The Slack Family of Witton Park and Escomb

My name is Douglas Slack. After being born in Consett in 1933, my parents, Robert Andrew (Bob) and Margaret (Peggy) Slack moved to 51A Park Road, Witton Park, leaving my older brother, Kenneth, in the care of my maternal grandparents.

When Grandpa Winskill passed away in 1940, both Ken and Grandma came to live with us at Witton Park. My other Grandparents, Andrew and Mary, lived at 6 High Escomb since the turn of the century. Andrew was a Champion Shot winning many medals and trophies and could turn his hand to anything, whilst (my father) Bob was handy at building things. In his younger days he was a keen tennis player winning many competitions, but his endearing passion was motor cycling, a trait inherited by both me and my son. As for myself, I have two children and 2 grandchildren, and worked for the Post Office for 34 years, before retiring in 1990. A curious occurrence between my brother, Ken, and myself happened when our first children were born. His son was born on his birthday in September and my son was born on my birthday in August.

Starting below is a gallery of my family pictures, which I hope are of interest. Click on the image to see a larger version of the photograph.

Bob Slack and unknown - mid 1920s

Bob Slack - early 1930s

Bob and Margaret Slack - early 1930s

Bob and one of his early bikes a BSA Sloper - circa 1929

Margaret and son, Douglas - 1935

Bob and Margaret - 1942

With sons Ken (left) and Douglas (right) - 1942

Out for a Sunday walk with
(L-R) Doug Slack, Maurice McLeod, Alan Hope, Ronnie Allison - 1947/8

Guy Hallimond, Bob, unknown. By river at Escomb - 1920s

Sid Alderson's wedding. Back row left to right: Best Man Bob, Groom Sid Alderson, Bride Florence, and her father Andrew. Seated Bridesmaids were Bob's sisters, Laura (left) and Catherine (right)

Earlier picture of Andrew and Mary - date unknown

Bob's parents, Andrew and Mary Elizabeth - late 1950s

Newspaper report. Andrew Slack, Durham Champion Shot - date unknown