Bob Darby was born in Barrow-in-Furness, educated at Barrow Junior Technical School and studied Building Craft at Barrow Technical College he served his apprenticeship as a bricklayer, moved to Dalton-in-Furness in 1947. At the age of 18 he designed and built his first Bungalow (at what was then known as Cow Lane off Greystone Lane now Brent Avenue). He was conscripted into the National Service in 1949/51 served with the Manchester Regiment in Germany and Malaya. Afterwards he formed his own Building Firm and among his many building ventures erected 8 Houses at the Croft Dalton-in-Furness and modernised Mill Brow Garage. Later became manager of a ready made Joinery Firm in Dalton for 14 years. Married for 41 years with three children, now retired and lives with his wife Moyra who is also retired. His interest in computing over the years resulted in a friendship with Dave Fisher with whom he joined forces to create these web pages.

Dave Fisher was born in Barrow-in-Furness, but has spent all his life in Dalton. The earlier part of his working life was spent at Glaxochem, Ulverston, where his brother still works, and from which, his father has now retired. Fourteen years ago he left to work at Furness General Hospital, and now, after much diligent study is an O.D.P. (Operating Department Practitioner) and also a Plaster Technician. He lives in the lower part of Dalton, in the region of Dowdales School, which is handy since both his son, Mark, and his daughter, Joanne, are pupils there. He has been married for 15 years to Betty. Five years ago he met Bob Darby through a mutual interest in computers and programming. This friendship, combined with an interest in the local community, has led to the setting-up of this web site.

James Walton is a native of Dalton, born, educated and still living there, with his sons Stephen and Peter. His only absence from the town was during his National Service when he served with the 12th Lancers in Britain, and with the 4/7th Royal Dragoon Guards in North Africa. After leaving the army he joined Glaxo Laboratories Ltd., as it was then known, in nearby Ulverston, where he is still employed; designing, constructing and repairing specialized scientific apparatus in glass and plastics. His interest in local history was awakened in 1968 by a conversation with an acquaintance from which he learned of the effects of the plague on Dalton. Determined to discover more he found, at the local library, that though several books gave the town a brief mention, there was no full or detailed history in existence. His subsequent researches and this book are a direct result of that chance conversation sixteen years ago. In addition to his interest in local history he is also a keen amateur musician and at one time, after two years of study with a Russian concert pianist in Manchester, became a reasonably proficient pianist.

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