George Spenceley relives his army training days in the 1950's and the many friends and memories he recalls

I have been told that Ralph Spenceley, my dads father and my grandfather, was born in the Marishes near Pickering in 1858. His family were basket makers and at sometime before 1881 they moved to Middlesbrough, where they are recorded in the 1881 census at 9 Thompson Street in Middlesbrough.

Ralph G/Dad

Earlier members of the family can be traced back to the 1700's by the grave stones in churchyards in and around the Helmsley area. They had various occupations, such as Farmers, Joiners, Builders and labourers.

In our search for information about the family we found that some had been baptised in the parish church of St Saint Peter and Paul in Pickering by the then vicar, the Rev.F Ponsonby. We have visited Low Marishes and today it is only a tiny hamlet of two or three houses.

Ralph & Emily G/ma

The word 'Marish' means a Marsh and as the area is very flat and low lying to the river Eden it is easy to imagine that willow and hazel trees, necessary materials for basket making could have been found there.

I have a strange affinity with the whole area of Helmsley, Kirby Moorside and the Vale of York and wonder if it is something to do with the spirits of my ancestors.

Ref 03-G/dadRalph & Mrs Thomson

George Spenceley, 2002