne.co.uk

NEXT week, a free talk in Durham will tell the story of the “Florence Nightingales” of the First World War trenches.

Dick Robinson, the great nephew of nurse Edith Appleton, will give the talk about his ancestor and her close friend, Spennymoor’s own Kate Maxey.

Although from different ends of the country – Edie was born in Kent in 1877 while “Maxey”, as she was always known, was born in County Durham a year later – the two women were both experienced nurses in their thirties when they set off from Southampton in 1914.

They worked together in General Hospital No 1 at Etretat on the Normandy coast for most of 1916, saving countless lives of soldiers injured in the trenches. At the end of hostilities both women were decorated for their dedicated and distinguished war service.

Edie often referred to her close friend Maxey in her diary, and their friendship and shared experiences will be a key part of Dick’s talk in the council chamber at County Hall at 7pm on Tuesday.

Admission is free, and the event is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the Durham at War project.

The story of Kate Maxey will be featured in the Somme 1916: From Durham to the Western Front exhibition, which opens at Durham University’s Palace Green Library on March 25.

  • On Thursday at 7pm in County Hall, there’s another historical talk: Highwaymen and Striking Miners: Letters to George Bowes. Bowes (1701-1766), a fabulously wealthy coal-owner, had his principal residence at Gibside at Rowlands Gill, although he also inherited Streatlam Castle, near Barnard Castle. The letters, which include the time when he was MP for Durham, are held at the Durham County Record Office and give a fascinating insight to life in the county 300 years ago. Booking for the talk is essential and tickets, priced £5, are available on 03000 267626.