22/08/2026
Today Russell and Sally Sally Atkinson came and told us a story!
Russell, 81, born in Chester-Le-Street welcomed his second cousin Sally, 58, from Canberra in Australia who was visiting the North East for the first time.
Russell’s Uncle, who was also Sally’s Granndfather, emigrated to Australia from the region in the 1930’s.
Meeting each other for the first time this year, Russell was taking Sally on a whirlwind family history tour following her successful completion of the Coast to Coast Walk.
Russell informed us our shop used to be the village General Store - formerly owned by his Grandfather.
It was our pleasure to hear their story and learn a little bit more about their family connections to Edmondsley.
