GEORGE WALTON, a 37-year-old quarry worker who was married with five children, set an example to other men when he became one of the first in Upper Teesdale to sign up for service in the First World War.

But it cost him his life, leaving his wife Sarah Jane to grieve with their son and four daughters at their home in Wesley Terrace, Middleton.

He had been in the Territorial Force previously. After training he went to France with the 6th Battalion DLI in April 1915. He was seriously wounded on the Somme in 1917 and after treatment was sent home early the next year to recover.

But he returned to France that April and was killed in action in July, after being promoted to lance corporal. He has no known grave but is honoured on the Middleton war memorial.

His children were George, Margaret, Greta, Laura and Hilda – and Laura later married another soldier, who had served in the war. He was Cyril Wilfred Ramsdale, who was 18 when he enlisted in the East Yorkshire Regiment in 1916. He was known all his life by the nickname Squib.

He wrote a long third-person account of his war experiences, reporting what Squib did as a runner, taking vital messages between units at the front, and guiding platoons through battle-devastated trenches.

He saw grim scenes of death and destruction, and a lot of his friends were killed.

He was mentioned in despatches for bravery. After being hit on the head by shrapnel he was in hospital for a few weeks. Then on his 21st birthday in September 1918, when he received no gifts or cards, he was firing a machine gun at the enemy when a shell exploded near him and ripped a gaping hole in his leg.

His account says: “Squib fancies he has been hit by a house end . .

bowled over as though clouted with something heavy. Trying to rise, he is unable to, and painfully crawls back.” He was stretchered off to hospital as bullets screamed in all directions, and was still being treated the following year before being discharged. He worked as a railway clerk and married Laura in 1929.

They had five sons and a daughter.

He volunteered again at the age of 42 when the Second World War started. Told he was too old for action, he joined the DLI and became a prisoner of war camp guard. He later transferred to the Pioneer Corps and Royal Engineers.

He died in a tragic fall in 1950, when he was losing his eyesight.

Roger Ramsdale, son of Squib and grandson of George Walton, has been researching the life of both men. He has had Squib’s report typed and put into bound copies for members of the family. “I’m immensely proud of what the two of them did for our country and want to ensure they are always remembered,” said Mr Ramsdale, who lives in Harley Grove, Darlington.

After a career in heavy industry he became civic officer to the mayor of Sedgefield and was an official of Sedgefield’s twinning arrangement with a town in Germany. He has made many friends among the former enemy and will be visiting them this year.

THERE have been grumbles lately about the difficulty in finding a parking space beside the shops in the centre of Barnard Castle.

The problem can be frustrating any day but is grim on Wednesdays, when cobbled areas are taken over by traders’ stalls. There are car parks a short walk away, but fees have to be paid in them, and most customers would prefer to stop right outside the shops.

But it is not simply a modern complaint, as an old photograph shows the kerbside spaces just about filled completely on a market day over a century ago.

Joyce Stoddart loaned it from her collection and wondered if there were protests about a shortage of spaces in those olden days. Farmers from around the dales had to arrive early to make sure of a place.

Many of the town’s hostelries had stables in which horses could be left for the day after the carts had been unhitched and parked.

There were stories in those days about farmers celebrating heartily after doing well at the market, then getting onto their carts, falling asleep and relying on their wise old horses to get them home safely. One experienced mare caused laughter one Wednesday when it got fed up waiting for its master to come out of a crowded inn.

It set off for home several miles away at a steady plod and arrived there without difficulty – while its owner was still making merry.

EVERYONE who has attended one of the hayshed services organised by Pauline Bowles will be delighted to hear that another is on the way.

She will be the hostess again when the splendid gathering is held in the cosy setting of Marley Moor Farm at Ingleton a week tomorrow (Sept 14) at 4pm.

It’s called a hayshed, but is actually a winter home for 50 or 60 cows.

It was power-cleaned in May after the cattle were turned out, so their aroma won’t be noticed.

The services were started in 1998 and have been held every second year since.

After each one Mrs Bowles has said there won’t be any more, because so much work is involved.

“But they are always great fun, so I’m pleased to keep going,” she says.

It’s a joyful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

This time the service will be led by the Reverend Kevin Dunne, who has retired but is more than happy to be involved. He is noted for his jovial manner and Geordie accent.

A group from St Andrew’s Church at Haughton will supply the music, and pupils from Ingleton Primary School will sing. One of their numbers will be I’ve Got A Brand New Combine Harvester. A hearty country supper will be served by a team of village ladies noted for their baking skills, and there will be a produce stall with eggs, cheese, fruit and vegetables.

There will be no charge, but donations will be welcome for St John’s Church in Ingleton. Mrs Bowles is helped by her sons Neal and Scott, daughter in law Helen and grandsons Sam and Harry, as well as friends.