Tudhoe & Spennymoor Local History Society
Robert Whitehead
Whilst repairing the shaft at Dean and Chapter Colliery at Ferryhill, yesterday, a shaftsman, Robert Whitehead, aged about 60, slipped from the cage upon which he had been standing and fell to the bottom of the shaft. He was killed instantly.
(3rd March 1930 Blyth News)
Ferryhill Pit Lad Killed
Samuel Hardy (17), of Newton Street, Dean Bank, was killed by a fall of stone in No2 Pit at Dean and Chapter Colliery, Ferryhill, today. The colliery was laid idle for the remainder of the day in consequence.
(26th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Spennymoor Cyclist Injured
While cycling to his work at Thrislington Colliery, West Cornforth, Wm. Nutter (21), of Church Street, Spennymoor, in order to avoid colliding with a child, put his brakes on sharply, and he was flung over the handlebars of his machine, and his face and ands were lacerated. One of his eyes was also injured.
(5th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Ferryhill Fatality
Benjamin Dixon (74), a retired miner, who had been lodging with his daughter, Mrs Buston, of Bessemer Street, Dean Bank, left his home to-day in a dazed condition. Not returning for breakfast a search was made, and his body was found in the reservoir at Dicky Pit, near Dean and Chapter Colliery, Ferryhill.
(5th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Workmen’s Narrow Escape - Vehicle Wrecked
Bus Smash Near Spennymoor
A number of workmen narrowly escaped serious injury in a bus smash near Spennymoor early this morning.
A bus containing 22 workmen, owned by Messrs. Hodgson and Son, of Tindle Crescent, and driven by George Bradley, was proceeding from Spennymoor to Mainsforth Colliery, and when near Red Hall Farm, at the foot of Ferryhill bank it skidded on the snow-bound ground, crashed into some stone pailings and iron rails at the side of the road, and overturned on to the Ferryhill road below, coming to rest within four feet of some railings beyond which was a drop of twenty feet.
The bus was wrecked, and the force of the impact was so severe that the front wheels were completely wrenched from the chassis.
Another bus, which was following, pulled up, and the men were rescued from the rear of the bus. They were conveyed in te second bus to Mainsforth Colliery, where they were attended to by Dr Aitken. He ordered Frederick Curl/Keirl (17), of George Street, Spennymoor, suffering from scalp wounds, and A E Carling (49), of The Cottages, Tudhoe Village, suffering from injuries to the shoulder, to the Durham County Hospital.
Carling was detained and Curl/Keirl was allowed to proceed home after treatment. The rest of the workmen returned to their homes.
(11th March 1930 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail)
Town Hall Boxing Ban - Petition to Spennymoor Urban Council
A petition, signed by over 600 local boxing enthusiasts, has been placed before the Spennymoor Urban Council asking for the removal of the ban on boxing contests at the Town Hall.
The Council allowed the use of their hall for weekly contests for a period of two or three months, but permission has now been withdrawn. The Council have decided to reconsider the matter in committee.
(1st March 1930 Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligence)
Ferryhill Musician - Noted Bandmaster Who Scored Many Successes.
Mr John Hutchinson, who has died at Ferryhill, aged 62, was in the early “Eighties” very successful as a cornet player, winning many honours in the three Northern counties.
As a bandmaster he led three local bands Mainsforth Colliery, Coxhoe, and Spennymoor Temperance, to success.
His son William bids fair to follow up the successes of his father, as he has already won several prizes, and is solo cornet in the Pavilion Theatre, Ferryhill.
(13th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Ferryhill Musician’s Golden Wedding
Mr Thomas Snowdon, who with his wife will celebrate his golden wedding at his aged miner’s home at Ferryhill tomorrow, early gave signs of being a musical prodigy.
As a child he showed remarkable musical ability and was made conductor of the Tudhoe Colliery Band when little more than 18. That was in the early seventies and for many years every band in the Ferryhill district sought his aid.
Twenty-five years ago Mr Snowdon had an accident at Tudhoe Colliery in which he lost all his teeth, and he has been unable to play an instrument since. He is now in his 78th year, Mrs Snowden being a few years younger.
Mr Snowden went to Dean and Chapter Colliery 22 years ago and worked in the lamp cabin for 20 years. He is now retired. The couple have no family.
(15th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Ushaw Moor Concert
“The Vagabonds” a Spennymoor concert party, including W Jameson, A Pratt, W Claughlan, M Charlton, B Readhead, G Button, pianist and F Reavley, secretary, gave a humorous entertainment in Ushaw Moor Primitive Methodist Church last night. Mr E Mordecai, of Bearpark, presided. The proceeds were in aid of Trust Funds.
(27th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Spennymoor Plans
Plans for a new Kinema at Spennymoor, Co. Durham, are being prepared by Hays and Gray, chartered architects, of Central Chambers, Wingate, Durham. The seating capacity will be in the neighbourhood of 1,000.
(27th March 1930 Kinematograph Weekly)
Stole 94 White Mice - Boy’s Escapade at Spennymoor
The story of a boy of 13 who stole 94 white mice, sold them. And paid for a music lesson and treated his friends to a feed in a café, was told at Spennymoor Police Court to-day.
The box containing the white mice was on a table in court.
The boy was charged with stealing the mice from a hut on an allotment belonging to Joseph Laws.
It was stated that the boy’s father gave him the money for his music lesson, but he spent it, and stole the mice with the intention of selling them to replace the money. In addition to paying for the lesson he treated his friends.
The boy was bound over for two years in the sum of £2 and placed under the care of the probation officer.
(4th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Spennymoor ‘Bus Overloaded
At Spennymoor Police Court, today, Jon Shaw (24) of West-End Farm, Byers Green, was charged with having overloaded a ‘bus. Sergt. Dunn said a ‘bus driven by the defendant contained 29 passengers, though it was only licensed to carry 14. A fine of 20s was imposed.
(11th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Rate Defaulters at Spennymoor.
Thirty-five persons were summoned at Spennymoor Police Court, today, for nonpayment of rates. The amounts owing ranged from £4 to £70. Distress warrants were issued. In some cases, the warrants were held over so long as a fixed weekly payment was made.
(11th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Guardians to “Pass Over” at Midnight - Dawn of New Poor Law Era After 100 Years Service
Farewell to a passing Poor Law age! At the strike of midnight tonight, the 635 Boards of Guardians throughout the country will cease to exist after a useful “life” of nearly 100 years, and their duties will pass to county and county borough councils.
(31st March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Wife’s Premonition of Ferryhill Explosion.
Husband Escapes, But Son Injured in Mystery Pit Accident.
Banksman’s Cabin Hurled From Shafthead
A Remarkable story of a dream premonition was told to-day by the mother of one of the four men injured in the mystery explosion during the night at Bishop Middleham Pit, Ferryhill.
She had persuaded her husband to stay away on account of the dream, but her son went to the pit as usual and was hurt.
Only six men fortunately were at work on recovery duties at the time of the explosion, which hurled the cabin at the top of the shaft bodily 12 yards away.
Recovery Work
Pit Lying Idle for 50 Years
The men injured were:
William Hodgson, chargeman, Insular Cottages, Bishop Middleham;
Thomas Spence (25), stoneman, Craddock Street, Spennymoor;
Arthur Coulson (17), putter, 2, Council Houses, Bishop Middleham;
Thomas Cook, banksman, Railway Cottages, Ferryhill Station.
Hodgson, Spence and Coulson were admitted to Durham County Hospital suffering from burns to the face, hands, and legs. Cook, who was working at the top of the shaft when the accident occurred was injured by flying splinters, but was able to go home after receiving first-aid.
Coulson and Spence, it is stated. Are the more seriously hurt. Mrs Hodgson told an “Evening Chronicle” representative that her husband had had his moustache, eyebrows, and part of his hair burned off.
Complete Mystery
None of the men can offer any explanation of the accident. They say there was a flash and a terrific explosion followed by dense and pungent fumes.
The pit is a small one owned by Messrs. Dorman Long and Co. and attached to the Mainsforth Colliery. It has lain idle for fifty years, but about two years ago, recovery work was begun, and is still proceeding. No shot firing was being carried out, which makes the explosion more puzzling.
The six men working in the pit-the three treated at the hospital and others named Thomas Adamson, Val Ebden and Joe Nicholson, all of Bishop Middleham-descended the shaft at about 11 o’clock leaving Cook, the banksman, at the pithead. The report of the explosion, which startled the whole neighbourhood, being heard as far as Coxhoe, five miles away, came about half an hour later.
Rescue Parties’ Rush
There was at once a rush to the pithead. It was found that a cabin had been hurled for a distance of about 12 yards, and woodwork at the top of the shaft thrown in all directions.
Fortunately, when the cage was lowered, it was found that the six men below were able to get to bank without ny outside assistance.
The local rescue brigade at Crook was called out, to be joined later by those from Houghton-le-Spring and Scotswood, but happily their services were not required.
The injured men were hurried off to Durham in the ambulances and were admitted to the hospital there within two hours of the explosion while the others were taken home.
Later Mr F P Mills, the Chief Officer of the Rescue Brigades, descended te mine to investigate the possibility of a fire but reported that there was no danger on that head.
Hodgson, Spence and Coulson were all stated at Durham Hospital to-day to be progressing favourably.
The story of the premonitory dream was told by Coulson’s mother. “On Friday night,” she said, “I dreamed of a pit explosion, and persuaded my husband, who also is a miner, not to go to work. He did not, but I little thought that my son would be the victim of an accident I dreamed about.
Coulson said that with Hodgson and Spence he was going away from the pit bottom when the explosion occurred.
“I was going in-bye to have a look at the big drift,” he continued, “and the next thing I knew was a flash. I was knocked against the wall, and picked myself up. It seemed to me as if there had been a fall of stone.
Cabin Lifted Bodily
Cook, the banksman, told an “Evening Chronicle” reporter that shortly after 11.30 he was working at the pit head chalking numbers on the board when there was a loud explosion.
“I was lifted right off my feet,” he said, “and flung to the ground among a pile of fallen woodwork. I was severely bruised on the right arm and the left shoulder. The banksman’s cabin, a wooden structure, was lifted bodily from its position, and thrown on to its side.
“When I pulled myself together I saw smoke pouring from the shaft. We sought help, and in a few minutes people who had heard the explosion were on the scene giving their aid.”
Spence is understood to have stated that he noticed a smell of gas at the time of the accident.
Since 1909, the year of the West Stanley disaster-when 168 lives were lost-colliery explosions in Durham on a large scale have been infrequent. After that disaster Colonel W C Blackett. Of Durham, the mining expert, along with three other investigators, conducted experiments in various drifts, and a coal dust theory was hit upon. Working on it, stone dust is scattered over the coal face, particularly at points where explosions are likely to occur, and has proved effective in keeping down disasters.
(3rd March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Sadly Joseph Spence died on the 6th March, his inquest was reported.
Painful Scene at Durham Inquest.
Injured Miner Collapses in Court.
The inquest on Joseph Spence (24), of Craddock Street, Spennymoor, who with three other men, was injured in the explosion at the Bishop Middleham pit on March 2, and who died four days later, was resumed to-day.
Spence and the other men were engaged in the workings at the time of the explosion, and were thrown down by its force. Spence, Arthur Coulson, stoneman, and Wm. Hodgson, chargeman were taken to the County Hospital, Durham, where Spence died.
Whilst Mr Frank Widdas, of Mainsforth, who was manager at Bishop Middleham Colliery until January last, was giving evidence, William Hodgson, who had been in hospital since the accident, and who was still wearing the hospital dress, was carried by two police officers into the room where the inquest was being held. He bore traces of his alarming underground experience, and seemed in considerable pain.
“Ought not to have been here”
Later he appeared to collapse, and Mr James Robson, President of the Durham Miners’ Association, who was attending the inquest, exclaimed, “That man ought not to have been here. Who asked him to be present?”
The Deputy-Coroner (Mr Boulton): I asked him to be present.
Mr Robson: The doctor ought not to have authorised it.
Mr Boulton: He would naturally not leave the hospital before he was examined by a doctor.
Mr Robson: Was the doctor asked to examine him?
Mr Boulton: That I don’t know.
Hodgson was then carried out of the room in a state of collapse, his burnt hands trembling, and, after being seen by the Deputy-Coroner, was conveyed back to hospital.
(27th March 1930 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail)
Bishop Middleham Pit Fatality - Adjourned Inquest. - Negative Tests for Gas.
Adjourned several weeks ago because of the sudden collapse of an important witness, the inquiry was renewed by Mr A E Bolton and a jury at Durham this afternoon into the death of Thomas Spence (24), a miner, of Craddock Street, Spennymoor, who received fatal injuries in an explosion which occurred at Bishop Middleham Colliery on March 2.
At the previous hearing William Hodgson, one of three other men injured, collapsed in court while waiting to give evidence. It was stated in evidence that one of the safety lamps forwarded from the colliery to the mining testing station at Sheffield was discovered to be defective.
The first witness to-day was Frederick J Ford, a master shifter, of Commercial Street, Chilton Lane, who stated that the whole Hutton Field Seam was exposed on March 1. He tested for gas, but found none.
Lamps Examined.
Witness said the fan was working when he left on Saturday morning, but he knew it would be stopped at the weekend. The ventilation was splendid.
Valentine Ebdon, Durham, gave evidence that at the time of the explosion he was working as stoneman. He descended the mine with Deputy-Overman Hodgson, and at the first bottom both safety lamps were examined. Witnesses’s lamp was properly locked and in order. Hodgson tested for gas at the next bottom, but there was none. The other men also came down the shafts, and their lamps were examined also. The explosion occurred seven or eight minutes afterwards.
Spence was found under the West cliff, where Hodgson was badly hurt.
The jury returned a verdict that Spence died from internal congestion brought about by burns accidentally received while following his employment.
The Coroner, in reply to Mr Robson, said there was evidence of neglect of duty, and he asked the jury to say whether or not the ventilation was adequate, and whether they were satisfied that no examination was made of the rising drift before the men went into that place.
The jury answered both questions in the affirmative.
(22nd May 1930 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail)
Joseph was buried in Rock Road Cemetery.
For further information about Joseph Spence and the explosion go to Durham Mining Museum
From Pit Boy To Manager - Thornley Official Who is Retiring
Acting on medical advice, Mr John Rivers has decided to retire at the end of the present month from his post of manager of Thornley Colliery.
Mr Rivers has been manager for nine years, succeeding to the appointment on the death of Mr G A Curry. Previously he was under manager at Thornley Colliery.
Mr Rivers is the son of a miner, and started his pit life as a trapper boy at Tudhoe Colliery. Attending night schools and science classes as opportunity afforded he eventually obtained his colliery manager’s certificate, and was transferred to Thornley Colliery, owned by the same company.
At Thornley Mr Rivers has taken a deep interest in public affairs, having sat on the Parish Council and the Easington Rural District Council. He is now chairman of the Thornley Miners’ Welfare Committee and the Thornley Aged Miners’ Homes Committee. He has also been closely associated with the Thornley Primitive Methodist Church.
(27th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
E Siddle Recipes - Baked Haricot Beans
Ingredients: One pint of haricot beans, 1/2lib. Of pickled pork, salt and pepper to taste.
Method: Soak the beans in cold water over night, then boil them for about half an hour until they begin to split. Drain the water off, then put a good thick layer of beans at the bottom of a quart earthenware jar. The fix 1/2lb. of pickled pork, and then surround it with the rest of the beans. Sprinkle with salt and fill up the jar with boiling water. Place in a medium oven all day. By evening the dish will be ready. Add a little boiling water-as the liquid in the jar dries up-but not during the last hour and a half, as it will spoil the colour of the beans. Serve pork with the beans piled up around it.
E Siddle, Spennymoor.
(22nd March 1930 Northern Weekly Gazette)
Liver Pie
Ingredients: 1lb. of pig’s liver, 1lb. of potatoes, one onion, quarter of teaspoonful sage, some apple sauce, pepper and salt to taste.
Method: Wash and dry the liver, then cut it into slices, then peel and cut the onion into small discs. Slice potatoes. Place a layer of potatoes in a greased pie-dish, cover with slices of liver, and sprinkle on top with sliced onion and sage.
Repeat layers until the dish is full, making the top layer one of potatoes. Fill up the dish with water and cover with grease-proof paper, and cook in a moderate oven slowly for about two hours. Towards the end of cooking remove the paper so that the potatoes may turn brown. E Siddle, Low Spennymoor.
(29th March 1930 Northern Weekly Gazette)
Miner Transferred Into Farmer - Ferryhill man’s Quest in Canada.
A Ferryhill miner, Mr Thomas Hopps, has already achieved notable success as a farmer in Canada, even though he went there only two years ago.
“I write now as a Canadian farmer, and one who is making good progress,” he writes in “Winning Through”. The magazine of the Migration Department. “Two years ago, however, I was a miner in the Durham coal mines.”
“My wife said ‘Just think how hard it is to pay our way, and if all we hear is true, and we do get what the Government says we will get, well then I say let us pack up and go.’”
So the couple decided to venture forth to Canada, and after describing the journey there Mr Hopps says:
“At last imagine our delight at seeing, not the old shack we expected, but a comfortable place that could be made into a real home.”
“I cleared and broke 21 acres last year and cleared about 20 acres this fall.”
Mr Hopps says they had only £14 when they landeed in Canada.
Wife’s One Regret
Mr Hopps’ wife also writes:- “My only regret is that I did not come years since. My children are healthier and there are always plenty of good things to eat-good butter, fresh milk, eggs, plenty of home-grown vegetables, also a plentiful supply of canned fruit in the winter and fresh fruit in the summer.”
“Perhaps if some of our old country friends could see our table at meal time, it woul mean thousands of more immigrants.”
“We have made 200 dollars from four cows, also kept the house in butter and cream, sold 270 dollars’ worth of pigs and got 40 dollars for two steers I hand fed.”
(19th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Village for Sale - Durham Colliery Lease Extended
The whole of the mining village of Page Bank, Spennymoor (County Durham) is to be offered for sale this month by Messrs. James Turnbull and Son, of Chester-le-Street.
The property to be disposed of comprises 170 dwelling houses, occupied by miners and their families, all of whom were formerly employed at the colliery belonging to Messrs. Dorman, Long and Co., in connexion with which the village was erected. It was announced some time ago that the colliery was to be closed definitely, as the original term of the colliery company’s lease had expired, and that the colliery, brickworks, and farms would be included in the sale.
It is now known, however, that the lease has been extended, and that nothing except the dwelling-houses will be offered for sale. This is regarded as a favourable sign that the colliery may yet again resume operations of a more or less normal basis.
(7th March 1930 Shields Daily News)
Colliery Village Sold - Four-Roomed Houses at £17 each.
The Durham County colliery village of Page Bank-or practically the whole of it, according to the auctioneers’ catalogue-was sold at Durham on Wednesday.
The 170 house, the great majority of which were occupied by colliery employees, realised the total sum of £6,912 10s., or an average of slightly more than £40 per dwelling.
The houses were generally offered in lots of from 3 to 13, but there were instances of single dwellings being put up, and one of these, a five-roomed house in East Terrace, realised £110-the top figure. The lowest price realised was £225 for 13 four-roomed houses in Old Row, the average being slightly more than £17.
Many of the present occupants purchased the houses.
Originally the colliery, colliery brickworks, and farm were included in the sale but they were withdrawn owing to an extension of lease having been obtained.
The auction was conducted by Messrs. James Turnbull and Sons, of Chester-le-Street, under the direction of Mr J C Fenwick, the well-known Weardale landowner, who resides at Embleton Hall, Longframlington.
The auctioneer, Lt.-Col. J Turnbull, alluded to the toll bridge of the village, and said it was hoped in the event of the colliery closing down that negotiations might be entered into by a private concern to acquire the bridge. It must be presumed that the toll would be continued so long as Messrs. Dorman, Long and Co., the owners of Page Bank Colliery, and the railway company retained their interest.
There was no truth in the rumour, added Col. Turnbull, that the colliery was being worked at present for the purpose of the sale. The colliery would be carried on for an indefinite period-certainly for one year-and they were not without hope that it would be continued for a longer period, although no guarantee could be given.
There was a large attendance at the sale, which was held in the Three Tuns Hotel.
(28th March 1930 Chester-le-Street Chronicle)
In 1931
Durham Colliery to be Dismantled - Village Loses Only Source of Employment
It has been decided to close down Page Bank Colliery, near Spennymoor (County Durham) during the next few days, and the reduced staff of workmen employed there are already working out their notices.
The colliery has been worked during the last twelve months on a short lease extension, granted last year when the long-term lease on the colliery and the village of Page Bank expired. At that time the whole of the village, comprising about 170 houses, was sold to a number of different purchasers, and the position now is that the village community of several hundred people will be almost entirely destitute of any sort of employment. In effect it will be a village existing almost entirely upon unemployment benefit.
It is understood that the original intention arrived at a year ago to dismantle the colliery will now be proceeded with.
(2nd May 1931 Grimsby Daily Telegraph)
Proposal to Demolish Bridge Over Wear - Willington Effort to Save It.
The owners of the bridge over the Wear at Page Bank Colliery, Messrs Dorman, Long and Co., propose to demolish it now that the colliery is being dismantled.
This would be a great loss to the district as the bridge connects the township of Willington and Page bank with Spennymoor and the Willington Urban District Council on Tuesday night decided to ask Messrs. Dorman, Long and Co. what price they would take for it.
It was also decided to ask Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland Urban District Councils to share the cost of the purchase.
(14th August 1931 Seaham Weekly News)
Page Bank Colliery. - Offered with Farm, but Only Fitting Shop Sold.
Page Bank Colliery, near Spennymoor, with Low Field Farm, small buildings etc., was put up for public auction ay the Three Tuns Hotel, Durham, yesterday, and of the 10 lots offered, only one was sold, this being the fitting shop, which went to Mr H Dixon, of Page Bank, for £40.
Page Bank Brickworks, which comprises the colliery, brickworks and a brickfield, was withdrawn at £280.
Liet. Colonel J Turnbull (auctioneer), of Chester-le-Street, said they were endeavouring to clear up the sale of all properties belonging to Mr J C Fenwick in that vicinity. There were several attractive lots, in spite of depressed conditions, and he was optimistic enough to think there would be an improvement in industry.
It may be recalled that many dwelling-houses in the village of Page bank were disposed of some time ago.
(25th September 1931 Newcastle Daily Chronicle)
The village did continue, with employment being found in the surrounding area. However Durham County Council designated it a Category D village and after floods in 1960s the community moved away.
For more photos go to Page Bank photos.
Bishop’s Advice - Dr Henson and the Candle of the Lord.
At the Annual speech day of the Alderman Wraith Secondary School at Spennymoor, on Friday evening, County Councillor T W Penfold presided.
The Bishop of Durham (Dr Henley Henson), who presented the prizes, said he wa pleased to see so many young faces full of life and vigour. He was now really getting to be an old man. In three and a half years he would be 70, and he was looking back on a life nearly ending., whereas theirs was just beginning. He could not help tinking that the world would be a harder place to live in, but he was quite sure that the world would be, in some ways, a juster and freer place, and that boys and girls might count upon having a chance of playing a bigger part for their country and generation.
Life, he said, was a much bigger thing than money-grabbing and pleasure seeking, and the great things of life never failed. He urged them to pay attention to character. One of the finest sentences in the Holy Bible was in Proverbs, Chap. 20 “The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord”. Everyone should strive to get that spirit, and remember that it was the best thing that lasted te longest. He hoped that the success and good influence of the school would continue.
(3rd March 1930 Blyth News)
The Children’s Hour Gloopers Club in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle organised by Uncle Nick provided competitions and meetings for members.
(12th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Gloopege Joys at Ferryhill - Medals For Winners In Scholarship Scheme.
The first Gloopege held at ferryhill, in the Mainsforth Welfare Institute, last night, was a tremendous success.
Nearly 500 Gloopers packed the hall, and Uncle Nick, with his famous four-foot long cigarette holder, was greeted with rousing cheers.
Auntie Deb was also present, and, commencing with the Maze march , led by Uncle Nick, an evening of great enjoyment was spent.
Bill-the-Bandmaster leed the musical joys, and there were great performances by the choir, and ballet dancers, concluding with dancing and tip-top community singing.
Swelling Gloops’ Roll
The Enrolment Bureau did brisk business, and altogether, a rollicking jolly evening was spent.
Medals of honour were presented to Albert Berrisford, winner of £25 (divided prize) “Evening Chronicle” scholarship scheme; Esme Durham, winner of £50 “Evening Chronicle” scholarship; Winifred Green, finalist in “Evening Chronicle” scholarship scheme; David Clough (also a finalist); Amy Davison, Ivy Emery, and Dorothy Fairs.
(15th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Our first visit to Ferryhill was voted by those attending, a great success. It was a jolly little hall with a splendid stage and footlights, and everything, and, after it was all over, both parents and kiddies were saying they had never had a night like it in Ferryhill-never since the hall was built.
They were just brimming over with happiness and “thmiles” and I guess that from now on Ferryhill will be a stronghold for Gloopers.
17th March 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle
‘Bus and Lorry Smash - Passengers’ Escape Near Ferryhill - Ticket Girl Hurt
About 30 passengers in a United ‘bus running from Darlington to Durham had a remarkable escape from serious injury to-day when the ‘bus came into collision with a fruit merchant’s lorry at Thinford crossroads, on the main road north of Ferryhill.
The lorry owner by Messrs. Edwards and Sons, Spennymoor, and driven by Joseph Pumford, a Low Spennymoor youth, turned into the main road to proceed to Ferryhill and the driver of the ‘bus, Albert Guy, of Darlington, swerved to avoid a collision.
The ‘bus mounted the pavement and crashed into the front of the lorry.
Flying Glass Splinters
Miss Pearson, of Geneva Road East, Darlington, the conductor of the ‘bus was cut by broken glass, but the passengers and the drivers of both vehicles escaped injury apart from shock and some minor cuts from splintered glass.
The front part of the ‘bus, including the entrance door, was badly smashed, and the radiator of the lorry was damaged.
Thinford cross roads is known as a danger spot on the Durham section of the North Road, and has been the scene of many accidents.
(1st February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Lamp-Posts Smashed - Spennymoor Doctor’s Car in Amazing Mishap
The occupants of a two-seater coupe had a terrifying experience late last night on the main road north of Chester-le-Street, the car knocking down two lamp-posts and being badly damaged.
The driver was Dr John Gordon, of Clyde Terrace, Spennymoor, who had a woman passenger. They were travelling from Newcastle, and when about 20 yards past Blindy Lane the rear near-side mudguard struck a lamp-post and uprooted it.
Second Crash
It then mounted the pavement and after continuing for about another 60 yards struck another lamp-post and broke it off from the base. Part of the second lamp-post was lodged underneath the car, and was carried for 44 feet, tearing up the footpath for some distance.
The top of the lamp-post fell over the car, and dropped on the cover of the dickey seat, which was damaged.
Both Dr Gordon and his passenger escaped injury. The near side front wheel of the car was buckled and pushed beneath the vehicle, the front axle was bent, and the mudguards severely damaged.
(8th February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Bachelor’s Club
The Bachelor’s Club at Ferryhill is achieving success as an educational institution. Meetings have been held in the Council Chamber under the chairmanship of Mr. Fred Hewitt, and various subjects have been discussed. On Friday night the club is holding a carnival dance. A summer programme has been arranged.
(25th February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Cornforth “Knights” (KGH)
West Cornforth Camp of the Knights of the Golden Horn held a special session of investiture last night, when Sir Knight Councillor Moodie, of No. 65 S J Slade Camp, Spennymoor, invested Knight J Nicholson with the K.O.S. degree and presented him with his golden shield. Sir Knight Hardy, from Trimdon, also presented attendance bars to 14 of the Comrades of No. 70.
(21st February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Spennymoor Operatics’ Dance
More than 200 people were present at the Spennymoor Amateur Operatic Society annual whist drive and dance in the new Town Hall, Spennymoor, last night. Mrs Kinsley presented prizes to the successful whist competitors. Stewards for whist were Mr G W Gibson and Mr George Sutton and the M.C.’s for dancing were Mr G W Gibson, Mr J Soulsby and Mr E Sutton.
(6th February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle )
Ferryhill Nursing
Ferryhill Nursing Association reported last night that during December 66 cases were visited 938 times, and in January 60 cases involved 929 visits. The Association decided to engage, as third nurse, Miss Bendin, of Saltwell Road, Gateshead, who had been acting as temporary nurse.
(5th February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Overdraft Decreased by Over £3,000 - Durham Hospital’s Better financial Position.
The pleasing fact that the bank overdraft of Durham County Hospital had been decreased during the year from £11,530 to £8,390 was mentioned at the annual meeting of the Workmen’s Committee of the institution, at Durham , on Saturday.
The financial position, however, it was stated in the report, was still critical, and it was urged that the special efforts to raise funds be not curtailed. The management was still faced with a formidable task.
The contributions from the workpeople for the year, including contributions to the Convalescent Home at Harrogate, amounted to £4,063, an increase of £825. In addition three grants of £1,000, £300 and £100 respectively were made from the local Welfare Funds, and over £800 was received from carnivals, whist drives and other functions promoted by miners’ lodges and local committees.
The report further recorded that the hospital had been maintained to its fullest capacity, and that the Convalescent Home had again proved a great boon, 205 patients having been treated there.
The Chairman (Mr James Bailey, of Oakenshaw), moving the adoption of the report, said “The hospital needs your help to-day. You may need its help tomorrow. In order to meet the requirements of the Nursing Council extra medical beds will have to be provided. This provision can be made by having a new children’s wing completed and equipped.”
Referring to the increased contributions the Chairman explained that the Tudhoe Welfare Committee had contributed £1,000, the New Brancepeth Committee £300, and another committee 3100.
Mr M White (Waterhouses) seconding, spoke of the provision at the hospital of a sun room for convalescent children, and stressed the need of providing the additional 25 beds (one ward for women and another for men) during the present year.
(7th February 1930 Chester le Street Chronicle)
Fox in Chimney
Reference was made at Bishop Auckland Police Court, yesterday, to a case which will come before the magistrates on March 17. The local inspector of the RSPCA made application for a summons against a Ferryhill man for alleged cruelty to a fox.
The case follows a recent meet of the South-West Durham Hunt, when the fox took refuge in a chimney and, it is alleged, was smoked out by the defendant.
(28th February Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligence)
Fox That Went Up A Chimney - Hunt Incident - Cruelty Charge Against Youth Dismissed.
A charge of cruelty to a fox, brought against Joseph Kennedy (18) of Ferryhill (Co. Durham), was dismissed at Bishop Auckland to-day.
The case, which aroused a good deal of interest in hunting circles, arose out of an incident at a hunt of the South Durham Fox Hounds.
The prosecution was brought by the R.S.P.C.A., and was in the hands of Mr E Marjoribanks, MP. Mr Reuben Cohen, of Stockton, represented Kennedy, and Mr E L Townsend, of Stockton, appeared for the South Durham Hunt.
Mr Marjoribanks said that a fox that was being hunted by the hounds on January 29 ran into the passage of a dwelling house at Ferryhill. The back door was opened, and it was allowed to escape, but it made its way to an unoccupied house, in which Kennedy was working. It ran upstairs, and after trying to escape by the window, went up the chimney.
The hounds soon followed, and it was alleged that in the presence of a large concourse, composed of members and servants of the Hunt, and the general public, Kennedy climbed on the roof and, after probing down the chimney with a piece of stick, set fire to something and thrust it down the chimney. The terrified fox came out, slid down the roof, and fell among the waiting hounds, when it was dealt with in the usual way, and the brush was presented to a policeman who had witnessed the whole affair.
Not an Attack on Hunting
Continuing, Mr Marjoribanks said: “It is no intention of this case to bring an attack against fox-hunting, or against this particular pack of hounds. It must, however, be pointed out that Kennedy was allowed to perpetrate this act in the presence of members and servants of the Hunt. I do not think that this particular kill will be one of which they will be proud. It is not an incident which would form the subject of a drawing by Leach or a poem by Masefield, or a novel by Siegfried Sassoon.”
Mr Marjoribanks said that when the fox got into the chimney it became a captive animal, and became entitled to all the ordinary rules of pity and humanity.
Mr R Cohen said there was no proof that Kennedy had acted in a cruel manner. A good deal of misleading attention had been drawn to the case, he added, through letters to newspapers which were not in accordance with the facts. The fox was not a captive animal under the protection of Animals Act 1911, under which the proceedings were taken. It could only be regarded as a captive only if it was rendered so by human agency.
He denied that Kennedy set fire to anything and thrust it down the chimney, though it was admitted that he did probe with a long stick.
Several witnesses for the prosecution said that they saw smoke rising from the chimney, but did not see Kennedy cause the fire. Police-constable Davison, to whom the brush of the fox was presented, declared that he saw no smoke, nor did he see the defendant put any fire down the chimney.
“Not a Captive Animal”
Mr Cohen submitted that there was no case of cruelty against Kennedy, If a fire was lighted, as a result of which smoke came up the chimney and caused the fox to evacuate his hiding-place, he said, Kennedy was not responsible for it.
The Bench dismissed the case without hearing Kennedy or any other witness for the defence. The Chairman (Dr Kane) said that the magistrates had decided by a majority that the fox was not a captive animal coming within the provisions of the Protection of Animals Act, and therefore the case would be dismissed.
(7th March 1930 Yorkshire Evening Post)
Oxford and District Branch of the League for Prohibition of Cruel Sports
This case caused discussion in newspapers throughout the country and at Brackley Town Hall a meeting of the Oxford and District Branch of the League for Prohibition of Cruel Sports was in chaos. The speakers were to pay particular reference to fox-hunting in Brackley and elsewhere and raised the question “was it sport to light a fire under a beaten fox which had crept up a chimney, to give to the hounds an exhausted animal that had sought shelter in a human habitation?”
The hall was full of hunting supporters blasting on hunting-horns and the speakers were unable to continue, after 45 minutes the meeting was abandoned with eggs and small bags of flour being thrown.
Outside the Hall a large portion of the crowd became somewhat hostile and the chairman Rev Dr C L Bradley was escorted by the police to the police station until the crowd dispersed.
(21st March 1930 Northampton Herald)
Fox in Chimney - Magistrates Asked to State a Case
Mr E B Proud, on behalf of the RSPCA, made an application at Bishop Auckland Police Court. Mr E Marjoribanks had raised a point of law at the original hearing that the fox, under the circumstances, was a captive animal.
The magistrates ruled otherwise so Mr Proud asked them to state a case on that point of law as to whether the fox was a captive animal or not. He said that he had not definite instructions that the case would be taken to the High Court on an appeal, but he had been instructed to make this application.
The magistrates acceded to his request, and fixed recognisances in the sum of £40.
(25th March 1930 Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligence)
Roped in by Electrocord - Butcher’s Circle of Talkie Houses
A recent list of installations of Butcher’s talkie equipment, the Electrocord, covers seven counties, and include houses as far removed as Durham in the North and Swindon in the South. Butcher’s are now in a position to equip eight kinemas per week, and their price list has been entirely revised, quotations now being inclusive of all charges in connection with installation, and expenses relating thereto, materials, fittings, spare parts, and the service of an engineer for the opening performances.
Theatres from 500 to 2,500 capacity are being equipped, the following being most recent in County Durham:- Gaiety, Ferryhill; Palace, Wingate; Chester-le-Street Cinema.
(6th February 1930 Kinematograph Weekly)
Church Shop - Vicar’s Venture at Ferryhill
What is known as the Church Shop has been established in his parish by the Rev. T L Lomax, Vicar of Ferryhill (County Durham). It supplies books, pictures, devotional articles, and other goods of a religious nature.
The object of the business is not to make profit, but to display pictures and works which are considered a necessary adjunct to Church life. Any profits made go to Church funds.
It is claimed that the shop stocks the largest collection of crosses and crucifixes in the North of England, a number of which have been obtained by the Vicar in his travels tin France, Spain, and Italy.
(19th February 1930 Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligence)
Spennymoor Shop Fire - Blaze Discovered in Nick of Time
A fire that might have been attended by disastrous results had it occurred a little later, broke out last night in a room above the shop of Mr Howard Pearson, in Cheapside, Spennymoor.
Shortly before closing time the lights in the shop failed, and a fire was discovered in a room over the shop. Water and fire extinguishers were available, and the fire was soon put out.
A gas-pipe had become ignited.
(8th February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Conviction Sheet Full Up - But Durham Man Not Yet at Century Mark
“He has not completed the century yet,” observed the Clerk (Mr J L Mawson) at Durham City Police Court to-day, when Edward Boyd (30), of Queen Street, Spennymoor, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly in North Road, Durham.
“I think he wants a new sheet. This one is full on both sides,” commented Supt. F Foster, referring to Boyd’s list of convictions.
Boyd, in company with John Amos of the same address was stated to have been very drunk and having used bad language. Several police officers were necessary to take Boyd to the police station.
Boyd did not appear, but Amos remarked “I have never been in this place before and have bever been drunk.” He was fined 10s, while Boyd was ordered to pay 40s.
(24th February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Knocked Down by Car - Spennymoor Driver to Pay Court Costs
Frank Kenmir (22), of Carlton Hill, Spennymoor, was charged, at the local court to-day, with having failed to give warning of the approach of a motor-car driven by him.
Johnston Storey said he was crossing the road when the car approached but did not give warning. He was knocked down but did not receive serious injuries.
Kenmir, who pleaded not guilty, said he saw the man and had no idea that he had struck him.
The charge was dismissed on payment of costs, 9s.
(25th February 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
1929-30 Durham County Challenge Cup
First round on 21st December 1929 – Spennymoor v Consett 3-2
Does anyone have a photo of the team in 1929-30 or can supply names for this photo from 1928?
Second round on 4th January 1930 – Spennymoor v Sunderland Reserves 3-2
Roker Reserves Beaten Close on Time: Single Draw. - “Moors” Given Great Ovation
Spennymoor United and Sunderland Reserves drew the best gate of the season at Spennymoor, and 4,000 spectators were delighted with the best contested game seen on the ground for several years.
The “Moors” received a rare ovation for their thoroughly deserved victory by three goals to two.
Armstrong missed a penalty kick for Spennymoor after ten minutes play, shooting wildly over the bar, and this undoubtedly upset the home team for a considerable time. Eden missed two glorious chances for Sunderland, failing when within five yards of goal, but Morris and Robinson both hit the home cross-bar before Morris scored the first goal.
After the interval Morris added a second goal, and victory seemed safe for Sunderland. Spennymoor then played up brilliantly, however, Bell, in the Sunderland goal, making great saves from Dolphin, Boustead, Kipling, and Younger. After this Sunderland barely crossed the half-way line, but the defence withstood all attacks until 15 minutes from the end.
From a free kick Musgrave then tested Bell, who fisted out only for Boustead to head back into the net. Two minutes later Kipling centred for Dolphin to equalise, and amid great excitement the winning goal came four minutes from time. Attley forced a corner which he placed into the goalmouth and Dolphin shot past Bell into the net, the ball touching the right full back, Dow, in transit.
Spennymoor United: Blyth, Carruthers, Pharoah, Armstrong, Loughran, Musgrave, Attley, Boustead, Kipling, Dolphin, Younger.
Sunderland Reserves: Bell, Dow, Hall, Lawley, Johnstone, Wright, Robinson, Wilkins, Kitching, Morris, Eden.
(5th January 1930 Sunday Sun Newcastle)
Quarter Final on 1st February 1930 – Cockfield v Spennymoor 1-1
Replay on 8th February 1930 – Spennymoor v Cockfield 3-0
Durham Cup Play - Moors Prove Masters of Cockfield..
Spennymoor United by defeating Cockfield by three clear goals on the Brewery Field, Spennymoor, in the third round replay qualified to meet Annfield Plain in the semi-final of the Durham County Challenge Cup. The game was keenly contested and Poole in the Cockfield goal and Blyth in the Spennymoor goal both distinguished themselves.
The only goal of the opening half was scored after 17 minutes play. Loughran placed the ball to Boustead who headed it to the feet of Kipling for the latter to score with a grand first time drive. After the interval only seven minutes had elapsed when Younger put across a centre which Dolphin took on the run to give Poole no chance. Cockfield never despaired and the home goal had some narrow escapes.
Pharoah cleared a shot from Dunn on the goal line with Blyth well beaten and Stephenson just missed by inches with Blyth at the other end of the goal. In the closing stages Cockfield tired and two minutes from the end Oldfield headed into the net in attempting to clear.
Sp - Blyth, Carruthers, Pharaoh, Rose, Loughran, Musgrave, Attley, Boustead, Kipling, Dolphin, Younger.
(9th February 1930 Sunday Sun, Newcastle)
Semi-Final on 22nd March 1930 – Spennymoor v Annfield Plain 3-0
Semi-final – heavy snow-covered ground the “Moors” adopted the right tactics; they booted the ball about with freedom; they were a much heavier and more solid combination, and always dangerous when raiding; in fact, every time the Spennymoor vanguard swept down it carried peril to the home goal.
Rose scored after 7 minutes, Boustead 18 minutes, and Boustead scored the third near the end of the match.
Sp - Blyth, Carruthers, Chisholm, Armstrong, Loughran, Musgrave, Attley, Boustead, Lowes, Rose, Younger.
(22 Mar 1930 Blaydon Courier)
Final played at Bishop Auckland on 21st April 1930 (Easter Monday) Spennymoor v Tow Law 1-1
Replay played at West Hartlepool on 10th May 1930 Spennymoor v Tow Law 1-0
This seems to have been a very disappointing game.
Spennymoor’s Cup - Tow Law Beaten at West Hartlepool
Those who watched the Durham Challenge Cup replayed final between Spennymoor and Tow Law, on the Hartlepool United’s ground must have been disgusted with the fare served up.
Never will a weaker team appear in the final again than Tow Law – and they must thank the weakness of the Spennymoor forwards that double figures were not registered against them.
Blyth never had one shot to stop from any of the Tow Law players and yet Spennymoor could only get one goal.
When they did score the goal that mattered, there was a huge element of luck with it, Younger received a pass from Rose. He at once closed in on goal, Coe dashed out to meet him and dived at his feet, got the ball but let it slip out of his grasp, leaving DOLPHIN with an empty goal to place the ball into.
Clubs were represented from all over England. Some of them were so disgusted with the form of certain players whom they had heard about that they left long before the finish.
The gate receipts were £104.
Sp United - Blyth, Carruthers, Chisholm, Armstrong, Loughran, Rose, Attley, Boustead, Lowes, Dolphin, and Younger.
(11th May 1930 Sunday Sun, Newcastle by Stan Seymour)
Bus Fatalities at Ferryhill - Coroner’s Jury and Cross Roads
Coroner Proud held two inquests in Ferryhill district yesterday respecting bus fatalities which occurred on Saturday night.
The evidence in the first case showed that Thomas Marshall (75), of Windsor Avenue, Ferryhill, retired caretaker at the cemetery, was crossing the road opposite the Town Hall, Ferryhill Village, when he was struck by a United motor-bus travelling from Bishop Auckland to Spennymoor, and received injuries from which he died within a short time. He was taken into a private house and attended by Dr Brown, but died almost immediately.
The driver of the bus gave evidence that he never saw deceased until he was right in front of the bus. He was travelling slowly, and pulled up within three yards. He did not sound his horn at he particular part, as there did not seem any reason.
The foreman of the jury pointed out that there were two side-streets emerging on to the main street at the particular place. He thought drivers should sound their horns and give warning when approaching such street ends.
Police-Sergeant Phipps said from Friday night to Saturday night buses passed the street ends at the rate of one every 30 seconds. It would mean horns constantly blowing, and residents in that part could get no rest.
Eventually, it was agreed, on the recommendation of the jury, that the Coroner should write to the Chief Constable of the County, pointing out the need of warning being given by motor vehicle drivers at the street ends. A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned, no blame being attached to anyone.
The other fatality occurred at Ferryhill Station. Arthur Edward Anderson Crowe (17), of Wolsey Street, Ferryhill Station, gardener for Brigadier-General Surtees, of Mainsforth Hall, was changing buses when knocked down by another bus. Mrs Margaret Rutherford said she travelled from Bowburn to Ferryhill Station late on Saturday night in a bus. Deceased was in the same bus, and they both alighted at Chapel Row. Deceased walked round the end of the bus he had got out of, in order to cross the road, and walked straight in front of a bus coming in the opposite direction.
John Watson Bowden, the driver of the United bus which struck Crowe, said he saw the bus standing facing him, and sounded his horn twice before reaching it and when passing. Just as he was nearly level with the other bus, deceased came out from behind it, right in front of his vehicle.
A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned, the driver being exonerated from all blame.
(6th/7th January 1930 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail)
Public Highway as Playground - Coroner’s Comment at Tudhoe Inquest
“I cannot understand children of four being allowed to wander 250 yards from their homes without anyone in charge of them, and to make the public highway a playground” said Coroner J T Proud at an inquest at Tudhoe Colliery, today, on Donald Clarehaugh, son of James Clarehaugh, who was knocked down and killed by a motor-bus yesterday.
Joseph Ryder said he was walking up Front Street and saw some children playing on the footpath as a United ‘bus pulled up at the stand. It had travelled about 12 yards past him when he heard a shout and on looking back saw the rear wheel of the vehicle pass over the child’s body.
Alfred Hughes, of Bishop Auckland, the driver of the bus, said one child attempted to cross the road just as the ‘bus was starting and then ran back again. He then caught sight of a form near his offside wheel. He pulled up immediately but found that the rear wheel had passed over a child’s body.
A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned, and the driver was exonerated from blame.
(7th January 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Milk Cart Smashed - Run Into by a ‘Bus at Spennymoor.
Today, at Spennymoor Police Court, George A Bostock (21), of South Terrace, Tudhoe Grange, was fined 20s and costs for having driven a motor-bus in a dangerous manner at Spennymoor on January 13.
Supt. Headen said that a milk-float occupied by Maurice Phillips, a dairyman, and his son, was struck behind by an O.K. Service ‘bus driven by the defendant. Phillips and his son were thrown on to the pavement, the horse was knocked down and then bolted, and the cart was wrecked.
Bostock said the night was misty and his vision was affected by the light of an oncoming ‘bus. He did not see the milk float until he was right on it. He swerved to miss the float. But the mudguards struck the hub.
(28th January 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Kinema - “Not the Slightest Danger”
Kinema Theatres in Durham Area.
There would not have been any objection raised to this, but in addition, Cobman had installed in the operating box apparatus for the “talkies”. In the opinion of Superintendent Foster sufficient room was not left for the operator to work. Moreover the amplifier was in front of the emergency exit. “I took the course,” said the Superintendent, “of closing down the hall for the children’s matinee on Saturday afternoon, as in my opinion the position was a very serious one. In view of yesterday’s occurrence (Paisley) I can give an assurance to the Bench and to the public that there is no kinema in this area in which there is the slightest danger from actual fire, so long as the public keep their heads.”
Mr Ferens, who defended, said Cobman made the mistake in ignorance, The Bench ordered defendant to pay the costs.
(1st January 1930 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail)
Paisley kinema disaster - During a children’s afternoon show, on 31st December 1929 at the Glen Cinema, Paisley, a cannister of film started to smoulder, causing smoke to enter the main cinema. In the panic to leave the cinema 70 children perished, crushed in their desperate attempts to get out.
Cinema Wall Crash - Curious Accident at New Spennymoor Building.
A 25ft. high wall, part of a super-cinema being built at Spennymoor, Co. Durham, collapsed, yesterday, and several workmen had narrow escapes, one being left hanging in a perilous position from a scaffold pole. He was rescued unhurt.
The wall, which was a hundred feet long and nine inches thick, was yesterday morning found to be out of line by several inches, and the displacement was thought to be due to the gale which blew during the night.
The cinema is being built by a Leeds firm for Mr F Gowland, of Darlington, to replace one recently destroyed by fire.
(25th January 1930 Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer)
Byers Green Colliery
About 200 pitmen and lads have received notice at Byers Green Colliery (Co. Durham), owing to the high cost of working the mine.
(7th January 1930 Yorkshire Evening Post)
Whellan's 1894 Directory of County Durham
Coal mining operations have been extensively carried on in Byers Green township for many years, the royalties being now worked by Messrs. Bolckow, Vaughan, & Co., at their pit, which was sunk in 1877. Here are two seams, the "Busty," 48 fathoms deep, having a section of 4 ft. with a band varying from inches to feet. The "Brockwell" seam is met at a depth of 76 fathoms, and is 3 ft. 10 in. thick. The two seams yield an average output, when in full operation, of 640 tons per day, and give employment to 600 men and boys. The coal is chiefly converted into coke, for which purpose there are 353 ovens. The "Beaumont" and "Harvey" seams are also met here.
(7th January 1930 Yorkshire Evening Post)
In April there was more bad news.
Colliery to Close – Disappointment for South Durham Miners.
The optimism caused in the South Durham coalfield by the announcement that Messrs. Dorman, Long and Co., of Middlesbrough, were making preparation to reopen Auckland Park Colliery, which has been closed for ten years, has been to some extent damped by the decision of the same firm to close down Byers Green Colliery in the same locality.
Owing to high production costs the owners have given 14 days notice to workmen employed in the Busty and Beaumont seams, and also to the workmen engaged in the Newfield drift. Altogether 550 men and boys have been given notice, which will expire on May 3.
Byers Green Colliery only reopened three years ago after being closed for some considerable time. Recently seggar has been produced in large quantities for use at the Newfield and Leasingthorne brickworks.
(22nd April 1930 Blyth News)
Care of Animals in Winter (To the Editor)
Sir,
Another cold, wintry spell is upon us, so may I, through your courtesy make my appeal once more to all who own animals, to show them extra consideration, and see that they are warmly housed and warmly fed.
Goats should be sheltered in quarters free from draughts and dogs allowed to sleep in the house at night and not chained to kennels, often in an exposed position and without sufficient warm bedding. Horses turned out should have hay thrown down for them. Poultry also require warm feeding and shelter.
I would be very grateful if the general public would back up my efforts for the welfare of all animals. They can help by reporting to me any animal they know to be suffering from over-work or unnecessary exposure.
Such as turned-out horses unable to find food in the frozen snow-covered fields and so are left to starve and shiver by their callous owners; also the unfortunate chained-up dog.
Any cases reported to me will be treated as confidential, and will be attended to at once.
There are five inspectors in the County ready and willing to alleviate suffering, day and night, but they naturally cannot be in two places at once, and I know they would be most grateful for the co-operation and sympathy of the general public.
So I ask all owners in all stations of life to see that their animals are properly looked after and given shelter and food they are entitled to in this inclement weather and hold out a helping hand to those who are neglected and uncared for.
Believe me, yours faithfully
SYBIL EDEN
Hon. Sec. R.S.P.C.A. County Durham,
Windlestone, Ferryhill
January, 11th, 1930.
(13th January 1930 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail)
Youth’s Strange Ride.- Remembers nothing till fall from cycle after 60 miles.
John Thomas Rose, the 19 year old haulage hand, of 30, Crooks Broom Avenue, Hatfield, who was found at Northallerton suffering from loss of memory, was brought home by his uncle, Mr J Rose, of Fieldside, Thorne, yesterday.
Rose had cycled from Doncaster to Northallerton, a distance of 60 miles, without the slightest recollection of the fact; he had no money and no food.
When seen today at his home, where he is under medical treatment, he said: “I set out last Monday morning to go to Thorne to see my uncle. I changed my mind, and went Doncaster way.”
“I remember nothing after leaving Doncaster at 9:15 that morning. I can just remember falling off my bike. Someone took me into a police station. When I woke up next morning I found I was in the Infirmary of a Poor Law Institution, which I thought was Wetherby.” It was Northallerton, to which place Rose had ridden before falling from his cycle in a state of exhaustion.
Rose and the members of his family have been in the Doncaster district only a few days. He and his father tramped from Spennymoor, Durham, in search of work, and secured employment at Hatfield Main Colliery two days after their arrival.
(10th January 1930 Leeds Mercury (From our Own Correspondent), Doncaster, Thursday)
Low Spennymoor Social
A successful whist drive and dance in aid of the Holy Innocents’ Church fund was held at Low Spennymoor last night.
Messr’s Paxton’s Band supplied an excellent programme of music, and refreshments were served by the following:
Miss N Whitehouse, Miss C Bell, Mrs T C Watson, Mrs W Bainbridge, Mrs J Sanderson, Mrs R Guthrie, and Mrs R Soulsby,
The whist drive M.C.s were the Rev. Mr Bell and Messrs J Dobson and T C Watson.
Results:
Lucky birthday dates – W Goundry, J Haley, R W Hopper, R Roberts, L Roberts, H Taylor, O Guy, E Brain, Mrs Amos, Miss Bainbridge.
Spot Waltz – Mr L Roberts and Miss Penman, Mr L Pratt and Miss J Burton, Mr N Belshaw and Miss G Dale.
The dance M.C.s were Messrs C Whitehouse and F Burton.
(18th January 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Begging with £3 12s
When arrested for begging in Wigan James Atherton, of Spennymoor, was found to have £2 10s in Treasury notes, 19s 9d in silver, and 2s 4d in copper in his possession. He asked a woman to spare a copper as he was on the road.
Atherton when charged today said if he had a chance to work he would reform.
He was fined 20s and sent to a Manchester mission-hall conductor.
(6th January 1930 Liverpool Evening Express)
Girl Out of Control
Mother’s Appeal to Bench at Spennymoor.
A mother appealed to the Spennymoor Bench to-day to send her daughter to a home as she was entirely out of parental control.
If they tried to check her, she said, the girl simply ran away from home, and the police had to bring her back.
The bench, however, decided to allow the Probation Officer to deal with the girl before taking any further steps.
The defendant was Alice Mortimer (17), of Bessemer Terrace, Low Spennymoor, and she pleaded guilty to charges of stealing a gold wristlet watch worth £1, the property of Frances Warren, and a purse and money, worth £1, the property of Selina Williams.
She was bound over in the sum of £5, and placed under the Probation Officer for two years.
(7th January 1930 Newcastle Evening Chronicle)
Ferryhill Dispute - Claim Against Dean & Chapter Welfare Committee
The hearing was concluded before His Honour Judge Richardson, at the Durham County Court, yesterday, of the action brought by Alfred Forster, of Bridge House Farm, Ferryhill, and the Ferryhill Football and Athletic Club against the trustees and committee of the Dean and Chapter Colliery welfare movement.
Plaintiffs claimed in respect of trespass, sought an injunction to restrain the Welfare Committee from damaging hedges and ditches, and claimed damages for what had been already done.
The case was based on the ownership of a ditch and hedge, plaintiffs alleging that the defendants had filled in a ditch in the construction of a road to the Welfare ground. Mr E G Sykes, for the defence, denied that a ditch ever existed, and declared that the hedge was merely “dressed” to facilitate the making of the road.
Judge Richardson, giving judgement, expressed the view that Mr Forster did not attach much importance to the ditch, but considered that the road as constructed too close to the hedge. It was not, however, a case for an injunction or for heavy damages, He declined to make an order for the ditch to be re-instated, although he agreed that a thin strip of land used by the defendants was the property of the plaintiffs.
He made a declaration entitling the plaintiffs to the free use and enjoyment of the hedge and of land 3ft 6in. from its centre, and, in awarding Mr Forster five guineas and the football club seven guineas, he ordered the defendants to pay the costs.
(15th January 1930 Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail)