We need your help to serve up memories for a former Hartlepool man

The 7th Boys Brigade table tennis team from around 40 years ago.

It is nearly 40 years since Ian last lived in the North East. He left Hartlepool for a life in Kent where he stayed for 22 years before moving to his current home in Norfolk.

But Ian has a question for Hartlepool people. Can anyone help him identify the people in this black and white photograph.

Ian Turnbull with his wife and two grown-up children.

It shows Ian as a young boy on the back row, second left in.

But who are the others? get in touch and tell us more. And can anyone remember Ian and would like to tell us more about those times?

Ian told us: “I came across this old photograph of when I was a table tennis player for the 7th boys brigade.”

He added: “I would love you to publish it as a memory to find out who is who. Date wise I haven’t got a clue, it’s got to be about 40 years ago.”

Ian added: “I’m the happy chap second in from the left at the back.

“I can’t remember an awful lot about back then, the 7th boys brigade was on the corner of Oxford Road and Caledonian Road in Hartlepool.

“It was run by a chap called, John Lauderdale. I believe he went on to be a councillor, not sure.”

Ian also filled in more of his own history and said: “I left Hartlepool in 1980 and lived in Kent for 22 years before moving to Norfolk.

“I’ve worked all my life as a self employed painter and decorator, married with four grown up children.”

Sadly his table tennis-playing days are behind him and he said: “I stopped playing years ago, but I still enjoy my sport as I now play bowls. It’s easier.”

But Ian hasn’t totally forgotten about the town or the North East and loves to pay a return.

“I still visit Hartlepool regular because I love going to watch Pools play, I also travel to some of the away games if they are near to me.”

Ian also provided us with a more recent photograph of himself and said it showed him with his wife and two grown-up children.

All we need now is for Hartlepool Mail followers to get in touch and help us with more details of the people in the old photograph.

Do you recognise anyone? Email [email protected] and we will pass on your memories to Ian.

And if there is any other aspect of Hartlepool’s past you would like us to cover, email [email protected]. It could be anything from an event in history to your favourite restaurant from times gone by.