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Golborne colliery

Started by: flaggy delf (523) 

Can anyone tell me how it got Kidglove as a name please?

Started: 21st Nov 2011 at 12:10

Posted by: dodger (3414)

Because it was in Kidglove Road.

Replied: 21st Nov 2011 at 15:51
Last edited by dodger: 21st Nov 2011 at 15:53:30

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I think Kidglove Road got it's name from the pit.When I worked there I asked the same question, I was told that a glove was found when they started sinking the shafts. Somebody must have a better answer.

Replied: 21st Nov 2011 at 16:15

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Hi again Tuddy,
Golborne got the nickname "Kidglove Colliery" because of the excellent quality of the coal it produced at one time.It was said you could handle it with soft skin gloves on.

Replied: 21st Nov 2011 at 19:50

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Thanks Chris, I thought that glove in the shaft story sounded a bit ify.

Replied: 21st Nov 2011 at 21:45

Posted by: irene (2901) 

Very interesting, chris. I had wondered if it was so-called because conditions were perhaps not as harsh as in nearby pits, and it was felt that the miners in that particular pit had life a bit "cushy", but I was only guessing at that.

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 09:05

Posted by: flaggy delf (523) 

Thanks for all the suggestions. Chris can you tell me what seams were mined there by any chance? Was it linked to Bickershaw underground or Parsonage?

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 11:08
Last edited by flaggy delf: 22nd Nov 2011 at 11:55:30

Posted by: flaggy delf (523) 

Irene can you tell me about the collapsed shaft at Viadocks Ince. I believe you are an authority on the tragedy having made a great study of the site.

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 11:19

Posted by: irene (2901) 

Only that there's someone I would willingly shove down the hole if it were still there, after I was abandoned whilst the "gentleman" dashed off to look at more interesting things than me, eg old capped-off pit-shafts, old railway lines etc!

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 11:52

Posted by: fivestarbry (46)

Golborne collery got it's name through the dignatary who was officially opening the mine,he dropped his glove down the shaft,it then got it's nick name as kid glove pit.

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 12:07

Posted by: flaggy delf (523) 

that sounds plausible Bry. Thanks

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 12:13

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Flaggy delf the coal seams that where worked Plodder,Florida,Crombrouke,Ince 6ft,earlier Trenchabone.Golborne joined to Bickershaw underground

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 12:48

Posted by: flaggy delf (523) 

Thanks to you all for all your help

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 13:31

Posted by: dodger (3414)

is this the viaduct story you want Flaggy ?

viaduct

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 14:00

Posted by: flaggy delf (523) 

Dodger,can't seem to get the link to work. The story dates back to about 1880 I think when an arch built over an old shaft in Viaduct Row Ince collapsed and a chap in one of the houses built on the arch fell down the shaft

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 16:05

Posted by: dodger (3414)

The link is not working now, but this has been discussed on here before.
man down hole

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 16:26

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

ppnw,you missed out a few seams.Here's the full list of seams worked at Golborne,starting at the deepest.
Arley,Plodder,Trencherbone,Wigan 4ft,Wigan 5ft,Lower Pigeon House,Lower Florida,Higher Florida,Ince 6ft and Crombouke.Golborne was connected to Bickershaw which in turn was connected to Parsonage and you could go down the pit in Golborne town centre and come up almost in Leigh town centre! Which I among many others, have done.

Replied: 22nd Nov 2011 at 22:15

Posted by: phred (352) 

Did my coal face training at Kidglove,any one remember John Willy Fox?He was The shotfirer on the training face.

Replied: 23rd Nov 2011 at 09:56

Posted by: flaggy delf (523) 

All fascinating info fellas. Thanks again

Replied: 23rd Nov 2011 at 11:04

Posted by: douglas (inactive)

Parsonage, Bickershaw and Golborne where linked underground so you could (given permission) go down any and come up any

Replied: 23rd Nov 2011 at 18:35

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

When I was at Parkside there were plans to link Golborne to Parkside,and wind Golborne's coal there.

Replied: 23rd Nov 2011 at 18:47

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Sorry Spud,that must have been canteen talk.No plans for that ever existed or were even considered.

Replied: 23rd Nov 2011 at 19:11

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

It was a very long time ago Chris,it was talked about though,but that must have been as far as it got,it was at the time Wimpy were driving the tunnels,around 1961 in fact long before the 1st face opened,I should have said talked about,rather than Plan's,and I left in 1966.

Replied: 23rd Nov 2011 at 19:55

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Chris when did you finish? I once saw provisinial plans to link Golborne to Parkside due to faulting the tunnels driven from both collieries where only a short distance from each other but in the end the plan was abandoned.

Replied: 23rd Nov 2011 at 20:00

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

ppnw,I was a surveyor at Golborne from 1972 till 1987 and I didn't hear of or see any schemes of that nature in those years.My boss for the first 10 years, Bill Magrath,who had been colliery surveyor of Golborne since the mid 1950's never mentioned anything.However in the early days of Parkside,they did a lot of exploration work towards the Golborne South Area, which Golborne itself was still only developing into.I do remember seeing that in a few places on the mine plans, proving headings from both pits were pretty close on plan but seperated by hundreds of feet in level.

Replied: 25th Nov 2011 at 17:44

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Parkside wasn't extensively developed on the north side.

Replied: 25th Nov 2011 at 19:25

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Read what I wrote again Tonker,carefully this time.I said 'exploration work'.

Replied: 25th Nov 2011 at 19:57

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Yes. I've read it. Maybe they did do 'exploration work'.

But, and read what I say, carefully, and try to understand, ......... Parkside - wasn't - extensively - developed - on - the - north - side.

That's the side opposite to the south, where, in contrast to the north, extensive development did take place.

Got that?

Replied: 25th Nov 2011 at 20:11

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

who said Parkside was extensively developed on the North side?

Replied: 26th Nov 2011 at 09:03

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Chris I worked at golborne from 1969-89.I did a short spell in the surveyors office early 70's with linesmen was shown some proposed plans for development of pit including changing over from advancing coal faces to retreating faces.Remember Bill Magrath Ian Gaskell Laurence McCrystal but am murder for remembering names but remember faces sorry I cannot place your Name but must have worked with you either in suveyors office or has a deputy

Replied: 26th Nov 2011 at 10:46

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Bill was the boss,Ian the Deputy Colliery Surveyor.Early 70's,I would have been an apprentice surveyor,I qualified in 1976.Barry Shaw was the head linesman.Lawrence Mchrystal at that time,I think was with the methane borers.We went to St Helens Tech together on the OND course.He must have qualified as a mine manager but I never heard about him at a coal board pit.He was manager at the small licensed mine at Billinge,Castle Colliery.Who are you?Maybe I can remember.I had hair then,long hair!

Replied: 26th Nov 2011 at 11:19

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Peter Partridge aka the duck

Replied: 26th Nov 2011 at 11:58

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Aah, do you know 5 minutes after I'd sent that post I was out in the car and the penny dropped! It's in his username! How are you Peter? You surely must remember me by now? The other surveyor I used to work with mostly was Brian Livesley.Remember him? When I go to the Latics I sit with Stuart Grant,another ex Golborne surveyor and Gary Parkinson,(Carpet)

Replied: 26th Nov 2011 at 12:32

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Chris, those names are a blast from the past, I remember all the Golborne surveyors and linesmen you mentioned, was'nt there also an apprentice called Joe?. I heard that Barry Shaw passed away a couple of years ago. I bumped into John Presscot a few months ago and I saw Peter Cunningham after the rugby final at wembley. I have'nt seen Carpet for about a year.

Replied: 27th Nov 2011 at 17:46

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Do you remember Peter Sharp, the deputy from the Victorian era? And John Walsh, from ventilation?

Replied: 27th Nov 2011 at 19:18

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

tonker, I remember Sharpy well, he used to come to the pit wearing cloggs, you could hear him all over the baths with them on his feet. He always road British bikes and was disgusted with me because I had a Honda.Dose he still live in Haydock? I worked on the ventilation for a few months when John Walsh was a ventilation officer in charge of the methane drainage.

Replied: 27th Nov 2011 at 19:58
Last edited by tuddy: 27th Nov 2011 at 20:40:06

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

You mean, does he still live 'IN' Haydock?

No. Last I heard, he was touring Europe in a camper van. Before that, he was living in a container in Penrith, shotfiring in a quarry.
He was always a funny'un, was Pey, always saying "Jap Crap" when he saw my bikes. A good, honest lad though, none the less!

John Walsh is my mate. He's into bikes and Porsches, like myself. He had a BSA Gold Star 350 and a Hailwood Ducati, but he got shut of them when he moved house in 2001. Bad decision!

Replied: 27th Nov 2011 at 20:18

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Yea, I meant in Haydock, corrected now. So it sounds like Sharpy's a hippy now, I wonder what the Europeans make of him!

Replied: 27th Nov 2011 at 20:48

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Tuddy,the apprentice was Joe Dearden.After he qualified he did a couple of years at the pit then got a job at area suryeyors at Anderton House.I don't think he liked down the pit too much!I think he is still working for The Coal Authority,at Burton on Trent.Tonker,mention my name to John Walsh,he'll remember me I'm sure.I remember Pey Sharpe too,he always was a bit daft,but like you say,a good lad.Other ventilation lads were Freddie Dodd,Wally Mac,who died in the explosion,and a couple of others whose faces I can see but I can't put names to! Of the other surveyors,Brian and Bill are both dead.Ian Gaskell,who a lot of people thought "batted for the other side" and who could be very embarrassing for us who were working with him down the pit,he lives down shropshire now.Remember his 'weird' paintings,we had some on the office wall.Well,he's retired now and has a website about his painting.He didn't "bat for the other side" by the way,far from it!!! I know some tales! Remember Arthur Shawcross? What a balloon! He wrote off to the Daily Mirror after they did a story about attempts to demolish the Piggeries tenements block in Liverpool.Offered his services to blow 'em up! Many other tales!Joe Moss,Geoff Blackburn,Freddy Hock,Big Eric,Ponzer Whippet Yed,whoever he was!!!
'

Replied: 28th Nov 2011 at 19:56

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I remember a lad going into Blackburn's office with a big plaster on his forehead. He told Blackburn he'd cut his head and the plaster kept falling of when he sweated and asked for a job on the surface so he could keep the wound clean. Blackburn threw a box of plasters at him and said "teck them dewn't pit wi thi". Joe moss was the overman in the Florida when I started on the haulage.Remember Wigwam yed? he had his long hair parted in the centre like the etrance to a wigwam. There was also Tennis Ball Yed, Skunk Yed, and Empty Yed.

Replied: 30th Nov 2011 at 18:10

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

We had a 'rubber yed' at Parkside. He's on the Parkside Photos!

Replied: 30th Nov 2011 at 19:24

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

I remember not long after I started at Golborne seeing this little old black faced tasmanian devil running up and down the Florida level screaming and shouting at anything and everything.That was my first sight of Joe Moss! Then there was the time Geoff Blackburn was going up on the Cromy manrider and he stopped at a junction where there was a fella sat with his back against a lagging board,lamp off,helmet off,fast asleep! Geoff got off the rider,crept up to him,shone his light in his face and tapped him on the head with his stick. "What are ya doin'?" says Geoff."Havin a minute" says the lad. "when tha comes up pit,tha con come an have a minute in my office" says Geoff.

Replied: 30th Nov 2011 at 21:47

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

I spoke to one of the men on that photo today Tonks!

Pray tell which was the "rubberyed"?

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 00:41

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Art, I can't imagine you knowing either Bret or Brian, as they are both St.Helens lads, so I guess you must have spoken to Billy? Brian (in blue overalls) is 'rubberyed'!

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 00:47

Posted by: --oy-- (1004)

Does anyone remember Charlie Pearce from Haydock?

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 08:06

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Charlie Pearce moved to Ashton used to see him walking his dog,Charlie died a few years ago.Chris you did not finish the tale about the fella and Geoff.Geoff waited in the office for him and waited a long time.When he turned up geoff asked him where had he been,to which the chap replied i have been in the medical room to report i have had a black out down the pit and put you down has a witness

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 10:35

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Once saw (deputy manager)Mr O'nions(onions to us common folk)ranting and raving at a group of hauliers at jack--bit time and nobody would take him on.He then said to these men Do you know who I am very loudly? to which one of the hauliers said by heck poor man does not know who he isMr O'nions departed very quickly and quietly

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 10:45

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

The one with the 'tache, a fireman, Bill Thorpe.
Used to work at Johnpit....Know him?

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 15:29

Posted by: --oy-- (1004)

Thanks ppnw - Charlie Pearce (Chuck to this family) was my Uncle.

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 16:42

Posted by: bentlegs (5285)

ppnw, remember big Tommy who worked on methane, He was asleep in return when Albert Brown (undermanager 1965)went passed with the Dialers, Albert borrowed the yellow paint from the dialers & painted Tommies boot soles, At 2-15pm when Tommywent for his tally to go up pit he was told to go to Albert Browns cabin,Albert said i am stopping thi half a shift for beeing asleep, Tommy denied it so Albert said Half a shift for having yellow paint on thi boots, he never lived it down,

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 21:01

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Remember Jim Ogden,the deputy manager at Golborne.He was a born again Christian.His approach to man management and industrial relations didn't go down too well with men either!When a gang of men came into his office,straight from the pit,still in their black,ready for a fight about something or other,his way of dealing with them was to sit back in his chair,arms folded,and listen carefully and quietly to their ranting.A few nods of the head in all the right places and a final,"I'll see what I can do about it", was enough to send them out utterly confused,deflated and muttering to each other!

Replied: 1st Dec 2011 at 21:15

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Irene you met the wrong man good luck

Replied: 28th Nov 2013 at 18:50
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 28th Nov 2013 at 18:52:17

Posted by: ashpad (92)

When I worked on the haulage for Wimpeys when they were driving the tunnels for the Florida faces it was rumoured then that Golborne would link up with Parkside.One afternoon when we had nothing to do the fire man Mclean who later got killed ask if we wanted to go with him on his rounds so we did and we went down the back roads past old workings and he said we were n ot far off Parkside.I started after the explosion on a saturday morning when a few got burned.

Replied: 29th Nov 2013 at 20:54

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

the day of the explosion I was working at bold the news came down to us a very sad day.

Replied: 30th Nov 2013 at 08:09

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

the day of the explosion I was working at bold the news came down to us a very sad day.

Replied: 30th Nov 2013 at 08:09

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

the day of the explosion I was working at bold the news came down to us a very sad day.

Replied: 30th Nov 2013 at 08:09

Posted by: ashpad (92)

This wasnt the last one were some got killed.Not sure if the shot lighter got killed the others all got burned but survived a ball of fire came down the tunnel and they couldnot get out of the way of it luckily itwas said that it didnot reach pit bottom or it would have been a lot worse.

Replied: 1st Dec 2013 at 17:04

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

ashpad it wasnt a shot lighter that caused this tragedy sadly still a tragedy.

Replied: 1st Dec 2013 at 18:41

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

graneyjoseph, I think ashpad is talking about the first Golborne explosion which occurred in 1958. There were no fatalities in that explosion. The second explosion was on March 18th 1979 and killed ten men.

Replied: 1st Dec 2013 at 21:27

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy I didnt know about the first one,the one in 1979 certainly sticks in the memory .

Replied: 2nd Dec 2013 at 07:34

Posted by: ashpad (92)

road Yes it was the 1958 0ne in the tunnel what was later the main road in from the pit bottom to the Trencherbone.They had just broke through to the then Trencherbone main road when I started and shortly after we carried some one out on a stretcher and we had to go the back road they wouldnot let us use this road although it was easy to walk.

Replied: 2nd Dec 2013 at 14:48

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

seasons greetings to all freinds & ex colleagues ,in partic Tuddy ,Whups ,PeterP & Joe

Replied: 24th Dec 2013 at 20:04

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you all Colin Tuddy Whups PeterP.

Replied: 25th Dec 2013 at 06:59

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Cheers Colin and Joe, hope you're both having a good Christmas along with all the other ex Golborne colliery lads.

Replied: 26th Dec 2013 at 14:01

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy not to many turkey sandwiches enjoy.

Replied: 26th Dec 2013 at 17:41

Posted by: bentlegs (5285)

Chris Southworth, Did anyone ever tell you about the oil dripping from the roof in the Trencherbone return, it was caught in a 45g drum, talking 1960.

Replied: 3rd Jan 2014 at 13:22

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

I didn't hear about that specifically,but whereabouts are you talking? In what I would know as the "old" part of the pit either side of the manrider tunnel and the 1 in 3, or in the "new" part inbye of the Plodder? I would guess that any oil would probably be coming from Wigan 4ft old workings.I did hear about seepages of oil in this seam at Golborne and at other pits such as Bold and Clockface.

Replied: 3rd Jan 2014 at 17:06

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

yes at Bold chris there was it smelt terrible must of been crude oil not sure if it was No-2 pit or in the South Dip area.

Replied: 3rd Jan 2014 at 17:43

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I don't know about oil, but there was plenty of water came through the roof on C9. Chris did anybody know where that was coming from?

Replied: 5th Jan 2014 at 20:47

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy we worked in hard conditions heat,cold and wet dusty ,good days though.

Replied: 6th Jan 2014 at 09:27

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Chris If I remember when you went along the manrider tunnel there was a bend to the right. on this bend was also a L shaped section of tunnel for the old Trencherbone workings. The oil used to seep throu the roof there. Also if you ever did an inspection of the mouthings from the shafts you could walk down an incline to the main return and if you stood quietly you could hear the water running under the floor of the tunnel, Like tuddy said C9 was flooded and the water was coming from somewhere(the Myth of a Subterranean lake)

Replied: 6th Jan 2014 at 09:45

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

PeterP that might be the pick up point for the ferryman I am not ready yet

Replied: 6th Jan 2014 at 11:08

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Aye,that's right Peter.The length of the Manriding tunnel after the bend was driven through the old T'bone and Wigan 4ft workings on the downthrow side of the "60yd fault".This used to be the boundary of the pit until the late 1950's when the "new" Loco Tunnel was driven through it as part of the pit's development into the South Area. I can't recall any stories of oil seepages where you say but they would,as I say,be coming from the Wigan 4ft which has a reputation for oil throughout Lancs and at Golborne is about 15-20 yds above the T'bone.
The incline as you call it would be the "1 in 3".This again was in the old workings of the T'bone/Wigan 4ft and served the purpose of a dual return for the pit.As with any old workings there's always water involved and what you heard would carry on running downhill into the old workings below the manrider tunnel to be pumped out at the old pump station near the bend you mention.
As for the water in C9,that would be coming from the old C7 face to the rise and making it's way there through a sandstone bed about 10yds above the Crombouke seam.
Incidentally,the "old C7 face" was just starting to be developed in 1972 when I was starting my mining career and was the first working I went to down Golborne when I went to help set out C7 Return.The 2nd place I went to was on C5 face,which was right under the East Lancs,and where the joke used to be that when it was quiet, you could hear the Scammell trucks going past.

Replied: 6th Jan 2014 at 20:07

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

I worked on C9 and can remember the coal face having a dip in the coal seam and many a time flooding because the pump on the coal face broke downI started of in the main rd advanced heading .They kept on saying the water would do you no harm but everybody had rashes or sores or where spitting blood up .I have seen cutter picks change colour in a matter of minutes and the fitters where for ever changing armoured hydraulic hoses because they where rotting and splitting

Replied: 6th Jan 2014 at 20:38

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

If you can remember Peter,there were no water problems on the faces either side of C9,because C9 was then acting as the sump for the water and was allowed to fill up.However as the faces to each side were worked we had to implement the "Precautions against Inrushes" Regulations and observe a "40 yd cautionary zone" within which we had to keep the water level in C9 below us and drill boreholes to the side and front of the advancing face.
The water was indeed very caustic,there was all sorts of stuff in it.The dip you refer to was a succession of small faults which troubled the face throughout it's life and provided a ready made route for the water from the sandstone above.I seem to remember the water was sampled by the scientific branch regularly.

Replied: 6th Jan 2014 at 21:05

Posted by: bentlegs (5285)

I went on an inspection with owd Tommy Occleshaw down C5 & part way down you walked over an abandand Samson Longwall cutter, That would be about 1961,

Replied: 6th Jan 2014 at 22:09

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

bentlegs,in 1961,that would have been C5 in the "old" Crombouke,closer to pit bottom and accessed from the Crombouke tunnels which were driven from the old main tunnels at 1 in 4 to the left.If you look in the golborne colliery section in the album you'll see a picture at the top of the old crombouke manrider, among the other photos of golborne which I posted a while ago.

Replied: 7th Jan 2014 at 20:05

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I once sent some timber down the panzer on C9, then I got a message on the tannoy saying that it hadn't arrived, so I made my way down the face to see what had happened to it. When I reached that dip I found all the timber floating above the panzer in about two feet of water. I remember being given some plastic bottles to fill with samples of the water so that it could be analyzed, but nobody ever told me what it contained. No wonder we all had rashes from that place.

Replied: 7th Jan 2014 at 20:56

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I watched a programme on BBC1 this morning real lives reunited it featured the Lofthouse colliery disaster 1973 worth a watch,

Replied: 10th Jan 2014 at 12:49

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Aye graneyjoseph,I didn't see that particular programme but I've seen a few things on Youtube about Lofthouse.During my time at St Helens and later North Staffs Poly 1972-76,doing my OND/HNC Mine Surveying,we covered the Lofthouse tragedy in a lot of detail because it was very relevant to our future job and showed what could go wrong if not enough attention was paid to the detail.

Replied: 12th Jan 2014 at 18:18

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Chris, I think that programme is repeated on BBC2 at 7.50AM. on Monday 13th of January.

Replied: 12th Jan 2014 at 20:04

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Thanks Ste,I'll have a look at that.

Replied: 12th Jan 2014 at 20:16

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

and it shows Arthur Scargill sincerely involved in the attempted rescue not a publicity exercise.

Replied: 13th Jan 2014 at 07:55

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Has anybody seen the centre pages of tonight's Wigan Evening Post? There's a couple of photos of Golborne miners in the 1970s. The caption reads Parkside colliery but it's Golborne. Brian Cunningham and Nicky Murry are two faces that I recognise.

Replied: 4th Feb 2014 at 19:59

Posted by: whups (13083) 

for anyone interested in the disaster walk . planned for-
sun 16th march - assemble @ 1-30 - 2-00pm at the queen anne-procession starts between 2-00 & 2-30 . after church refreshments at the catholic club near the naylors club.
come 1 come all as i,m sure our lads wont let us down.

Replied: 5th Feb 2014 at 01:21

Posted by: whups (13083) 

iv,e cut out the pic from the observer & uploaded it & if accepted it will be on either album or golborne colliery in the works pics.

Replied: 23rd Mar 2014 at 12:47

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

well done whups ,memories are not to be forgotten.

Replied: 23rd Mar 2014 at 16:39

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

anybody out their remember Kung Foo salvaging all the power cables ,think most of them went to the channel tunnel,he offered us a job installing a hauser dinter in a pit in siberia ,he made a lot of money around that time

Replied: 21st Apr 2014 at 13:03

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I remember working in the developments at Golborne with Kung Foo and his mate, a big Scotsman, can't remember his name. The last time I saw him was at Parsonage, he started his own salvage company, he had an office in Leigh,can't remember the name he called his company.

Replied: 23rd Apr 2014 at 23:17

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Tuddy Aspull engineering came to mind could be thinking of something else thou

Replied: 23rd Apr 2014 at 23:36

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Tuddy /P , it wasnt aspull engineering eric greenalgh worked as a supervisor for them ,Dave clarke also had a spell with them ,cant remember the name of Kung Foos gang,he rolled up at the pit in a ferrari at one point

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 06:21

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

colin ,kung foo what was his real name ?.

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 06:41

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

morning Joe think it was Derek Hodges ,remember Dinky working for him

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 07:26

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

morning Colin,yes I remember now Dinky was brian fishers gopher names from the past.

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 08:09

Posted by: whups (13083) 

was it joy mining colin ? .

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 11:46

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

that dosnt ring a bell Brian seem recall it was ,,Something Salvage,,

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 12:39

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin I think your right about the salvage bit not sure on full name,whups joy mining is or was a mining machinery firm I think from Ince ,they are mentioned on the album section,

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 13:19

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I was wrong about JOY being from ince they might have had connections with Ince ,they made machines similar to doscoes ,joy continuous miner(JCMs).we had some at Bold,an American firm in origin.

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 13:29

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

joe joy became part of gullicks & was based at their ince site

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 13:57

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin thats right one of my neighbours worked at gullicks,joe joy thats got a ring to it,

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 14:02

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Joe and handsome, Don says could it be Bill Richards that you are thinking about ?

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 19:55

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Hello Evelyn and Don good to hear from you,Bill Richards I cant remember him, when we where at Parsonage ,Aspull engineering and a firm called Blackwall mining were doing work at the pit ,a manriding conveyor near the pit bottom I seem to recall,Colin might remember we worked with the blackwall lads.

Replied: 24th Apr 2014 at 20:55

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

hi evelyn hope you & don are ok ,dont remember Bill Richards
joe where Blackwall mining the guys from nottingham staying at the Rockleigh in ashton

Replied: 25th Apr 2014 at 06:31

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Morning Colin yes thats right ,they used to get a binbag with their dinners in them not a bad bunch of lads,that name that Evelyn mentioned cant remember that one.

Replied: 25th Apr 2014 at 06:37

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I heard some sad news this week, Tannoy, one of the old characters from Golborne Colliery has passed away. His funeral is at St Stephen's church in Whelley at 1pm on Friday.

Replied: 22nd Jun 2014 at 13:08

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sad news indeed ste . worked with roy in the florida shunt & L3 brow.how old would he be ste.

Replied: 22nd Jun 2014 at 16:18

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

73 Brian, not really that old.

Replied: 22nd Jun 2014 at 17:33

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

another one of our mining community gone R.I.P.

Replied: 22nd Jun 2014 at 19:05

Posted by: whups (13083) 

wot happened ste , was he i,ll .

Replied: 23rd Jun 2014 at 01:08

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

had a lot of laughs with Roy down the Florida, Rest In Peace Tannoy, a character indeed

Replied: 23rd Jun 2014 at 13:51

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

well said Colin, memories can, t forget them

Replied: 23rd Jun 2014 at 16:06

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I don't know what was wrong with him Brian, I saw his daughter a few months back, she didn't say that he was ill or anything. The last time that I saw him was about a year ago,he was having a smoke outside of Wigan market hall with Jack Turner, another rum card.

Replied: 23rd Jun 2014 at 23:24

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes jack,s still here after rumours were sent round of his demise . had some fun with both of em . rest in peace tannoy.

Replied: 24th Jun 2014 at 14:45

Posted by: Campfire (585)

tuddy - how's things mate ????

Replied: 25th Jun 2014 at 21:53

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

golborne was a step up from moving from bold the people I met were top dollar.

Replied: 26th Jun 2014 at 16:48

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Agreed graneyjoseph.Golborne was indeed a very friendly pit to work at. I enjoyed my 14 years there.

Replied: 26th Jun 2014 at 20:43

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Hello Campfire, doing O.K. mate, nice to hear from you.

Replied: 26th Jun 2014 at 22:13

Posted by: Campfire (585)

tuddy - me to !! shame we only meet up on the anniversary occasions. Look after yourself and don't let the ba****ds get you down...

Replied: 26th Jun 2014 at 22:57

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

That's a good bit of advice, you should get down to the Golborne ex miners meetings, It's good to see the old faces, next one's in September.

Replied: 28th Jun 2014 at 16:38

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy I hope handsomeminer"Colin"is reading these comments i would imagine he would like to attend as well.

Replied: 29th Jun 2014 at 06:09

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Thanks tuddy - I'll keep my eyes and ears open for the date, if you find out the date let us know mate. See you soon

Replied: 29th Jun 2014 at 11:06

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste I reember some great times in the mines bold ,golborne and the complex parsonage bickershaw ,never forget them.

Replied: 29th Jun 2014 at 17:12

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Yea Joe, you had to be there to know what it was all about. I'll post the date of the next meeting when it's confirmed, It'll probably be the first Wednesday in September.

Replied: 29th Jun 2014 at 23:03

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

cheers tuddy.

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 06:18

Posted by: whups (13083) 

for anyone who knows ronnie prior he,s in hospital at wigan with breathing difficulties.

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 12:23

Posted by: Campfire (585)

I agree Joe - Don't seem to have the same crack anymore.. Look at someone funny were I work and your reported. God knows what the consequences would be if you called them some of the names I had thrown at me, especially when a fish plate shot off on a re-rip me and our Frank was on and hit the Deputy on the ankle, when he was having a sly drink of our water.

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 12:29

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi Whups how olds Ronnie hpoe he gets well soon

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 13:14

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he,s in the 70s i think colin.

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 14:01

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

cheers Brian give him my regards if you see him

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 15:06

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

good regards to him and everyone sunshine in newport hope you all have the same ,

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 17:13

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi Joe how you doing I emailed stey dixon about a month ago got no reply have you heard out from him

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 17:31

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Best wishes to Ronnie, I've not seen him for about five years but he never seemed to look any older whenever I saw him.

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 19:21

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

hi tuddy did you go to tannoys funeral

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 19:25

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

No Colin, I was at work,had time off for two funerals in the last month, so they're getting a bit fed up with me.

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 19:35

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

know the feeling were the wrong age

Replied: 30th Jun 2014 at 19:47

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin I will e-mail Ste today and let you know if I get a reply.

Replied: 1st Jul 2014 at 06:09

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin I e-mailed Ste no reply dont know what to do next, I know he as not been well I hope Evelyn is reading this she might know what to do.

Replied: 1st Jul 2014 at 17:13

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Hi Joe and Colin,
We spoke to Ste this morning, he has had health problems but he is fine again. He said he will email you.
Take care both of you

Replied: 2nd Jul 2014 at 11:46

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thanks Evelyn hope you and Don are well ,we was worried about Ste we know he as not been well good to hear he is ok,Regards Joe.

Replied: 2nd Jul 2014 at 17:30

Posted by: alanrabster (62)

irene 1958 nothing cushy at golbourne pit my dad worked there he was a grafter worked hard for what he got

Replied: 4th Jul 2014 at 17:10

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

alanrabster whose your dad may have worked with him

Replied: 4th Jul 2014 at 17:19

Posted by: whups (13083) 

for anyone who knew & worked with ronnie prior he died on thursday.

Replied: 18th Jul 2014 at 11:43

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

whups sorry to hear of ronnie prior death,not sure if I would have known him still a sad loss.

Replied: 18th Jul 2014 at 12:27

Posted by: whups (13083) 

most knew him joe . he,s from stubshaw , but moved to golborne several yrs ago .he did like a pint .

Replied: 19th Jul 2014 at 01:18

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

whups have a good weekend,the same to all on WW.

Replied: 19th Jul 2014 at 07:18

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups sorry to hear about Ronnie RIP. We are a dying breed soon be no ex-pitmen left

Replied: 19th Jul 2014 at 09:51

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sad news again Brian. R.I.P.Ronnie.

Replied: 19th Jul 2014 at 12:02

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Ste - I honestly didn't know about Ronnie..really sad loss and my condolences to his family.
Ronnie was one of a rare breed of genuinely honest men, he had his principles and stood by them regardless of any intervention and/or influence from any quarter... A sad loss.
do you know the arrangement's for his funeral?

Replied: 19th Jul 2014 at 13:23

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste, if i get to know anything i,ll post it on here.

Replied: 19th Jul 2014 at 13:28

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste ( campfire) good to hear from you best regards.

Replied: 19th Jul 2014 at 15:24

Posted by: Campfire (585)

hi Joe, hope all is well at your end???
Brian, I'm nipping in the Snooker club tomorrow, hoping to drop on Brian Cunningham. As soon as I hear anything, I'll post it here.

Replied: 19th Jul 2014 at 18:50

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste fine have a good day pass on my regards to brian.last time I saw him was in the plodder developments Jimmy clarke was the deputy.

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 08:23

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups I was in the club last night and we where talking about when you played darts and snooker for the pit teams. One of the blokes was asking how old you where now

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 08:38

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi peter, the pics from both pit comps are on the golborne picture blog in the work section . i,m 60 next time . who was asking ? .

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 12:18

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Only know their 1st names John and Don

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 12:36

Posted by: Campfire (585)

graneyjoseph - Hi Joe, I do remember Jimmy Clark, he was once married to my best mate who became my Best man at my wedding and I was he's at his wedding. Jimmy once dropped us off in Liverpool, when me and my mate were going to the I of M for a week, we were only just turn 17 and Jimmy took us into Yate's Wine Lodge for a farewell drink and introduced us to the famous Aussi white wine and needlessness to say we missed our ferry.. Not seen Jimmy since he left the pit....

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 13:55

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste I saw Jimmy when we was salvaging Golborne same old Jimmy bit of a character he was living in Southport he said,one of those people that left an indelible impression on people who met him,hope he is fine.

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 15:25

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Last time I saw Jimmy Clark he was half the man who worked at the pit. He was in Asda at Wigan riding round using a mobility scooter Crippled with bad joints in his hands and legs.

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 19:21

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it maybe don barrow peter . he,s my age & went to the same school.

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 21:17

Posted by: Campfire (585)

PeterP - at a guess how old would Jimmy Clark be... he looked like a fifty year old when I was 18.. and that was in 1970

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 21:37

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Campfire I have no idea how old jimmy is now, Like every other ex-pitmen none of us are getting any youngerI was nearly 35 when I finished at Golborne in a fortnights time I am 60PS I now also live at Stubshaw like you

Replied: 20th Jul 2014 at 22:16

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I wish Jimmy well he is a character the mines were full of them and we are all better for knowing them,

Replied: 21st Jul 2014 at 07:26

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

sorry to hear about ronnie prior ,regards jimmy clarke last saw him about 20 year ago in the Oak Tree on belle green lane ince,think he said he was living just outside southport at the time ,sad to hear hes not in the best of health he was indeed a character

Replied: 22nd Jul 2014 at 10:46

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I remember Jimmy came into the workshop at Golborne when we was salvaging .

Replied: 22nd Jul 2014 at 12:21

Posted by: Campfire (585)

gentlemen - Ronnie Prior's service is at Wigan Crematoria on Friday at 15:30 confirmed.

Replied: 22nd Jul 2014 at 22:25

Posted by: Campfire (585)

PeterP - give us a clue, do I know you???

Replied: 22nd Jul 2014 at 22:26

Posted by: whups (13083) 

been round to see dicky & passed on your message ste.

Replied: 24th Jul 2014 at 15:04

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Thanks Brian, much appreciated..Is he on the mend? and will he receive visitors??

Replied: 24th Jul 2014 at 16:37

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Campfire I was a Deputy at Golborne last job in charge of the FSV's better known to some has Peter Duck

Replied: 24th Jul 2014 at 17:16

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

hi Brian next time you see Dicky pass on my best wishes

Replied: 24th Jul 2014 at 19:32

Posted by: whups (13083) 

will do col . yes he,s receiveing visitors.

Replied: 25th Jul 2014 at 00:40

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

The next Golborne Colliery ex miners meeting is on Wednesday 3rd of September at 7pm in Golborne Bowling Club.

Replied: 27th Aug 2014 at 18:39

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy pass on my regards lots of good memories of the people I met there,

Replied: 28th Aug 2014 at 07:58

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Will do Joe.

Replied: 28th Aug 2014 at 19:45

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thanks tuddy.

Replied: 29th Aug 2014 at 10:55

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

When they where filling the shafts am I right in saying they screened part of the bonk and used the dirt to fill the shafts in and sold the coal

Replied: 30th Aug 2014 at 07:18

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Probably right Peter. There was a plan to screen and wash the tip while the pit was still working in the eighties.They invited contractors to come and take samples and put tenders in to work it but nothing ever came of it

Replied: 1st Sep 2014 at 20:46

Posted by: whups (13083) 

for anyone who remembers jimmy a,hearn ( taffy) he passed away on saturday.

Replied: 5th Sep 2014 at 14:43

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

whups sad news .R.I.P taffy.

Replied: 5th Sep 2014 at 16:32

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

r i p taffy never new his name was jimmy a,hearn had some laughs with him top of l3 brew

Replied: 8th Sep 2014 at 08:23

Posted by: whups (13083) 

do you remember him colin , walking abound with his belt slung over his shoulder coz of a "bad back".

Replied: 9th Sep 2014 at 15:04

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

certainley do brian ,do you remember him coming on days & having a set to with the oldish bloke who drove the haulage engine top of L3 [cant remember his name sure you will]niether of them wanted to go down brew it got quite heated with references to glass backs ect

Replied: 10th Sep 2014 at 06:28

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it was ronnie prior colin.

Replied: 10th Sep 2014 at 15:38

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

both passed away now brian

Replied: 11th Sep 2014 at 05:51

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes they have colin. tannoy as well.

Replied: 11th Sep 2014 at 11:20

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

we are all getting older I left the mines 1991 aged 40 this november 63 time moves on alas.

Replied: 11th Sep 2014 at 12:53

Posted by: kayleigh (1161)

whups---- Jimmy a'hearne died on thursday 28 august.

Replied: 24th Sep 2014 at 13:04

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

sad when a former miner passes,he obviously left an impression on the people who met him.Campfire your quiet where are you.?

Replied: 24th Sep 2014 at 16:55

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Hi Joe
Been in Hospital I'm afraid, ticker not to good at the moment but hopefully should get on the mend.

Replied: 24th Sep 2014 at 18:14

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Hello Ste,sorry to hear that hope your recovery is good,take care regards.

Replied: 25th Sep 2014 at 07:40

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

That's a shock Ste, I never knew that rippers had hearts!

Only joking mate, best wishes for a full recovery.

Replied: 25th Sep 2014 at 20:03

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Thanks Joe & Ste, much appreciated... They wasn't very complimentary in the hospital though, apparently I'm over weight, I eat the wrong things, I drink to much and their not talking about tea...I don't do enough exercise, my mind is all messed up but because I don't smoke, I should make a full recovery. What a load of B***s

Replied: 25th Sep 2014 at 21:14

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

onwards and upwards Ste take it easy.

Replied: 26th Sep 2014 at 06:47

Posted by: whups (13083) 

my uncle - norman frodsham who worked on the weighbridge passed away l/week . his funeral is at st wilfs ( stubshaw)on fri at 10 o,clock.

Replied: 16th Oct 2014 at 12:04

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

whups sorry to hear about your uncle ,I didnt know him personally but always a loss to lose someone close.

Replied: 16th Oct 2014 at 12:56

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sorry to hear that Brian.

Replied: 16th Oct 2014 at 19:01

Posted by: whups (13083) 

thanx guys .did you ever go in the weighbridge ste wen you were on the lines ?.

Replied: 17th Oct 2014 at 00:52

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

No Brian, I didn't work on the lines long enough to get invited into the weighbridge, but I remember taking my pools coupon to someone who worked in there.

Replied: 17th Oct 2014 at 21:35

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he was small ste , had a false leg which he got in an accident down the pit.

Replied: 17th Oct 2014 at 21:56

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Sorry to hear about your uncle Brian ,I didnt know him never went in the weighbridge office , hope you and stey are both well

Replied: 19th Oct 2014 at 10:31

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin welcome back to WW.

Replied: 19th Oct 2014 at 12:56

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

many thanks joe

Replied: 19th Oct 2014 at 13:10

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Hi Brian, sincere thoughts and wishes for the loss of your Uncle.

Replied: 25th Oct 2014 at 19:20

Posted by: whups (13083) 

thanx guys.

Replied: 25th Oct 2014 at 21:26

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

one of my old workmates is coming down to newport with his wife on Tuesday,his name Ian Aldred ,Ste might remember him not seen him since 1986.

Replied: 26th Oct 2014 at 07:32

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Yes Joe, l do remember Ian, please pass on my best regards??

Replied: 26th Oct 2014 at 15:01

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I will do that Ste.

Replied: 26th Oct 2014 at 16:54

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste had 2 great days with Ian and Doreen,I passed on your regards,there was coaldust and stonedust everywhere really enjoyed it.

Replied: 30th Oct 2014 at 06:43

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Nice one Joe, its always nice to meet up with old friends and have a chat... I hope there was a few tipples of the amber necter being consumed during the workers consultative meeting ?? Joe, lately its seems that I don't see, bump into or speak to a lot old comrades, is it because we are getting no younger??

Replied: 31st Oct 2014 at 13:38

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste it might be but Ian said bold miners holds events were people can discuss or ask about what benefits or claims for mining related injuries ,Ian and Doreen his wife came down Tuesday saw them twice talked about people we knew great time,go onto facebook Doreen is on request friend theres a picture of me and Ian and comments Ian would like to talk to you ,have a good weekend,let me know how you get on .

Replied: 31st Oct 2014 at 18:33

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Ste, There's a miner's strike commemoration night at The Swinley Club in Wigan on November 14th. I'm sure you'll see some old faces there if you can make it.

Replied: 1st Nov 2014 at 18:24

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thats a coincidence I celebrate my 63rd birthday on that day,if you go pass on my regards.

Replied: 2nd Nov 2014 at 06:06

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Tuddy, will you be going on the 14th??

Replied: 2nd Nov 2014 at 14:21

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Yes I'll be there all being well.

Joe, I'll toast your health on the night.

Replied: 2nd Nov 2014 at 17:51

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy have a great night I met an old workmate in newport talking memories best 2 days for a long time.

Replied: 2nd Nov 2014 at 18:22

Posted by: whups (13083) 

for anyone who remembers peter marrow who worked in the crumy at golborne . he died about 2 weeks ago . he was 47.

Replied: 3rd Dec 2014 at 22:19

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Was he from Shevington?

Replied: 3rd Dec 2014 at 22:58

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R.I.P.peter,yes tonker he was from shevington ,him & his dad bernard were both good crown green bowlers

Replied: 4th Dec 2014 at 07:00

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

R.I.P. Peter ,I knew him from parsonage great lad no age at all very sad another one of us moving upstairs.

Replied: 4th Dec 2014 at 07:58

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i beleive peter played for garswood hall .

Replied: 4th Dec 2014 at 15:24

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

whups he was a real nice bloke ,peter is sleeping with the angels god bless.

Replied: 4th Dec 2014 at 16:10

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

I know it's a bad photo but I've croped it from a photo I took with Peter on, in 1984 anyone remember him like this another with his son
--

Peters Dad taken same time as the first one if anyone knows him

Replied: 4th Dec 2014 at 20:17
Last edited by dougie: 4th Dec 2014 at 20:40:05

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

That's a shock Brian, what was wrong with him? Not seen him since Golborne closed, I remember his dad as well, they were both keen crown green bowlers.

Replied: 4th Dec 2014 at 21:11

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

dougie one of the pictures of Peter shows a bloke J,Rowson is that Jimmy from st,helens?.tuddy I last saw him at parsonage,

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 06:39

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

morning joe ,its jimmy from leigh worked at golborne ,can you not get out the habit of getting up early

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 06:55

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

I think most ex-pitmen still have the habit of waking up early I wake up about the same time has when I worked at the pit (about 5-30am)and its 25yrs since I finished at the pit

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 09:42

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

mornong Colin,PeterP,it is an habit I am quite happy getting up at that time never been one for sleeping in ,get up early go to bed 10-00ish,when I go out it is usually afternoons unless a special occasion,I grew up with a jimmy rowson from st,helens thought it was a coincidence seeing that picture ,have a good weekend .

Replied: 5th Dec 2014 at 10:25

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi ste . someone said he might have had a drink problem which contributed to his demise .

Replied: 12th Dec 2014 at 16:38

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

whups sad demise god forbid we go that way he was a decent bloke.

Replied: 12th Dec 2014 at 18:58

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes he was joe. and it is a sad case as he was so young.

Replied: 13th Dec 2014 at 13:21

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

whups my 63rd Christmas I hope for many more God willing.Merry Christmas to you and your family and every one on WW.

Replied: 13th Dec 2014 at 14:00

Posted by: whups (13083) 

same to you joe . and my 60th next year.

Replied: 14th Dec 2014 at 02:32

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Brian - Your 60 next year, never have guessed it... you must have been brought up as a kid in a damp house !!!!

Only joking mate...

Replied: 14th Dec 2014 at 20:14

Posted by: whups (13083) 

now ste less of that .

Replied: 15th Dec 2014 at 01:00

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Brian - how is Dickie Eck doing??

Replied: 15th Dec 2014 at 12:02

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he,s ok by the sound of it . they are just converting his bathroom at present .

Replied: 15th Dec 2014 at 12:54

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

hi Brian ,glad Dickys doing ok ,by the way I thought you were 60 when you worked in L3 brew

Replied: 15th Dec 2014 at 14:55

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin thats not very chrismassy ,how you doing.?

Replied: 15th Dec 2014 at 18:03

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Good joe brian knows it's only said in jest

Replied: 15th Dec 2014 at 20:30

Posted by: whups (13083) 

L3 brow could make anyone look 60 colin . but L19 top rd could make you feel 90 .especially wen the belts were stopped & you had to walk up to the florida shunt.

Replied: 16th Dec 2014 at 01:11

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

legend as it that Fran Cotton used to walk up all the steep tunnels as a choice to riding the conveyors.

Replied: 16th Dec 2014 at 06:42

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Morning joe he had a donkey jacket with small strips is lead sowed in it to make it heavier

Replied: 16th Dec 2014 at 07:27

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

morning Colin.I started at old boston 1967 he was there with a lad surname Beard I think, they were student apprentices never liked mixing us .

Replied: 16th Dec 2014 at 08:02

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Some more sad news I'm afraid, I got a phone call from Tommy Belshaw's son tonight, Tommy passed away on Monday. His funeral is on Christmas eve at Ince Parish Church at 10-15am.

Replied: 17th Dec 2014 at 22:47

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

RIP tommy

Replied: 17th Dec 2014 at 23:12

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

not sure if I knew him but sad loss at this time of year sad loss at any time R.I.P.

Replied: 18th Dec 2014 at 06:15
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 18th Dec 2014 at 08:41:31

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

mornig Stey
was it young tommy that phoned you ,please pass on my condolances next time you speak to him

Replied: 18th Dec 2014 at 07:39

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Hiya Colin, It was Gary who phoned me, I'll pass your condolences on to him.

Replied: 18th Dec 2014 at 21:48

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Thanks stey

Replied: 18th Dec 2014 at 23:23

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

colin you are one of the best person I Met on this site proud to have met you MERRY CHRISTMAS ..the best person I worked with .

Replied: 19th Dec 2014 at 16:40

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Many thanks joe I also enjoyed the pleasure of your company and a merry Xmas to you and yours

Replied: 19th Dec 2014 at 19:52

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Colin and Joe, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year to you both. Evelyn and Don.

Replied: 19th Dec 2014 at 20:45

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi Evelyn Same to you ,don and the rest of your family

Replied: 19th Dec 2014 at 22:21

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

hi Evelyn,Don ,Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you both and your families.

Replied: 20th Dec 2014 at 07:06

Posted by: whups (13083) 

merry xmas for all of those who are left & those who are not here & their families.

Replied: 20th Dec 2014 at 13:50

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Good sentiment brian

Replied: 20th Dec 2014 at 15:04

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

brian I to second that ,its been said before best years of my life working with the best people in world,MERRY CHRISTMAS everybody.

Replied: 20th Dec 2014 at 18:09

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Goodnight God bless all ex pitmen and. Everyone else regardless of colour religion political persuision

Replied: 21st Dec 2014 at 01:08

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

well said colin.

Replied: 21st Dec 2014 at 07:11

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Oh, please!

Replied: 21st Dec 2014 at 13:55

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

nice manners tonker shame about everything else.

Replied: 21st Dec 2014 at 16:10

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tonker must have a friend somewhere to praise his knowledge and experience in worldy ways.

Replied: 21st Dec 2014 at 16:47

Posted by: whups (13083) 

colin,tuddy, dropped on an old golborner on friday . jimmy bond . do you remember him ? .

Replied: 5th Jan 2015 at 16:21

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I remember Jimmy, I was talking to him in All Saints Catholic Club in Golborne after the anniversary walk last year. That was the first time that I'd seen him since the pit closed. Didn't he used to work on the door at Bluto's in Wigan?

Replied: 5th Jan 2015 at 20:50

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi stey ,certainly do remember Jimmy ,he did work the doors but don't remember him working in wigan,,he also had a son Phil who started as an apprentice,phil had to transfer to point of air ,to finish his apprenticeship when the complex closed

Replied: 5th Jan 2015 at 22:56

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

phil worked at bold for a spell met up with him at coupe foundry higher walton he was working for demag the crane people

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 04:27

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

morning joe think that must have been a different Phil ,as i remember he was 1 of the last batch of apprentices they took on well after Bold had closed ,they hadnt come out their time when the complex shut

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 05:41

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

that might be right his dad was a tunneller not sure if it was british coal or tunnel contractors,Phil was still an apprentice when bold shut,

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 10:53

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Tuddy - I remember working in a Drivage with two film stars when I first transferred to Kidglove..
Jimmy Bond - known as James Bond 007 and he mate James Dean but cant think of the third blokes name. Do you?

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 11:34

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

was jimmy dean deputy? Ste

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 12:37

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hr was in tom & gerrys in ashton on friday.

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 12:43

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Campfire was it not Sammy

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 13:44

Posted by: Campfire (585)

PeterP - I dont think so, as he also had the name of a film star.. Joe, the Jimmy Dean you are refering to maybe the Deputy from Bold who still lives in Ashton, just off Wigan Road. He had a son who also worked at Bold but jacked in when it shut, I think..

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 15:26

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste remember them both jimmy the deputy was a nice bloke.there was a joe bond and eric winstanley both from ashton they worked in dosco driveage j122 south.

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 17:45

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Campfire, there was a Kenny Williams (Kenneth Williams) A.K.A Geordie. Don't know if he worked in the headings though.

Replied: 6th Jan 2015 at 22:49

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

There was also an electrician Kenneth Williams

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 04:34

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin I will vouch for that,when I met up with a former workmate from bold he said Kenny as not been seen or heard of for years,

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 08:11

Posted by: whups (13083) 

kenny williams wasnt a lekky lads. he was on the haulage in the crummy till he did his face training.

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 14:32

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

I brian there were to kennys the one I mentioned transferred to golborne when bold shut ,he worked with me joe graney ,alan Holden & Ian Connor on the complex installation team we were some of the first to go over shortly after they cancelled the drivage in l3 return

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 15:00

Posted by: whups (13083) 

no colin, this 1 was from golborne & played a bit of snooker. he onced played bullrt yed in the labour club 4 a few quid. he was very young wen he started at golborne.

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 15:14

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Yes brian I knew them both

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 15:22

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin we all remember bunker mouth as well.given the choice do it all again mo question.

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 17:06

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Their was e few noisy ones

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 18:10

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

free entertainment Colin loved them all.

Replied: 7th Jan 2015 at 18:19

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

whups
have you seen out of richard walker recently

Replied: 13th Jan 2015 at 01:23

Posted by: Campfire (585)

handsomeminer - I seen Richard Walker just before Christmas plodding up Gerard Street, still looked as though he was deep in thought as he was miles away with that blank look...

Joe - Joe Bond passed away about 12 Months ago, went his funeral at St Thomas's in Ashton and back to Stubshaw X Labour Club for some light refreashments. It was a good job it was Saturday the day after, with the head I had. He was another cracking lad who loved to socialise.

Replied: 13th Jan 2015 at 12:21

Posted by: whups (13083) 

not seen him for years colin. hi ste , i see you sussed out that clown sir bob & his sarcastic remarks on the parsonage blog . he was 1 of those who said thatcher was right to shut pits down on another blog.

Replied: 13th Jan 2015 at 12:30

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Thanks campfire,whips sir Bob obviously had an issue with miners ,either a Thatcherite or jealous ( not sure what of mind)

Replied: 13th Jan 2015 at 12:33

Posted by: whups (13083) 

your right colin , but he tries to bullshit us & i believe he is a thatcherite .

Replied: 13th Jan 2015 at 15:25

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Can vouch for that gentlemen.. He's not on his own, theres more of them out in them there hills, as John Wayne once said. The hills being the 3 Sisters...

Replied: 13th Jan 2015 at 15:45

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i know he,s not on his own ste there,s a lot on here.

Replied: 13th Jan 2015 at 22:16

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste sad about joe bond nice decent bloke.

Replied: 14th Jan 2015 at 09:16

Posted by: Campfire (585)

He was Joe...I remember backing up for him at Bold with our Frank when he was working with Eric Winstanley and (cant think of the third mans name) but I see him ofton and have a chat. Anyway, on a Monday morning whilst we were pulling the steel in, you could smell the Burtonwood bitter coming out of the heading and it was all from Joe. Sadly missed...

Replied: 14th Jan 2015 at 15:11

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste I cant think of the third blokes name either the future of the pit was in those two tuunels onegoing south the other north,shiny face worked down there as well(derek levay).

Replied: 14th Jan 2015 at 15:37

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi joe what was shiny,s mate called at parsonage think his first name was brian but not sure

Replied: 14th Jan 2015 at 16:05

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Hi Colin,that was Brian Baxter him and shiny came to bold when agecroft shut, two decent lads.both the same age as me they started at sandhole training centre.

Replied: 14th Jan 2015 at 17:24

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Hi Joe - don't recal shiny but do remember Brian Baxter, am I correct in assumimg that they all went into department / group and went around the North West, salvaging old faces and districts?

Going back to Joe Bond and Eric Winstanley, was the third man Jack Frodsham ???

Replied: 15th Jan 2015 at 11:00

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Hi Ste,the salvage team was under the control of ex-bold deputy Jackie Mann(his son Sean worked at bold as well),I dont think Brian worked on the salvage team,he took redundancy when bold shut,I met up with him and shiny at parsonage they worked for ATC along with fitter Ray Sefton.your right about Jack Frodsham you did well remembering his name.shinys name was Derek Levay.

Replied: 15th Jan 2015 at 11:09

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Joe - I don't recall Derek Levay but must have known him.. remember Jackie Mann and his Son Sean/Shaun !! They come from around Abram way. Sean ended up working at Hindley Prison and moved to Fazackley Prison when G2 opened the cat2 prison and the last time I seen him and had a chat, which was ages ago, he was on 2 walking sticks after having a good hiding of 2 inmates who dragged him into the cell and pasted him. To my knowledge, he's never worked since.. and they call Stubshaw as being rough !!!!

Replied: 15th Jan 2015 at 12:35

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

sad about shaun his dad was a good bloke the inmates no word to describe them.

Replied: 15th Jan 2015 at 17:21

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Was told yesterday that John Cupitt Ex-deputy had died only saw him in Asda a couple of weeks ago. RIP John

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 17:21

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R. I. P. John ,deputy on the Florida faces then at pit bottom ,how old was he Peter & had he been ill

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 17:32

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Handsomeminer lead to believe he was 75. He had his right leg amputated above the knee about 3years ago but it did not stop him. Like I said I used to drop on him at Asda in Golborne and have a chatWas shocked to hear about his death

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 18:18

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste shauns dad Jack died in the nineties I was told great bloke.

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 18:58

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

hi peter iam I right remembering that John used to take visitors on tours underground occasionally & always insisted they went down brew to the florida faces for a good walk round

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 19:59

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Handsomeminer did the same myself

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 21:57

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

good man peter

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 22:00

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he was in the nursing home near the kings arms .he was a regular on tuesday nights at the cally wen freddie cunliffe & his band were on & he used to give em a song . RIP john.

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 22:27

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

think it was john had the, pig pen ,put in at pit bottom when he was in charge their,do you remember singing ,stupid cupid, while we were penned in

Replied: 22nd Jan 2015 at 00:30

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Handsomeminer - I dont recall the late deputy but R.I.P but certainly remember being herded into the "Pig Pen" at the pit bottom on my first day at Golborne after transferring over from Bold. Also recall that the Deputies didnt use the pen with us commoners. I wander why??

Replied: 22nd Jan 2015 at 07:30

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i do indeed colin.

Replied: 22nd Jan 2015 at 11:57

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Being a deputy myself not going into the pig -pen was looked upon has a slight perk of the job.(like the mythical key to the exec toilet) It allowed the deputies to get into the cage 1st before the rest of the men. Once up the pit and you had cleared the lamp room the miners went for a shower and then to the canteen/home. The deputies had to make out a daily report and see the undermanager before going for a shower but most caught the same coaches as the miners so did not want to hold everyone up from getting home. More than once I let the coach go and caught a bus home before holding everyone back for me.

Replied: 22nd Jan 2015 at 12:26

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

PeterP it happened at all the mines I worked at for the reasons you have said.

Replied: 22nd Jan 2015 at 13:12

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

That's sad news about John, I remember him well.

Replied: 22nd Jan 2015 at 19:32

Posted by: whups (13083) 

this is for joe , dont be conned by that guy sir bob on the parsonage blog as he supported thatchers shut down of pits on another blog . campfire sussed him out straight away . he,s never been a "pit mon" , never wanted to be 1 & theres always a underlying skit on everthing to do with miners . BE WELL AWARE OF THIS GUY.

Replied: 23rd Jan 2015 at 12:49

Posted by: Campfire (585)

whups - My sentiments also.. like I said before, "there more of them up in them there hills"

Replied: 23rd Jan 2015 at 13:03

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

whups I am lots of things but not foolish thanks for your advice,

Replied: 23rd Jan 2015 at 19:01

Posted by: whups (13083) 

no probs joe.spot-on ste.

Replied: 24th Jan 2015 at 16:07
Last edited by whups: 24th Jan 2015 at 16:08:55

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Brian - I was talking to a chap last week, who works for PHS and their regional offices are on the Industrial site where Kidglove used to be...Was stunned that he wasn't aware that the was once a Colliery there and even though he drove past the stone monument every day, he hadn't a clue what it was for. I was completely gob smacked...

Replied: 25th Jan 2015 at 16:29

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it dosnt surprise me ste . it really doesnt look like there has even been a pit there .

Replied: 25th Jan 2015 at 20:26

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

there must be some kind of concrete capping over the shafts I would think.

Replied: 26th Jan 2015 at 07:23

Posted by: Campfire (585)

There is Joe - but best still theres the stone Monument, which you cant miss on entering the site..
Couldnt believe it when he said he did'nt know !!!!

Replied: 26th Jan 2015 at 09:52

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste I have seen pictures of the monument,sad about the person not knowing golbornes history men died there and they will not be forgotten.

Replied: 26th Jan 2015 at 10:28

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

After spending 20yrs working underground at Golborne it is sad that some of the people who now work on the enterprise park do not know there was a colliery on that site But this could be said about other colliery sites where men have worked and died. Our memories of the pits can only fade with time, we are all a dying breed and in a while there will only be a few memorials and history books to remind people that we where the King of coal

Replied: 26th Jan 2015 at 11:19

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

PeterP well put and true.

Replied: 26th Jan 2015 at 11:55

Posted by: Campfire (585)

I agree also PeterP...However, I was still gob smacked !! Call me old fashioned but I look up and I'm interested at the history of local industry, again some that are not as large as they were was in some cases gone all together also like the Mining Industry. What really got to me was that he only lives about 5 to 6 miles from his offices, aged around 30ish and passes the Monument daily.
He must go round in a daze !!!

Replied: 26th Jan 2015 at 13:55

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

It's the same everywhere lads. People who go to the "Parsonage" Retail Park shopping at Sainsbury,DW Sports, Currys etc. aint got a clue what was there before unless of course they did work there. The same at Plank Lane. If you've been past there recently you'll know what I mean. All those "nice" new houses going up on the former pit yard clustered round the former site of 5 deep mine shafts now only marked by a yellow pipe sticking out of the ground and a green fence round it. I remember a chat I had with a site manager of a job I was on a few years ago which developed into almost a full blown row. He didn't believe me when I told him that the "nice little hill" which his kids liked to play on wasn't natural, but was the landscaped and planted former pit heap for Mosley Common. What really upset him was when I tried to tell him that the nice private estate he lived on was the site of the former pit and had two 1000yd deep shafts on it somewhere. I had to take into work next day some photos and maps to convince him. After we consulted Google Earth and compared it with the maps, he found out one of the shafts was about 20 yds off his house!!! Ha ha ha.

Replied: 28th Jan 2015 at 21:15

Posted by: whups (13083) 

chris , do you remember i asked you about a lad called john who went on the lines as i could,nt remember his last name . was it white ? .

Replied: 29th Jan 2015 at 01:04

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

John Prescott, John Sweeney?

Replied: 29th Jan 2015 at 13:52

Posted by: whups (13083) 

this lad lived up rivington pike & used to come to the pit in a land rover .i know john sweeney it,s not him . did,nt he move to notts ?.

Replied: 29th Jan 2015 at 18:55

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

John moved to Daw Mill Colliery,in the midlands,but came back to Golborne after a year or two. whups, did the lad your thinking of end up working with big Danny?

Replied: 29th Jan 2015 at 22:43

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Whups, I know who you mean now. John Massey. Aye he came from Adlington originally, had a farming background. He bought an old cottage next to the canal at Red Rock,Haigh. Did it up, a lot of the work on his own. He came as a linesman with us, the surveyors, and we were going to get him on a course to be a surveying assistant. He was a bright lad and would have done okay but he developed some sort of problem with his inner ear which stopped him going down the pit due to the air pressure changes. He went into the medical center and trained as a medic and as far as I'm aware stayed till the pit shut.

Replied: 29th Jan 2015 at 23:05

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I know the lad you mean Chris, he qualified as a physiotherapist after the pit. I've bumped into him a few times, he told me a story about working in a hospital when Pey Cunningham came in for an appointment. When pey saw him he said "naw owd prater, what thy doin eer"? John answered Pey and started a conversation with him. As soon as pey left the doctor turned to John and and said "could you understand what that patient was saying"?

Replied: 29th Jan 2015 at 23:26
Last edited by tuddy: 29th Jan 2015 at 23:32:20

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think were on the right track . his hair was almost silver.

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 00:55

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Tuddy,the John who worked with Big Danny was john jones from billinge experience working with them 2 ,they kept hanging colin farrel up on cable hooks

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 06:17

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin,whups mentioned a john from golborne do you remember john sparrow from parsonage,?

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 08:38

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

no dont remember john sparrow joe what was his job

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 09:25

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

he worked in the developments ,Colin, also there was big Jimmy on the haulages and davelopments he helped us salvage cables opposite the NISBI bunker at parsonage,

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 09:40

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

jimmy catterall from hindley used to see him odd times but not seenhim for years now

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 10:18

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin yes that was him the man,its funny how names come back to you,do you remember working on that big manrider at bickershaw when alan shields was in charge of the mechanical side and they threaded the rope on it and found it had a knot in it brilliant.

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 10:46

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Alan Sheilds is still going strong working as a volunteer at Astley Green Mining Mueseum,went with the family a few years age the carrages off that bickershaw manrider ,their were some interesting comments about me wrote on the insides,had a good laugh

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 11:22

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Joe do you remember at parsonage Eddy Mac trying to cut that rope with a blunt chisel and that big nowty fireman blowing his top with him ,happy days

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 11:28

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin,Eddy Mac what a guy,so your famous in a museum well done you should of announced yourself signed autographs, good old memories,alan shield we was putting some switch gear in a substation using a turfor I pulled the rope tight tripping alan lots of nice words,

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 11:40

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

it wasnt very complimentary

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 12:08

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think that chris & tuddy are right . it was the ear think that twigged with me.

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 12:08

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin not many people have their names in a museum ,claim to fame and I know that man.

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 12:19

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

quite right joe

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 12:24

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin you and your family have a great weekend,me myself my friend I met down here in newport south wales died Monday morning ex=para SAS served in the Falklands 60yrs old died heart attack didnt get chance to say farewell,lifes a bugger,GOD BLESS GRAHAM.,I will get bladdered tonight.

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 17:14

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

That's sad joe ,RIP graham,we,ll have a drink to his memory

Replied: 30th Jan 2015 at 18:38

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin thanks for that message.

Replied: 31st Jan 2015 at 07:31

Posted by: whups (13083) 

wen john worked in the florida shunt with jack turner & harold peters they used to call him "palomino" because of his white hair. do u remember him chris or tuddy ? .

Replied: 7th Feb 2015 at 20:13

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Aye Whups. see my post above. I went to his wedding at Adlington.

Replied: 8th Feb 2015 at 18:32

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

had some good meals around adlington met some great people .would like to go back up the there some time.

Replied: 8th Feb 2015 at 19:11

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

whups, I remember all three of them very well, not seen Harold since he finished.

Replied: 8th Feb 2015 at 20:23

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Harold and jack golborne legends

Replied: 8th Feb 2015 at 21:28

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just wondering how he,s going on chris . do you ever see him as i cant recall seeing him at any of the walks ? .

Replied: 9th Feb 2015 at 15:24

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

I've no idea, Brian. Haven't seen him since I left Golborne in 86.

Replied: 9th Feb 2015 at 20:34

Posted by: whups (13083) 

pity that chris.

Replied: 9th Feb 2015 at 22:10

Posted by: whups (13083) 

campfire,colin hayes said he seen a guy that worked at golborne that came from bold on tv this morning. he cant put his last name to him but he says he thinks his 1st name was ronnie & lived in old road. he says he worked with you ? do you know of him ? .

Replied: 2nd Jul 2015 at 15:42

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

(Comment removed because it broke the rules)

Replied: 2nd Jul 2015 at 21:27

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Tonker even though we comment about the pit on here don't forget it is also a family site please censor your wording we all know what it means

Replied: 2nd Jul 2015 at 22:19

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

as tonker says there was some bad people in the mines but their insignificance puts them beyond being mentioned,sometimes going up in the cage when the overspeed came on and the cage bounced up and down lot of grown men to scared to speak nervous comments being made,the winder was a bad man then,,but not a real bad man just at the time we was in cage bouncing up and he was.

Replied: 3rd Jul 2015 at 05:56
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 3rd Jul 2015 at 09:56:48

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Well said Peter

Replied: 3rd Jul 2015 at 07:56

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Tonker - there were a lot of nasty men in ALL the pits where I worked, best to remember the decent ones dont you think?

Replied: 3rd Jul 2015 at 12:44

Posted by: Campfire (585)

whups - it could be Ronnie Hill.. he lives on Old Road next to the bait shop. Any ideas why he was on the telly ??? I worked with him at weekends at Bold, again at weekends at Golborne and believe it or not..again at weekends at Parsonage. The pair of us had high living standards

Replied: 3rd Jul 2015 at 12:48

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

hatfield colliery closes today yorkshire pit but 2 left goodluck to the yorkshire lads.

Replied: 3rd Jul 2015 at 16:40

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Didn't know their was still 2 left Joe sad really

Replied: 3rd Jul 2015 at 18:03

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin I didnt but apparently there is.

Replied: 4th Jul 2015 at 06:23

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste, it was on a morning program called ask the council. he was asked wot he thought of some new center in wigan.colin thinks it,s him.

Replied: 5th Jul 2015 at 13:14

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

there was a programme on bbc wales last night about the last deep mine in wales being mothballed maintenance only,they also mentioned kellingley in yorkshire sad times, a lot of people are calling for an inquiry into orgreave coking plant police actions good luck to them.

Replied: 21st Jul 2015 at 07:10

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Joe I was talking to Roy Southworth ex-overman yesterday. He is now 78 and like the rest of us plodding along 22yrs ago he had a triple heart by-pass and earlier this year he had a heart attack. He was telling me Ronnie Brown ex-overman had passed away, RIP Ronnie. Like I have said before we are a dying breed

Replied: 24th Jul 2015 at 06:07

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

PeterP good morning,I remember both Ronnie and Roy well known officials at Golborne ,I hope Roy gets better my sympathies to Ronnies family,we are all getting older and it is a bonus waking up each day myself I will be 64 in November,my regards to you and all my ex-workmates ,my mining days were the best years for sure.

Replied: 24th Jul 2015 at 06:22

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

PeterP, I see Roy at the Latics regularly with his son David. Also Jimmy Crooks.

Replied: 24th Jul 2015 at 18:54

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Have they lost their marbles

Replied: 24th Jul 2015 at 22:09

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Handsomeminer put it down to old age more than anything else, some one as to go to football

Replied: 25th Jul 2015 at 10:38

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Ha ha ha lads.Better than watching 26 fat lads chasing an egg!
I was talking to a chap a few weeks ago from Clock face area. He knows Geoff Blackburn. Says Geoff is still knocking about.

Replied: 25th Jul 2015 at 22:53

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

How old will geoff be ,must be knocking on now

Replied: 26th Jul 2015 at 10:38

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Hi Chris, fancy meeting you on here.Hope Jimmy Crooks is OK, please give him our regards next time you see him . Hope he still remembers us(Evelyn and Don--as if I need to tell you) Had a brilliant holiday in Austria with him and Marlene and of course in later years used to watch Fred Dibnah series which Jimmy and Alf helped out. Regards to Joe and Handsome hope are OK too boys . Don't come on WW too much now because of the likes of Tonker, who I can see hasn't changed much with the comments that followed . I can't see what he said because I blocked him months ago, but it was obviously unsavoury as per usual.Take care all of you.

Replied: 26th Jul 2015 at 15:04

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Hello Evelyn, I would never have connected the name if you hadn't mentioned it. Jimmy looked in fine fettle last time I saw him at a game last season. I'll certainly mention your names to him. How did you get to know him? I thought Don spent most of his time at Parsonage? That Tonker is an idiot. He knows a little thing about allsorts and tries to tell people who know a lot more than him that they are wrong. I've had to put him right a couple of times on WW about mining subjects which he was spouting his half baked theories about. Anyway, I'll see you both in 3 weeks.
Handsome miner, Geoff would be in his 80's now, I reckon.
Quite a few years after I'd finished in the pits, late 1990's I think, I was working on a job near Prescot. One afternoon, the job finished early and I thought, I'll take a different way home.So I went and had a look at what was left at Sutton Manor, where I did about 12 months. I then carried on through Clock Face along Gorsey Lane where I knew Geoff lived.Sure enough, there he was up a ladder painting his downspout. I stopped for a chat. That was about 4 o clock. I left at 6.30!!!

Replied: 26th Jul 2015 at 15:32

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Hiya Chris,
Is it the same Geoff Blackburn? I heard that he'd passed away a couple years back. I seem to remember him saying that he was 50 when he left Golborne, that was about 1986, so he would'nt be far of 80 now.

Replied: 26th Jul 2015 at 21:53

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

The chap I was talking to was the son of an owd Sutton Manor mon. He lived near Geoff at Clock Face and said he knew him as soon as I mentioned his name. I can only take it at face value, Steve. I reckoned he would be in his 80's.

Replied: 27th Jul 2015 at 14:54

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

good luck to you all,I have met some great people and wish them all the best and long life ,talk soon.

Replied: 27th Jul 2015 at 16:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

great people,Evelyn all the best to you and Don great people god bless ,.

Replied: 27th Jul 2015 at 17:23

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Chris,
Jimmy Crookes will know if Geoff Blackburn's still around.
I'm sure we could fill a thread with tales about Blackburn,I had a couple of run ins with him, as did most men who worked for him, but you certainly knew where you stood with him. Best wishes to him if he's still around.

Replied: 27th Jul 2015 at 22:25

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Next time I see Jimmy or Roy at Latics, I'll ask em.

Replied: 27th Jul 2015 at 23:25

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Tuddy, spoke to Roy at latics on Wednesday. He said Geoff Blackburn has been dead for at least 10 years. Seems I was given duff info.

Replied: 23rd Aug 2015 at 18:36

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I dont know about the rest of you but I seem to attend more funerals than weddings these days,while it is good to see the people at the funerals I have not seen for a long time,rather meet in better circumstances.

Replied: 24th Aug 2015 at 05:58
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 24th Aug 2015 at 09:56:06

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Your right joe enjoy life were well over the half way line

Replied: 24th Aug 2015 at 07:59

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin speaking for myself twothirds gone now I will certainly enjoy the last third,good to hear from you talk soon.

Replied: 24th Aug 2015 at 09:58

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Chris, Geoff Blackburn may be gone but he'll never be forgotten. They certainly broke the mould when they made him. R.I.P.Geoff.

Replied: 24th Aug 2015 at 22:08

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Ste..I only know Geoff Blackburn briefly but what a character !!!

Replied: 23rd Sep 2015 at 12:42

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Evelyn if your reading this thread vinny kay is on facebook now,type is name then wigan,

Replied: 23rd Sep 2015 at 13:15

Posted by: Perkin Warbeck (1460)

Anybody remember Ethel she operated the telephone switchboard?

Replied: 23rd Sep 2015 at 16:33

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

As you know I do perkin

Replied: 23rd Sep 2015 at 18:23

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Replied: 23rd Sep 2015 at 20:09

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

well done tonker is that you,

Replied: 24th Sep 2015 at 06:11

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Campfire, Did you hear the tale about when Geoff Blackburn was in the pit bottom office trying to use the phone when somebody started using a jigger pick in the roadway outside. Most under managers would have asked them to be quiet. Geoff ripped the office door of it's hinges and threw it at him.

Replied: 24th Sep 2015 at 21:51

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Exactly Tuddy.. what a character he was !!!

Replied: 25th Sep 2015 at 12:15

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

we all met characters and we would like to keep them in our memories god bless.

Replied: 25th Sep 2015 at 16:33

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Ah, but he did have a "soft" side to him.Two days after the Plodder explosion, I was in the Plodder return at the top of P2 Return heading, doing some survey work for the investigation. Geoff came up the brow and sat down for a rest. He said "come and have a minute". So I sat and had a chat with him.I could see he was absolutely shattered. He sort of poured his heart out about what had happened and told me about having gone through the same thing before at Hapton Valley.I think that the Golborne explosion affected him deeply and he was a different man after.

Replied: 25th Sep 2015 at 19:09

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Chris I never met a pitman that didn't have a soft side

Replied: 25th Sep 2015 at 22:35

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin your right there.never met anyone to match working with a miner.

Replied: 26th Sep 2015 at 05:36

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

True words spoken by both of you.

Replied: 26th Sep 2015 at 10:09

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

"Here We Go, Here We Go, Here We Go" ..... A great set of lads, every last one of 'em!

What d'you mean, sarcasm?

Replied: 26th Sep 2015 at 16:20

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tonker shut up these people worked in the mines did you if so remember them with respect.

Replied: 26th Sep 2015 at 16:27

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

There was a lot of good men working in the pits. Just as there was a lot of good men working in every other industry.
However, there was also a fair number of out and out shithouses who I wouldn't piss on if they was on fire.

That's the way things go in life, tha'knows.

Yes, I worked for the NCB. 1974 until 1986. Couldn't get out of there quick enough. It was great!

Replied: 26th Sep 2015 at 16:44

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

12 years not very quick , why so long

Replied: 26th Sep 2015 at 17:45

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

because he was a slow mover and unemployable best regards tonker,

Replied: 26th Sep 2015 at 19:04

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Just heard the sad knees that Randy Aaron passed away late last week ,I know it's not strictly a topic for golborne colliery but a lot of the lads that went over to plank lane will remember him R.I.P.Randy

Replied: 4th Oct 2015 at 16:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

R.I.P. Randy what a character he was,Colin do you remember the time we was sat on the plodder manrider talking about cooking chicken and Randy said we mustnt forget to take the gibbons out before we cooked it.

Replied: 4th Oct 2015 at 17:31

Posted by: whups (13083) 

cant remember him colin ? .

Replied: 4th Oct 2015 at 17:37

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

I do Joe knew randy round ince & hindley a real character ,many tales to be told about him,,,brian he worked on the haulage at plank lane wasn't the worst darter in the world either

Replied: 4th Oct 2015 at 19:34

Posted by: whups (13083) 

still cant remember him colin. maybe it,s 1 of those that if you saw a pic of him i,d might know him.

Replied: 5th Oct 2015 at 11:27

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just to let you know guys that roy southworth died last tuesday . i have put it on the other blog.rip roy.

Replied: 21st Mar 2016 at 16:26

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

R.I.P Roy

Replied: 21st Mar 2016 at 17:45

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

that is sad news respects and thoughts to his family.R.I.P. Roy.

Replied: 21st Mar 2016 at 18:15

Posted by: Campfire (585)

I was talking to Dave (Roy's Son) at the Latics game on Saturday and gave him my mobile so he can advise me of the arrangements for his Dads funeral...He is away next week and the funeral may be when he gets back.

I don't want to miss the funeral, so could any WW member post the arrangements when they hear anything ???? Ta..

Replied: 23rd Mar 2016 at 20:56

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste was talking to dean michell & he says it could be a couple of weeks.

Replied: 26th Mar 2016 at 00:27

Posted by: Campfire (585)

thanks Brian... if you hear anything, please let us know?

Replied: 26th Mar 2016 at 22:01

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Dave Southworth has contacted me this evening and advised that the funeral for his Dad (Roy) in on Monday 4th April at Wigan Crematorium, commencing at 13:00, then moving on to Golborne / Parkside Rugby Club.
I believe the club is just past Golborne High School and the left and signposted..

Replied: 30th Mar 2016 at 19:25

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups was talking to Richard Walker today not seen him since the pit finished found out he lives just round the corner from me

Replied: 30th Mar 2016 at 20:06

Posted by: Campfire (585)

PeterP..I've also seen Rick walking a dog around Stubshaw but only for the last 6 Months are so....

Replied: 30th Mar 2016 at 20:16

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Campfire he said the dog is only 8month old

Replied: 30th Mar 2016 at 20:28

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi Peter if you see Richard give him my regards not seen him for years

Replied: 30th Mar 2016 at 20:48

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Campfire your correct about the location of the rugby club next time you see David please pass on my condolences

Replied: 30th Mar 2016 at 20:50

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Handsomeminer. I will pass on your condolences, I've never been in the club but sure that I have seen the sign for it on the main road...thanks for the confirmation.

Replied: 30th Mar 2016 at 20:57

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

.gents just wondering if your aware of a group on Facebook it's called..UK miners pension scheme association for justice and fair play,it's one we should all be getting behind

Replied: 5th Apr 2016 at 21:19

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin your right with what you say.

Replied: 6th Apr 2016 at 06:49

Posted by: whups (13083) 

guys if anyone sees richie then tell him to give me a call as he wants some info from me.

Replied: 6th Apr 2016 at 12:13

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Golborne ex miner's meeting, Wednesday, 4th May, Golborne bowling club, 7pm. All welcome.

Replied: 1st May 2016 at 20:42

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste enjoy and pass on my best regards.

Replied: 2nd May 2016 at 06:21

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Will do Joe.

Replied: 3rd May 2016 at 22:24

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi guys , was talking to ronnie manship on saturday & he says that carl bryan ( young ponzer) isnt very well & it does,nt look good .if i hear owt else i,ll let you know.

Replied: 28th Jun 2016 at 00:58

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Brian sad news I wish him well.

Replied: 28th Jun 2016 at 05:43

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups hope Carl gets well soon. Has to the (young) we are all 27yrs older than when the pit finished and the passage of time does not stand still

Replied: 28th Jun 2016 at 08:21

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i dont think he will peter from wot ronnie manship said .

Replied: 28th Jun 2016 at 11:08

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Sorry to hear that

Replied: 28th Jun 2016 at 11:32

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

David Annaroue Ex fitter has died over the week endRIP David

Replied: 19th Jul 2016 at 16:08
Last edited by PeterP: 20th Jul 2016 at 06:41:16

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

RIP David

Replied: 19th Jul 2016 at 22:01

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

R.I.P. David.

Replied: 20th Jul 2016 at 06:39

Posted by: sammys (262) 

Did he work on c6 Manrider with Tommy horrich Scouse bloke remember him rip david

Replied: 22nd Jul 2016 at 00:01

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think he might have done sammy.

Replied: 26th Jul 2016 at 12:50

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

David's funeral at Wigan crem on Monday 8th August at 2-00

Replied: 29th Jul 2016 at 14:08

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

time moves on my sympathies to his family gone but memories never .

Replied: 29th Jul 2016 at 16:30

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Well said Joe

Replied: 29th Jul 2016 at 19:49

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Thanks Colin.

Replied: 30th Jul 2016 at 05:40

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

There once was a miner named Dave,
who kept a dead whore in a cave.
She was ugly as shit,
and missing one tit,
but think of the money he saved!

Replied: 17th Aug 2016 at 14:21

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

you was related then tonker.what a lovely couple you must of made,did you qualify in joined up writing,?

Replied: 17th Aug 2016 at 14:41

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

what a plonker you are

Replied: 20th Aug 2016 at 16:26

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Joe you get used to Tonker I think

Replied: 20th Aug 2016 at 17:35

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Peter you are right but he is insulting our friends,he obviously as none .

Replied: 20th Aug 2016 at 19:02

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi guys , anyone know how carl bryan (young ponzer) is doing. colin have you seen gary melling yet ? .

Replied: 12th Sep 2016 at 15:42

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups was talking to Brian Cunningham yesterdays says Young Ponzer got 3-6months making the most of it while he can

Replied: 12th Sep 2016 at 21:37

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i heard he wasnt to good peter.

Replied: 12th Sep 2016 at 23:13

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Brian not seen Gary all summer my turning out habits change when the cricket season finishes I,ll probably see him over winter I,ll mention you to him

Replied: 13th Sep 2016 at 00:34

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ok colin.is he still playing darts ? .

Replied: 13th Sep 2016 at 12:30

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Don't thinks he's played for a few years now Brian theirs not enough pubs left to run a league now

Replied: 13th Sep 2016 at 18:04

Posted by: whups (13083) 

that,s very true colin.

Replied: 13th Sep 2016 at 21:57

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

best regards to you all,

Replied: 14th Sep 2016 at 06:56

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi guys, sad news i,m afraid. karl bryan (young ponzer) has passed away.

Replied: 26th Sep 2016 at 17:29

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

sad news Brian another of our brothers gone sympathies to his family R.I.P. Karl godbless,

Replied: 26th Sep 2016 at 18:45

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

That is sad Brian, I last saw him about two years ago, I think he was working as a carpet fitter. Didn't he work on the haulage with Parky before he had to go on the surface? Somebody gave him the nickname Whippet Yed! I wonder if his Dad, Ponzer, still around? R.I.P. Karl.

Replied: 26th Sep 2016 at 21:05

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes your right ste.

Replied: 26th Sep 2016 at 21:20

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

RIP Karl

Replied: 27th Sep 2016 at 10:50

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think his dad jimmy ponzer is still with us.

Replied: 27th Sep 2016 at 12:12

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

RIP Karl

Replied: 3rd Oct 2016 at 22:35

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Was speaking to Brian Cunningham only yesterday and he told me the sad news...R.I.P matey, what a character!!!!!

Replied: 25th Oct 2016 at 21:29

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Sad news,respects to his family.

Replied: 26th Oct 2016 at 07:56

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

A mate of mine from Golborne days was out at a function on Sat night. Found himself sat next to Mr & Mrs Barry Chadwick.
Needless to say many stories were related that night with a good old sprinkling of effing and jeffing.
He's gonna give me a full roundup next time we have a pint.
No doubt a few on here will have memories, good and bad of Chaddy.

Replied: 8th Nov 2016 at 21:01

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I think Chady was the manager when Jimmy Higham got himself into trouble for jumping onto a moving manrider train which H.M. inspector of mines and quarries was travelling on. Jimmy was hauled before Chady and everybody thought it would result in his sacking. But some shrewd negotiations by the National Union of Mineworkers got his sentence reduced to a two week suspension. Jimmy's response to Chaddy was, "Can we wait until't fishing season starts before I'm suspended"?

Replied: 8th Nov 2016 at 23:23

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

only in the mines what was the result.Ste ?

Replied: 9th Nov 2016 at 06:10

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Thought Chaddy was a good manager , Jimmy was a rum un not seen him for about 15 year have you tuddy

Replied: 9th Nov 2016 at 07:38

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Joe, The outcome was, he kept his job and caught three carp!

I haven't seen Jimmy for years either Colin. Don't know where he's got to.

Replied: 9th Nov 2016 at 19:49

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Thanks Ste

Replied: 10th Nov 2016 at 05:24

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Apparently Chaddy was in good form t'other neet, telling stories about pit. He's 77 now.

Replied: 10th Nov 2016 at 09:28

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thats good news for people who know him.

Replied: 10th Nov 2016 at 12:02

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

THIS IS FOR ( WHUPS ) I have wrote some where asking you did you know of or hear about my dad and my brother who used to work at the QUAKER HOUSE COLLIERY?? i said something like my dad had an accident there a roof came in on him he had just started on face getting better money when this happened end result he ended up working on top.

The owner was a DONALD ANDERSON dad said he was a fair bloke ,and whilst dad lost his face job Donald helped him by asking him to come to his house in PARBOLD and work his garden on SATURDAY mornings for a few bob extra. Then my brother started there his name was WILFRED WINSTANLEY
my dad was ( THOMAS thom) other nmames you may know JIMMY HARRISON, BOB( robert) WITHERINGTON JUST a few . I have read somewhere you or somebody else talked about miners getting payouts for the dust problem ,but they had to have been N.C.B. employees is that true???? SO i hope you respond WHUPS/

Replied: 1st Dec 2016 at 15:56

Posted by: whups (13083) 

answered your blog on quaker house GB

Replied: 2nd Dec 2016 at 14:51

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Golborne ex miner's meeting, Wednesday, 7th December, 7pm, at Golborne Community Bowling Club. All welcome.

Replied: 4th Dec 2016 at 20:36

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

All the best for Xmas and new year to all freinds and colleagues

Replied: 24th Dec 2016 at 11:58

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL

Replied: 27th Dec 2016 at 10:55

Posted by: whups (13083) 

guys, nobby clark is organising a golborne pit reunion at the hingemakers in ashton on the 24th march around 6ish .anyone who is interested get yourself down there.

Replied: 8th Jan 2017 at 14:14

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Brian, l have been passing the message on, looking forward to it...

Replied: 16th Jan 2017 at 12:12

Posted by: whups (13083) 

that,s all we can do ste.

Replied: 17th Jan 2017 at 14:59

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

whupsy

Doo YOO think that Theresa May is the new Iron Lady, the new Margaret Thatcher



Replied: 18th Jan 2017 at 10:24

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

You dont need to answer that Brian.

Replied: 18th Jan 2017 at 13:40

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i dont know what it is joe as he,s on ignore.

Replied: 18th Jan 2017 at 14:16

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

I wondered why I didn't get a Christmas card from whupsy

Replied: 18th Jan 2017 at 17:09

Posted by: whups (13083) 

still on ignore 2 stroke.

Replied: 19th Jan 2017 at 14:20

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

I only worked for the NCB for 12 years,but I was lucky to have seen things,and worked on more machines,than most folk who did 40 years in the pits.

Replied: 19th Jan 2017 at 16:32

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

spud1 best regards.

Replied: 20th Jan 2017 at 05:37

Posted by: aussie94 (2397)

All the best to hardworking miners ALL over England. A lot of my ancestors where amongst the ranks you proud men . I am very proud of all of you and what you did to create the world we now live . I salute you all.

Replied: 5th Feb 2017 at 08:27

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

aussie94 well said.

Replied: 5th Feb 2017 at 12:39

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think not spud1. why after working in the pits are you putting such a downer on them ? .

Replied: 7th Feb 2017 at 14:20

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Iv'e not put a downer on anyone whups,I just said that I had seen and worked on more machines in 12 years,than most folk who had done 40 years,and most of these where at Parkside,where everything below ground was air powered for the first couple of years,to the electric Kopie winders,and also a spell has an apprentice at Walkden yard workshops where most mining machines ever made were repaired,even the locos had new tyres fitted there.

Replied: 7th Feb 2017 at 18:16

Posted by: whups (13083) 

so wot your not on your own there r u ? .more that most folk who worked down the pit in 40 yrs you said. walkden yard workshop.not much work there is there.try dragging arches or methane pipes for a living.

Replied: 8th Feb 2017 at 14:37

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Why on Earth would I want to drag arches,and methane pipes.

Replied: 8th Feb 2017 at 17:06

Posted by: whups (13083) 

you were probably made to do light work were you.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 00:29

Posted by: broady (inactive)

If you could type like those at Anderson House you keep on about for more bonus would you have done so?? How many years did you actually work down the pit? Did you work again once Golborne closed?

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 04:34
Last edited by broady: 9th Feb 2017 at 04:36:13

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

I have never done light work Whups,I served my 5 years apprenticeship,including 5 years at Leigh and Wigan mining college,after 12 years I realised pits were closing quite quickly,so I left for a much better paid job.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 11:05

Posted by: whups (13083) 

so you have always done light work. if you could keep your nose out broady & stay on the other side of canada & that,s probably why you did a runner to avoid doin a bit.and as for the pit , a lot more that you .told you before broady that people who do a runner & leave this country have no right to comment as they gave up that right when you left & did 1.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 12:03
Last edited by whups: 9th Feb 2017 at 12:41:14

Posted by: broady (inactive)

As you notice what you have " told me before" means zilch. If you did one hour in the mines it is obvious that you spent more time than me there. I would say that before I came to Canada I worked and paid into the system more years than you have.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 13:13

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Whups I have never done "light" work,I was a fitter not an electrician.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 14:53
Last edited by spud1: 9th Feb 2017 at 14:55:49

Posted by: whups (13083) 

and another thing this is our blog for golborne miners & not for the likes of you who try & hijack the blog. your not welcome on here with your snide remarks about any miner or the likes of spud1 . if you think you can slag off me or anyone who uses this blog you have another thing coming & i,m sure the guys on here will tell you that.you,ve paid jack shit more that me as i,m still here paying mine & not hiding out in canada paying zilch. so do 1.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 14:55
Last edited by whups: 9th Feb 2017 at 14:57:03

Posted by: broady (inactive)

Who says it is for Miners. It was asking the name of a pit. I have utmost respect for miners and have made no snide remarks. You are actually attacking a fellow miner above because he hadn't dragged equipment about.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 15:11

Posted by: whups (13083) 

we say it is. he says he worked on machines more than miners did in 40yrs. he only did 12yrs in the mines .like ive told you your not welcome on our blog. and your a bit of a stalker too as your following me around.so telling me about typing & anderton house typist or asking me what i did after the pit shut isnt derogotary ? .

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 15:17
Last edited by whups: 9th Feb 2017 at 15:23:15

Posted by: broady (inactive)

No. I have been asked similar questions on WW in the past. Check how many times you refer to me doing " a runner" if you want to mention derogatory. How do I know about the typists?? You have mentioned it a few times.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 15:25
Last edited by broady: 9th Feb 2017 at 15:27:30

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Whups,I believe you had not even started school when I started working for the NCB.

Replied: 9th Feb 2017 at 16:12
Last edited by spud1: 9th Feb 2017 at 18:37:50

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it depends on how old you are now.

Replied: 5th Mar 2017 at 17:06

Posted by: whups (13083) 

guys iv,e heard a whisper that jonny goulding who worked with harold in L3brow has passed on . but dont hold me to it as i,m not sure myself if the info is genuine ? . maybe someone who lives in the chorley area may know something.

Replied: 5th Mar 2017 at 17:06

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Whups,I was born in 1939,I believe you were born in 1954-1955!

Replied: 5th Mar 2017 at 23:31

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I was born 14-11-51 and left school on 17-03-67 Paddys day ,50years this Friday celebration looming .

Replied: 6th Mar 2017 at 06:40

Posted by: aussie94 (2397)

A warm G'Day to all the great men and women who worked in the coalmines , you created the wealth that is the UK today .
Did you get appreciation , NO . 'Where you thanked NO.
Publicaly vilified by a corrupt PM YES.
Stand Tall you good people , my ancestors worked with you , I am proud to be part of you.

Replied: 6th Mar 2017 at 07:40

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

I,ll have a couple of pints for you and paddy joe

Replied: 6th Mar 2017 at 07:47

Posted by: whups (13083) 

colin did you read the posting i put on about jonny goulding ? .

Replied: 7th Mar 2017 at 12:47

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Well,how old are you whups?

Replied: 7th Mar 2017 at 16:23

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Spud1 Whups will be 62 on 20th June

Replied: 7th Mar 2017 at 18:31

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin thanks for your comment.

Replied: 7th Mar 2017 at 21:04

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Thanks Peter,I reckon there were only about 6 or 7 pits left in the area in 1970,and there were around 30, maybe more in 1955.

Replied: 7th Mar 2017 at 23:57
Last edited by spud1: 7th Mar 2017 at 23:58:20

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Yes I did brian ,I dropped on Alan Parkinson over the weekend he said he had heard Johnny had been suffering with Parkinson's decease but hadn't heard about him passing away ,I have no contact with anyone from that area sowe can only hope for the best

Replied: 8th Mar 2017 at 07:59

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ok colin. keep your ears open. if you hear owt then let me know.

Replied: 8th Mar 2017 at 16:41

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

Replied: 13th Mar 2017 at 08:50

Posted by: whups (13083) 

spud1 there was actually 13 pits open in 1970 .including lyme pit & wood pit in haydock . silverdale & hapton valley . cronton ,point of ayr ,sutton manor,parkside,bold,golborne,bickershaw,parsonage,agecroft,all which came under the banner of the nothwest coalfields.

Replied: 13th Mar 2017 at 12:11

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

Replied: 13th Mar 2017 at 13:20

Posted by: whups (13083) 

wasting your time 2 stroke your still on ignore.

Replied: 13th Mar 2017 at 14:26

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

Replied: 13th Mar 2017 at 17:10

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Fair enough whups I agree with you,but I was only including the ones close to our local area,there may have been well over a hundred working pits in 1955 in the area you have used.

Replied: 13th Mar 2017 at 17:37

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Haydock Male Voice Choir at St Thomas's Church Golborne tonight 7-30 entrance fee £5.In memory of the 10 men killed in the explosion 38 years ago on the 18th March 1979.

Replied: 17th Mar 2017 at 16:30
Last edited by PeterP: 18th Mar 2017 at 09:52:02

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

38 years still got a lot of memories for lots of the mining community.

Replied: 18th Mar 2017 at 06:07

Posted by: retep1949 (1184)

Came across some old diaries belonging to a Mr Samuel Smith who I think was an Electrical Engineer for the N.C.B. One entry on 13 Jan 1968 reads called outt to Golborne at 7.15am.Main fan OCB had"blown up" injuring the electrician who was stopping the fan.Brush engineers brought on site.New OCB provided and commenced installation. The entry for14Jan 1968 reads Golborne all day.Fan running 9.15pm on load.Proved to be methane explosion.Methane percolated into switch via cable duct.I wonder if anyone remembers this incident from nearly 50 years ago?

Replied: 19th Mar 2017 at 10:05
Last edited by retep1949: 19th Mar 2017 at 10:30:13

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Whups ,sorry can't make Friday's reunion Iam down Kent rest of week .hope you have a great night please pass on my regards to the rest of the lads

Replied: 20th Mar 2017 at 15:33

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

enjoy your time in Kent Colin ,hope the weather is good for you.

Replied: 21st Mar 2017 at 06:43

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ok col.

Replied: 21st Mar 2017 at 15:44

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i wont be there either colin. health matters.

Replied: 24th Mar 2017 at 00:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

look after yourself Brian.

Replied: 24th Mar 2017 at 05:16

Posted by: whups (13083) 

try my best joe. it,s the old ticker trouble.

Replied: 24th Mar 2017 at 12:42

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I think we all have health worries goes with old age in my case,

Replied: 25th Mar 2017 at 05:50

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

Replied: 25th Mar 2017 at 11:15

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hope your feeling better Brian Joes right nothing gets better with age any update on Johnny goulding

Replied: 25th Mar 2017 at 14:40

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it could be something in it col as nobby says that johnny got parkinsons.if i hear owt i,ll let you know.

Replied: 25th Mar 2017 at 14:44

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Replied: 26th Mar 2017 at 06:13

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

Replied: 26th Mar 2017 at 11:30

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Heard today Tommy Ainscough from Stubshaw Cross as passed away over the week end.May he Rest in Peace

Replied: 18th Apr 2017 at 17:57

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Sad news when another miner passes on .R.I.P.

Replied: 18th Apr 2017 at 18:49

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sorry to hear that Tommy has passed away, I worked with him on the Plodder faces in the bottom stable. Do you know when his funeral is Peter?

Replied: 18th Apr 2017 at 23:46

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Tuddy Tommy's funeral at St Wilfreds RC church Stubshaw Cross Weds 26th's at 12-30

Replied: 22nd Apr 2017 at 18:01

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Thanks Peter.

Replied: 23rd Apr 2017 at 20:12

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi guys sorry to be the bearer of bad news again . terry cave has passed away.

Replied: 4th Jun 2017 at 22:13

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

That's a shame R I P Terry

Replied: 5th Jun 2017 at 06:48

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

R.I.P. Terry, speaking for myself I am in gods waiting room but not yet hopefully.best regards to everyone of my friends.

Replied: 5th Jun 2017 at 08:15

Posted by: whups (13083) 

joe were all in gods waiting room & i,m trying my best to delay it LOL . but terry had really gone off the rails & booze got a hold of him.apparently he,d been undiscovered for about 3 weeks.

Replied: 5th Jun 2017 at 16:27

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

That's a real shame Brian ,he really was a nice bloke I know he had quite a troubled past with his X missus I worked with terry a lot had a lot of good times

Replied: 5th Jun 2017 at 17:55

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i know colin but he had just given up.

Replied: 6th Jun 2017 at 00:38

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

to die on your own and not to be found for weeks that is a sad reflection on life

Replied: 6th Jun 2017 at 07:55

Posted by: whups (13083) 

your right joe but that,s how it was for terry.

Replied: 6th Jun 2017 at 16:40

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Whups ,any news on terry caves funeral

Replied: 13th Jun 2017 at 08:32

Posted by: whups (13083) 

not yet col . i,ll let you know if i hear owt.

Replied: 13th Jun 2017 at 16:52

Posted by: whups (13083) 

doesnt look to good for terry,s funeral guys. they cant find his estranged daughter & it looks as if wigan council might have to bury him in a paupers grave ? .

Replied: 14th Jun 2017 at 16:23

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Unfortunately if the Council find his daughter then they can pressurise her into paying the funeral costs even though she may of not seen him for years and may not be able to pay for the funerallet her grieve and get on with her life and let the council bury him.Sad times indeed.

Replied: 14th Jun 2017 at 21:37

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

On Saturday, 1st July, at 2pm, in Peter Kane Square, in Golborne. Golborne ex miner's association will be unveiling commemorative name plaques to the men who were killed in the explosion in 1979. There will be a small ceremony, All are welcome.

Replied: 26th Jun 2017 at 22:32

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste that is a very fitting memorial to the men who lost their lives .I hope the local papers cover this.

Replied: 27th Jun 2017 at 05:38

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just had the angiogram & everything ok. a load of my mind.

Replied: 14th Jul 2017 at 15:09

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Good news that Brian, you'll soon be fit enough for a stroll up L.3. brow.

Replied: 14th Jul 2017 at 20:03

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

some of those brows in the mines were lung busting.

Replied: 15th Jul 2017 at 07:30

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Ha ha ha the famous L3!

Replied: 15th Jul 2017 at 11:48

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes ste & iv,e done it more times than i care to remember especialy when i was down L19.

Replied: 15th Jul 2017 at 12:14

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

That early morning stroll set you up for the day

Replied: 16th Jul 2017 at 20:07

Posted by: whups (13083) 

fantastic eh colin. i used to get cold shivers down my back just thinking of that walk down L3 brow.

Replied: 16th Jul 2017 at 22:29

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Chris, what was the gradient of L.3.?

Replied: 17th Jul 2017 at 17:34

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i believe it was 1 in 3.25 ste.

Replied: 17th Jul 2017 at 21:14

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Right at the top just down off L1 Level it was 1 in 3 but eased off as you got to the bend to about 1 in 4. After the bend because it wasn't on full dip it was about 1 in 5 for most of the way right past the Bickershaw Tunnel junction. It eased off a bit more towards the bottom towards 1 in 6 at the end although it seemed steeper!!!

Replied: 18th Jul 2017 at 12:20

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Chris do you know what length L3 brew
was and how far was L19 face line was from L1 level when it finished

Replied: 18th Jul 2017 at 12:27

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Handsome miner. L3 brow was 2800 yds from top to bottom. And don't forget they had a little face off to the left, L17. That went about 200 yds and was about 50 yds long trying to prove the ground towards suspected large faulting. I think it just closed up on them. I never went on there, it was just before I started in the pits.
L19 retreated back about 1150 yds so when it finished it would have been about 1750 yards from L1 Level.

Replied: 18th Jul 2017 at 20:50

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

L3 started about November 1962 and finished in about March 1971.

Replied: 18th Jul 2017 at 20:53

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Thanks Chris

Replied: 18th Jul 2017 at 20:57

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Chris, you're a mine of information, but one more question, how far was L.12. intake junction from the top of L.3.? and how far would L.12. face be from the junction when it finished? And I know that's two questions.

Replied: 18th Jul 2017 at 23:12

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Hi Tuddy. From the top of L3 brow to L12 Intake junction was about 700 yds and from there to the face finish line was about 2000yds.
Put the cheque in the post please.

Replied: 19th Jul 2017 at 10:20

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think ste worked on L12 at one time. happy days guys.

Replied: 19th Jul 2017 at 10:42

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Thanks Chris, do you want a brass check, or an alloy one?

That's right Brian, I worked on the haulage in L.12. when I first started. I was wondering how far we walked in a shift. So, if we did two runs, after the walk down L.3. that would add up to 8,700 yards per shift, plus the length of the Florida shunt. Now if the belts weren't running at traveling time that would add another 700 yards up L.3. And if we missed the rider, another half hour stroll to the pit bottom. I should have been a postman.

Replied: 19th Jul 2017 at 23:03
Last edited by tuddy: 20th Jul 2017 at 00:32:16

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

I also worked on L12,I also helped salvage L19 great fun dragging trailing cables up L19 return

Replied: 20th Jul 2017 at 08:01

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Ha ha ha I'll have a brass one please Ste.

When I started at Golborne in 1972, one of the first jobs I did was set out the lines for L12 face heading. Also the lines for C7 face heading.

Replied: 20th Jul 2017 at 09:57

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes colin great dragging things like that in about 100 degrees heat plus walking down a 1 in 3 for about a mile just to get to your job every day.but according to some on here we had it easy .

Replied: 20th Jul 2017 at 10:39

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Chris the last job I had before golborne shut was driving a tunnel off L3 return about 100 yds down from L1 level to the right as you walked down it was going in a fair way to open up virgin ground we,d gone in about 20 yd when the plug was pulled do you have any knowledge of what was planned

Replied: 20th Jul 2017 at 22:31

Posted by: broady (inactive)

As my Grandad ( who without a doubt spent more time down the mines than any of you) once told me " If you're marching You're not fighting"

Replied: 21st Jul 2017 at 05:21

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

I left Golborne in 1987, went to Sutton Manor. But I do remember that tunnel you are on about. They were planning it at the time I left. It was to open up the Pigeon House seam which was about 30 yds below the Lower Florida. No wonder it was pulled. I don't know who's daft idea it was to go for that seam. It was just crap. I think somebody thought they would be able to get some cheap coal fairly quickly.

Replied: 21st Jul 2017 at 09:57

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Thanks Chris don't remember Pigeon House but Idont doubt the accuracy of your information

Replied: 21st Jul 2017 at 14:23

Posted by: xxstuartxx (5799)

but according to some on here we had it easy

You were probably rarely there!

Replied: 21st Jul 2017 at 19:24

Posted by: whups (13083) 

any you probably did,nt do a days graft in your life.

Replied: 21st Jul 2017 at 22:22

Posted by: xxstuartxx (5799)

Correct, I leave hard work to the idiots.

Replied: 24th Jul 2017 at 19:55

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes always at the back when the work was given out. people who live in glass houses should,nt throw stones.

Replied: 25th Jul 2017 at 12:54

Posted by: xxstuartxx (5799)

yes always at the back when the work was given out.

If you say so, one thing's for sure, you were definitely behind me.

Replied: 25th Jul 2017 at 15:28

Posted by: whups (13083) 

in your dreams .

Replied: 25th Jul 2017 at 22:32

Posted by: xxstuartxx (5799)

Rapier like reply.

Replied: 25th Jul 2017 at 22:57

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Getting back to L.3.brow, coming home from work today I noticed that there's a sign at the top of Parbold Hill giving the gradient on the Southport side, the steep side, as 14%. If my maths are right that coverts to about 1in7. That means that L.3. brow was a fair bit steeper than Parbold Hill.

Chris, is that correct?

Replied: 17th Aug 2017 at 22:17

Posted by: whups (13083) 

your probably right ste.

Replied: 18th Aug 2017 at 12:12

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

You're correct Steve. Puts it all into perspective now doesn't it?

Replied: 19th Aug 2017 at 09:50

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

It dose Chris, and when you eventually made it to the top the view wasn't as good as Parbold!

Replied: 20th Aug 2017 at 12:34

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

There was one at Parkside called E3. If the bunker was full, the belts were stopped and you'd have to walk !

Replied: 20th Aug 2017 at 19:53
Last edited by tonker: 20th Aug 2017 at 19:54:02

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

I reckon a 14% slope is around 1in4,not 1in7.a 1in1 is 45%,there was a 1in3 brow at Nook pit,and it was red hot.

Replied: 20th Aug 2017 at 23:30
Last edited by spud1: 20th Aug 2017 at 23:32:07

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Spud 1, you are all mixed up there with your gradients.
14 degrees is 1 in 4, 1 in 1 is 45 degrees, 1 in 7 is 8 degrees.
You are mistaking the % for degrees.

Replied: 21st Aug 2017 at 11:04

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Thanks Chris,I did get mixed up,I blame owd age.

Replied: 21st Aug 2017 at 11:48

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Replied: 21st Aug 2017 at 12:39

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Parbold Hill: 1in7,= 14%, = 8 degrees.

L3, (at its steepest): 1in3,= 33%, = 18 degrees.

Is that it?

Replied: 21st Aug 2017 at 22:37

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

That's it Steve. Or if you went to Agecroft, they were mining coal at 1 in 1.18, which is about 41 degrees!

Replied: 22nd Aug 2017 at 10:05

Posted by: whups (13083) 

and for anyone who had to walk up that L3 brow like i did on more times than i care to remember crossed their heart several times before you got to the top.

Replied: 22nd Aug 2017 at 12:42

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Alastair Mc Millan took us on a visit to a face at Agecroft from St Helens Tech. It was an experience.

Replied: 22nd Aug 2017 at 22:03

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

I went across a few times during their pit holidays helping the surveyors out. It was bloody hot! I only travelled the face once. At 1 in 2 that was enough for me.

Replied: 23rd Aug 2017 at 10:21

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I had message from Eric Foster last night, Alan Mitch is in hospital, he's had a fall and broken a bone in his neck, and needs an operation.

Replied: 5th Sep 2017 at 20:48

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Thanks tuddy, please keep us informed about Mitch if you can

Replied: 5th Sep 2017 at 21:10

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Will do dougie, I'll be seeing Eric tomorrow night, so if he has any news I'll post it on here.

Replied: 5th Sep 2017 at 21:31

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hope Alan makes a full and quick. Recovery

Replied: 6th Sep 2017 at 07:17

Posted by: whups (13083) 

did he trip over his wallet ? .

Replied: 6th Sep 2017 at 11:16

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I saw Eric earlier tonight, Mitch has had an operation but he's still in hospital, he's got some kind of frame fixed to him to stop him from moving his neck, so he doesn't know how long he'll be in for yet.

Replied: 6th Sep 2017 at 21:59

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Replied: 7th Sep 2017 at 10:51

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi guys , more bad news i,m afraid. ste morley isnt very well as iv,e heard from campfire.the macmillan nurses are going to his house & it's not looking good.

Replied: 10th Sep 2017 at 13:49

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

All the best stey fingers crossed thanks for the heads up brian

Replied: 10th Sep 2017 at 20:33

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think it,s just a matter of time colin . another young ponzer i'm afraid.

Replied: 11th Sep 2017 at 00:22

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Any news about my good friend Mitch, anyone please

Replied: 30th Sep 2017 at 10:50

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Hello Dougie,

Eric Foster tells me that Mitch took a turn for the worse last week and wasn't too good, but fortunately he's started to pick up now and has improved a bit.

Replied: 30th Sep 2017 at 18:31

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i got told that mitch has broke his neck.

Replied: 1st Oct 2017 at 13:30

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Thanks both of you If anyone hears anything drop a line on here please,

I've known him longer than anyone on here - if anyone says not I will also know you --

Replied: 1st Oct 2017 at 14:54

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

good luck to mitch.

Replied: 2nd Oct 2017 at 05:21

Posted by: bentlegs (5285)

Sorry to hear about Mitch, We were mates up to him getting married , Duggies brother was another Mate,

Replied: 2nd Oct 2017 at 21:08

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi guys, more bad news.eric robinson (robbie) was buried today.

Replied: 6th Oct 2017 at 18:58

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Whups sad news R.I.P. Eric

Replied: 7th Oct 2017 at 06:16

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Eric was a lovely guy looked after me when I started on the higher Florida faces ,he was never the same bloke after his accident R.I.P. Old freind

Replied: 7th Oct 2017 at 09:48

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,ve heard from gary smith that ste morley has gone into an hospice.

Replied: 16th Oct 2017 at 11:59

Posted by: sammys (262) 

Sorry to hear that used to have a chat with him in Ashton thought I hadn't seen him for a while a nice man

Replied: 16th Oct 2017 at 22:58

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

sammys,Stewart Brown messaged me to try to contact you he said you mentioned him on WW,I made some enquiries and Arthur "NOBBY"Clarke was mentioned Nobby is a friend of his on facebook so he is going to contact you,Stewart as tried to get onto WW,but as not as yet been able to yet.

Replied: 20th Oct 2017 at 08:37

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Theirs a special filter to keep st hellener said off, you've,e been made an honoury wigginer Joe

Replied: 20th Oct 2017 at 10:06

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin I am humbled thank you,

Replied: 20th Oct 2017 at 10:49

Posted by: sammys (262) 

I worked with Stuart for a while in the fsv garage at golborne not spoke to him since it closed

Replied: 20th Oct 2017 at 11:55

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

he wants to get in touch he is on facebook.

Replied: 20th Oct 2017 at 16:08

Posted by: whups (13083) 

bad news guys. ste morley has passed on.

Replied: 1st Nov 2017 at 15:16

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

that is sad news.

Replied: 1st Nov 2017 at 21:30

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he was around 59.

Replied: 1st Nov 2017 at 22:44

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thats to young ,life keeps throwing bad news at us.

Replied: 2nd Nov 2017 at 04:21

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it,s happening to regular joe. young ponzer & now ste morley & both of them were in their 50s & at the front of the banner at the marches we had.

Replied: 2nd Nov 2017 at 12:07

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Stey

Replied: 2nd Nov 2017 at 15:58

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Do you know when his funeral is Brian?

Replied: 2nd Nov 2017 at 21:19

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Brian that is true.

Replied: 3rd Nov 2017 at 05:39

Posted by: whups (13083) 

not yet ste. if i hear owt i,ll let you know.

Replied: 3rd Nov 2017 at 12:08

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I heard today that the funeral is next Monday, 13th, at 12 noon, St Wilfred's at Stubshaw.

Replied: 8th Nov 2017 at 21:24

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes iv,e just heard the same.

Replied: 8th Nov 2017 at 22:20

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Well attended funeral may he RIP

Replied: 13th Nov 2017 at 14:49

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

well another of our friends gone sad times R.I.P. God bless we are all in gods waiting room not me ,all the best wishes to my friends .


Replied: 13th Nov 2017 at 19:03
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 14th Nov 2017 at 04:00:03

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

It was Peter, nice to see so many of his old workmates there, and the Golborne N.U.M. branch banner. R.I.P.

Replied: 13th Nov 2017 at 19:05

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,m glad to here it ste . morley was always to the front of the banner .

Replied: 15th Nov 2017 at 15:41

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Any news at all on Mitch anyone, Good or Bad

Replied: 19th Nov 2017 at 17:21

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Hello dougie, I spoke to Eric Foster on Monday, he told me that Mitch is not too well, he's still in hospital, but he's been moved to Wigan.

Replied: 19th Nov 2017 at 20:55

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste unless things have changed i heard from brian eden that his wife & family wont let him go into wigan as they dont trust the hospital ? .

Replied: 20th Nov 2017 at 15:54

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups it looks well when people don't have faith in their local hospital

Replied: 20th Nov 2017 at 16:03

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Thanks tuddy, if you hear anything let us know as he's a good friend ,

Replied: 20th Nov 2017 at 18:45

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Yes, I'll let you know dougie.

Maybe they didn't have any choice Brian, at least he's closer to home.

Replied: 20th Nov 2017 at 19:44

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes peter your right but wigan has got a terrible reputation of late.

Replied: 21st Nov 2017 at 00:22

Posted by: Campfire (585)

I agree Brian...the Hospital does have a below par reputation for it service currently.. I’ve had the misfortune to be in the Hospital lately and I’m due in again on the 27th November and can confirm that they are struggling.. However, l can honestly say that the vast majority of the staff that l have seen, are doing their best in a difficult situation....Without me going on my soap box....we all know why OUR great NHS is struggling and getting a bad name is down to this Government....

Replied: 21st Nov 2017 at 07:49

Posted by: whups (13083) 

your right ste.

Replied: 21st Nov 2017 at 14:28

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Stey we should all be on soapboxes with what this bunch of spivs and conmen are doing

Replied: 21st Nov 2017 at 18:09

Posted by: xxstuartxx (5799)

I blame Maggie.

Replied: 21st Nov 2017 at 19:57

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Good luck for the 27th Ste, let us know how you get on.

Replied: 21st Nov 2017 at 20:19

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes ste i reiterate what tuddy has said.

Replied: 22nd Nov 2017 at 14:17

Posted by: whups (13083) 

guys brian eden has told me that they have moved mitch into a hospice .

Replied: 8th Dec 2017 at 15:28

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

good luck to mitch.

Replied: 9th Dec 2017 at 08:54

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Sad but thanks for the information

Replied: 9th Dec 2017 at 19:56

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sorry guys more bad news . mitch has passed on .

Replied: 10th Dec 2017 at 12:59

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Mitch

Replied: 10th Dec 2017 at 13:03

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

It was a privilege to know him. R.I.P. Mitch.

Replied: 10th Dec 2017 at 13:47

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Nice sentiment tuddy it was a privilege to know Mitch

Replied: 10th Dec 2017 at 18:59

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

R.I.P. Mitch.

Replied: 11th Dec 2017 at 05:25

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Alan was always a rum pitman may he RIP

Replied: 11th Dec 2017 at 10:55

Posted by: bentlegs (5285)

Mitch & myself were mates up to him getting married & moving to Golbourne, He also played in North Ashton Band with me, He will be missed, RIP ALLAN

Replied: 15th Dec 2017 at 16:27

Posted by: whups (13083) 

guy,s got the funeral arrangements for mitch. thursday 28th dec- 12-45 @ st thomas church golborne.

Replied: 17th Dec 2017 at 12:50

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

If anybody's on Facebook, there's a nice piece about Mitch on the Ye Olde Golborne page. Some very nice tributes.

Replied: 19th Dec 2017 at 23:08

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

It was a dignified and fitting farewell to Mitch on Thursday. The church was packed with family, friends, and former workmates, The Golborne N.U.M. banner was on display, and some amusing and moving words about Mitch's life were spoken. He was carried out of the church to Nat King Cole's song, Unforgettable.

Replied: 30th Dec 2017 at 14:14

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

a fitting farewell.

Replied: 31st Dec 2017 at 09:10

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Joe sadly too manyOn a brighter note HAPPY NEW YEAR

Replied: 31st Dec 2017 at 10:53

Posted by: whups (13083) 

new badges on sale for the 40th disaster priced at £2 i believe.

Replied: 15th Mar 2018 at 00:21

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I bought one a few weeks ago.keep the memory alive.

Replied: 15th Mar 2018 at 10:25

Posted by: whups (13083) 

still waiting for mine joe .

Replied: 15th Mar 2018 at 11:07

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

There's a new batch been ordered, they'll be on sale at the musical evening at Saint Thomas's church Golborne tomorrow night,16th March, 7-30 start.

Replied: 15th Mar 2018 at 19:51

Posted by: whups (13083) 

brian eden is getting mine ste.

Replied: 16th Mar 2018 at 00:17

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

well worth waiting for,

Replied: 16th Mar 2018 at 06:12

Posted by: whups (13083) 

anyone know if the badges have come in yet ? .

Replied: 27th Mar 2018 at 12:16

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

They have Brian, had to order a second lot they're selling well.

Replied: 27th Mar 2018 at 22:33

Posted by: whups (13083) 

if you read this before the next meet then please remind brian to get mine & colin hayes ste.

Replied: 28th Mar 2018 at 00:24

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Will do Brian, I think the next meeting is May the 2nd.

Replied: 29th Mar 2018 at 09:18

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,ve heard he,s got them from eric foster ste.

Replied: 29th Mar 2018 at 12:08

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just got my badge & it,s well worth the money. it,s well made & a nice card in with all the names of those who died & richard rawsthall as well . great job guys.

Replied: 1st Apr 2018 at 12:03

Posted by: flaggy delf (523) 

I think it is a really nice badge. I am proud to wear it.

Replied: 1st Apr 2018 at 18:41

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

The proceeds from the sale of the badges will go towards funding the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the disaster next year.

Replied: 4th Apr 2018 at 16:20

Posted by: whups (13083) 

are they having any sort of a function ste ? .

Replied: 6th Apr 2018 at 12:37

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

There will be a procession through Golborne to St Thomas's church where a memorial service will be held. Then there will be a reception and refreshments probably in the Catholic club. The date will be 17th of March 2019. It's becoming mega expensive to organise. Traffic management to close the roads and control traffic has to be paid for, along with insurance, catering, etc, so the badges are being sold to help with the costs.

Replied: 7th Apr 2018 at 16:40
Last edited by tuddy: 7th Apr 2018 at 21:29:08

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,ll pass the info on ste.

Replied: 8th Apr 2018 at 11:20

Posted by: whups (13083) 

is there anyone like me who doesnt have the heart to break the seal on their badge ? . i cant do it when i see the names on the card in the bag & i really want to wear the badge . i think i,m not on my own in this having spoken to ex golborne miners & i will buy another bage so i can wear it . i hear there going like hot cakes at present .

Replied: 24th Apr 2018 at 11:14

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I know what you mean Brian, I've got a couple of them. There was an article in The Wigan Observer this week about the badges.

Replied: 25th Apr 2018 at 21:24

Posted by: whups (13083) 

iv,e read it ste & there,s a pic with eric foster & others in it . i just cant break that seal so i,ll have to get another badge . i,m getting more that 1 as i,m sending some out to terry rimmer in canada .i looked at the names & at 1 time i worked with nearly all of them .

Replied: 26th Apr 2018 at 11:28

Posted by: whups (13083) 

any 1 who wants a badge they are on open sale in the post office in bryn st ashton.

Replied: 21st May 2018 at 17:13

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

well worth a buy great reason to wear one.

Replied: 22nd May 2018 at 08:17

Posted by: whups (13083) 

anyone who knows malc higson sorry to say he,s passed on & his funeral is on monday 18 -6 18 in golborne.he was in his 50s.

Replied: 17th Jun 2018 at 15:42

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Malc

Replied: 17th Jun 2018 at 16:48

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I heard yesterday that Jackie Greenhalgh has passed away. R.I.P. Jackie.

Replied: 9th Jul 2018 at 23:38

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

I was talking to frank water worth about a month ago he said he wasn't too well so probably right stey

Replied: 10th Jul 2018 at 00:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

sad news R.I.P.

Replied: 10th Jul 2018 at 10:02

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes i was told yesterday by tommy johnson .

Replied: 11th Jul 2018 at 11:04

Posted by: bentlegs (5285)

RIP Jackie,

Replied: 12th Jul 2018 at 22:33

Posted by: jouell (4705)

Jack Greenhalgh Funeral at St Helens Crem 10 AM Tuesday the 17th.. After the Funeral, everyone welcome at Garswood Hall Bowling Club for refreshments..

Replied: 13th Jul 2018 at 14:14

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Can anybody remember which Wembley final that Jackie was on the line for?

Replied: 21st Jul 2018 at 19:55

Posted by: jouell (4705)

Tuddy, are you asking because you really don't know.. If that is the case I can ask his wife, she and I have been friends since she was 5 and I was 4.. Or, is it a quiz to see if anyone else remembers.. Whichever.. Jack was much admired for a lot of reasons.. . Sadly missed...

Replied: 22nd Jul 2018 at 02:23

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

jouell, No, it's not a quiz question, Jackie told me a couple of years ago that the other touch judge from that final had passed away and that he and Stan Wall, who was the referee, had been asked to attend the funeral in Yorkshire. I never got round to asking him which final it was. There's no need to bother Jackie's wife, it's not that important.

Replied: 22nd Jul 2018 at 22:46

Posted by: jouell (4705)

Replied: 23rd Jul 2018 at 02:57

Posted by: jouell (4705)

Tuddy.. I was talking to Evelyn today, so I asked he.. 1981 was the year.. Widness V Hull KR ....?

Replied: 25th Jul 2018 at 21:44

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Thanks jouell, I should have known, I was at that final.

Replied: 26th Jul 2018 at 15:19

Posted by: jouell (4705)

You're welcome tuddy.. Evelyn and I grew up next door to each other and have been close friends all of our lives.... We've always kept in touch, even more so these past few months...She's been through the wringer, that's for sure..

Replied: 26th Jul 2018 at 15:51

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I worked with her husband Don great bloke .

Replied: 27th Jul 2018 at 09:50

Posted by: jouell (4705)

granyjoseph.. I mean Evelyn Greenhalgh, Jacky Greenhalghs wife..

Replied: 27th Jul 2018 at 14:35

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sad news guys . heard that harry shepp has passed away .

Replied: 14th Sep 2018 at 16:13

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Harry

Replied: 16th Sep 2018 at 10:40

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Brian, have you heard anything about Ian Dennis? I was told this morning that he'd passed away recently. R. I. P. Harry Shep.

Replied: 16th Sep 2018 at 16:46

Posted by: whups (13083) 

no ste but i,ll inquire.

Replied: 16th Sep 2018 at 21:32

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste everything looks OK on the ian denis front as iv,e spoke to frank waterworth,s wife & she told me he was flagging for them l/week.

Replied: 22nd Sep 2018 at 11:51

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi gents has anybody heard out from Joe Graney in the last fortnight

Replied: 24th Sep 2018 at 18:29

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

That's good news Brian, sounds like I was given some duff info, which I'm glad of on this occasion.

Not heard from joe since he last posted on here Colin.

Replied: 24th Sep 2018 at 20:04

Posted by: whups (13083) 

me neither col

Replied: 24th Sep 2018 at 20:28

Posted by: watchalot (982)

i worked at kid glove in i958 till 1960 and thought you can stuff this for a living and left i think ken horn was supervisor then worst job i ever had

Replied: 2nd Oct 2018 at 18:52
Last edited by watchalot: 2nd Oct 2018 at 19:03:55

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ken horn ended up being the under manager there when i started . i was in hospital with his son roger in the 60s.

Replied: 3rd Oct 2018 at 11:45

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just for campfire . colin hayes,s grandson has died , he was 13 .

Replied: 20th Dec 2018 at 11:48

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

That's a shame Brian, Colin must be devastated,Joe graney,s ok he had a bit of a rough time but he's on the best side now

Replied: 20th Dec 2018 at 16:21

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes colin he was. hope joe gets well .

Replied: 20th Dec 2018 at 17:46

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Can anyone remember the name of the bloke who I think was the last personnel manager at golborne he had curly perm think he got finished iover some impropriety

Replied: 13th Jan 2019 at 18:01

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Was it Kevin Keegan?

Replied: 13th Jan 2019 at 19:33

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

you've had me thinking there Colin, was it Fred Tilly? bit of a Geordie. I don't think he was the last though, I think somebody from Bold Colliery replaced him.

Replied: 13th Jan 2019 at 20:35

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

That name rings a bell stey was he a short stocky chap always wore a suite n tie with a curly perm

Replied: 13th Jan 2019 at 22:13

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Aye Handsomeminer, Ste is right. It was Fred Tilley. He was still there when I left Golborne in 1987. He may have gone across to Bickershaw later and somebody else did the job until the pit shut.

Replied: 14th Jan 2019 at 09:53

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Thanks stey,chris

Replied: 14th Jan 2019 at 11:55

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Have not worked in mining, but....

In early 1960's, I was considering training as a Mining engineer, and as part of this process, NCB had arranged for me to spend two days on an underground 'try-out' at Golborne Colliery.

I wish I could recall the names of the two Golborne Pit men who shepherded me through this process. They were extremely courteous and very helpful. (Think one was in charge of Elec Eng on the site.)

First Question when I arrived was, " Where is your pit gear"? And my reply was, "I don't have any pit gear: I'm still at school"! So, I am guessing this was not a thing they had done previously.

Anway, they got me kitted out, and we went down to watch the Anderton shearer loader cutting the Trencherbone seam, and my host spent the first day giving me a crash-course hands-on experience of the underground transport systems and maintenance of roadways and services, including ventilation, drainage and methane extraction.

Second day, similar with explanations of control systems associated with the (electric) winding, maintenance and inspections requirements concerning shafts/ropes/etc. Also the coal handling at surface.

They managed to cram a hell of a lot into two days, and I am incredibly grateful to them for the time they spent on my education. (A full-time task for them!)

Later, I was also required to spend a day at Anderton House, and a day at Portland Street in Manchester, but the two days at Golborne were the highlight of this episode.

I do, however recall Ethel. Who could ever forget her!

Replied: 14th Jan 2019 at 16:05

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

Hi Priscus. Seems like you were given a pretty good grounding in mining. How come you didn't follow it up as a career?
It wasn't Ethel who put you off was it? It didn't do to get on the wrong side of Ethel!!

Replied: 14th Jan 2019 at 17:13

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Not at all, I thought Ethel a great character.

I was pursuing a number of options, and although NCB did EVENTUALLY make me an offer, by the time they did, I was already settled into training to be an Engineer elsewhere.

Replied: 14th Jan 2019 at 17:46

Posted by: bentlegs (5285)

Priscus, Would it be John Kay or Tommy Liptrot who gave you the tour?

Replied: 14th Jan 2019 at 21:16

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

It is quite possible, bentlegs, but it is too far back for me to ascertain. My once good memory has become much less reliable these days. (They are not people with whom I had any further contact outside of the two days described.)

I do recall the canteen being excellent.

And it was far more enjoyable than being in school!

Replied: 14th Jan 2019 at 21:38

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Did Golborne ever progress to having skip winding, like that which Bickershaw had?

Replied: 17th Jan 2019 at 14:59

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

No priscus, Golborne never had skip winding, from the late 1970s, after Golborne was linked underground to Bickershaw, all the coal mined at Golborne was wound to the surface at Bickershaw. The same system applied at Parsonage colliery which was also linked underground to Bickershaw.

Replied: 17th Jan 2019 at 20:40

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Thanks tuddy.

Had no great reason to believe they had, but had seen photo, decades later than my visit, of the Free-Steered vehicle transport at Golborne. They looked very similar to vehicles I have seen carrying skips elsewhere. So I had begun to wonder if they were.

Replied: 17th Jan 2019 at 22:20

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Priscus The FSV's(free steered vehicles) were used to take supplies into various tunnels for the Crombrouke seam via the Florida Shunt. They were also used to transport Hydraulic Chocks onto the coal face.Two Fsv's had flat bed fronts Another one had a low sided flat bed which could be changed for a small digging bucket which had a hydraulic side unloading conveyor in the bottom and another was fitted with a large digging bucket again with a side unloading conveyor. These m/c's did away with the conventional haulage. No haulage engines and ropes No tubs or mine cars, Instead of separate arches struts plates and mesh covering a pack of 5 arches with every thing bundled and strapped were made up on the surface called a Pod and sent underground and transported to the Florida Shunt. These were then transfered onto a very large haulage system using air hoists. They were then transported to the FSV garage were they could be unloaded straight onto a FSV or put onto the floor to wait for a FSV again using air hoists

Replied: 18th Jan 2019 at 12:44
Last edited by PeterP: 18th Jan 2019 at 18:06:37

Posted by: priscus (inactive)

Thanks for all that information, Peter.

I don't suppose anyone has a photo of Golborne's Monorail & Coolie Car haulage?

Replied: 18th Jan 2019 at 17:44

Posted by: whups (13083) 

did,nt know there was another walk on the aniversary of the blast . in march 14th at the queen anne in golborne at 1 pm.

Replied: 14th Feb 2019 at 14:31

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups march on the Sunday 17th March starting from Queen Ann 2-00 for service 2 -30

Replied: 14th Feb 2019 at 15:37

Posted by: whups (13083) 

shows how ill informed i am peter.and sorry to report the passing of david houghton .

Replied: 14th Feb 2019 at 16:47
Last edited by whups: 14th Feb 2019 at 16:48:45

Posted by: whups (13083) 

david houghton,s funeral is on thursday 28th at 11 o,clock at holy trinity downall green .

Replied: 20th Feb 2019 at 15:53

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

A request to anybody attending the memorial service on Sunday. 100 seats in the centre aisle have been reserved for the families of the men who were involved in the explosion, so could you leave these seats empty until all the families have been accommodated.

Replied: 14th Mar 2019 at 21:37

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Been and put some flowers on the memorial this morning a team of men from Murphy,s opposite were cleaning up the area around it

Replied: 15th Mar 2019 at 11:10

Posted by: whups (13083) 

anyone watch p&m questions on wednesday ? . the labour mp for leigh brought up golborne in here question to the PM & mentioned the disaster . she asked for the injustices to mineworkers to be addressed . some chance with a tory regime in power .

Replied: 15th Mar 2019 at 12:18

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

...

Replied: 16th Mar 2019 at 13:38
Last edited by Tommy Two Stroke: 16th Mar 2019 at 13:48:03

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

That's the most sensible post you've ever done 1 stroke keep doffin yer cap

Replied: 16th Mar 2019 at 14:59

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

Replied: 17th Mar 2019 at 04:32

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

Coal Mining is coming back

A new Coal Mine is too be sunk (built) next to where the owd one was located in Whitehaven in Cumberland

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-47629731

Noo Pit


https://www.westcumbriamining.com/


Replied: 19th Mar 2019 at 18:47

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sorry to say guys that franny gregson has passed on .

Replied: 21st May 2019 at 17:27

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

That's another character gone. R.I.P. Franny. How old was he Brian?

Replied: 22nd May 2019 at 22:49

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,m guessing ste around 58-9 ish.

Replied: 23rd May 2019 at 12:24

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Might have been a couple of year younger than that Brian RIP Franny ,a real nice lad

Replied: 23rd May 2019 at 22:54

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Too young Brian, wasn't it Franny who jumped on a moving man ridder with Jimmy Higham when the inspector was riding on it? they both got suspended by Chaddy.

Replied: 23rd May 2019 at 22:58

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,m not sure ste . you maybe right colin .i,m not sure how or why he died , maybe someone can find out & put it on here.

Replied: 24th May 2019 at 15:30

Posted by: whups (13083) 

did anyone go to franny,s funeral ? .

Replied: 26th Jun 2019 at 16:15

Posted by: whups (13083) 

guys i,m hearing that brian eden isnt very good .

Replied: 3rd Jul 2019 at 21:03

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Let us know how Brian's doing, saw him at the meeting in May.

Replied: 5th Jul 2019 at 14:27

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it,s not looking good ste & the word from the family is that he,s very pooly .i saw him coming past my house last week with his dog .

Replied: 5th Jul 2019 at 20:34

Posted by: whups (13083) 

bad news guys . brian eden has just passed away .

Replied: 8th Jul 2019 at 18:41

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sorry to hear that, R.I.P. Brian.

Replied: 8th Jul 2019 at 23:22

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hope we get the banner at his funeral .

Replied: 9th Jul 2019 at 00:15

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Brian

Replied: 9th Jul 2019 at 08:40

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

to many passing , not tip top myself but not going nowhere yet hopefully ,best wishes to you all
.

Replied: 9th Jul 2019 at 10:17

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Good to hear from you joe

Replied: 9th Jul 2019 at 11:51

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes same here joe . your right about to many going , young & old.

Replied: 9th Jul 2019 at 12:31

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

good to hear from you all . I had an adverse reaction to medication on the mend now .

Replied: 9th Jul 2019 at 15:26

Posted by: whups (13083) 

guys iv'e heard that they are going to cremate brian .

Replied: 10th Jul 2019 at 16:42

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Brian Eden's funeral will take place at St Helens crematorium on Thursday July 18th at 10-30am.

Replied: 11th Jul 2019 at 22:47

Posted by: whups (13083) 

thanx ste as i live just round the corner from brian & did,nt know .

Replied: 12th Jul 2019 at 00:06

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I got a message from Eric Foster with the details, he was a good friend of Brian.

Replied: 14th Jul 2019 at 22:53

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i believe they are going to the blue bell after.

Replied: 15th Jul 2019 at 12:17

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste r u sure of the time as were hearing 10 oclock at the crem ? .

Replied: 16th Jul 2019 at 20:56

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Just checked Eric's message again, and he says it's 10-30 at St Helens.

Replied: 16th Jul 2019 at 23:40

Posted by: whups (13083) 

thanx ste .

Replied: 17th Jul 2019 at 00:28

Posted by: whups (13083) 

well attended at brian,s funeral . big thanx to the guys on the banner & his wife pat was made up . thanx derek & ste.

Replied: 18th Jul 2019 at 12:32

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

It was an honour, the least that we could do for him. Nice to see so many ex Golborne men there,

Replied: 21st Jul 2019 at 13:14

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes ste there was quite a lot but i was surprised that some of the usual stalwarts did,nt attend ? .

Replied: 21st Jul 2019 at 16:26

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

There were a few lads away on holiday who would have liked to attend, but sent their condolences to the family.

Replied: 22nd Jul 2019 at 22:51

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

As part of the commemoration events to mark the 40th anniversary of the Golborne Colliery explosion a local author has written a book about the disaster. The book is being launched at Golborne Library at 10am on Tuesday the 6th of August, all are welcome to attend. Copies of the book are £4 each.

Replied: 2nd Aug 2019 at 23:02

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi ste , who is the author & on tuesday how long will he be there to do any signings ? .

Replied: 4th Aug 2019 at 11:42

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups it is Councillor Jenny Bullens(labour) husband who has written the book Ring 777800 to find out any signing times

Replied: 4th Aug 2019 at 16:00
Last edited by PeterP: 4th Aug 2019 at 16:03:33

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Brian, as Peter says the author is Andrew Bullen from Ashton, he's written other books on industrial history.

Replied: 4th Aug 2019 at 16:48

Posted by: whups (13083) 

is it just about the disaster & where is the library ? .

Replied: 4th Aug 2019 at 23:59

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups get off the bus on Heath road with the Charles Napier facing you. Turn right then left library 100yds down on left It is a 40 page booklet all about the disaster. Lead story in Leigh Journal on-line

Replied: 5th Aug 2019 at 10:02
Last edited by PeterP: 5th Aug 2019 at 10:04:35

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups book will be on sale in Ashton library from 10-00am tomorrow

Replied: 5th Aug 2019 at 15:22

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Golborne Library is in Tanners Lane. The book will go on sale at all Wigan Borough libraries, and at the Wigan history shop in Library Street.

Replied: 5th Aug 2019 at 18:00

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i believe the author is at golborne tomorrow also they have a wall in golborne library dedicated whith pics & memorabilia to the disaster .

Replied: 5th Aug 2019 at 20:08

Posted by: whups (13083) 

been to the book signing today . got it signed & had a look at the dedication for the 40th anniversary in the library. saw some of the "old guys" & brought back some memories .

Replied: 6th Aug 2019 at 14:33

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)



Replied: 7th Aug 2019 at 13:40

Posted by: MarieM (5563)

There is an article in the Wigan Observer this week about the
Golborne Colliery pit disaster in 1979.

Replied: 14th Aug 2019 at 10:39

Posted by: whups (13083) 

does anyone know that this book is on open sale in any wigan library ? .

Replied: 20th Aug 2019 at 12:03

Posted by: stacker lee (321)

Whups, It's on sale in the History Shop (I hate that name) in Library Street. I bought two copies for £4 each last Saturday.

Replied: 20th Aug 2019 at 12:36

Posted by: whups (13083) 

iv,e got mine stacker lee i went to the book signing at golborne & was just wondering if anybody else wanted a copy.

Replied: 20th Aug 2019 at 17:21

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Brian, you should be able to get a copy from Ashton or Golborne libraries as well as Wigan history shop.

Replied: 21st Aug 2019 at 22:58

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i got mine at golborne when i was with you ste .

Replied: 22nd Aug 2019 at 00:24

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sad news . my lifelong friend colin hayes has passed on from a massive heart attack.

Replied: 2nd Sep 2019 at 00:03

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Colin

Replied: 2nd Sep 2019 at 07:02

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

RIP Colin. Grew up and worked with him

Replied: 2nd Sep 2019 at 09:41

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i dont know how true this is guys but iv,e heard that there is no church & they are going striaght to the crem in wigan ? .

Replied: 4th Sep 2019 at 16:11

Posted by: whups (13083) 

colin,s funeral is wednesday 11th sep @ 3 pm at wigan crem . if there is any change i,ll put it on our blogs .

Replied: 5th Sep 2019 at 00:11
Last edited by whups: 5th Sep 2019 at 00:12:16

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Okay Brian, I'll put the details on the Golborne Miner's facebook page.

Replied: 5th Sep 2019 at 21:01

Posted by: whups (13083) 

thanx ste , hope to see you there.

Replied: 5th Sep 2019 at 22:13

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

If I can get away from work early I should be able to make it Brian.

Replied: 8th Sep 2019 at 21:59

Posted by: whups (13083) 

no probs ste.

Replied: 9th Sep 2019 at 00:06

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste i,ve heard a rumour that alan parky isnt doing well . i seen him in ashton around a couple of months ago & he did,nt look to know where he was ? .

Replied: 3rd Nov 2019 at 15:46

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

He isn't Brian it's a shame

Replied: 3rd Nov 2019 at 16:05

Posted by: whups (13083) 

do you know whats wrong with him colin ? .

Replied: 3rd Nov 2019 at 22:26

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I haven't seen him for a few years Brian, but I've heard he's not too well, not sure what it is. There's a couple of photos of him on the Golborne ex miner's site.

Replied: 4th Nov 2019 at 23:09

Posted by: whups (13083) 

if it,s on facebook i wont see them ste . i saw him in ashton a couple of months ago & he looked like he did,nt know where he was ? .

Replied: 5th Nov 2019 at 00:10

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

A ccouple of year ago their Gary told us he had early stages of Alzheimer's or dementia used to have a drink with Alan and his wife round Wigan every couple of month but not seen him for about 3 year

Replied: 5th Nov 2019 at 22:20

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he,s around my age . if it,s true then it really is bad news . my uncle died of it early this year.

Replied: 6th Nov 2019 at 00:13

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Photo of some union men that helped to get a better working life for all pit men, my grandfather is one of them

Replied: 13th Nov 2019 at 20:29
Last edited by dougie: 13th Nov 2019 at 20:42:04

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

I'm sure all you Golborne men already know but, just for those of you who don't .....

Golborne Colliery,
No. 3 (St. Helens) Area,
North Western Division,
National Coal Board.

Replied: 13th Nov 2019 at 22:46

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Can you put any names to them dougie?

Replied: 13th Nov 2019 at 22:59

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Sorry Tuddy---Only the first man on the left that's my granddad, I knew he was a strong union and labour man but only from my Mum & Dad as I was to young to know him in his working life to me it's just an old photo that turned up,

My other granddad was also very strong union & labour supporter a bit of a commy by all accounts, but the old timers had to be because of the working conditions in the mines and the living standards of everyone else

Replied: 14th Nov 2019 at 09:22

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I was wondering if Sam Woods was among them. He was one of the early officials of the Lancashire and Cheshire Miner's Association, he was from St Helens and became an M.P. representing Ince.

Replied: 14th Nov 2019 at 21:26

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

You will know there's a Sam Woods house here at Bryn for old people that can look after them self, they do have a 24 hour live in carer just in case they are needed for anything,

Granddad and my Dad was two of the seven to form the comity to open the labour club in old road it started off in the front room of Mr Hearts house then made into the the first labour club in Ashton before building a new club in 1953/4 across from Ashton baths

---Your pit photo's on video-- go full screen bottom right

Replied: 15th Nov 2019 at 10:00
Last edited by dougie: 15th Nov 2019 at 19:41:49

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Dougie its a few years ago since Samwoods house had a live in Warden/carer The last one I spoke to lived in St Helens.

Replied: 15th Nov 2019 at 11:03

Posted by: whups (13083) 

can anyone from golborne verify that paul bennett who worked in c9/c11 has passed on ? .

Replied: 16th Nov 2019 at 14:15

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,ve just had it from a good source that he died of cancer . rip paul.

Replied: 21st Nov 2019 at 16:31

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Congratulations to Eric Foster on his OBE after many years sterling work for miners and ex-miners

Replied: 4th Jan 2020 at 13:49
Last edited by PeterP: 4th Jan 2020 at 17:18:40

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

I didn't know Eric worked in Scotland!

Replied: 4th Jan 2020 at 14:31

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think you,ve come off your motorbike to many times tonker.

Replied: 8th Jan 2020 at 16:15

Posted by: broady (inactive)

Tonker,
I understand even though it is Stirling.

Replied: 8th Jan 2020 at 21:40

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

PeterP (7298)5,000+
"Congratulations to Eric Foster on his OBE after many years sterling work for miners and ex-miners"

Replied: 4th Jan 2020 at 13:49
Last edited by PeterP: 4th Jan 2020 at 17:18:40


tonker (20195)

I didn't know Eric worked in Scotland!

Replied: 4th Jan 2020 at 14:31


Broady, here's a clue ......
Last edited by PeterP: 4th Jan 2020 at 17:18:40





Replied: 8th Jan 2020 at 22:21

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Broady Tonker likes to pull every body else up about their spelling .He put a picture of Witches on when Dougie put Witch instead of Which last week We don't all sit with a dictionary at the side of us or have spellchecker on before we type. It is ok for Tonker to use words which unless you localise it dont make sense LAAAKEE or LAIKEE SO I used an "i" instead of an "e" most people knew what I meant.

Replied: 9th Jan 2020 at 10:13

Posted by: whups (13083) 

no you sit there putting childish emojis on virtually every post.

Replied: 9th Jan 2020 at 12:33

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Whups have you congratulated Eric on his OBE or are you to busy bitching about my smilies on this site

Replied: 11th Jan 2020 at 10:59

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Peter you know me so don't bother about people like that don't, as in real life and I may never mix in the same company,

Replied: 11th Jan 2020 at 12:28
Last edited by dougie: 17th Jan 2020 at 20:34:31

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i did,nt know about it , but congrats to eric on his appointment.

Replied: 11th Jan 2020 at 14:05
Last edited by whups: 12th Jan 2020 at 15:06:28

Posted by: Tommy Two Stroke (15166)

Replied: 12th Jan 2020 at 14:38
Last edited by Tommy Two Stroke: 12th Jan 2020 at 20:20:37

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hows it going in aussie tim.

Replied: 15th Jan 2020 at 15:50

Posted by: timl (84)

Brian, replied on the other forum mate, thanks for asking.

Replied: 17th Jan 2020 at 06:36

Posted by: whups (13083) 

no probs tim i,ll take a look.

Replied: 17th Jan 2020 at 12:22

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just heard that ronnie brown has passed away . i think it,s the ronnie brown who,s brother billy worked there .

Replied: 11th Feb 2020 at 17:41

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

That's right Brian, Ronnie's son posted on the facebook page. It was Billy's brother, Ronnie brown from the Plodder district passed away a couple of years ago.

Replied: 11th Feb 2020 at 21:21

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i thought it was recent ste .

Replied: 12th Feb 2020 at 00:16

Posted by: timl (84)

I thought there were two Ronnie Browns at Golborne ? One was an Overman in the Plodder he was nicknamed 'Popeye' and always wore his green mine rescue helmet. The other one was an overman on C9 and he had a brother Billy who drove the Shearer and might have become a deputy later on. Not 100% sure - it has been a while.

Replied: 12th Feb 2020 at 09:47

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Timl you are correct about both Ronnies. Ronnie who has just died did have a brother named Billy who did become a Deputy but died sudden (I think it was a brain tumor) Ronnie also worked part time driving coaches besides working at the pit.

Replied: 12th Feb 2020 at 10:19

Posted by: timl (84)

Thanks Peter, I remember you getting on the pit coach near Ashton. I also remember several times you came to the coach in the afternoon still in the black, telling it to go without you because you'd been held up doing your Deputy's report.

Replied: 13th Feb 2020 at 02:07

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yet another gone . jimmy marks has passed away.

Replied: 8th Mar 2020 at 23:57

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

RIP Jimmy apparently he was involved in the rescue attempt at Aberfan never heard him talk about it

Replied: 9th Mar 2020 at 15:01

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

R.I.P. Jimmy, his funeral is at Wigan crematorium on Wednesday at 1-30pm.

Replied: 9th Mar 2020 at 20:05

Posted by: whups (13083) 

how did it go ste ? .

Replied: 18th Mar 2020 at 11:31

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi Brian ,I stood outside the crem recognised Eric foster and Colin Rooney ,their were 2 lads holding the banner but I did didn't recognise them

Replied: 18th Mar 2020 at 18:36

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hi Brian ,I stood outside the crem recognised Eric foster and Colin Rooney ,their were 2 lads holding the banner but I did didn't recognise them

Replied: 18th Mar 2020 at 18:37

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Brian, I didn't make it to jimmy's send off, couldn't get away from work. I spoke to D.P. on Sunday, he said he'd been.

Replied: 18th Mar 2020 at 19:58

Posted by: whups (13083) 

joe critchley was asking about him .

Replied: 19th Mar 2020 at 00:11

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

Sorry but it's the best place to ask this, whups if it shouldn't be on here ask me to DELETE IT

One of you ex-miners on here must be able to tell me is a pothole as we called them a petrified tree or not, standing straight up in the rock above a coal seam that had not fallen, as I have seen a few of these in my short time in the pit but never seen one that had fallen out of the rock.

Only ever seen the bottom of the of these, ever black shiny round rock in the grey stone

Replied: 15th Apr 2020 at 22:56
Last edited by dougie: 16th Apr 2020 at 11:09:14

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Dougie, don't miss the post I've put on 'General' for you!

Replied: 16th Apr 2020 at 15:31

Posted by: whups (13083) 

guys iv,e heard eric duckworth has died.

Replied: 27th Apr 2020 at 12:52

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I think it's correct Brian, it's on the Golborne Colliery facebook page as well. R.I.P. Eric.

Replied: 27th Apr 2020 at 14:14

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Eric

Replied: 28th Apr 2020 at 06:59

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Joe Graney sadly passed away

Replied: 28th Apr 2020 at 07:00

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

May both Eric and Joe RIP

Replied: 28th Apr 2020 at 08:09

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,m so sorry to hear about joe graney . what did he die from ? .

Replied: 28th Apr 2020 at 11:23

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Don't know Brian only heard 3rd hand shame he was a nice bloke

Replied: 28th Apr 2020 at 14:03

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sorry to hear about your old mate Colin. R.I.P. Joe.

Replied: 28th Apr 2020 at 22:46

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes ste he was at my house the day before he died .

Replied: 29th Apr 2020 at 00:04

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just heard that ronnie miller has passed on .

Replied: 30th Apr 2020 at 12:03

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sadly he has Brian. Ronnie was one of the survivors of the first Golborne explosion in 1957. P.I.P. Ronnie.

Replied: 30th Apr 2020 at 12:47

Posted by: alan85 (123) 

My uncle Joe Lyon worked at Golborne Colliery in the 40s, He and his wife Martha lived in Harvey Lane.

Replied: 30th Apr 2020 at 21:54

Posted by: whups (13083) 

more sad news guys eddie mulcrow has passed on .

Replied: 5th May 2020 at 14:34

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

R.I.P. Eddie, that's four of our old colleagues gone in a couple of weeks.

Replied: 6th May 2020 at 12:14

Posted by: whups (13083) 

they are coming thick & fast ste.

Replied: 6th May 2020 at 14:13

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Eddie Mulcrow's funeral is this Tuesday 26th. The cortage will be passing the pit gate in Golborne at 12-30pm and then Peter Cain Square if any body wants to pay their last respects.

Replied: 22nd May 2020 at 15:51

Posted by: whups (13083) 

will you be going ste ? .

Replied: 24th May 2020 at 00:09

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Will try to make it Brian but I'm supposed to be working from home.

Replied: 25th May 2020 at 22:44

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes ste it,s a bad howdoyoudo with this virus . i guess there will be only family there .

Replied: 25th May 2020 at 23:54

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Managed to make it there Brian, not a bad turn out really in the circumstances. There were about 30 gathered outside the old pit gates with the Golborne N.U.M. banner on display. The funeral cars stopped at the gates for a couple of minutes while everybody paid there last respects. R.I.P. Eddie.

Replied: 26th May 2020 at 22:52

Posted by: whups (13083) 

was sharl or nobby & any of the gang with the banner ste . sadly we lost 3 of them in ste morley , frannie gregson & young ponzer.

Replied: 27th May 2020 at 00:03

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

No Brian, Sharl and Nobby didn't make it, but I met up with Ian Dennis, hadn't seen him for years.

Replied: 27th May 2020 at 22:53

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i just wondered ste i know nobby is having blood pressure issues at present .

Replied: 28th May 2020 at 00:03

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste have you heard anymore about alan parky ? .

Replied: 28th May 2020 at 11:16

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I've heard that Nobby's father in law has passed away recently so he's probably got his hands full. Not heard anything about Parky.

Replied: 29th May 2020 at 19:26

Posted by: whups (13083) 

his name was tommy melia . do you remember him ste ? .

Replied: 31st May 2020 at 15:12

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Was that Tommy Melia who came from Bold and lived at Haresfinch.

Replied: 31st May 2020 at 18:53

Posted by: timl (84)

Was it Tommy Melia the overman ? he was in the Mine Rescue Team the same time as my dad and Jackie Greenhalgh (and some others I can't remember). I seem to remember his Wife bought a shop just outside of St Helens somewhere.

Replied: 1st Jun 2020 at 07:29

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it maybe tim . i think he lived at stubshaw.

Replied: 1st Jun 2020 at 12:43

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Nobby's Father in law was Frank Melia. Is it the same bloke?

Replied: 1st Jun 2020 at 15:37

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it could be ste i might have got the name wrong.

Replied: 2nd Jun 2020 at 00:24

Posted by: Tombow (5)

Does anybody know how Ronnie Manship is doing.

Replied: 23rd Jun 2020 at 09:15

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he,s still alive .

Replied: 23rd Jun 2020 at 11:12

Posted by: Tombow (5)

Thanks for that!

Replied: 24th Jun 2020 at 16:54

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Ronnie Manship sometimes attends the Golborne Ex Miner's meetings. He was interviewed for for The Golborne Colliery Disaster book which was published last year.

Replied: 25th Jun 2020 at 19:50

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

I notice Rawsthorne is still in there 'opening things' and stuff. And look at the size of him, now! You'd never believe that he could run a ten mile marathon, for charity, would you?

Replied: 25th Jun 2020 at 20:52

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yet another nasty remark & an incensitive 1 at that . no mention about the lad surviving the blast & lucky to be here? .

Replied: 26th Jun 2020 at 00:03

Posted by: firefox (3239)

Rawsthorne

A right pillar of the community.

Replied: 26th Jun 2020 at 10:19

Posted by: whups (13083) 

that,s not the point is it . he survived the blast where most of his workmates got killed . this is in very poor taste by pointing the finger . i suppose you think it,s OK for millionaires to send their money out of the country & pay no tax ? .

Replied: 26th Jun 2020 at 11:46

Posted by: firefox (3239)

His work colleagues weren't as lucky. Nor were they frauds.

Replied: 27th Jun 2020 at 13:56

Posted by: whups (13083) 

like iv,e said thats not the point is it . it,s a nasty comment by nasty people who prefer millionaires who send their money out of their country & pay no tax . anyway the government has been robbing our pension fund for 26yrs so gud luck to him. dont you think you,ve dug yourself a big enough hole pal .

Replied: 28th Jun 2020 at 00:14

Posted by: firefox (3239)

Yes it is the point.. He stole from the taxpayer. He is a fraud.

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 01:14

Posted by: whups (13083) 

so did branson & philip greene but your not mentioning them are you . i suppose with your rhetoric that he shud have died in the blast as you said he was "luckier than his workmates" . thats a very callous attitude to have .keep on digging a bigger hole pal.

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 10:43

Posted by: firefox (3239)

Difference is branson & philip greene created jobs, their employees paid taxes. pal.
The benefit cheat stole money that he wasn't entitled to,he stole it from me as a taxpayer, pal.
He is a benefit cheat, Pal.

His colleagues died. He didn't. Who was the luckier, pal?

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 11:14

Posted by: whups (13083) 

your rhetoric is terrible branson & greene in particular stole & ripped off their workers pal . anyone can make mistakes . but your comment on him being " lucky stinks to high heaven & you shud hang your head in shame . your a troll who gets a kick from bringing people down .

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 12:24

Posted by: firefox (3239)

You think he should have been killed-pal?
When did you start to claim disability?
Was it during the miners strike?
Thick as thieves. pal

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 13:53

Posted by: whups (13083) 

no i didnt & did the full year. something you never suffered . your the kind of troll that helps to throw a rope over a branch . like i say , your a troll who gets his kicks in bringing people down . keep digging .

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 14:09
Last edited by whups: 29th Jun 2020 at 14:14:08

Posted by: bambam (3041)

I personally think the last few remarks on this thread are shocking, it makes me mad as a taxpayer to see individuals taking monies they are not entitled to, however this bloke has been in a court of law and explained himself to the governing powers who will take their actions in the way they see fit, we all know people who dishonestly claim benefits I could personally write a book as I'm sure many more people on here can, people who have never worked in their lives and are fit as fiddles I myself can at the moment still work with my disabilities and will continue for as long as I can, so come on lads let's stop singling people out,if you can't then get on a witch hunt and report the people who are really claiming and spending our money.

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 14:31

Posted by: firefox (3239)

I may be a troll, but your 'friend' is a thief who stole from the taxpayer. Pointing fingers at others won't wash. He broke the law. pal.

You

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 14:34

Posted by: firefox (3239)

Tell me, bam bam. Where have I stated anything unfactual. The man was lucky not to have been killed, and stole from the taxpayer.
What part of that statement is wrong?

Now look at whoops comments.

Anyhow. Point made.

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 14:36
Last edited by firefox: 29th Jun 2020 at 16:09:59

Posted by: bambam (3041)

I have said how I feel about people who claim monies they are not entitled to this man has had to face the consequences but is it really fair to rip him to bits on here, the government over the years have opened gates they now can't close so us taxpayers have to give up our cash to cover their mistakes, I shouldn't go into politics on here I'm sorry so I will leave it.

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 16:03

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

It's hard to understand some of the pernicious comments on this post towards a man who has suffered more mental and physical trauma than most people can imagine. As a 20 year old he experienced a situation worse than most military veterans have ever been exposed to. He survived it, but not without physical and psychological effects. He continued claiming a benefit which he shouldn't have. He didn't deny this and repaid it. That's it, he didn't mug a pensioner, or sell drugs. And as for stealing from the tax payer, well as I've said he paid it back, but I wonder how many of us have supported businesses who get away with not paying tax in the U.K. We all know who they are, but they're still supported by consumers who are quick to point the finger at others. How many have failed to declare everything they should to the tax man, or paid for a service in cash knowing they've got a discount because tax won't be paid. Glass houses and stones.

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 16:36

Posted by: Tombow (5)

Can someone tell me are these two blokes fire fox and tonker just on here to antoganise people . I cant understand why these kinds off people want to satisfy there egos by causing others psychological trauma . Sad little people with sad little minds.

Replied: 29th Jun 2020 at 19:33

Posted by: whups (13083) 

your right ste & tombow also . just take a look at their posts . point made

Replied: 30th Jun 2020 at 00:03

Posted by: firefox (3239)

Replied: 30th Jun 2020 at 10:37

Posted by: whups (13083) 

there,s no disputing that but your comments on a guy who got badly burned & cheated death are deplorable . you did,nt even read your own link because brian was only on that benefit a short time & paid it back cheating no-one unlike greene who robbed his own workers pension fund & upto date has not paid a red cent back .let me ask you who is worse - brian rawstall who claimed a pittance & paid it back or netflix who set up a shell company in amsterdam called netflix international & creamed off all it,s profits & put it into that shell company then got it back as a loan then claimed tax relief on that loan which comes out of public funds & is currently running at over 2 million . who is worse ? .

Replied: 30th Jun 2020 at 14:32

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Considering the explosion was in 1979 Brian even though he was burned and has lung damaged did not claim DLA till 1997. In 2007 he took part in a 10k run and then the benefit dept started to investigate him and took him to court for claiming £12000 which they said he was not entitled to from 2004-07 He was found guilty and was asked to pay back the £12000 which I presume he did. This was over 10 years ago so why has the past been racked up over this.He made a mistake and paid the price. there are bigger benefit cheats who do not get caught even today

Replied: 30th Jun 2020 at 19:58
Last edited by PeterP: 1st Jul 2020 at 14:17:39

Posted by: whups (13083) 

because there are some people on here who like to get off on causing hurt & trouble.

Replied: 1st Jul 2020 at 11:41

Posted by: whups (13083) 

put some pics on album . take look as i could,nt remember some of the names & i,m sure some of you will & put a comment on them .

Replied: 24th Feb 2021 at 12:39

Posted by: whups (13083) 

put a new pic on album guys.

Replied: 9th Mar 2021 at 12:01

Posted by: whups (13083) 



sad to announce that pat wood has passed away . i dont know any details yet but if i get any i,ll put them on here or our other blog.

Replied: 13th May 2021 at 11:23

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Heard about it from Clarky, apparently it was very sudden. Rest in peace Pat.

Replied: 13th May 2021 at 22:42

Posted by: whups (13083) 

was it a heart attack ste .

Replied: 14th May 2021 at 12:24

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Pat

Replied: 14th May 2021 at 18:09

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sounds as if it was something like that Brian, he was speaking to people on line in the morning.

Replied: 15th May 2021 at 13:20

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

R.I.P. Pat

Replied: 15th May 2021 at 14:03

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ok ste.

Replied: 15th May 2021 at 14:25

Posted by: timl (84)

R.I.P. Pat and condolences to any friends or family.

Replied: 16th May 2021 at 12:50

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes he was a nice lad was pat & a gud friend .

Replied: 17th May 2021 at 11:50

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Pat's funeral will be on Friday 28th May, 2pm at Saint Oswald's in Ashton, followed by cremation at Wigan, then a wake at Stubshaw Labour Club. R.I.P. Pat.

Replied: 20th May 2021 at 22:35

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just heard of an old workmate felix kerboas who rode guard for me ,sammy & derek churton on C9 return manrider has passed away due to cancer . felix was a french commando in the war for the free french army & had many a good chat about his exploits . a good man & as friendly a chap as you could meet .he was on the diesels until he came with us . if tuddy has seen this on here or the globorne blog on facebook the family are asking for the banner to be present at his funeral . details as yet unknown . gor rest felix .

Replied: 2nd Jun 2021 at 14:12

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Did he finish up a rope man brian

Replied: 2nd Jun 2021 at 21:29

Posted by: sammys (262) 

No he wasn't a rope man at the end he worked on the haulage with me and Brian scully

Replied: 2nd Jun 2021 at 22:14

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Brian, I've posted on the other page.

Replied: 2nd Jun 2021 at 23:04

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ok ste , colin he was a diesel driver until they rerouted the belts & sent the coal thru b/tunnel . he came with me on c9 return & was guard on the manrider in there . i think you maybe thinking of tommy newby who came as a ropeman.

Replied: 2nd Jun 2021 at 23:55

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

No I knew tommy,I got changed at side of Felix always thought he was a role man

Replied: 3rd Jun 2021 at 07:45

Posted by: whups (13083) 

put a pic on album lads with ken dodd & felix is on it . take a look & it will eventually go on golborne pic section.

Replied: 6th Jun 2021 at 11:40

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Colin, are you not thinking of Rene? he was a rope splicer, but he wasn't French, despite the name.

Replied: 9th Jun 2021 at 23:16

Posted by: whups (13083) 

rene sounds french ste but it was,nt . he lived in haydock i think ? .

Replied: 9th Jun 2021 at 23:58

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Could be stey

Replied: 10th Jun 2021 at 14:27

Posted by: whups (13083) 

colin rene was the rope splicer when i started at golborne .

Replied: 10th Jun 2021 at 23:57

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Neil Rigby was also a rope splicer before he became a Deputy.

Replied: 11th Jun 2021 at 07:25

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just wondering about felix,s funeral , did the banner go to it ? .

Replied: 16th Jun 2021 at 11:23

Posted by: whups (13083) 

lads take a look on album at the pics i put on about felix . also look at the latest pic of him & read his history about his war record put on not by me but a historian . it,s unbelievable to think i was working with a war hero .

Replied: 19th Jun 2021 at 11:47

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi tim ha,vnt heard from you for a while . hows it going mate.

Replied: 6th Aug 2021 at 13:01

Posted by: timl (84)

Hi Brian, I'm good thanks mate, the south of Queensland has been in lockdown, but we aren't in lockdown up here (yet). Hows things with you in the UK ? I see Mr. Johnson has been opening his mouth again.

Replied: 7th Aug 2021 at 09:25

Posted by: whups (13083) 

absolutely tim & it just shows that the bigotry is still there 35yrs after . weather changed here it,s raining . we are slowly getting back to something like normality & no masks which is a godsend for me as i cant breathe with 1 on . hav,nt used a bus or any public transport for 13 months . anyway keep in touch .

Replied: 7th Aug 2021 at 15:00

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just heard that leccy alan parr has passed on .

Replied: 26th Oct 2021 at 23:46

Posted by: whups (13083) 

ste have you heard anything else on alan parky ? .

Replied: 28th Oct 2021 at 11:44

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I've heard that he's got Parkinson's disease, but I've not seen him since the last but one memorial walk. sad news about Alan Parr, don't know when his funeral is yet.

Replied: 28th Oct 2021 at 22:11

Posted by: whups (13083) 

do you see gary ? .

Replied: 29th Oct 2021 at 11:40

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sometimes have a meet up with him at Christmas time, but don't see much of him in between. He's still as daft as a brush. I think Chris Southworth sees him at the Latics.

Replied: 29th Oct 2021 at 19:01

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i thought it was alzimers that alan had & jonny goulding who had parkinsons ste ? .

Replied: 29th Oct 2021 at 23:39

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Used to drop on Gary pretty regular around town but not seen him since lockdown I,'ll ask him about Alan if I see him

Replied: 30th Oct 2021 at 11:20

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Not sure what's wrong with Johnny, sad about them both, two rum lads.

Replied: 30th Oct 2021 at 20:15

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes they are . hope it,s better news that we,ve been getting .

Replied: 31st Oct 2021 at 00:05

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

I asked Gary about Alan on Saturday at Latics. He said that the Parkinsons is affecting him more now.
On another note, Jimmy Crooks is still going strong. I hadn't seen him this season at Latics until Saturday. He was chatting to Roy Southworth's son David.

Replied: 2nd Nov 2021 at 09:55

Posted by: whups (13083) 

anyone know owt about jonny goulding ? .

Replied: 2nd Nov 2021 at 11:29

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Thanks for the update Chris, Glad to hear Jimmy's still going strong.

Replied: 2nd Nov 2021 at 22:58

Posted by: sammys (262) 

Chris glad to here jimmy crooks still going strong he was with fred dinner watched him on telly many time he was a really nice man at golborne

Replied: 3rd Nov 2021 at 22:51

Posted by: whups (13083) 

u mean dibner sammy

Replied: 3rd Nov 2021 at 23:57

Posted by: chris southworth (632)

There were two ex Golborners with Fred Dibnah. T'other one was Alf Molyneaux.
A few years ago I asked Jimmy Crooks how much he got paid for his work on the TV series. Not a penny, he said.

Replied: 4th Nov 2021 at 09:57

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Happy new year to all ex Golborne miners

Replied: 3rd Jan 2022 at 08:40

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Happy new year Peter, and to all the other posters on here.

Replied: 3rd Jan 2022 at 23:30

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi ste heard anymore about alan parky ? .

Replied: 4th Jan 2022 at 15:16

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Not heard anything for a while Brian, I didn't see Gary this Christmas.

Replied: 4th Jan 2022 at 21:12

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it,s all gone very quiet ste even with jonny goulding too .

Replied: 4th Jan 2022 at 23:57

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sad news guys , brian marsh has passed away .

Replied: 3rd May 2022 at 17:31

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sad to announce that derek cunliffe who worked with jimmy higham & franny gregson has passed away after suffering from dementure.

Replied: 1st Jun 2022 at 12:23

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Derek are all nice bloke

Replied: 1st Jun 2022 at 13:13

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

R.I.P. Derek, Was Derek Les Cunliffe's brother?

Replied: 6th Jun 2022 at 21:02

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i think his brother jack worked on the surface ste . les i,m not to sure about but i,ll find out & get back to you .

Replied: 6th Jun 2022 at 23:59

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Alf Molyneux(ex deputy/overman) in the Bolton news spent 2 years with other volenteer's rebuilding a miniature railway in a park in Bolton. Vandals over the week end caused £20000 of damage to the track. Alf and his team are going to rebuild the track again

Replied: 7th Jun 2022 at 06:10

Posted by: whups (13083) 

les cunliffe is derek,s brother ste .

Replied: 7th Jun 2022 at 12:30

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I thought he was, how old was he Brian?

Replied: 7th Jun 2022 at 20:59

Posted by: whups (13083) 

at a guess mid-late 70s ste .

Replied: 7th Jun 2022 at 23:49

Posted by: whups (13083) 

derek,s funeral is on tuesday 14th at 11 o'clock @ downall green holy trinity .

Replied: 9th Jun 2022 at 17:33

Posted by: whups (13083) 

another passing is david solanke a pipefitter at golborne . i must say i dont remember him but there,s a lot of comments on the facebook for golborne ex miners .

Replied: 28th Jun 2022 at 14:17

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I think it's Dave Slonker, Slonks, I remember him a face fitter, don't remember him as a pipe fitter, good lad, R I P.

Replied: 30th Jun 2022 at 21:56

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i still dont remember him ste .

Replied: 30th Jun 2022 at 23:48

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Dave Slonker was a fitter

Replied: 2nd Jul 2022 at 19:41

Posted by: whups (13083) 

still dont remember him colin . when did he start at golborne ? .

Replied: 2nd Jul 2022 at 23:53

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

He's a bit older than me so I'd guess the early 70s think he spent most of his time in the crombrook and 6ft

Replied: 3rd Jul 2022 at 10:59

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i started in early 70s colin but i just cant remember him ? .

Replied: 4th Jul 2022 at 11:39

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Sadly Joe Critchley passed away last week. Joe's funeral is on the 28th October, 11am, St James's church, Haydock. R.I.P. Joe.

Replied: 19th Oct 2022 at 15:21

Posted by: dougie (5019) 

R.I.P. Joe--Knew him in1955/9 tuddy at Stones's drilling on the yard mine then face worker, before going to Golborne, smartest young man in the pit

Replied: 19th Oct 2022 at 21:05

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i did know about it ste but not any details . sorry for his family . r.i.p. joe.

Replied: 20th Oct 2022 at 00:15

Posted by: timl (84)

R.I.P. Joe, and my condolences to his family.

Replied: 20th Oct 2022 at 07:31

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

R.I.P. Joe
I cannot place the name where abouts down Golborne did he work
33 years since the pit closed and I am murder for remembering names

Replied: 20th Oct 2022 at 12:44

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he was on the union for yonks ? .

Replied: 20th Oct 2022 at 17:04

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

When I started Joe was on a re rip in L12. then he worked all over the pit, Plodder, Six feet. Was also a rescue man.

Replied: 20th Oct 2022 at 21:57

Posted by: whups (13083) 

heard anything more about alan parky ste ? .

Replied: 21st Oct 2022 at 11:30

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Is Joe Jimmy Chrichley’s dad?
Jimmy was a fitter at Parkside.

Replied: 21st Oct 2022 at 19:16

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Joe has a daughter, and I seem to remember him saying that he also had a son, don't know his name though, and I can't remember him saying that he worked in the pit. Joe did live in Haydock.

Brian, last time I spoke to Gary he told me that Parky dosen't get out much now.

Replied: 21st Oct 2022 at 20:02

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,m not surprised ste .

Replied: 21st Oct 2022 at 23:54

Posted by: whups (13083) 

just heard that jack rathbone has passed on .

Replied: 10th Nov 2022 at 23:54

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

R I P Jack

Replied: 14th Nov 2022 at 18:43

Posted by: whups (13083) 

heard owt about david austin yet colin ? .

Replied: 15th Nov 2022 at 01:30

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

ye he's living in Hintdley green we keep saying will have a night out but hadn't got round to it yet

Replied: 15th Nov 2022 at 18:28

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

I though David emigrated years ago?

Replied: 15th Nov 2022 at 19:01

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Just come back Peter

Replied: 15th Nov 2022 at 20:43

Posted by: whups (13083) 

if you see him colin then tell him i,ve been asking .

Replied: 16th Nov 2022 at 11:05

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Will do Brian

Replied: 16th Nov 2022 at 14:31

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Ian Dennis as passed away. May he rest in peace.

Replied: 24th Nov 2022 at 15:01

Posted by: whups (13083) 

dave smith has passed away .

Replied: 16th May 2023 at 23:41

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Rest in Peace D.P. top man. Apparently it was very sudden.

Replied: 16th May 2023 at 23:57

Posted by: timl (84)

RIP Dave and condolences to his family.

Replied: 17th May 2023 at 02:06

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

RIP Dave

Replied: 17th May 2023 at 09:46

Posted by: whups (13083) 

does anyone know how old he was ? .

Replied: 17th May 2023 at 23:48

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I'd say about 77/78.

Replied: 18th May 2023 at 23:31

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i did,nt think he was that old ste ? .

Replied: 19th May 2023 at 00:02

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

He had to be close to that age brian

Replied: 19th May 2023 at 13:41

Posted by: whups (13083) 

where did he mainly work colin ? .

Replied: 20th May 2023 at 11:52

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

He worked in the tunnels in the Plodder district.

Replied: 20th May 2023 at 12:22

Posted by: whups (13083) 

did he ever work in the crummy ste ? .

Replied: 20th May 2023 at 23:52

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I only remember him working in the Plodder Brian.

Replied: 20th May 2023 at 23:58

Posted by: whups (13083) 

thought he might have done a bit in the crummy before the plodder started ? .

Replied: 21st May 2023 at 00:05

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

I only remember him working g in the plodder

Replied: 21st May 2023 at 02:15

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

D.P. Smith's funeral is on Thursday June 1st, 2pm at Saint Thomas's Golborne, then 3pm at Wigan crematorium, then a wake at Golborne Sports and Social Club.

Replied: 23rd May 2023 at 21:50

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Question for the pit electricians on here. Where the telephone lines down the pit fibre optics or hard wired

Replied: 24th Jun 2023 at 09:17

Posted by: timl (84)

Peter,
They were all copper cables when I was there.
Most of the mines I worked in Australia are still copper, but some of the newer mines are starting to roll out integrated phone / tannoy systems using a fibre backbone with copper wiring branching out. Tim.

Replied: 24th Jun 2023 at 12:40

Posted by: ena malcup (4151) 

I would have thought copper, being very malleable, would cope better with movement of ground/support structures likely to be found in such an environment.

The glass fibre is strong, and permits sufficient plastic deformation to be curved at small radius. It does not like angular bends or vibrations/shock loads, which more readily than copper, develop severance caused by a stress fracture.

In recent years though, a plethora of variants have appeared, so maybe there is now fibre that does suit use in this environment.

Replied: 24th Jun 2023 at 13:56

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hard wired peter

Replied: 25th Jun 2023 at 14:51

Posted by: whups (13083) 

has anyone read the comments by domin0 on the general thread under g/election ???. he says that scargill started the strike & not thatcher ?.

Replied: 5th Jul 2023 at 11:37

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I heard today that Gerald Taylor has passed away aged 94. He was a real grafter, doesn't look like hard work did him any harm.













Replied: 24th Oct 2023 at 22:44

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i cant remember him ste .

Replied: 24th Oct 2023 at 23:49

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

He worked on Snowy's face team, always in the bottom stable, he could shift a blowing of coal, on the shovel, faster than anybody I knew. He was Alan Taylor's uncle.

Replied: 25th Oct 2023 at 22:50

Posted by: whups (13083) 

have you seen taylor lately .

Replied: 25th Oct 2023 at 23:46

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

No, not seen him for years, he turned up at one of the anniversary services once, must be 10 or 15 years ago. Sharl keeps in touch with him.

Replied: 26th Oct 2023 at 19:26

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sharl had a picture took this year in blackpool with taylor. if you have sharl,s number or nobby,s ask them to send it to you Then get back to me on wot you think of it .

Replied: 26th Oct 2023 at 23:55

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I've seen that photo, Pricey showed it to me, I knew it was him, still got his wig wam yed hair cut.

Replied: 27th Oct 2023 at 23:27

Posted by: whups (13083) 

he must have had a rough breyd ste .

Replied: 27th Oct 2023 at 23:54

Posted by: whups (13083) 

hi guys derek barker has passed away .

Replied: 24th Nov 2023 at 01:10

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL EX-MINERS and I hope they are around to celebrate many more Christmases to come

Replied: 23rd Dec 2023 at 04:31

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Best wishes to you and yours Peter, and to all who post on here.

Replied: 24th Dec 2023 at 15:30

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

I have comment about how we are a dying breed on this thread. Yesterday I was reading the BCSSS news letter and 2022 ex members have past away in 2023 May they all rest in peace. there are only 42790 members left How many members from the other Unions have past away in the last 12 month and how many more who are alive are still fighting for compensation due to ill health caused by the mining industry

Replied: 1st Jan 2024 at 07:47

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

A service to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Golborne Colliery Disaster will be held at St Thomas's church Golborne on Sunday 17th of March at 2-30pm. A procession to the church will start at 2-00pm from the Queen Anne pub, assemble at 1-30pm for the procession. Following the service a reception will be held at Golborne/Parkside sports club, Rivington Avenue. All welcome.

Replied: 11th Mar 2024 at 22:20

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Tuddy my apologies you are correct with the 18th March but in peoples minds it was like yesterday.I was not well when I originally posted and got my dates mixed up much better today

Replied: 13th Mar 2024 at 19:56
Last edited by PeterP: 14th Mar 2024 at 06:58:51

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

March 18th, 1979 was the date.

Replied: 13th Mar 2024 at 23:16

Posted by: timl (84)

Remember the phone ringing at home that day, Dad picking it up then grabbing his car keys and leaving. A bit later, it came on the news that there had been an explosion.

Replied: 13th Mar 2024 at 23:47

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Don't worry Peter, it's only a number. Hope you're back in fettle.

Replied: 14th Mar 2024 at 23:57

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Tuddy back on track thanks . Double wammy of Yvonne had a restless night so both of us very tired and I must of eaten something dodgy kept on vomiting. I am up now had 5 hours kip will have a nod later this afternoon when Yvonne as a kip that's if I don't end up doing some gardening

Replied: 15th Mar 2024 at 03:09

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Get your head down, gardening will still be there tomorrow.

Replied: 15th Mar 2024 at 22:29

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Tim, was your dad still in the mines rescue team then.

Replied: 15th Mar 2024 at 22:32

Posted by: whups (13083) 

how did it go ste .

Replied: 17th Mar 2024 at 23:40

Posted by: timl (84)

Hi Tuddy,
Yes Dad was still in the Mines Rescue at that time. The week after Derek Wharton took us apprentices down there. It was eerie, there was dust everywhere, all that remained of the fan bagging was the wire and seeing odd boots and helmets lying around with tags attached to them was a sobering reminder of what had happened.

Replied: 17th Mar 2024 at 23:53

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i,m not sure tim if derek wharton is still with us but he,s got alzheimer's the last i heard .

Replied: 18th Mar 2024 at 01:10

Posted by: timl (84)

Sad news Brian, Derek was never the same after the explosion, it was almost as though he blamed himself for what happened. I'm not 100% sure, but I seem to remember someone telling me that he went to work in a brickworks after the pit shut ? Anyway how are you keeping - your back still playing up ?

Replied: 18th Mar 2024 at 05:37

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes tim that never changes . i used to drop on derek with his wife in ashton & someone told me he got alzheimer's . hav,nt seen him for a while . it,s 45yrs to the day that we had the explosion .

Replied: 18th Mar 2024 at 11:31

 

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