THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

SPRING 201 3 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF Houghton Heritage Society

:: BIG THANKS TO GENTOO :: VINTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS :: THE JUNIOR SCHOOL :: GOD SAVE THE QUEEN :: THE GREAT MINERS STRIKE :: AND MUCH MORE!

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

CAN YOU HELP? If you have any old photographs of Houghton-le-Spring that you would like to share, please contact the Society via www.houghtonlespring.org.uk/contact

FACES AND PLACES

Photographs are treated with care and respect and are returned promptly once they have been copied.

Allowing your precious photographs to be copied and shared ensures that they will be around for generations to come.

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

www.HOUGHTONleSPRING.org.uk

THE HOUGHTON HERITAGE website has undergone a massive transformation over the Holidays. Regular visitors will know how much it has changed from the old - style ‘framed layout’ to the new ‘button format’. This has taken many hundreds of hours and involves all the old pages having to be re-made with new images and text, while the heritage articles are also revamped/updated and put online as printable PDFs.

The site is expected to be finished by the late summer 2013. Our efforts will result WELCOME TO THE HOUGHTONIAN, in a website that is a lot easier to the quarterly magazine of the Houghton-le-Spring navigate, is more user friendly, Heritage Society. This is our ninth consecutive particularly for those on tablets, as well issue, numbered as Volume 2 Issue 4 and looks at as being more interactive – just have a the last of the Society’s activities in the year 2012. look at the links to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Flicker. IN THIS ISSUE we reflect on autumn and winter 2012, Speaking of Flicker, one of the biggest which proved to be as busy for the Society as the changes to the website is the removal of preceding summer months. We contributed to another Gentoo Fun Day (for Hallowe’en), placed a wreath on the ‘updated pages’ blog – now, just keep Houghton’s Cenotaph for Armistice Day, had a stall at a an eye on our Twitter feed to see what the local Christmas craft fair where Billy Purvis the clown updates are. made a rare appearance…and let’s not forget the Houghton Diamond Jubilee Feast, which was one of the We would like to thank all of our visitors most successful festivals in recent years. The Society for their patience while the transition is in played a bigger role than ever before; we had exhibitions progress. In the meantime, if you cannot in the Broadway and Good Grub Café, an Olympic Fun find what you are looking for, use the new Tent where Paralympian Hazel Robson kindly displayed her medals, the mega-popular Haunted Houghton Walk, Google search box on our home page. another eventful Houghton Heritage Walk which had attendees from Hong Kong and USA, plus the task of * * * * * * * * distributing a tonne’s worth of Houghton Feast IF YOU ARE reading a brochures (I salute those brave members who kindly undertook this challenge). Despite all the hard work, printed or photocopied version of there was still time for some fun and we joined in with THE HOUGHTONIAN and are the annual Carnival Parade and had a lot to eat with numerous meals, banquets and feasts at our annual having difficulty seeing the print, Houghton Feast! did you know you can read the online PDF? This can be THE YEAR ENDED with our Annual General Meeting, which was held in the old Houghton Urban District increased in size up to a whopping Council chamber in the Rectory building (shown above). 6400% in Adobe Reader! Thanks are extended to the Society’s members who came along. * * * * * * * *

I do hope you enjoy this issue and have a peaceful FOR INTERNET ACCESS AT Easter. HOUGHTON LIBRARY – TELEPHONE PAUL LANAGAN, CHAIRMAN 0191 561 6383 FOR DETAILS. H-L-S HERITAGE SOCIETY

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

meticulous when it came to detail. She has left a hell of a pair of boots to fill.” KATH ROLPH The Heritage Society wishes to pay tribute WE’RE SAD TO report the news that Kath to Kath for her years of service to Rolph, a Ward Councillor for Houghton-le- Houghton-le-Spring and in particular the st Spring, died on December 21 2012 aged assistance she gave us in rescuing 59 years, following a brave battle against Houghton’s WWII Treasures (above) from cancer. Kath’s husband, Jim Davidson the Council Offices before their demolition said: “Kath was always an optimist, and in 2011. Kath was also a fellow member of she worked right up to the end, still the Houghton Feast Steering Committee involved as a councillor until two weeks (pictured below, fourth from left, at a before she died.” Fellow Houghton meeting in July 2012). Councillor, Dennis Richardson, said: “She Kath is survived by her husband, Jim, 59, was good at everything, and she was son Ian, 21, and daughter Ruth, 19.

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

THANKS TO A grant from Gentoo’s Aspire grants are designed to be easy and accessible fund, Houghton Heritage Society is now on a to anyone living or working with local people in firm footing to be able to continue putting on the City of . They support a range exhibitions, displays, talks and the Houghton of different activities which compliment the Heritage Walk. Heritage Society Chairman, work of Gentoo, a social housing provider. Paul Lanagan, said: “The grant of £115 will first and foremost be used for public liability insurance, as without this we could not HOW TO DONATE operate. The remaining funds will be put If you would like to support Houghton Heritage towards our website which received 79,000 Society with a donation, please complete the unique visitors in 2012.” form at the back of this magazine or see the link Gentoo Aspire’s main aim is to enable local on the HH website. people to improve their community. The

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Can you help solve these

Genealogical & Heritage Quests?

ALAN’S THOUGHTS Mr Tom Vickers, eldest son of Mr SHEPHERSON VIPOND Durham Rootschat regarding Hello again, a few of my thoughts and Mrs H. Vickers, of 34 Station Dear Sirs, I wonder if you could Houghton-le-Spring Secondary in response to readers’ questions Avenue North, , has help me with information or School. I have a class photograph and queries in the Houghtonian won the Higher School certificate pointers regarding the following: from approximately 1928 and a magazines of 2012. Regarding of the Northern Universities with Shepherdson Vipond, 1855 - report book for that year for my the restriction on brewing distinction in pure mathematics 1876. Born and died at Houghton father-in-law, Charlie Paisley. An mentioned in the letter 'Along Hall and chemistry and the Board of le Spring, but only appearing on Alan Vickers responded to my Lane', I wonder if the land had Education has awarded him, as a the Census record for 1861. Also request for help in locating a earlier belonged to Robinsons the result, a State Scholarship, the spelled variously as Shepherdson photograph of the school around brewers and when it was sold on maximum value of which is and Shephardson. I can find this time. He believes your society Robinsons included this condition university fees and £100 per absolutely no information at all, holds a photograph of the school in the sale documents and it has annum for three years. He has except for birth and death dates. taken in the 1940s, and he come down to the present day, been accepted as a student ready Any information would be suggested I contact you to see if it just a thought. Regarding for mathematical honours at gratefully received. Thank you would be possible for you to scan Junction Row, the correct name King’s College, Cambridge. In very much indeed. me a copy. If this is possible, I for the hospital was 'The Northern addition to the State Scholarship, Ms E Jackson would be very appreciative, but if Isolation Hospital'. I was in there he has been awarded a Kepier it's not, I do understand. Thank for about 6 weeks in 1936 when I Exhibition, while a year ago he you, had Scarlet fever. My parents was awarded a Durham County NORAH SMITH B. 1902 Carolyn Paisley used to walk through the fields Council University Exhibition. He I have just found your site and will Canada from Sedgeletch Road twice a has been attending Houghton-le- certainly spend more time looking week on Wednesdays and Spring Secondary School." through it. I came across a Sundays to see me. They had to After being awarded his degree request for information on Norah HOUGHTON CEMETERY stand outside the windows and Tom worked for a short time with Smith, born 1902. If this is the Hello, my name is Joy Dunn my look into the ward as visitors were the then Ministry of Supply person in my family tree, she was mother was born in Houghton le not allowed inside. The Southern following which he worked at the born Norah Gallagher in Spring and has this week passed Isolation Hospital was close to National Physical Laboratory at Houghton and in 1911 lived in away in Canada. She was 82 Rainton Bridge. The Grammar Teddington, Middlesex. Tom is Lambton St. Newtown .She years old. Her Mother and Father School letter from Sheila Wheldon now 93 years of age and earlier married James Smith. Her father are both buried in the Cemetery in regarding Thomas Arthur King. I this year there was a video made was William Gallagher, born in Houghton: John Wood and Becca was taught Physics by Mr King which appeared on YouTube in Port Clarence, Middlesbrough and Wood. It was always my Mother’s from 1944 to the early part of which Tom was interviewed by his her mother was Sarah Swindles wish to go back home. My 1949. My two brothers, Tom and granddaughter, Harriet Vickers. born in Birstal Yorkshire about brother and I are planning a trip to Harold, were also taught Physics The video was made in 1868 but moved to Croxdale and would like to bring by Mr King. Tom from 1930 to connections with Alan Turing and Durham as a child. I am Sarah's my Mother’s ashes back to 1937 and Harold from 1936 to the development of the ACE great granddaughter by her first Houghton. We are not if it is not 1943. Mr King was an excellent computer. If you do a Google husband, William Fisher. Norah possible to put her with her teacher and I liked him very much. search for 'Alan Turing video had among other siblings. parents. Kindest Regards, The Physics Laboratory was Youtube' you will find the video in Brothers William & Tommy and Joy Dunn between the Art Room and the the list. There are also some sisters Susan Ann & Sarah shots of Tom at the Science Canada Chemistry Laboratory and these Gallagher, also a half brother John Museum in London where the were all in the upstairs part of the George Fisher. I remember building. After Mr King died the ACE computer is now located. meeting Norah when she was in teaching of Physics for us was Fatherly family: there was a much WAR MEMORIALS her late seventies and living in I have been trying to find a War taken over by Mr Stavers for the earlier 'Fatherly Terrace' at Fence sheltered housing at either Hetton memorial for the 1939 - 1945 war remainder of the year but I am not Houses located to the rear of the or . I don't know sure who took over after that as I first section of Front Street as you for the Houghton lads as my uncle how old the request is but I hope Tot Dorn was killed in the last war. left in July 1949. The following travel from the Wellington PH, this is of some use. Regards, Try to put the photo of transcription is regarding by oldest possibly demolished in the late Olive Smith Fencehouses War Memorial on brother Tom who attended 1960s or early 70s. Gouge Ice cream. Gouge had New Zealand the heritage website, please. Dubmire School and then Houghton Secondary (Grammar) premises behind Front Street Valerie Scott

School. The transcription has Fence Houses, approximately been kindly provided to me by behind the Newbottle Co-op. LOCO NO NO? Can you help me? I am sure I have Paul Robson who runs the 'All Gouge was very active in the years THANK YOU Things ' website and is following WW2. For General seen old photo of a loco standing Hi Paul, just to say I received your from a newspaper cutting Beckwith, I believe that the best on a crossing at the Wellington book and thank you for the Pub, Bankhead. Is this true? contained in a scrapbook of source of information will be photos. Give my best wishes to all Many thanks cuttings collected by the late Douglas Smith. Did you ever hear who keep the Houghton history Revd. A J Gadd, former Rector of any more about the mining George Humes alive. Have a great Xmas and New Burnmoor Church where Tom subsidence at the rear of Station Year. Kind regards, was a member of the Church Avenue South at Fence Houses? Luke Daglish Choir for about 9 years. Kind regards HOUGHTON SCHOOL (old home boy) ", September Alan Vickers Dear Houghton Heritage Society, Australia 18th, 1937. Scholastic Success. recently, I posted a message on

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

VISITORS SITTING IN the Rectory Park next to the fountain, with the original archway entrance still in situ, circa 1950. What are your memories of Rectory Park which celebrates its 65th anniversary in April 2014?

TRAMS FROM THE Sunderland District Tramways fleet in the Broadway (then Durham Road), circa 1905. The tramcar on the left, number 20 with the open balcony, was a French model; by 1912 it was considered, along with its fourteen French siblings, to be worn out and all were replaced in 1913. The other tramcar, number 7, was an English model by the Brush Company of Loughborough.

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Can you help solve these

Genealogical & Heritage Quests?

HOUGHTON WOODS AGAIN guess my garden is a mining families from Houghton-le-Spring, Are Houghton Woods open to the I see they are now starting to pull museum as they are still intact! Newbottle and . public? If yes where do we enter up the lines from Fence Houses Richard Leadbitter Terry Wall them? I saw mention of towards . I think this Newbottle Houghtonside woods on a website answers the question as to of the Woodland Trust which whether the line will ever be BLACKY BOY ROAD operational again. At least it will suggested it is in Houghton le BONJOUR, PET Hi folks, I've married a Houghton spring but privately owned and be a nice dog walk. Just back from holiday in France; lass to my sins… Could you open to the public. Desmond Middlemas A French chap stopped me in the please try and answer a question I Valerie Elliott street and asked me something have? Why is Blacky Boy Road and I had no idea what he was on called that name? My wife doesn't PAUL LANAGAN REPLIED: THE ANDERSONS OF about, so I said, "Sorry don't know for sure, she says it might be Hello Valerie, our members seem HOUGHTON HALL speak French." He replied in because of blackberry bushes, but to think this is Blue Bell Woods, Hi, Ralph and Grace Anderson perfect English and said, "Why she’s not 100% sure. slightly north of Houghton Cut who lived at Houghton Hall were not? I speak and understand Billy Mckie and as depicted here: my 4th Great Grandparents. My https://ma ps.google.co .uk/maps?q =houg hton +le+spring&ll=5 4.851 121,- English!” I then replied, "Eeeeee! 1.45941 1&spn=0.0 02508 ,0.008 256&hnea r=Houg hton +le+Sp ring,+ Tyne+an d+Wear,+ United+Kingdom&t =h&z=18 father was Alfred Michael Well that's champion, bonnie lad, I have never been in Blue Bell Summerson Aird and my how’s thou doin, hinny?” He just HOUGHTON BOOKS Woods but have passed it often grandmother Elizabeth Barrass walked off. One-nil I think. What was the last Houghton book and heard many memories of Ross (Foreman's Row, Seaton Barry Cummings issued and what was the title? I live people picnicking there in the Delaval). I'm looking for any Back in Blighty down south and haven’t been 1940s and onwards. I have home for a few years. I have the photos/info on my ancestors, discovered this website which thanks! two Houghton & Hetton in Old mentions Houghtonside Woods: Catriona Aird Photographs books, which I http ://visi twoods.org.u k/en/visi t-wood s/Pages/wood- DUBMIRE CHIPPIE detail s.aspx ?wood=20801&si te=Houghton side# .USK RtaWR5y J bought in 1996. Can you send and the map on there has a piece Did anyone else go to Pratts’ fish me a list of any others please? of land north of Houghtonside THE BOYS BRIGADE shop on Friday dinner times from Joan Crawford Dubmire Junior School? Can you housing estate highlighted. This Please can you help? My father Down South remember the little room out the is a very small wooded area, where insists he was in a photograph the streets High Hillside and Low with his twin brother in 1939 back with tables? Hillside once stood - hardly a outside St Michael’s Church in the Angela Brand CARR HOUSE forest. You can see it also on here Boys’ Brigade. He saw the photo Hi Paul, do you know where Car on Google Maps: many years ago at am exhibition House was in Houghton-le- https ://maps .google.co.u k/maps?q=hough ton+l e+ spring&ll=54.84 7433,- in Houghton. I have searched and Spring? Regards. 1.469781&spn=0.002508,0.008256&hnear=Houghton +l e+Spring , RUN FOR HOME QUIGLEY +Tyn e+and+ Wear,+Uni ted+ Kingdom& t=h&z=18 searched but cannot find anything Is everyone aware of my campaign This area is fully accessible by foot Mick McArdle about the Boys’ Brigade or the to get Sheila Quigley's book 'Run to those who park in the town Houghton-le-Spring photograph. I would be very For Home' filmed? I have written centre. Hope this helps. grateful for any information you the screenplay - go to the Run for PAUL LANAGAN REPLIED: Paul Lanagan have. Thanks. Home page on Facebook for Great Eppleton. I think it is Chairman Steve Glass more information and add your correctly spelt ‘Carr House’. The

‘like’ please. The more we get the full address is: Carr House Farm,

harder it will be for the networks to Salters Lane, Houghton-le-Spring. BLYTH ROBSON HOUGHTON FEAST say no! Thanks all. Sounds like it could still be there - Hi Houghton Heritage Society, I've It is my mission in life to bring Derek Lawson good luck! just come across a request for back the brass bands to Paul Lanagan help in the Who Do You Think Houghton Feast on a Friday night. Chairman You Are requests of the It made the Feast and it’s a Houghtonian Mag - it's from Judy TRYING YOUR LUCK disgrace to have gotten rid of Hughes in Illinois and is regarding Back in 1979/80 at the ripe old them. I don't care what anyone TOOTH HURTY the family of Blyth Robson. I think else thinks, I'm proud to be from age of 15, we'd send the biggest lad with bum fluff on his top lip The last tooth I ever had out was I can help her (if she still needs it) such a historic town, a town with a - please can you put her in touch into Offy for our at the School Clinic somewhere in historic festival. Join me! Or you Houghton 1958 - no gas, no with me? Many thanks and best aren't from Houghton! Houghton- cans. He'd come out with a needle, just ripped it out! Never wishes le-Spring Pride! placca bag laden with cans of Ruth Kestrel lager. We'd then go down again! I’m 66 years old now and Gish Patterson still have all my own choppers! the Beck and get drunk and Houghton-le-Spring cough our way through some Barry Cummings

LEAMSIDE LINE tabs. Those were happy days! PAUL LANAGAN REPLIED: Does anyone know what they are Colin P Mason HOUGHTON PIT RELIC The Welfare Clinic building is still doing to the railway lines in Fence I still have relics of Houghton Pit in there on Gasworks Lane, also Houses? They seem to be taking my garden. I built a garage in known as Sunrise Lane. them up but why? 1981/82 and all the foundation CAN YOU HELP? I am looking for relatives of the Paul Lanagan Hayden Bateman bricks came from the medical Houghton-le-Spring Cave / Armstrong / Forster Chairman centre and wall from the pit, so I

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

REMEMBERING NEWBOTTLE STREET SCHOOL

NEWBOTTLE STREET Junior remembers sailors visiting his post-War years. “I don't However, Cliff can recollect a Mixed School in Houghton-le- school: “It must have been remember a great lot about more unusual aspect of the Spring was opened in 1908 as around 1945. We had to write actually being at school, apart school: “Our classroom was a a Council School and was in letters to the ship’s crew and from being run over on the prefab on the field next to the use for almost a hundred that day every kid got a tin of school crossing one day and gasworks at the bottom of years. There had been a cocoa. I found out later that ending up with an Station Road - the opposite school with earlier origins in my father was in the Navy on undiagnosed broken leg! The side to the rest of the school!” the vicinity and there is a the RN Deep Sea Rescue crossing lady on Newbottle It is unknown how long this record mentioning that the Tugs. I suppose that is why I Street was a Mrs Tremble.” prefab was in use, but it could staff of Newbottle Lane Infants joined the Merchant Navy at Cliff’s other memories are be an indication of School (known as the Pit sixteen.” less painful, including his Houghton’s post-War baby School) were given a day off These visits were, of course, abiding memory of the Junior boom, where the old for Houghton Feast in 1867. to encourage the children to school headmaster, Mr Smith. Edwardian classrooms were Only six children attended this donate to the War Effort. “He was a jovial Pickwickian too cramped for the growing school, however, and when Harry Smith, 84, of character who always told a roll call. the new Council School Middlesbrough also has vivid joke whenever he came to see These limitations of the opened it became a training memories of attending our class teachers. The outdated building also base for Houghton Colliery. Newbottle Street School teacher I remember most was contributed to its demise. It The official opening plaque during the Second World War. Mr Crawford, who walked on closed in 1993 and was for the new Junior School, “One day at school an ARP water as far as that generation demolished to make way for a which was similar to many warden came to show us of Houghtonites is new row of shop units and installed throughout schools some apparatus. In front of concerned.” Houghton Library, which across the County, including the assembled kids he The school had a separate celebrated its 10th anniversary the one in nearby Dubmire demonstrated this gear, which entrance for boys and girls, in 2011. Junior School, read as follows: looked like a bird table but which was a common feature By Paul Lanagan County of Durham Education with the board on top slanting of schools from this period. Chairman Committee. This school was forward so you could see it. opened on 15 Dec 1908 by He said if the Germans T.Richardson Esq., C.C dropped any gas we might not Unusually, the school was be able to detect it ourselves. set on a lower level than So this board, which was Newbottle Street and the stuck in the ground near the neighbouring Gaiety and school entrance, had special Empire theatres, adjacent to paint on it which would the bank of Station Road. The change colour if there were playground could be looked any gas about. Naturally, like down upon by anybody sat on most of the others, I didn't the benches which ran take my eyes off it for three alongside the railings on weeks, and in class from Newbottle Street; it was quite wanting to sit beside the exit, a drop! now everyone wanted to sit by The school wasn’t just used the windows! We soon as got for the educating of children; a back to normal, until one day flyer printed by James C a lad had been to the toilets, Hudson, a printer on which were of course outside Newbottle Street, shows that in those days, came back the Houghton-le-Spring Sub- running through the school, Committee of Durham County still holding up his pants, Higher Education offered screaming at the top of his evening classes at the school. voice “Sir! Sir! It's gone green, Commencing on September it's gone green!” 24th 1917, every intending Pandemonium and any student had to be interviewed gasmask will do! However, by the Organising Teacher, Mr when it was sorted it was Thomas S Elliott, and pass an found the lad had got himself examination before being a load of plums and scoffed allowed to attend! them the night before. It was Luke Daglish, 73, now of his poo that gone green!” Queensland, Australia, went to Cliff Brown, who was born Newbottle Street School in 1951, painfully remembers during the War years and attending the school in the

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Can you help solve these

Genealogical & Heritage Quests?

HOUGHTON’S CENOTAPH no thermal gloves. We played out GOSPEL HALL RACING DOGS William Oxley married Hannah in it and we were never ill. We had Can any of the oldies remember Fields with names: I can only Scott, daughter of my great fun with odd socks on our hands the Gospel Hall at the bottom of recall a couple. The Store Field grandfather George Scott. because we hadn’t any proper George Street? My cousin used to was the corner formed by Coaley William's name appears on the ones to wear and if you were lucky go to Sunday School there but Lane and railway on the school cenotaph in Houghton. a clippy mat on the floor over the because we were Catholics my side. The store (co-op) used it to Charles Scott canvas! Anyone know the Dad wouldn’t let me go. I used to give their cart horses a break and USA whereabouts of a lass called Silvia sneak out on a Sunday afternoon hold cattle and sheep till ready for Patrickson? I went to school with and sit on the steps outside and the slaughter house. Next to that her and we were good friends join in with all the songs but I was a three cornered field which right up until we started working. HODS FEEDBACK don’t think my Dad ever found some referred to as The Shoulder of Mutton field but most called it, Had a good day: first at the Anne Peel out. Have you any photos of the George Street, Robinson Street, wait for it, The Three Cornered heritage photo gallery this Mautland Street area, which was Field. Surprisingly this field and morning, then on top of Penshaw demolished to make way for the its access was used for recreation Monument this afternoon. Nice to COLLIERY ROW? meet people you haven't met Does anyone know where Corving new ring road? I think the area is and the like. Remember our old fella and his mates trained their before from the heritage Row was in Fence Houses, turn of now called Houghtonside. I spent many happy hours at my whippets and greyhounds there. Facebook group – but you, need a the century? grandparents house in George They got an old bike from bit bigger place next time! With Dawn Finnigan Street and other relatives lived in somewhere (Shiney maybe), regards to the photograph on turned it upside down, removed Fyassbyuk.com where the spring PAUL LANAGAN REPLIED: Robinson Street, Hopper Street and Balmer Street. I lived in the rear tyre and wrapped a has an arrow pointing to it, it went Could this have been Colliery Row. Balfour Street in the 1950s and couple of hundred yards of cord under the road down towards I have never heard of a Corving used to play in the old cemetery. round the wheel rim and fastened Grasswell bridge, came into view Row. the other side, was open stream Paul Lanagan I don’t remember the bluebell some rags on the end of the cord as lure. Then taking a couple of down to the curve in the road. It woods but remember going for Chairman picnics on the opposite side of the dogs, one of the lads would drag went under the road and was open road but we called it "up on the the lure to the other end of the right at the back of the Burnside moors". You had to be very field As the one at bike started Estate houses down to the main NEW PIT turning the pedals as fast as he stream with the foot bridge over it. careful as there was huge dips in Does anyone know how I can find the grass due to subsidence could the whippets were let go. I fell in it a few times. Don't know photos of New Herrington Colliery caused by old mine workings. So with the lure hurtling down what year it was piped in, but was from year 1900 to 1924, field the whippets racing after still open stream until the mid Christine Bradley particularly of the horse keeper? them, half the kids from Newbottle 1960s. There must be some knocking and Sunniside chasing after them Norman Sweeting about. Also, any information and every mongrel pet within Houghton-le-Spring about the horse keeper, William CAN YOU HELP ROWLAND? Has anyone got information on a sniffing distance after them! A Connelly or William Connolly. woman that worked in the fruit good time was had by all. Thank you. and veg shop in Mautland Street Harry Smith THANK YOU Cheryl May Brown near where the Coop is now? She Middlesbrough Me and Den went to the is married to Barry Walker, a

Houghton Heritage Society friend of mine who I am trying to exhibition on Saturday - it was HAVE A BUTCHERS AT THIS trace. If anyone knows anything fascinating! Thanks to all CATHOLIC SCHOOL DAYS Are there any old pictures of about this family please let me I remember from St. Michaels concerned for making it possible. Market place? I am interested in know I will be most obliged. Barry School - Miss Cain, Miss the Wilson family butchers in Jean Carr Walker must be in his seventies Dunleavey, Mrs Patty Parslow, early/mid 1800s. now. The last time I saw him he Dennis Creegan, Miss Murdann, Ian Ridley lived up Church Street in and Mr Graney (Mr Creegan came THANKS AGAIN Houghton before they put the to Niagara Falls and visited with Just spent a lovely afternoon on A690 road through. Thanks for me and the family when my two the Houghton Heritage Walk. I HOUGHTON’S MAYOR any help. were just small). There was a little thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks so Hello, just wondering if you could Rowland Daley fat lady who got mad at me for much Paul - you’re a mine of help me out? Who is the Mayor of Aka Ron writing so big and then too small - useful information. Houghton-le-Spring and what help she was very bad tempered. You Val Milnes has he or she really done? I could will have to help me out with some Dairy Lane really do with some feedback if HOUGHTON CUT of the others ladies as time has you don’t mind. Houghton-le-Spring Does anyone have any me not remembering them. Mrs Joseph Robert Service photographs of Houghton Cut Parslow had me for sewing as well looking down over Sunderland and it took me two years to BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! PAUL LANAGAN REPLIED: Street and any photos of Pottery French seam a nightgown which Oh how this weather brings back Houghton does not have and has Yard? was like a tent when I finished. memories of the early 1950s when never had a Mayor. Carole Allcroft Patricia Armstrong Crawford we had no central heating, no Paul Lanagan Canada fitted carpets, no winter coats and Chairman With thanks to Lena Inch for sharing these photographs and many more.

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

A LAST LOOK AT HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING’S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS IN 2012

(1) The Diamond Jubilee Beacon was lit at the top of St Michael's Church Banquet in St Michael's Church, part of the special Houghton Diamond tower on June 6th 2012. Revellers were treated to a short firework display. Jubilee Feast events. Before it ended, Paul Lanagan suggested to the Rector that the crowd sing (5) The Mayor of Sunderland opened the Houghton Feast fairground for the National Anthem - which they then did with gusto. invited children from the area's special schools for free rides thanks to the (2) Houghton Heritage Society's annual exhibition in the Broadway was generosity of the Showmen's Guild. attended by hundreds at Houghton Diamond Jubilee Feast 2012. (6) Billy Purvis made another reappearance at the Houghton Feast Parade. (3) The Society had the support of Paralympian Hazel Robson, who brought This year he had help from the wild Gilpin Boar! her medals along, much to the interest of families who came to the Olympic (7) Heritage Society members in the Feast parade. Peter and Joan are Fun tent on the Broadway. carrying the banner, while Feast Logo competition winner, Bradley, sees up (4) Heritage Society members were guests at the Queen of Diamonds the rear. THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? Can you help solve these

Genealogical & Heritage Quests?

THE WHEATLEYS the mystery house from the other to pay his union dues. We were member of your Society may be Hi, just got round to joining photo on your site! Hitting a brick allowed to go so far down the pit able to give. With best wishes. Houghton Heritage Society and wall trying to find out any info. to have a look and to this day Elizabeth Smith seeing pictures of Penelope Wilton Dawn there is a notice on a piece of York who is a cousin of mine, well a few wood, written by dad and signed times removed. I was a Wheatley by him stating not to feed the BRILIANT WEBSITE before I married and Grandfather ponies. Jam sandwiches were the NEWS & DISCUSSIONS was Robert (Bob) who had the I spent all afternoon looking main thing miners took to eat in through your brilliant web site and I love looking at the news and corner shop in Houghton. His those days. Not good food for discussions in the Houghtonian remembering many memories of father was also Robert Wheatley. ponies. He then moved to magazine. I grew up in number 3 my childhood and young life in The only other relative I had Staffordshire to work in the mines. Shakespeare Street, Houghton-le- dealings with was Grandad’s Houghton-le-Spring. My mam He started work at Chatterly and dad, Jim and Betty Gettings, Spring, in the 1940s and 50s brother, George who had the Whitfield Colliery in Staffordshire, when my father Billy Robson lived and died in Houghton and Empire cinema in Houghton. I which is now a museum. Can worked at Herrington Pit. some of my family still live near anyone remember the fresh fish was born in Essex in 1945, Dad Maureen Brown while I and my husband have lived man who used to come round was stationed there during the London war, married my Mam who lived in in Spain for over 10 years. We Newbottle with a horse and cart?

Clacton and they came up to the were still able to recall memories Avril Elliott north east after he was from your photos! Keep up the Staffordshire REALLY GOOD demobbed. They lived at good work and thank you from Hello, I've just discovered the Easington lane with his Mam and other expats in Spain. Houghton Heritage website as I'm his step-father before we moved to Elizabeth Mary Wilson SWANNS & DIXONS researching my family history. I Elizabeth Street, when I was about Spain Dear Houghton Heritage, I belong think it is really good - thank you! 3. I went to Newbottle Street to the Dringhouses Local History Vee Jordan School and on to Houghton Group here in York (we have a

Grammar school. I have one PIT PONIES website) and I researched and brother called - guess what? – As a young lad I worked in wrote the chapter in our recent yup, Robert and a sister, Sue. My Houghton Pit and well remember publication ("Discovering BRILLIANT AFTERNOON Grandfather married twice more the ponies, their stables Dringhouses") about the Swanns Hello Paul, just a note of thanks after my Gran and she also underground and bales of and Dixons of Ashfield. I have for the brilliant afternoon you remarried – that’s the Wheatleys ‘choppy’, their main hay food. been wondering for a long while organised at Houghton. Keep up for you! There is a lot more and I They all had their own how I could access extra the good work! have been wanting to join you for temperament and were normally information about VCSWC and the Pat Burn a while, so hope I can be of further named after a particular trait or mining industry on the Durham Silksworth help and finding out a bit more. I marking. They were not neglected coalfield, and was delighted to see have a family tree that Dad got or badly treated, quite the your Society mentioned in the from a cousin which I am sure you contrary; they were looked after by most recent BALH publication! HIGH QUALITY may have seen but can send you a the lads who worked with them. So: I am wondering if you have Dear Paul, the more I visit our copy anytime - then you can see To the putters they were their any information about this Houghton-le-Spring website, the Meshsak, Shadrak and Aendigo main tool and a bad pony was as gentleman. He married Fanny more I realise what an enormous Wheatley! much use as a blunt saw. My Annabella Swann, born 1837, of amount of high quality effort you Glenys Gibson farther, Gordon Cummings, was a Ashfield, in 1869. I have a copy of have expended, and continue to shot firer at Houghton and directly their marriage certificate - his expend, in exploring the heritage my boss; he didn't give me a signature is just amazing! He was of my birthplace. I am fascinated MYSTERY GARDEN second chance at anything, told a mining engineer from Wortley, by the wealth of information you Hi Paul, regarding the ‘mystery once and that was it! There was near Sheffield, and they lived at are generating. garden’ photograph on the one pony called Bart - bugger Houghton-le-Spring, where he Dr Jack Morley Houghton Heritage website, used to bite if you were not had a very long and distinguished President looking at the photo and the angle careful! I don’t know if you have career extending into the 1920s; heard any stories about the sixth Houghton Heritage Society it looks like Gregory Terrace area, there was an Annabella Pit nearby, which in 1911 was a strip of sense that the ponies had, many a and I don't think this was a miners life has been saved by a allotments and what looks like coincidence. Also, I would love to pony refusing to pass a particular small outbuildings according to learn more about what Fanny FYASSBYUK.COM the OS map of the time. I've been spot, and finding a few minutes Annabella's life was like after her Paul, the Houghton Heritage later that a roof fall had taken marriage; it must have been quite trawling the maps of the area group is the best thing on place. They knew a thing or two. a shock to her to find herself trying to look at when Wellington Facebook! Thanks for setting it Barry Cummings removed from the elegant circles House was around – I can only up. find it on the 1901 census but it of York and the green spaces of looks like the building may have Dringhouses. I do emails at my Val Hughes been around from around 1870s HOUGHTON PIT local library on a somewhat * * * * * until the late 1950s/early 60s. It My dad, Gordon Cummings, irregular basis, usually about once was the home of Robert Fatherly worked at Houghton Pit until a week. My phone number is who was a grocer/draper (possibly November 1963 as a shot firer. I attached if you would find it useful who Fatherly Terrace was named can remember going to Houghton to phone me. Very many thanks MORE QUESTS IN after?) Who knows, it could be Pit on Fridays to get his pay and for any help you or another THE SUMMER 2013 EDITION

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

DURING HOUGHTON FEAST, Burnside Primary School recrea ted a 1912 photograph where the hungry children of Houghton’s miners were given 1,000 free loaves of bread courtesy of Bruce & Tucker during the Miners’ Strike on Good Friday April 5th 1912. On the preceding Monday a riot had broken out in Houghton and a newspaper later reported: “The shops in the town were boarded up yesterday, and the streets were paraded by a strong force of police. When the mob attempted, late on Monday night, to rush the Empire Theatre, the manager promised he would give them a free view of one film. As the men were leaving the theatre, they raided a pork butcher's shop, carrying of pork-pies and hams, while many of them walked with strings of sausages round their necks. Next, they smashed a grocery and provision shop. The women were as prominent in the rioting as the men, and carried off apronfuls of goods. The crowd also tried to break into an ice-cream shop, but the Proprietress [Mrs Nelide Riani] kept them at bay, with a pail of dirty water, which she declared was vitriol, and which she spread about with a mop. Her husband came to her assistance, and threatened to shoot the rioters with a gun.”

Houghton-le-Spring Heritage Society sends fraternal good wishes to Houghton Art Club in its 25th anniversary year.

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

IN FLANDERS FIELDS… IN NOVEMBER 2012 we placed a poppy wreath on Houghton’s cenotaph in remembrance of all the brave souls who lost their lives in conflicts around the world.

Sadly, several weeks later the wreath was noticed to be missing despite having been secured to the memorial with a piece of wire.

The Society hopes to lay a replacement soon.

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

CURRENTLY PRICED AT 50P IN MEMORIAM AND FEATURING TRULY LOCAL NEWS, IT IS A GREAT READ! DAVE GUY AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD NEWSAGENTS ACROSS

HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING AND AVAILABLE WEDNESDAYS SEAHAM. Featuring a Houghton Heritage page www.houghtonstar.co.uk by Paul Lanagan in every issue.

1946 - 2012 Due to illness, the Durham Miners’ Gala JUST VISIT WWW.FYASSBYUK.COM (THE PITMATIC of July 2012 was the first Big Meeting to be missed by David Guy during his PRONUNCIATION OF FACEBOOK) AND YOU WILL BE presidency of the Durham Miners DIRECTED STRAIGHT ON TO THE SOCIETY’S POPULAR Association. Sadly, David died shortly afterwards on July 25th aged 66 years. AND ACTIVE FACEBOOK GROUP. ~ David Guy was the president of the Durham Miners Association for over 26 LOCAL HISTORY MONTH years and from 1989 the president of the National Union of Mine Workers north- east area. MAY 2013

His death leaves a great void in the May 2013 is designated Local History coalfield as he was also chairman of the Month and Houghton Heritage trustees of the north-east coal industry Society will be contributing to the social welfare organisation and the Sunderland event along with other miners' representative on the northern members of Sunderland Heritage regional TUC council. Forum.

David was born in the mining town of THE HOUGHTON HERITAGE WALK Seaham, Co Durham, the son of a mining TH family. On leaving school he started work FRIDAY MAY 24 AT 6 PM at Dawdon Colliery where his union GUIDED BY PAUL LANAGAN activities commenced when he was elected onto the Dawdon Miners Lodge Committee. In the late 1970s he was LINDEN TRAVERS 100 elected Lodge Treasurer. In the 1980s he SATURDAY MAY 25TH AT 1 PM Follow Houghton Heritage Society on TH was elected onto the NUM Durham Area CELEBRATING HER 100 BIRTHDAY Executive Committee and he played a Twitter using @houghtonheritag very active role in the great strike of (no ‘e’ at the end). If you’re not on For further details of what is planned 1984-85. Twitter you can still see our tweets in the please visit the Events website at

feed on our website home page. www.houghtonlespring.org.uk/events Dave was also active socially in the mining communities - he was a past chairman of Dawdon Working Men's Club. The next issue of the HOUGHTONIAN will be available

Obituary extracts from to download in Summer 2013. Send us your details www.morningstaronline.co.uk and get a copy sent directly to your Inbox!

THE HOUGHTONIAN | SPRING 2013 | VOL 2 ISSUE 4 | ISSN 1757-3890

 I would like to support the work of the Houghton-le-Spring Heritage Society and include a donation of £____.____

 I WISH TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS.   I WOULD LIKE TO RECORD THE FOLLOWING IN THE REGISTER OF BENEFACTORS (min £20):

Thank You

NAME [please tick]  Mr  Mrs  Miss ______ADDRESS ______POSTCODE ______CONTACT NUMBER/EMAIL ______

CHEQUE SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO: Houghton-le-Spring Heritage Society

COMPLETED FORM SHOULD BE RETURNED TO: Houghton Heritage Society, 120 Burn Park Road, Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne & Wear, DH4 5DQ

BOOKS, DVDS & CALENDAR AVAILABLE FROM

www.HOUGHTONleSPRING.org.uk No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a mechanical retrieval system, or THE HOUGHTONIAN transmitted, in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, PUBLISHED BY BOOKS OF THE NORTH without written permission from the publisher. The publisher has made all reasonable efforts to COPYRIGHT © 2013 contact copyright holders for permission. Any errors that may have occurred are inadvertent and VOL 2 ISSUE 4 SPRING 2013 anyone who for any reason has not been contacted is invited to write to the publisher so that a full ISSN 1757-3890 acknowledgement may be made in subsequent editions of The Houghtonian. Articles and V002IS04VE02 information are presented in good faith, occasionally based on people's recollections and memories,

which can be fallible. While every effort is made to ensure the content is accurate and up to date, some errors may exist, such is the nature of recording local history, therefore no responsibility can be held for any errors contained herein. Thanks are extended to the following supporters/contributors: Richard Rose; Roy Lambeth; Annie Lee; Kathy Heyworth; Hazel Robson; Gentoo Aspire; Tony Lynn and Houghton Art Club; Burnside Primary School; and as always, Penelope Wilton OBE, for being our Patron.