Det Stephenson
Det Stephenson
Det was born in West Cornforth in 1899; the youngest of six children. Det had four sisters, Bella, Annie, Lizzy, Ellen, and one brother Jimmy.
Det married Edgar on 5th of November 1927 at the Registry Office in Sedgefield. Det and Edgar started married life in Ferryhill where Edgar was an undertaker and joiner. Dett and Edgar had two children Edgar and Doris.
The family came back to West Cornforth when Edgar joined the army during the war. The family moved into Ryhope Street. Her brother in law and sister lived next door. The New Connections Chapel was at the end of the street.
Edgar returned from the war and started a joinery and decorating business in the old fire station in partnership with Mr Nevison. Mr Nevison was also landlord of the Rosedale public house in the High Street..
During the severe winter of 1947 Det had a major operation and was very poorly.
After she recovered the family moved from Ryhope Street to the new houses in Lindon Road.
Det was a very supportive mother to her daughter Doris and her daughter in law Joyce helping out with their families and supporting their various businesses; the Sweetshop at 16 High Street and the Woolshop further along the street.
Det’s sister in law Mabel and her husband Harold took over the Workingmen’s Club. Hannah Burns came to work in the club after her previous job of emptying the middens came to an end when the council houses replaced the old terraces.
Hannah much preferred her job in the Club.
The Workingmen’s Club was the social centre of the village. Det and other members of the family helped out behind the bar.
Queuing started for New Year at five o’clock.
