Geoff Carrington

James Geoffrey Carrington's was born on the second November 1911 at 47 Southwell road, Norwich. His parents were James Carrington (a licensed victualler) and Phoebe Annie Chettleburgh (pictured with Geoff below left).

He married Beryl Allfrey and had three daughters Pauline Anne, Hazel Joy, and Sylvia Jean.

James, Geoff, Phoebe and Maud Geoff (back, center)

When his parents both died, the orphaned Geoff was sent into a home. The location is unknown at this time, although there are no records of him being in an orphanage in Norwich.

Later in his life he was suspected of having tuberculosis and sent to the Eastby Sanatorium (Bradford Poor Law Sanatorium at Eastby nr Skipton, which opened 3rd Nov 1903 with 33 beds).

After Eastby Geoff was sent to work at Kirkconnel Hall, Ecclefechan near Lockerbie in Scotland (DG11 3JH).

Kirkconnel Hall has since become a hotel, and Geoff later went on holiday there, although he never mentioned to his children that he had once worked there.

Mr H. Arnoth Collington from Kirkconnel Hall subsequently wrote a reference (scan here) for Geoff:

KirkConnel Hall,

Ecclefechan,

Dumfries-Shire

14/7/34

I have known Geoffrey Carrington for some years & since May 1932 he has worked for me. Firstly as Assistant to the Estate Foremen, during which time he had a plot of ground which he cultivated as a flower garden with great success. Since March 1933 he has had the charge of the whole garden, vegetable & flower with lawn, paths, etc. He has given me great satisfaction. His vegetables were excellent & he hot prizes for peas and runners at a local show.

I have great pleasure in recommending him as a steady, industrious & conscientious worker and I wish him every success in any work he undertakes.

 H. Arnoth Collington