Janet Furlong came to live in Aycliffe in 1962 where her four children were born. She was then Mrs Dundas and over the years taught at Vane Rd, St Mary’s, St Joseph’s and Woodham Burn Infants.

At St Mary’s School Janet was nurtured by Sister Siobhan and became a Catholic. She was very much involved in music and formed a group of seven children known as “Janet and the Rainbow”. They entertained in homes for the elderly, clubs and churches; and donations went to the NSPCC.

After a divorce Janet taught for several years at Eldon Lane Primary School, then again at St Mary’s and Sugar Hill School. In 1988 she remarried and moved to Blackpool and became a ‘Born Again Christian’ working as a carer with Mencap. Music and art played a big part in her life bringing joy to disabled adults. Sadly her husband died after six years of marriage.and two years later Janet returned to the North East to be with her family.

She joined her sister Brenda and her husband Cliff in work as missionaries in Eastern Europe, ministering in song, testimony and preaching. The trio helped renovate a property in Maletice to be used as a Christian Retreat.

At an outreach meeting in Penrith where Janet was playing keyboard, she met Keith Furlong and was amazed to hear he did missionary work in Far Eastern Russia and Central Siberia. He played guitar and enjoyed painting as a hobby. They became friends and were married in 1999.

As a Christian, Keith learned at an early age the importance of God in his life. Over the years he was mocked and scorned because of his faith, yet never doubted God and the Lord Jesus Christ. He worked for over twenty years as a Hill Shepherd and Farm Manager in the Lake District and fully appreciated the beauty of God’s creation.

In Newton Aycliffe, one day, Janet met, and was persuaded by Frank Ridley, Headteacher of Sugar Hill School, to return to teaching. “Who could resist his charm? He always referred to me as the “smallest giant”.

I accepted a post at his school, where I was very happy. Frank, the staff and parents, encouraged and supported Keith and I in our work as missionaries”. said Janet.

This took the couple to the Czech Republic, South Bohemia and Moravia, always taking their musical instruments with them. “We travelled by coach and twice drove there by car, taking toys and clothes for the orphaned children. We went to gypsy orphanages, disabled centre’s, schools for the blind, churches, old people’s homes where we were loved and appreciated so much.” said Keith.

Janet had to retire from teaching due to ill health and could no longer fly, but after five years is now completely healed. The couple attend Harvest Christian Centre at Woodham where they are encouraged by Pastors, Jeff and June Malvin and the wonderful people that attend. “This church really cares for and attends to the needs of the people” said Keith.

Keith is now semi retired after working as a painter and decorator at Hardwick Hall Hotel. He now has time to write Christian poems and follow his love of art.

Janet and family are so proud of his success, as in the last year he had two books of Christian poems published, and two of his paintings accepted for an exhibition from 2nd March at Bowes Museum. He will also exhibit three Paintings at Greenfield Gallery Open Art Exhibition commencing Wednesday. 10th April 2013. He has a website for his poetry “Keith Fulong Poet”  and his paintings can be viewed on keithfurlongartist

“Who knows what the future holds, but it is wonderful to know that if we have gifts and talents, it is never too late to use them”. said Keith.