THIS month’s display in the local studies section of Darlington library profiles the 44 men from the town who received exemptions from military service due to their conscientious objectors. Famous Quaker names are noticeable: Cyril Pease of Hurworth Moor who was a manager at the Skinningrove Irown Works; Edward Backhouse of Blackwell House, who was a director of Barclays bank; Reginald Mounsey of High Linhams, Blackwell, who was manager of North Bitchburn Coal Company, and the eight Kitching brothers of Branksome Hall who ended up in the Friends Ambulance Unit.

The research has been carried out by the Durham County Record Office, which is also putting on two talks in Darlington library. On May 24, the topic will be researching Darlington’s Quaker community during the war. On May 27, Wilfrid Downing will come under the spotlight – he was a Darlington objector whose letters and documents are in the record office.

Before then, local war historian Stephen Nicholson will talk about the war diary of the 5th DLI on May 17, and on May 19, Dennis Perkins offers a non-war subject when he talks about the history of Darlington Grammar School.

All talks start at 2pm, admission is £2 and places are limited and must be booked by calling 01325-349630.