LAST week’s “Top of the town” photo drew an impressive response from the people of Bishop Auckland. We weren’t entirely sure where the photograph was taken, but thanks to everyone who filled us in.

“The lady is pushing her pram in Clarence Gardens, and the photographer is in Clarence Street,” says Morris Race. “The street in front is Nelson Street, with the entrance to the station recreation ground on the right.

“The houses to the right of the lady were built about 54 years ago as we used to have our bonfire on that land, and I remember a tyre escaping from the bonfire, going down Nelson Street and knocking a door down near Benton’s shop.”

Everyone agreed with Morris’ location. Paul Dobson referred to it as “Clarry bank”, and Alan Hogg, from the Surtees Arms in Ferryhill, recalled “walking up that hill for eight years in the mid 1970s”.

Dave Scott said: “Clarence bank made an excellent sledge run in the winter months, and when snow was on the ground, you could not move for excited youngsters making the most of the conditions.”

One of our correspondents added: “The footpaths were in better repair in 1963 than they are now!”

BLOB With thanks also to Sue Bateman, Judith Morland, John Rusby, John Heslop, Marjorie Cook and Tony Martins, along with everyone else who emailed and called.

There is quite a backlog of Memories material building up, but we will get to it all in the near future. Thank-you to everyone for getting in touch.