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Past and Present by Janet McNeilly © 2002 |
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21 October 2003
Harry Ethelbert Barras Harry was born at the Borough Hospital, Darlington on the 31st of March 1919, the third child of Harry Barras and Sarah Edgar Boddy. Whilst she was in labour his mother Sarah asked if the baby could be named after the midwife who delivered it. Her name was Ethel - hence the middle name of Ethelbert. Harry's mother died four days after his birth and he was brought up by a Mrs Little, along with her two daughters, Greta and Audrey. Harry's brother and sister were believed to have remained with their father and Harry maintained a degree of contact with them as he grew up. Harry married Teresa Harker at St Augustines R C Chapel, Darlington on the 13th of January 1940. Harry was 20 years old and Teresa 18.
Their daughter, Margaret Patricia was born 6 weeks later. Their son, David, was born on the 11th of August 1941.
Harry joined the catering division of the army - 94 FIELD BAKERY(MOBILE)R.A.S.C. for a while. The photo shows him centre of photo in 1943. Harry later worked as a barber for a while at Victoria Road, Darlington.
Harry and Teresa were divorced around 1951/52. Harry was working as an
air driller at North Road, Darlington when he met Kitty
Simm/Catchpole whom he
married in 1952. During their marriage Harry and Kitty lived at 143 Longfield Road and 26 Hazel Avenue, Darlington. Harry worked nights for a while at The Northern Echo until ill health forced him to give up this work. He later went on to work as a ticket collector for British Rail for many years.
Harry retired in 1984.
Harry died on the 25th of September 1987 at 26 Hazel Avenue, Darlington and was cremated at Darlington's West Cemetery. Kitty died almost 11 years later. |
Harry
and Kitty with Grand- daughter Janet McNeilly in 1961.
