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BRANDON & BYSHOTTLES PARISH ARCHIVE |
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Miners at the stapple, holding Midgy Lamps c. 1910 Their names are from left to right Martin Tunney (Wagon Weighman), Tot Richardson (Pony Driver), and George Blades (Coal Hewer); All three worked at Brandon Colliery.
Miners Literary Institute, with Durham Street in the Background during the 1926 Strike.
Mr. George Harvey seen here in the uniform of the Yorkshire and Lancashire Infantry. George joined up in 1928 and became a machine gun instructor in October 1939. He was transferred to the Middlesex Regiment (Machine Gunners); Mr Harvey is a well known former member of Brandon Colliery Band and served as Band Secretary for many years.
Brandon Village War Memorial 1914-18 dedicated to the fallen in World War 1, with further names being added after World War 2. The memorial was only made possible from donations that were raised by Villagers and from the surrounding area; This photograph shows the newly erected memorial in Brandon Village churchyard and the Monumental Sculpter who carried out the work in around 1920, his name is Mr. Walker who came from Alum Waters.
A Bookmark produced for the Wesleyan Church at the Boyne.
Royal British Legion War Memorial Dedicated to the fallen in the 1st. World War 1914-1918 of the Brandon District; The Brandon and District branch of the Royal British Legion was formed on the 16th February 1932, and continues to the present day.
A postcard of Commercial Street, Brandon Colliery dated on the back of the card 1906.
The Burning Heaps of Brandon, known locally as the &Fiery Heaps& Fortunately they were levelled in the 1970`s;
Mr. Joe Gibbs photographed in the colliery rows with his latest car, a Humber Super Snipe, six cylinder side valve engine, 27 h.p. and registered in 1950. Mr. Gibbs purchased the car in 1959 at Northern Motors from Byker, Newcastle Upon Tyne; Northern Motors purchased the vehicle from Durham Constabulary; Princess Margaret whilst visiting the North East was Chauffuer driven in this car in 1953.
North Street, Brandon Colliery c. 1968.
The rear of Church Street, Brandon Colliery c.1968 It is interesting to see the midden hatches have been removed and bricked up! Can you remember using them? How could you ever forget!
The view up Brandon Lane, towards the Market Place c. 1969 With Newcastle Street to the right and Humphries Bus Garage to the left of this photograph.
The Miners Hall and Mount Calvary Primitive Methodist Chapel c. 1968; The top of Commercial Street can just be seen, both the hall and chapel are now demolished and Brandon Lodge Retirement Home now occupies this site.
Albert Street, Brandon Colliery c.1968 The man standing at the end of the street is Mr. Tom Nichol who was the Caretaker at Meadowfield Co-op store. On the other side of the road is Brandon School wall , which can still be seen today;
The Independent Methodist Chapel at the top of North Street, Brandon Colliery c. 1968
Upper Princess Street on the left, with lower Albert Street on the right of this photograph c. 1965
This view was obtained from the colliery rail bridge spanning Brandon Lane, known locally as the “first bridge” c; In the center of the photograph is the Red Lion Public House, Nicknamed “The Bleazer”;
A Co-op wagon makes its way down Brandon Lane having made its delivery to Brandon Co-op; c. To the left is Brandon Colliery Literary Institute opened in 1873 known as The Reading Room and later as “The Chute”; Demolished a number of years ago, but in its heyday was known to have held 2,000 volumes according to the history, topography, and directory of the County Palatine of Durham published in 1894.
Brandon Co - op Store, Holmes Butchers Shop can be seen to the left of this photograph in 1968, at Brandon Market Place, The gable end of Hoppers Newsagents can just be seen, with Stan Woodards Spar Shop Located to the left on Brandon Lane.
Freeks shop Market Place, Brandon Colliery c. 1966 Mr. Billy Freeks travelling shop a familiar sight in and around the local villages.
The Market Fish Saloon and to the left the Colliery Store House c. 1968.
Staff of Brandon Colliery Railway Station c. 1920
Walter Willsons shop in Commercial Street Brandon Colliery c. 1935; Staff pose for this photograph and include from left to right: - Joseph Ramsey, Nancy Teggert, and George Crick. Joseph Ramsey can recall getting a clip around the ear hole! &for not filling the egg basket& which can be seen to the left of the group in the shop window display.
Children playing at the rear of Albert Street Brandon Colliery c. 1963 &no computer games in those days&, instead it was hop scotch and skippy ropes, cannon, knocky nine doors, football , cricket and marbles to name but a few, which amused local children after school.
A rare photograph showing one of the Colliery Ponds, on this occassion `Fully Drained`.
Station Avenue Brandon Colliery c. 1966; The Wesleyan Chapel can be seen in the centre of the street.
General view of Brandon Colliery Aged Miners Homes c. 1913.
Brandon Colliery Station c. 1960`s; Giving a general view of both platforms.
School Masters House, Brandon Colliery c. 1968; In later years was occupied by various colliery officials and their families.
Mr Harold Westgarths House Colliery Official all that is left of Park Street in 1968.
Gateway to Education c; An entrance to Brandon Colliery School. A large part of the school wall still survives today, this entrance is now lost along with the School; The young boy standing in the gateway is Kevin Sutherland.
Upper Queen Street, with Princess Street to the right, Brandon Colliery c.1967
Cobden Terrace, with Albert Street to the right, Brandon Colliery c. 1968
Rear of North Street Brandon Colliery c. 1968.
Dolly the Co-op horse, which pulled their Greengrocers cart around the Brandon district; The street to the rear is Park Street, Brandon Colliery. The dog is called Teddy ! c. 1953-54.
Sawmill Cottages, Sawmill Lane, Brandon
The Bay Horse Public House, Brandon Village . With the Dairy to the right which belonged to Mr. Rogers, a classic car makes its way into the village from Pit House to complete this village scene from the 1960`s;
The Cottages at Brandon Village c. 1960`s
Mr. William Wilson who lived at no. 41, The Cottages, Brandon Village; A miner who worked well into his upper sixties, his last occupation being to work on the Tippler at Pit House Colliery; Known to his friends as & Pidgeon Billy & and can be seen here at the doorway of his cottage with his Tumblers; Many shall recall the old water pump outside his cottage;
Three Tuns Public House, Brandon Village c. 1968 Renamed more recently The Prince Bishop;
The Vicarage Sawmills Lane c. 1947.
Railway bridge spanning Brandon Lane leading towards Langley Moor, known as the Second Bridge; A freight and passenger line from Deerness Valley Junction into Brandon Colliery (Durham to Bishop Auckland Line) operated by L.N.E.R;
Residence of Mr. Ralph Rutherford, all that is left of High Russel Street Brandon Colliery c. 1968 the house has been used by Under Managers at Brandon Colliery, Mr. H. Marley and Mr. G,. Moore.
Lower Princess Street on the left with Queen Street on the Right, Brandon Colliery c. 1968.
Frederick Street North and South, Meadowfield c.1930`s To the left of the photograph the first Meadowfield Social Club can be seen next to the Newsagents; These photographs were taken by Mr; Johnston of Gateshead who produced thousands of postcards by taking local views like this one, his car is seen outside the Newsagents Shop where he would be offering other postcards from his Sample book; Mr. johnston also offered a service repairing Fountain Pens !
General view of Meadowfield Brickworks, owned by Straker and Love c. 1960`s
Dorlonco Villas, Meadowfield c. 1930`s
St. John the Evangelist Church at Meadowfield c. 1968 Serving the spiritual needs of the Districts Protestant Community
The interior of St. John the Evangelist Church, at Meadowfield c.1914
Brandon Colliery Pit Pony Stables c. 1960 In later years the area of land in front of the stables, was used as a holding pen for cattle and sheep prior to slaughter at N.W. Suddes abattoir in Langley Moor; Many readers shall recall the unloading of animals from Brandon Station being driven up the ramp onto Station Road, proceeding down Frederick Street North and eventually into the field. The local nickname for this facility was the ‘ ranch’.
Mr. William Suddes c. 1930 A Mineral Water Manufacturer from his Meadowfield premises; Listed in trade directories as :- Suddes and Robson 1921-1929 Wm; Suddes and Son 1934-1938
Group of workers during the construction of Addison Park; It has been said the men were surface workers from C. Pit who completed this work during the 1926 Strike or during the depression of the 1930`s.
Group Photograph of the workers at Addison Park, Meadowfield.
Front Street, Browney Colliery c. 1916
Front Street, Browney Colliery c. 1966
The lane to the rear of Office Street, Browney Colliery c.1966 The Methodist Chapel can be seen to the left of the photograph.
Browney British School , was built in 1881 by the Colliery Owners Bell Brothers Ltd. With accomodation for 250 pupils in mixed and infant sections, this is a view from the south side of the School in 1966
110, Office Street, Browney Colliery c. 1930`s With members of the Mawson family posing for this photograph, they are from left to right:- Jack, Edna, Margaret, and George Mawson;
&Sweethearts& Connie Tomes later to be the wife of Mr. Steven Ernest Brown; Front Street, Browney Colliery c. 1940.
Members of Browney Social Club c.1914.
Rear of Front Street, Browney Colliery c. 1966
Sunday school group pose for this photograph outside the Primitive Methodist Chapel, July 9th 1932
Rear of Browney Lane with Harle Street on the right, Browney Colliery c. 1966
This view shows a derelict Browney Colliery in June 1967, just short of twentynine years since it was closed due to flooding !
Albert Wilson stands in the doorway of 1, Cobden Terrace, Brandon Colliery 1967.
Mrs Valente out on her rounds selling ice cream
Mr Valente at Anderson's Farm Croxdale, with the farmers daughter (waiting for some ice cream)
Mrs Jane Kelly with sons William and John Kelly, who lived in Office Street, Browney Colliery; John Kelly was later to be killed at the Easington Pit Disaster 29th May 1951.
Mr. Kenny Barnes and Tommy Jeff pose for this photograph outside of Front Street, Browney Colliery c.1950`s
Mr. Gordon Brownlees, Champion Pot Leek Grower, 1986 Who won a place in the Guinness Book of Records, with his Monster Leek measuring 117.82 cubic inches ! Which inspired a poem to be written about it by Mr. Norman Gibbon a Leek Show Judge and former Miner at Brandon Colliery.
High Street, Langley Moor c. 1906; The Primitive Methodist Church can be seen to the right of this photograph;
High Street North and South c. 1908;
St. Patricks Roman Catholic Church, Langley Moor c. 1972; Serving the needs of the districts Roman Catholic Community.
The Rehoboth New Connexion Church c. 1973; Fronting into High Street North, Langley Moor;
&Bossy& A. Reay`s ice cream cart who had a cafe in Langley Moor High Street; Seen here at Brandon Colliery in Newcastle Street c. 1932 - 33 giving a free ice cream to a well known customer ! the family pet, of Mr; and Mrs. James Montgomery who took this photograph;
Black Road Langley Moor c. 1966; The infant school can be seen to the left side of the photograph, in the distance passed the parked car on the right are Watchmans Buildings and The Red Stamp Stores, leading onto the High Street.
Brandon Lane heading down towards Front Street, Langley Moor in August 1966, The young boys are Robert and Kevin Sutherland.
Mr. Jim Mawston behind his shop counter at High Street , Langley Moor c. 1973; The Author recalls purchasing his & Ape hanger handlebars & to customise his handed down Raliegh Bicycle from Mr. Mawston in 1967, along with a pendant and bicycle horn to replace the worn out bell ! and an assortment of stick on transfers to complete the job ! Along with Bicycles, the shop stocked a variety of radio and electrical goods.
Angus Street, Langley Moor during the Winter of 1965, much of which has been demolished during the slum clearances. The properties at the top of the street are the only ones to survive from Angus Street. Recently they were modernised by another lost company to the area Coulson Estates whose premises were located to the left of the houses.
Whitwell Terrace, Langley Moor c. 1970
Sacco`s Temperance Bar, High Street, Langley Moor c. 1947 Mr. Fred Sacco seen in the doorway poses for this photograph with Mr. John Sewell.
Meadow Dairy Co. Ltd. High Street, Langley Moor c. 1950`s Manageress Pat Sewell is positioned to the right of this group photograph. Renowned for their Dairy Butter and quality Teas, along with a variety of provisions which were sold from this shop; The poster in the right hand side shop window reads, & Gold Tips & dividend tea at 3/- per lb; or if you prefer the & Gold Bags & at 2/8 per lb. The poster in the left hand side window reads & Holders of Emergency Vouchers welcome here ! With Civility and Service !
High Street Langley Moor c. 1967. This commercial area of Langley Moor which has seen many changes over the last few decades, still remains a popular shopping area in the district and still retains three public houses and a variety of other businesses; Many will remember the Empire Theatre located midway down the High Street on the left, now the location of a food supermarket
The back lane of High Street North c. 1960`s With its unmade roadway, the chimneys of Meadowfield Brickworks can be seen in the distance to the right of this photograph.
Mr George Peel, who was located on Langley Moor High Street , Greengrocer's shop 1973
Jubilee Terrace, Langley Moor 1966
High Street North , Langley Moor 1963
Machinists at work in Hirst and Thackaway Raincoat Factory Langley Moor c. 1947; A major employer in the area for many years!
William Skilbecks Garage, Langley Moor c. 1938 with a display advertising the new &Hillman Minx&.
Mill Road from Littleburn to Langley Moor c. 1969; The Commercial Hotel is located on the corner adjoining Onslow Terrace, by this time the hotel had already closed its doors in 1966
Littleburn Lane to the rear of High Street South c. 1969 The Willis Memorial Hall and Wesleyan Church are located on the right opposite the parked Morris Traveller; Today this property is occupied by Langley Tyre and Auto Ltd. who operate a Tyre and Exhaust replacement service and M.O.T station.
sketch by Ron Gray local Author & Artist of Meadowfield
Brandon Colliery Miners Lodge Banner c. 1963 Proudly displayed by miners and their families at the whippet field, Brandon Colliery; The banner was unfurled by Michael Foot M.P;
Brandon Colliery Silver Prize Band Photographed on the Palace Green Durham City 1960; Included in the Group are : - Tommy Robson, George Robson, Jack Carr, Tommy Bartle , Jinner Cairns, Clive Hogarth, Ronnie Crick, Ray Hogarth, Billy Devlin, Ray Lee, George Mains, Jim Foxcroft, Doug Cairns, Bobby Kenworthy, Keith Williams, Jimmy McNestry, David Young, Gilbert Brown, Brian Gibbons, Harry Lyons and Charlie Devlin.
Brandon Miners Lodge Banner parades over Elvet Bridge at the Durham Miners Gala 1965;
Brandon Colliery Band and The Miners Lodge Banner start towards the Durham Miners Gala led by band master Joe Mains in 1968, its last attendence at the Gala as the following year it was presented to the City of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. It would be thirty years on ! When Councillor Mrs. Doreen McMahon, representing the community would travel to receive the lodge banner from civic leaders in the Canadian Province.Upon its return a celebration was held to rededicate the Brandon Banner which was carried out by Father Peter of St. John the Evangelist Church, at Brandon Community Hall on 2nd July 1999. The Lodge Banner has attended both the 1999 and the millennium year 2000 Miners Gala's; It is now proudly displayed in a specially made display case back in the community where it belongs.
Brandon Colliery Miners Lodge Banner follows the Colliery Band making its way past Brandon Co - op on route to The Durham Miners Gala c. 1955.
Brandon Miners Lodge Banner c; Parades past the County Hospital after embarking at Durham City, it is preceeded by Mr. Thomas Carr, checkweighman at Brandon Colliery seen here with his bowler hat and walking cane with other Lodge Officials; This photograph is special in the fact that this banner is now lost to the community, and Mr. Carr a much respected Miners Lodge Official who in later years would have a stretch of roadway named after him &Carr Avenue&. His portrait adorns this banner with Ramsey McDonald; I have heard it said &He had forty nine jobs and got paid for one& that being his position at the colliery; Mr. Carr had a long and distinguished career serving on many committees within the community
The second photograph shows the same banner, a number of years later without Ramsey McDonald`s portrait, and a new panel Depicting the west end of Durham Cathedral following a decision to remove McDonald`s portraite at a lodge meeting held 26th May 1932 Mr. Carr can be seen once again in bowler hat and his walking cane, with Mr. Armstrong the Colliery Manager and other union officials returning home with the lodge banner from the Miners Gala. c. 1930`s
Brandon Colliery Band parades towards North Road in Durham City under the railway viaduct at the Miners Gala in the 1950`s
Signing on ! for the Daily Herald Brass Band Contest, Newcastle City Hall, c. 1948; Included in the Group are : -J. Foxcroft - Sorano Cornet, T. Robson - Solo Cornet, G. Mains - Cornet, L. Graveling - Cornet, L. Arnold - Cornet, G. Harvey - Flugel, W. Harker - Cornet, G. Mains - Cornet, H. Harker - Cornet, K. Wood - Cornet, C. Devlin - Solo Tenor Horn, M. Tyrie - Tenor Horn, S. Ord - Solo Euphonium, W. Hunter - Solo Baritone, J. Bullows - Baritone, J. Grimes - Solo Trombone, C. Collins - Trombone, N. Stephenson - Trombone, A. Howden - Bb. Bass, T. Ord - Eb. Bass, J. Tyrie - Bass, J. Mawston - Cornet and H. Cheek - The young boy! Cornet with Joe Mains The Band Master;
School Portrait of a young Harry Reed at Brandon Village, Church of England School c. 1930
Brandon Village Church of England School 1922 - 23, Class 2 Back row L – R Gordon Gowery, Alan Low, Harry Huntley, George Thompson, ?, ?, Middle Row L – R Mrs. Hinds, Nancy Walker, Nelly Handrick, Maudy Poulson, Vera Curtis, Betty Young, Nora Lewis, Nora Simpson, Nancy Colwell, Brenda Parker, Dora Reed, ?, Mary Reed, Nancy Peel, Mary Guyll, Front Row L – R Annie Dologon, Arthur Tinker, Tom Herron, Billy Buxton, Arthur Attle, ?, Arthur Guyll, Harry Coleman, ?, ?.
A school Visit to Durham Castle from Brandon School
Brandon Modern Secondary School, Season 1948 - 49 Back Row:- W. Douglas, K. Carr, R. Ovington, G. Craddock, T. Soulsby, K. Urwin; Front Row:- J. Elliot, D. Adair, H. Raynor, R. Wilkie, J. Pouton; This photograph shows the first Brandon School Football Team to play after the first World War, formed on the arrival of the newly appointed Headmaster Mr. Horrace Clear. It was taken at Houghall Sports Ground opposite the Maiden Castle complex, the team was playing Whinney Hill School.
Girls outing from Brandon School, 1931 - 32 Miss williams is the Teacher, the location is Bowes Museum.
St. Patricks R. C. School football team, 1961. Back Row :- M. Carrol, B. Dawson, J. Worrel, G. Mearman, A. Futers. Front Row :- J. Staff, O. Condron, H. Coates, J. Ross, M. Moran, P. Carey, K. Furness.
Staff from Brandon School c. 1960 back row:- Mrs. Fish, Miss Traynor, Miss Dinning, front row:- Miss Emmerson, Mrs. Colwell, Miss Tunstall, Mrs. Oates, Mrs. Stabbler and Mrs. Simpson.
St Patricks R. C. School Football Team, 1958. Back Row:- K. Boyle ( Teacher ), J. Condron, M. Foody, R. Stoker, B. Molmer, J. Towns, B. Collins, J. Keegan ( Teacher ); Front Row :- Alan Johns, I. McQuire, G. Nolan, L. Penfold, W. Waggot, J. Kitching.
Brandon School Group c. 1947 The Teacher is Miss Stephenson, and known pupils include:- Tommy Robinson, Joyce Stoker, Edith Rivers, Freddy Clennel, Betty Barnes, Moira Mullard, Ruby Smith, Betty Reavely, Shiela Bousefield, and Alan Simpson.
Brandon Modern School Football Team c. 1964 - 65 Back row:- Mr. Jock Davison, Teacher. P. Gilroy, W. Anderson, R. Sutherland, A. Pears, C. Stidwell, and G. Smith. Front row:- F. Redden, N. Robinson, D.Cairns, D. Gill, C. Pritchard, K. Watson, and P. Robertson.
Browney County School
St. Patricks School Netball Team c. 1958
North Brancepeth Council School, Langley Moor. c. 1930 The Teacher of this Junior Class was Mr. Benjamin Thirlwall and at this time had around thirty years service at the School; The Headmaster was called Mr. Wylam. Known Pupils include:- Back row- ?,?,?, Fred Wetherall, ?, Lancelot Walker, ?, ? Wilkinson, Leonard Briggs, Wilfred Watkin, and Ronald Melvin. Middle row- Leonard Dew, ?,?,?, William Reed, William Taylor, Jack Winter, Samuel Adair, with Miss Constance Sedgewick. Front row- ?,?,?, E. Hopper, ?,?,?,?, Lillian Humphries, ?. Leonard Dew`s Father was the Manager of Thompsons Red Stamp Store, and E. Hopper was the Daughter of Edward and Edith Hopper who had the Newsagents Shop on the High Street at Langley Moor. Lancelot Walker became a Metallurgist and Wilfred Watkin a Chemist, his Father was a Teacher in he Senior part of the School. This information was provided by Classmate Mr. William Taylor who became an Architect, Academic Scholar, and Author with several publications on Greek and Roman Architecture. William was born at No. 2, Black Road, Langley Moor, to Abraham and Isabella Taylor. Mr. Taylor was a Choir Master at Langley Moor Primitive Methodist Chapel; In the 1930`s the Primitive Methodist congregation at Langley Moor was the largest of all the Chapels in the district, and the Methodist Tradition continues to this day at St. Andrews at Brandon, and the J. D; Murray Independent Methodist Chapel on the Sawmills Estate.
Brandon Junior School, Class of 1935. Sixty years later ! a reunion was organised by Mrs. Ward formally - Isabel Johnson in 1995 with fourteen former classmates attending which include:- Dorothy Savage, Isabel Ward, Alec Brown, Nancy Stevens, Annie Luke, John Dickson, Wilfred Davies, George Miller, Dorothy Smith, Gordon Peart, Ivy Humphries, Colin Hutchinson, Thelma Wright, and Richard Wade.
Form 1, Brandon School c.1950`s Known pupils include:- Kenneth Teggert, Thomas Bussey, Peter Beresford, Joe Ord, Kenneth Welsh, Barry Dickenson, and Dianne Bell, Maureen Ayre, Sylvia Briggs, Norma Newman, Eleanor Ullathorne, Margaret Lidster, also Robert Devlin, John Green, William Rome, George Holmes, Doreen Richardson, Glenda Maddison, Judith Pye, Avril Allison, and Florence Wilson.
St. Patricks R.C. School Football Team 1950 - 51 Back row:- Mr. Tonge, with J. Beer, T. Dowdle, B. Byrne, P. McAloon, P. Dowdle, and J. Keegan. Seated:- J. Waggot, R. Kennedy, T. Dowson, J. Kennedy, and R. Ditchburn.
North Brancepeth Council School A.F.C. 1923 - 24
Mr. W. Wilson’s Mining sketch. These sketches are from the collection of Mining Scenes, drawn from memory by Mr. William Wilson a former Miner from Brandon. This drawing shows a Tailgate Caunch, where sidepoling has been used to build a platform to enable the Miners to drill the caunch (stone) they are using a drill called an `Atlas Cobco`, to drill the holes.
Mr. W. Wilson’s Mining sketch. The Miners in this Drawing are seen using an old Tailgate, (tunnel) as a material supply road. The Miners are using ` Windy Picks ` to loosen the bottom stone as the ground pressure has forced the floor to rise upwards! taking the height away for the material set to travel up the gate
Brandon Colliery Ambulance Team c.1923 Winners of the Colonal Burden Shield 1921, Club Union Shield 1922 and the Donald Bain Shield 1923.
Members of St. John Ambulance, Brandon Colliery Division c. 1926. Pose for this photograph being the first winners of the coroner J. Graham Shield who can be seen seated 2nd. from the right front row; This magnificent trophy was presented to our winning team inside Durham Town Hall by Coroner Graham Winners Medals were presented by Mayoress Mrs. Waite, known members of the team include :- K. G. McVean captain, J. Lister, E. Warriner, H. Bowes, and W. Hall. The team won the competition with 325 1/2 points, from six section winning teams taking part in the final, with thirty teams entering the competition overall.
Mr. Jake Lawson c. 1950`s who worked as an engine driver on the locomotives for thirty years at Brandon Colliery; In the background to the right the gable end to the Colliery Inn can just be seen, known locally as the &Scraper&.
Mr. Tom Bartle, fitter at Brandon Colliery c. 1950`s; Rose to be secretary of the Mechanics Union; It was a sad day when news was recieved by the local community that Mr. Bartle had been killed in a road accident, whilst attending a union conference in London;
Brandon and Pit House Colliery Officials and Office Staff c. 1950. Back Row :- F. Wilkinson, J. Middleton, T. Bertram, A. Greeney, H. Huntley, W. Grayson, C. Winter, H. Stewart, W. Graham, R. Bourne; Middle Row :- E. Buckley, T. Hassen, E. Buckley Jnr., J. Kitching, F. Guyll, J. Teggart, W. Dawson, N. Stewart, R. Humphrey, E. Fawcett, H. Westgarth; Front Row :- G. Fox, R. Halkier, A. Brown, J. Nelson (Undermanager Brandon C. Pit ), J. P. Welsh ( Manager ), W. Richardson ( Undermanager Pit House ), J. Spence, C. Faulkner and G. Mawston.
Pit House Colliery, 1964; The washery plant is in the background, with the new surface drift; The building to the right was the fire equipment office and was also used as a union room; The miners left to right :- Thomas Hansen from Ushaw Moor, Keith Lisle from Stanley and Kenny Jackson from Brandon about to start the 04:00 o`clock shift.
Pit House Colliery as seen in February 1968 which was the year the Colliery closed.
The &Pearly Gates& Road crossing for the Colliery line from Pit House to Brandon Colliery
Mr. Forrest Winter c. 1964 - 65 Aged 64 who operated the Pearly Gates at Pit House. Mr. Winter was a pit deputy until a roof fall in 1948 left him disabled; On his return to work he was assigned to light duties and worked the gates for over a decade untill his retirement, having completed fifty two years to the coal industry; The Level Crossing Gates would swing open, across the roadway around six times a day, allowing 180 tons of coal to be transported down to Brandon Colliery for further distribution; The nickname given to the gates is well remembered to this day ! and many will recall the hand painted inscription & Pearly Gates & above the doorway to the Gate Keepers hut.
The Weigh Cabin, Brandon Colliery c. 1966 With the A. Pit Shaft in the background.
A load of full coal wagons being hauled by the colliery six wheel diesel locomotive. c. 1967 It is travelling around the old School curve, making its way down from Pit House to Brandon Colliery.
C. Pit, Brandon Colliery c. 1928 Showing the screens, shaft, and winding house.
The storehouse at A. Pit , Brandon Colliery c. 1966
Inside the winding house at C. Pit, Brandon Colliery c. 1925
The screens at C. Pit, Brandon Colliery c. 1925
Brandon Colliery Silver Prize Band c. 1909. Photographed outside the colliery managers house. Winners of the D and N Association Challenge Cup 1907, the Hunwick Cup 1909 and The Newburn Cup 1909.
Brandon Colliery Band c. 1900. This early photograph shows the band without uniforms, founded in 1890, and originally formed as a pipe and flute band. It is believed this photograph was taken at Mount Calvery Primitive Methodist Chapel.
The Creeper at Pit House Colliery.
Mr. George Holmes and Daughter Lilly pose for this photograph as Mr. Holmes has just finished a shift at the pit, the family pet makes up this happy trio ! c. 1950`s.
George Wilfred Robson, a Miner at Littleburn Colliery c. 1916 Who lived at 7, Railway Street, Littleburn, Mr. Robson`s family moved to Littleburn from Stanley near Crook to take up employment at the colliery. He and his brother were keen Pidgeon Fanciers, and their loft won many races, being awarded a gold medal to the Robson Brothers in 1936 at Langley Moor Workingmens Club; Their older brother Thomas Albert Robson was killed in action at the Battle of Arras, France 28th April 1917.
A chimney being felled at Littleburn Colliery sometime after 1950, in which year the colliery closed; Sunk in 1870, with the Engineer shaft reaching the Busty Seam, a second shaft the Merchant worked the Brockwell Seam; The colliery owners were the North Brancepeth Coal Company; In 1931 the company went into liquidation and the colliery was re-opened by Bearpark Coal and Coke Co. Ltd. who worked the Busty Seam untill the flooding in 1950.
Sinkers at Browney Colliery c. 1871 - 73. The pit was sunk by the Bell Brothers with coal being extracted from The Brockwell, Busty and Hutton seams by 1873; The Colliery later passed into the hands of Dorman Long and Co. Ltd. in 1923; The Colliery closed in 1938 after flooding.
A Group of Joiners at Browney Colliery, photographed outside their workshop.
Browney Colliery Surface Workers `Yard` Football Team c. 1930 Mr. Ralph Ross can be seen third from the right, back row.
A group of Miners photographed in the Timber Yard, at Browney Colliery c. 1930`s included in the group are:- T. Robson, D. Mcmahon, W. Burdess, J. Laidle, and the pit Deputy with the eye patch is unknown !
The erection of pit headgear at Browney Colliery, No. 3 Shaft c. 1871-73.
A new `Galloway` Steam Raising Boiler, being installed at Browney Colliery.
A Soup Kitchen at Browney School during the strike of 1926.
Browney Colliery Miners Lodge Banner; This banner shows a miner and Britannia standing in front of Justice; The miner is wearing a Miners Federation of Great Britain belt, and holds a scroll inscribed &Mines owned by the nation for the nation& loyalty, endeavour, and good citizenship; While Britania holds a scroll with the message &Humane conditions, higher standards of living, adequate compensation and safety measures&; This scene is entitled &A Fair Exchange&.
The Red Lion Football Team pose for this photograph taken in the late 1940`s about to play Thompsons Red Stamp Stores at the top field, on Easter Monday with around 2ft; snow on the field ! Known members of the team include:- Back row- W. Cairns, G. Clark, S. Pinkney, J. Condron, G. Tobin, and R. Dickinson. Front row- A. Pearson, E. Taylor, ?, W.Watson, W. Ford, ? mascot.
Browney Colliery Football Team c. 1920`s The only known member of the team is Albert Penfold Front row, 2nd from the right behind the shield.
Browney Juniors Football Team c. 1950. A successful team which played in the Durham under 18`s Junior League. L - R Back Row :- T. Charlton, W. Scarr, R. Wilkie, K. Irwin, R. Hindmarch, G. Clark. L - R Front Row :- B. Jackson, J. Kitching, K. Carr, N. Green, N. Gibson, Mascot B. Raper; This team played on the field behind the Cosy Garage!
Littleburn Colliery Football Team c. 1920`s Dr. Wilson can be seen to the right of the team and his Wife Catherine to the left, Langley Old Hall provides a stately background to this photograph.
Brandon Colliery Welfare Football Team c. 1950`s. Included in the Group are Alfie Myres, Jack Dixon, Dick Richardson, John Warrell, Matt Robinson, Bob Richardson, Jack Robson, Tommy Allchurch, and George Sykes.
Brandon Colliery Welfare Football Team c. 1950`s. Included in the Group are Alfie Myres, Jack Dixon, Dick Richardson, John Warrell, Matt Robinson, Bob Richardson, Jack Robson, Tommy Allchurch, and George Sykes.
Brandon Colliery Welfare Juniors Presentation 1963 - 64. Included in the group are :- Mick Condron, Ron Davidson ( Secretary ), Alan Franks, Thomas Coates, Peter Beresford, Don Richardson, Billy Teasdale, Alan Johns, Billy Condron, Billy Dickinson, Norman Barker, Jack Draycott, Norman Anderson, Ken McVean, Pauline Ramm, Ricky Ramm, Taffy Richards, Jimmy Collins, Micky Evans, Peter Stevens, George Curran, Barry Dolphin, Ian Condron the Mascot, Jack Burlison, John Mason, Michael Cairns, Tony Rosethorne, Mrs. Esther Bewley, Dennis White, George Bullows ( Treasurer ), Philip Lumley and John Pinkney.
Brandon Colliery Welfare Juniors 1964 - 65. Included in this team are Back Row :- G. Bullows ( Treasurer ), A. Franks, A. Johns, W. Holmes, P. Beresford, A. Elliott, T. Rosethorne and N. Anderson ( Chairman ). Front Row :- Billy Dickinson, J. A. Butterfield, B. Wright, B. Newton, N. Barker and Ron Davidson ( Secretary ), Mascot Ian Condron.
Brandon Colliery Welfare Juniors and Support Staff c. 1970`s. Back Row :- Philip Lumley, James Condron, Paul Pritchard, Trevor Seed, Norman Green, Peter Willis, Darren Rumney, Stewart King, George Robinson, Alan Seed, Lee Patterson, Peter Charlton, Mrs. Esther Bewley, Paul Davis, Steven Carr, Alex Newman, Henry Kelly and Alan Pears.
Brandon Tennis Club c. 1950`s. Photographed outside the Pavillion; Back Row :- E. Porter, D. Palmer, A. Bartram, V. Smith. Front Row :- K Eaton, W. Lumsden, T. Kennedy and W. Simmons.
Brandon Colliery Cricket Team, 24th May 1952 Pose for this group photograph, before playing a team from Coxhoe. Known members of the team include:- Back row- Umpire ?, T. Thornton, E. Ayre, W. Dowdle, F. Metcalf, S. Pinkney, G. Anderson, Umpire J. Kelly. Front row- ?, ?, A. Lidster, ?, W. Coulthard.
& Knock out Competition & Pit House Colliery with Mr. T Donkin, Colliery Manager doing the honours! with the winning team being the Colliery Mechanics. Their Captain was R. Bowes.
Brandon Ladies and Mens Bowling Club Presentation inside the Union Hall c. 1960`s.
Mr. David Ogilvy who fought under the name of `Dave Brandon` seen here in the ring. c. 1950`s Mr. Ogilvy a well known and respected Professioal Welterweight Boxer, who went on to reach high office within the British Boxing Board of Control. He spent many years coaching others in the proffession, and assisted with the setting up of Durham Amateur Boxing Club, and is well remembered for his boxing club at Carrside Youth Club.
Light weight Boxer Mr. Peter Kelly from Brandon aged 23 years old. Who worked as a miner at C. Pit Brandon Colliery who became the N.C.B. National Champion in 1953 and Northern Counties Champion in the same year; North East Area Champion 1953 - 1954; Semi finalist in the R.A.F. Championships at Uxbridge in 1949.
Brandon Workingmen`s Club Trip c. 1952. Club Secretary Jack Higgins can be seen standing head and shoulders above the rest in this group photograph; The annual club trip was a highlight in the club members calander when he and his family had a rare opportunity to visit a North East coastal resort, like South Shields or Seaton Carew.
Brandon and Byshottles Urban District Council c. 1946. Assemble for this photograph at the official opening of the new council housing at Grey Ridges Brandon;
New Council housing at Acorn Place, Sawmills, Brandon. c. 1949. Mr. Aneurin Bevan, Minister of Health with some of the senior citizens at the opening of the bungalows. Included in the group are :- Miss Jennie Lee M. P., J. D. Murray M. P., Mr. Fred Hedley and &Tashy& Wilson of Brandon and Byshottles Urban District Council, Mrs Gill and Tom Dickinson both local councillors with some of the first residents.
The Brandon Labour Party Womens Section banner c. 1950's. Included in this group are the following known members:- George Hewitt B. E. M., Rhoda Lidster, Lysa Lee, Jessie Hewitson, Mary Ramsey, Maggie Close, James Murray M. P., Mrs Laidlaw, Mary Parks, Mr. Barlow, R. Grady, Nellie Birchnall, Ada Hutchinson, Mrs Brown, Hilda Lowes, Jenny Grayson, Bella Kennedy, Annie Ayre, Martha Urwin, Tom Dickinson, Ina Grayson, Gracie Robinson; The two young girls are Noreen Cord and Susan Foster; The banner was embroidered by Mrs Ramsey and sewn together by Mrs Lidster.
The official opening of Brandon Colliery Miners Welfare Hall. Opened by Ralph Roddam Harland Esq. on the 4th February 1961. In more recent years it has been renamed Brandon Community Hall.
Mr. William H. Hare, Chemist, Langley Moor c. 1911. Can be seen seated with his wife Marie to the right of him, and Hilda his daughter and William Elland his son to the left of this photograph; Mr Hares shop was located on the High Street with this photograph being taken at the rear of the premises; Mrs. Hare originated from the Black Forest area of Germany, and came to England as a Domestic Servant finding employment in Sunderland where she met William her future husband.Mr. Hare was Vice Chairman of Brandon and District Photographic Society and a Member of Langley Moor Chamber of Trade.
Dr. James Alexander Wilson MB. CM., Aged 26 Years c. 1890 This portrait shows the newly qualified Doctor Wilson and was supplied to Doctor Stewart along with his testimonials and qualifications whilst applying to be considered for the vacant post at Doctor Stewarts Surgery at Langley Old Hall in 1890. Doctor Wilson was given the position and eventually took over the Practice and in the years to come was to have Field Hall built just along the road from the Old Hall and conducted his practice from there untill his retirement. Doctor Wilson was born at Old Monkland, Lanarkshire in 1869. The Son of Rev. Thomas Wilson, M.A. Lesmahagow, Lanarkshire. and was educated at Public School and Glasgow University. He held many positions both professionally and socially and had a passion for sporting activities, and was engaged as Medical Officer to Brandon Isolation Hospital, the North Brancepeth Coal Co. Ltd., and to various Insurance Companies. Doctor Wilson held high office, and was an active Member of the local R.A.O.B. lodges including , the Bobby Shafto Lodge no. 2427, the Langley Moor Lodge no. 2535 and the Brancepeth Castle Lodge no. 2574; He was also a Member of the Grand United Order of the Knights of the Golden Horn, Langley Moor Encampment no. 115 and was installed to this order on January 8th 1930. In 1904 he was married to Catherine Lisgo who came from New Brancepeth, whose Father was Richard Lisgo was a Master Shifter at New Brancepeth Colliery; Catherine died two years after an operation to remove a diseased kidney. The Doctor was to take a second wife, Mary Daglish the daughter of a colliery Overman at Brandon Colliery, they had a son Mr. James WIlson who still resides at Field Hall, Langley Moor. Doctor Wilson served the district for over fifty years, and on 23rd December 1946 was presented with an & Illuminated Address & and a substantial sum of money upon his retirement from his & Friends and Patients & of Langley Moor and surrounding district. He is still very fondly remembered by the older generation within our community.
Mr. John Robinson playing the organ at Brandon Workingmens Club Mr. Robinson is well known to the district being Chief Enviromental Health Officer for many years with The City of Durham Council; John is still active as a organist on the club circuit.
Members of the Langley Moor, `Boyne` Lodge No. 2535 R.A.O.B.
Langley Moor Workingmens Club, Committee c. 1950
Brandon W.R.V.S. at Langley Moor c. 1940; Included in the group are :- Mrs. Tweddle, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Halliday, the Matron of the Brandon Division, Mrs. Crosby, Mrs. Mitchison. Completing their Civil Defence Training.
Langley Moor W.I. c. 1960`s Performing at Langley Moor Workingmens Club, included in the group are:- Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Kilner, Mrs. Cleasby, Mrs. Tomlinson, Mrs. Cleasby, and Mrs. Foster.
Members of Durham City Vintage Collectors Society c; 1986 Who have staged a Vintage Rally at Meadowfield from 1986 to the present year. To celebrate the Millennium Year, their Rally Plaque given to all Exhibitors was engraved with the `Boars Head` motif being a widely used symbol representing the district especially by local schools; Mr. Jack Roberts and Richard Lye both Founder Members of this group preparing with supporters to stage their first event at Meadowfield held 7th and 8th June 1986.
Mrs Phoebe Lidster 1954 - 55. First Chairwoman of Brandon and Byshottles Urban District Council and first elected woman councillor, this lady always obtained the vote of local mineworkers and is still fondly remembered to this day by a great many people.
Following in her mothers footsteps Mrs Ivy Humphries in her Mayoral Robes, during her term of office as Mayor of Durham City 1987 - 88. Councillor Humphries has served the Brandon District at City Council level from 1983 to the present day.
Langley Moor Carnival c. 1957
Residents of Newcastle and Sunderland Streets, Brandon Colliery In Fancy Dress on the occassion of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953.
Joan and Kenny Barnes allotment at the bottom of Sunderland Street, Brandon Colliery c. 1956; The Colliery Line and Pit Heap provide the background to this photograph.
Wilfred Johnson, Jimmy Frost, and Robert Thompson in Brandon Workingmens Club, Snooker Room. c. 1950
Boyne Corps, Young Persons, Annual presentation , 1957
Local Pop Group ` The Blue Stars ` c.1966 Who played the local Club Scene ! Members of the group include:- John Russell, John Sudron, Alan Bailey, Tom Jones, and Colin Ibitson.
Christine Wilson and Christine Hague c.1972 The first junior Medical Receptionists, to be employed by Mrs. Margaret Miller the Practice Manager at the Doctors Surgery at Meadowfield.
Mr and Mrs Alfred and Isabella Firth, of 1, Cobden Terrace, Brandon Colliery c.1965; Alfred is seen here with his Wife after being presented with the B.E.M. (British Empire Medal) at Buckingham Palace. Mr. Firth was an Overman at Pit House Colliery and worked fiftyone years in the Coal Industry, and served forty years service with St. John Ambulance.
Regulars at the Red Lion Inn, pose for this photograph in the 1950`s Included in the group are :- Laurie Best, Andrew Pearson, Nicholl Adamson, Joe Lee, Robert Surtees, Tommy Langley, and George Stokoe seated.
Mr. William Craddock 1st Mayor of the newly incorporated City of Sunderland;
Albert Lee Wilson tends his pigs on the family allotment at Brandon Colliery c. 1967; Watched by his sister Christine, Albert was tragically killed in a car accident aged 21 years old on 1st January 1970.
Mrs. E. Jameson and son Christopher at 1, Princess Street, Brandon Colliery c. 1965. With Sally the dog, and one of the many Foxes reared and kept by the Family as a pet over the years!
Mrs. Evelyn Russell (nee Reed) c. 1998. A recent photograph showing Evelyn with her blue sash which she wore with pride as &Brandon Welfare Coal Queen& in 1965.
Brandon Workingmens Club, Leek Show c.1942. A strong tradition of Leek growing exists to this day! The Winners on this occassion are :- Dick Harland, Jimmy Thompson, George Harvey, Robert Lonsdale, Jimmy Tones, and Ralph Teasdale.
V. E. Day Celebrations c. 1945. Queen Street, BrandonColliery 1st half of tables.
1ST Browney Scout Troop c. 1916. At camp with Mr Henwood their Scoutmaster.
V. E. Day Celebrations c. 1945. Queen Street, Brandon Colliery 2nd half of tables.
Salvation Army Boyne Band c. 1900 Is seen here outside their barracks in Langley Moor, the Bandmaster Mr. Wicks is seated between the two lady Officers. The Bandsmen posed either side of the drum are Tommy Harker to the left side and Treasurer Jack Roberts to the right.
Queen Elizabeth 2nd Celebrations c. 1953; Residents of Queen & Princess Streets, Brandon Colliery; Known members of the group include :- Anne Robson, Shiela Bousfield, Janice Robson, Jean Cumisky, Joan Myers, Kay Bartle, Brena Bell, Kathleen Jameson, John Robinson, Peter Keenan, Derek Craddock, William Parks, David Middleton, John Middleton, Harry Madgin, George Richardson, Raymond Richardson, Alma Clough, Elizabeth Jameson, John Madgin, Trevor Grieveson, Brian Strong, Ronnie Parks, Dennis Goodall, Mary Beer, Mary Condron, Doreen Clough, Elizabeth Dowdle, Mary Middleton, Judith Richardson, James Condron, Ralph Holmes, Malcolm Clough, Chris Jameson, George Holmes, Tom Jackson, David Clough, with Kit Jameson the colliery Blacksmith holding the small child to the right of the photograph.
Mrs. J. Barnes and Daughter outside their home at 10, College Terrace, Brandon Colliery; Her Husband worked for Straker and Love driving the Colliery Tankies.
Mrs. Jenny Anderson and Mrs. Isabella Firth, two sisters from Brandon with Newcastle Street and a midden in the background c. 1930`s; This photograph shows a typical style of dress for this period.
Members of the Jameson family relax on the beach at South Shields! Mr. George Henry Jameson seen here on the left of the photograph, has the distinction of raising the N.C.B. flag on Vesting Day, January 1947.
One of the many visits to Blackpool guest houses by local folk; This group being transported there by Cleasby Coaches to local guest house proprietor Polly Burdess whose married name is Winn located in center front row with Mr Percy Cleasby seated left Front Row; Cleasby Coaches operated 12, 29, 41 and 45 seater coaches and catered for theatre bookings, long distance tours and private parties; There telephone number was Meadowfield 388; The business was operated from the Olympia Garage at Langley Moor.
Christmas Party Time at St. Agatha`s Mission Hall at Brandon Colliery c. 1950`s.
Brandon Carnival Queen, Barbara Woods and Ruby Smith c. 1950`s.
Mr. Fred Sacco with his ice cream cart c. 1932; With Newcastle Street to the rear and you`ve guessed it Mr. J. Montgomery`s dog.
Mr. Harry Reed Durham Home Guard, F. Company, 11th Battalion affiliated to Durham Light Infantry c. 1939 - 1944. The cycling Club in Brandon were asked to join the Home Guard as messengers so Mr. Reed along with J. Pouton, E. Burnett, R. Cole and a few others went to Meadowfield Police Station to enlist as volunteers and were signed on by the local police sergent, they were only 16 years of age, but should have been 17 years old to join up! At first no one appeared to be in charge so one night the group of cyclists saw some first world war veterans at Brandon Recreation Ground who were gathered in the football changing rooms, they included Mr. T. Lawson, Mr. G. Ather, Mr. D. Harland, Mr. T. Mearman and Mr. D. Fort; Although only a few had volunteered at first our number started to grow; Mr. T. Lawson took charge and things started to get sorted out, Denim uniforms were provided and L.D.V. armbands so we felt a bit more like soldiers; We moved into the ambulance drill hall at Brandon and started our training marching and saluting; On 28th July 1939 we officially became The Home Guard and were issued with battledress, Ross Rifles ( Canadian ) along with other weapons and proudly wore the D. L. I. Cap Badge; F. Company included Brandon, Browney, Langley Moor Broompark and New Brancepeth; We guarded local Collieries, Railway Stations and completed exercises against the regular army based at Brancepeth Camp; We went on weekend training to learn to use new weapons; In 1944 The Home Guard stood down at a big parade held on the Racecourse at Durham; We were disbanded in 1945, reformed in 1952 and finally disbanded in 1956. This story was told to me by Mr. Harry Reed.
Blackpool Trip c.1950`s This group of Locals having been transported to this popular coastal resort by & Humphries Coaches &
Residents of Sunderland Street c. 1950`s are presented in this group photograph ready for the annual club trip from Brandon W.M.C. Included in the group are the following :- Derek Argument, Ann Burnham, George Robinson, Tommy Robinson, Bobby and Eric Cutty, Kate Anderson, Norman Argument, Jimmy Argument and David Wanless;
Mr. Jack Madgin, T.V. Engineer, but more importantly Jack had the foresight to record most of the District, as his hobby was photography. Most of the street scenes contained on this site are Mr. Madgins work, and the Archive wishes to thank the Sutherland and Madgin families the holders of this archive for allowing their reproduction and giving future generations the opportunity to see what most of the colliery area looked like in the 1960`s; A very important part of our heritage was coming to a close at this time, and Mr. Madgin must be remembered for this lasting legacy he has given us, through his collection of photographs of the Brandon and District.
Mr. Jake Maddison, Bartie Frost and George Tobin pose for this photograph outside their pidgeon loft, Brandon Colliery.
Parsnips on Display, at Langley Moor Workingmens Club, Vegetable Show, 18th - 19th September 1952.
Local Historian, Mr. Laurie Moran at a `Signing Session` during the launch of his book, & The History of Brandon Colliery 1856 - 1960 & Mr Moran spent eleven years researching information for the book, which spans the working life of Brandon Colliery, and is regarded as the standard reference book for those interested in our local history.
Mr. Richard Wade M.B.E. Whose family farmed at West Brandon from 1930. Richard has continued in the families tradition and has farmed at Primroseside Farm, at New Brancepeth from 1957 up to the present day! Richard a former pupil at Brandon School, recieved his honour from the Queen having been awarded the medal in the Birthday Honours List, for Services to Agriculture. Mr. Wade pioneered School visits to Farms, with youngsters and students coming from all parts of the country to experience &Life on the Farm & and to see cows and sheep giving birth to their young ! In 1971, he became Durham County Delegate to London a position he held untill his retirement in 1986. Mr Wade has also held the office of President of Durham County Federation of Young Farmers and been President of the Durham City Branch. The M.B.E. followed a Silver Jubillee Medal in 1977 also for Services to Agriculture.
Brandon and District Branch of the Royal British Legion, parade up from St. Johns Church with their standards and Branch Members, on the 30th September 1962. This year was the also the 30th Anniversary of the formation of the Branch.
Mr. Charles Wilson, Butcher for Brandon & Byshottles Equitable Co-op Society Ltd. photographed with their Butchers van. Mr. Wilson is reputed to have said & That the van broke a spring a week due to the various surfaces that it travelled upon within the district.& c.1930`s
Annual Horse Race 1930 Snowdons Field, Littleburn Lane (in the background is the back of Onslow Terrace) Holding the horse is William Henry Elliott, he ran the co-op stables in Meadowfield. On the horse is his son, 12 year old, William (Billy) Elliott. The horse belonged to, Blacketts the Bakers, whose shop was next to the Commercial Hotel. Billy used to play the nick to drive the horse and bakers van to Page Bank and Tow Law;
The Howden Dene photographed at Brandon Colliery, No. 2880 c. 1920`s; The engine was built in 1911.
The Basey Family, well known bus operators in the 1920`s started with Horse Drawn Carriages, this Coach provided a service to New Brancepeth and Olive Basey told me she had taken a ride in it when she was five years old. The Family had stables at the junction of Brandon Lane and Black Road.
The `Leazes` 3830/1934 c. 27th June 1963 Photographed inside Brandon Pit House Colliery Locomotive Shed
The Willington built in 1907, one of Straker & Loves Colliery Locomotives photographed at Brandon Colliery c. 1920 Mr. John Barnes Engine Driver is sitting on the front of the engine, with his Uncle standing to the rear who lived to be 100 years of age !
Browney Miners with their Lodge banner, 1911.
V.E. Day Parade, 8th May 1995, Members of the Brandon and District Branch of the Royal British Legion. Included in the group are:- from left to right, Harry Reed, Nathan Booth wearing his late Grandfathers Medals, ( Mr. Joe Booth was a long serving Member and Official of the Branch), John Hall, Les Barron holder of the Military Medal, Margaret Frater, and Tom Jackson about to parade from Brandon Community Hall to St. Johns Church for a special service to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of V.E. Day, 1945.
Brandon Boys Football Club Under 13`s and Under 15`s c. 1994. Both these Youth Teams were highly successful, winning the following trophies in season 1993 - 94. Under 13`s won the Rushlift Cup; Under 15`s won the Durham Football Association Cup and the Allison Cup; The under 13`s team was managed by Mr. Bob Kelly and the under 15`s team was managed by Mr. Allan Thompson.
Brandon Colliery Miners Lodge Banner making its first local appearance at the Meadowfield Vintage Rally in 1999; This group were the first to parade the Banner back in our community; Included in the Group are Left to Right :- Andrew Smith, Peter Grieves, David Smith, Norman Gibbon, James Wilson and Gareth Young.
New Brandon W.I. Officials with the 50th Anniversary Cake c. 1997 Mrs. Franklin, Mrs. Fenwick, and Mrs. Hutton.
New Brandon W.I. `50th Anniversary` c. June 1997 Included in the group, photographed in the grounds of the Community Hall having planted a Tree to celebrate their anniversary are:- Mrs. Hutton, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Lynch, Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs; Durbridge, Mrs. Franklin, Mrs. Attle, Mrs. Seed, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Humble, V.C.O. Mrs; Goldsborough, Miss Jackson, Mrs. Leckenby, Mrs. Gould, Mrs. Hewett, and Mrs. Bell. This photograph was taken by Mrs. June Fenwick.
Mr. Adam Lawson, A retired Miner, photographed at The Hobson Industrial Estate, near Consett. c. 1998. Mr. Lawson, from an original idea given to him by Mr. Norman Gibbon, embarked on a project to locate a Pit Pulley Wheel to serve as a Memorial to the men and boys, lost to the Durham Coalfield from the Brandon and District, and to act as a reminder of our local mining heritage, after many months of exploring one avenue or another, Adam finally found a wheel at this Industrial Estate, assisted throughout by John Kitching who took this photograph; It was purchased from Ken Thomas `Site Clearance`, A Company based at Lanchester by the Community Association it was refurbished and erected by Brambledown Landscapes under the personal direction of Mr. Frank Curry Company Director. It was dedicated by father Peter of St. JohnThe Evangelist Church on 2nd. July 1999; A bunch of red roses was laid by The Worshipful Mayor of Durham Councillor Margaret Adair on behalf of the Comunity in tribute to all the miners of the district, and Adam was praised by community leaders for his sterling efforts for locating the Memorial.Unfortunately, Mr. Lawson died suddenly prior to the erection of the Memorial and never saw &The fruits of his labour&, but I think he would have been proud of his achievement and would have been watching from above; A letter was sent to Mrs. Lawson and Family by Mr. David Guy President of The National Union of Mineworkers ( Durham Area ) expressing the sincere condolences of The Durham Miners Executive Committee following the sad loss of your husband Adam and praising him for his dedication and commitment in establishing a lasting monument as a tribute to the former miners and their families who formed the community.
Pit Pulley Wheels at the Hobson Industrial Estate near Consett c. 1998; Brandon`s future Mining Memorial is here ! It`s the Pulley Wheel at the back of the pile and were originally used at Sacriston Colliery.
The finished Memorial to the districts miners stands proudly outside the Community Hall 1999.
Brandon Colliery Miners Lodge Banner, making its first appearance at the Durham Miners Gala in 1999 upon its return from Canada. This photograph taken by the Author shows the Banner making its way to the Cathedral for the Traditional Gala Day Service and to be blessed; The Banner is being carried by Mr. Gareth Young on the left and Mr. David Smith on the right and being the first to do so, the memory will remain with them all their lives!
&Coal Houses and Netties & c. 1986 Belonging to 19 - 22, Brandon Village. ` Are Relics from the Past `
The Basey family and friends with their fleet of buses on the Brancepeth road in the 1920s.
Langley Supply Stores c. 1935
Canteen at Morley Factory c.1955
Mount Calvary Primitive Methodist Chapel c.1950 built in 1873, It was demolished in recent years and all that remains is the stone inscription which is in the school grounds of ' Brandon School '
Brandon Harriers Athletic Club, 1921-22; was disbanded in 1923
Brandon Colliery Prize Silver Band, 1929 outside Colliery Managers House Hollygarth
A colliery locomotive belonging to the N.C.B; Northumberland & Durham, No.4 area, NBL 27717/1957, at Meadowfield sidings on 18 June 1965.
The Sunderland Shipowners, Cup on display at Brandon & District Social Club, won by Brandon United in 1981-82
Members of the Langley Moor Womens Institute inside Langly Moor Workingmen's Club, c.1980.
Members and friends of the Independent Methodist Church, North Street, Brandon Colliery c.1950
Staff and pupils at Brandon Colliery School, c.1900; Brandon Colliery School was built by Colliery owners Straker & Love in 1874. The school could hold 622 pupils in mixed and infants sections.
The family of Thomas and Margaret White at their home in Brandon Colliery, c.1915. They emigrated to Australia around 1927 - just after the miners, 1926 strike. Thomas was born at Brandon in 1872 and married Margaret in 1892, Between them they had fourteen children of which ten are in this family photograph.
Woodards ' Spar shop ' Brandon Lane c.1960
New Brandon women's institute, c.1968. Members meet the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Harold Wilson MP, who was attending a Brandon Labour Party function; The WI provided the entertainment for the social evening. left to right : Brenda Richardson , Vera Nelson , Jane Richardson , June Fenwick and Molly Franklin; The Brandon area has to this day a strong support for the Labour movement.
A Coronation street party at Red Courts, Brandon, 1953
Brandon Colliery Welfare Juniors, 1954-55, County Cup winners, at Ferens Park, Durham City.
The first residents of Brandon Aged Miners Homes, 1913
A group arriving back from the club trip at Brandon Colliery Station in the 1940s
Brandon & Byshottles co-op Staff 1900s
The Boyne Salvation Army Band, 1925
Browney Lane , front street with the colliery at the bottom of the lane in the 1930s
Frederick Street, north and south Meadowfield c. 1920
The Royal British Legion Parade Remembrance Sunday c. 1950
A second hand model T Ford car purchased by the Basey family for £90, c. 1928 - it was available for wedding hire!
The parade of the Royal British Legion , standards from around the country at the opening of the Brandon branch 1939
Deerness Valley Junction, in the background can be seen a large part of Brandon
Members of the New Brandon W.I.
The Parkinson family at Brandon Colliery Station, preparing to go on a (club trip) 23 August 1952.
The Lord Boyne Hotel, Langley Moor 1940 Known locally as the 'Bottom House'
Curl's blacksmith shop, Fredrick Street North, Meadowfield in the 1950s the farrier's name is Benny Heron, the young man standing to the left in the shop doorway is Jack Burlinson who in later years became a councillor
A close up view of the Brandon Miners' Lodge Banner, the centre view shows the Bowling Pavilion in Brandon
The Brandon Colliery to Pit House Lane, 1929 Tragedy strikes when a colliery locomotive overturns the occupants of the cabin died from scalding their names were T.W. Taylor, aged 58, master weighman, N.Brown aged 29, fitter F.Watson aged 32, winding engineman R.Johnson aged 44, fireman
Members of the Bobby Shafto Lodge, Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes in the 1920s
The retirement of Mrs Elizabeth Kenyon, headmistress of Langley Moor Infants School, 1967., Mrs Kenyon served for twenty five years as Headmistress
Brandon Colliery coke works, c1900
Brandon council school football team 1928, winners of the Brandon Co-operative society and Ushaw Moor aged miners Cups.
First Aid Practice on the sports field behind Black Road, Langley Moor c.1950 local G.P. Doctor Denholme is in attendance.
William Skillbeck's new garage 10 March 1938. Motor engineers and dealers of Morris cars, the garage also offered a repair service and stocked a variety of fuels including, Shell, Power Petrol and Benzole, as the globes on top of the petrol pump imply.
A roadway leading into littleburn Colliery in the 1920s
The Smith family , Thomas and Annie Smith lived at Railway Cottages near the Deerness Valley Junction the boys names are William, Alfred, Thomas, and the girls are Mary Ellen and Jane Annie.
Brandon Hospital c1900 known locally as the isolation hospital or sometimes ' the fever hospital ' the hospital was built in 1892 with a capacity for 30 beds
V.E. day celebrations at Angus Street, Langley Moor, 1945; The family seated around the centre table are called Ross.
The industry claims another young life Thomas William Simpson, miner who lived at North Street, Brandon colliery was caught up in machinery at Pit House Colliery on 15 December 1955. He was aged nineteen years.
Sacco's ice cream shop, Langley Moor in the 1950s. four young local schoolboys take time out from lessons at Langley Moor school to enjoy a milk shake. They are left to right: Eric Simpson, Dennis McMahon, Jimmy Milner and John Clarke. Robert Dennis McMahon now represents the Brandon ward on Durham City Council.
Brandon Village, 1911
A burial mound at West Brandon, 1904. A bronze Age internment was discovered here approximately 800 ft above sea level in 1904. It was contained in a stone cist sunk beneath the surface; The coffin measured 4ft 6 ins by 2ft 6ins by 18 ins. The body had been placed on its side with knees drawn up. The stone cist can be seen on display at the Fulling Mill, Archeology Museum on the banks of the river Wear near the Framwellgate Bridge, Durham City.
The official opening of Meadowfield Social Club, 1956
Wilfred Basey with his new Dennis Commercial, c.1928 they were haulage contracters with quotations given by telephoning - 15, Brandon Colliery!
Brandon Ladies Bowling Team at their presentation night, November 1962.
Straker and Love Ltd, No. 200 colliery tankie with a group of engineers in 1911. named the 'Brandon', it was built in 1867.
The Red Lion Inn, Brandon c.1940. known locally as ' The Bleazer ', it was situated on Brandon Lane . It was demolished in the 1960s with the contract work going to local plant hire company, Gilbert Gray who had premises at Littleburn. The man on charge of the work on site was Mr George Sturdy from Carrville.
A School group Langley Moor 1930
Sunderland Street, Brandon Colliery c. 1950. One of the colliery rows built by colliery owners Straker & Love to house the miners and their families
A soup kitchen at Langley Moor school, 1926.
Sunderland Street, Brandon Colliery c. 1950. One of the colliery rows built by colliery owners Straker & Love to house the miners and their families
A group of Brandon miners, carrying 'Midgy Lamps', c.1920; The pitmen are waiting for the colliery tankie to take then up to Pit House Colliery.
The Brandon & Byshottles Urban District Council outside the council offices on the day of their final meeting in 1974. In the background is St Patricks R.C; church, built in 1911, which serves the parish,s Roman Catholic community.
Pit House Colliery at the point of closure 1968
Browney Social Club Committee c.1900
Langley Moor Celtic AFC, 1931-32, outside local GP Dr Wilson,s house, Langley Moor
All the helpers from the local Methodist chapels join forces preparing to celebrate the Coronation of the George VI in 1937. The festivities were held in the Ambulance Hall, Brandon Colliery. To the rear of the group is Church Street and Cobden Terrace.
Brandon Auxiliary fire service with a motorised pump, 1939. The local fire service had premises opposite Langley Old Hall in which this type of equipment was stored.
Brandon & Byshottles Equitable Co-operative Society Limited opened its Meadowfield store on 25 August 1882, with many departments to cater for all the needs of its members to the left of this building , an upstairs room was at one time a picture house known as Meadowfield Kinema
A prize winning pit pony belonging to Littleburn Colliery c.1926
The Brandon Lodge Banner leaving the Cathedral after the service at the Durham Miners, Gala, c.1939. This banner has a portrait of Thomas Carr, Lodge Secretary and a portrait of Durham Cathedral. At one time it would have bore Ramsey MacDonald's portrait until it was painted over many miners considered him a traitor hence his removal from the Lodge Banner
Pauline Gibbon, from Brandon, c. 1970. She was capped thirty-seven times for the England Women's hockey team as goalkeeper.
Brandon & Byshottles Co-operative Societies, butchery department, 1917. Included in the group are: Charles Wilson, Tom Gowling and Fred Wilkinson.
J.R. Bell is selected for TA service in the 1960s, while his workmates from Pit House Colliery look on.
J. Basey, Langley Queen Garage, c.1926, after a fire which completely destroyed the garage and his fleet of buses. In the background, Littleburn's Onslow Terrace can be seen; Today this site is occupied by hanratty's scrap yard
Brandon Social FC, 1938. back row D. White (trainer), J. Oliver, A. Birch, A. Clough, W. Dixon, W.Ruddick (captain), T. Dodds. front row: J.Joyce, D. Breen, R.Halliday, E. Carter, H. Pinkney, This team were members of the Durham central league. They were formed in 1931 and their best seasons were 1934-35 when they won the league, Deerness Aged Miner's Cup and Brandon Nursing Cup and were runners up in the Sacriston Cup.
Pit house Colliery c1960
Pit House Colliery was sunk in 1924, this photo shows the colliery after closure in 1968;
C Pit Brandon Colliery, sunk at Meadowfield Place in 1876 by Straker and Love;
An electric generating engine, Brandon, 1915.
Browney Colliery in the 1920s It was sunk by Bell Brothers Limited and was opened in 1879. The colliery owners also provided for their workforce by building Browney British School in 1881, a reading room & library, and a Wesleyan chapel in 1887 which seated 270 and was built at a cost of £400;
A general view of Brandon Colliery A and B Pits. Note the vertical engine house and wooden headstock. In the foreground are four Lancashire Boilers with their safety valves projecting through the roof. The colliery was established by Straker and Love. In 1854 they operated a land-sale colliery (supplying the local area) and by 1856 the first deep shaft was sunk. Coal seems worked at this colliery were: the Low Main, Hutton Seam, Harvey Seam, Busty Seam and the Brockwell Seam. The colliery ceased production in 1960, with salvage work continuing until the site was cleared during that decade.
Hugh Gaitskell, Minister of fuel and power, with a group of officials during a visit to Pit House Colliery, 18 March 1949.
Thomas Clough at 15 years old having fun with a kibble to ride down the track at Pit House Colliery c.1940
Littleburn Miners Lodge Banner with Ramsay MacDonald's portrait in the centre the motto is Love Friendship and Truth.
Thomas Burke snr (second left front row, holding pick shaft) with workmates in 1926. During the 1926 miners' strike he obtained work track laying in the parish for the North Eastern Railway. He lived at jubilee Terrace, Langley Moor.
N.W Suddes, butcher, Langley Moor in the 1930s.
Mr Norman Fletcher and the makings of a fine rabbit pie or stew, 1998. Corporal Fletcher served with the Northumberland Fusiliers during the Second World War in Malaya and was taken prisoner by the Japanese and spent the next three and a half years in captivity. He was forced to work on the railway from Bangkok to Burma, known to these veterans as the 'Railway of Death' which was immortalised in the film The Bridge On the River Kwai. Norman was eventually liberated and returned back to service being transferred to the Green Howards. He was given a certificate which reads: 'Your devotion to duty has been brought to my notice, I wish to thank you for your valuable service and by the issue of this certificate to signify to you my appreciation of the fine example you have set. I have given instructions that a note of your devotion to duty be made in your record of service.' It was signed by the Commander in Chief, Far East Forces and dated 1st April 1952. After the war Mr Fletcher worked for Sir Paul Nicholson at nearby Brancepeth Village as gardener and handyman until his retirement.
Dr Wilsons residence, Langley Moor in the 1920s The doctor, his mother and wife are at the gateway to the house, while Mr Rainbow, the doctors chauffeur, awaits their departure with the family car.
The committee of Langley Moor Workingmen's Club,c.1910
West Brandon first aid team in the 1950s. Robert Warriner is playing the role of the injured person.
George Pennington with his first vehicle (Napier) for private hire 1922 Brandon Colliery
Charles Wilson with the co-op horse drawn butchers cart in the 1920s
The Cosy garage Meadowfield c1940 it was operated by the Meadowfield Motor Company
No. 84, High Street North, Langley Moor, c. 1931. A typical back yard, where Mrs Lily Tomlinson and baby Doreen pose for this photograph. Can you see the Victorian bicycle just below the boy sitting on the wall? Another typical sight was the washday mangle
Brandon Primitive Methodist Church Orchestra outside Dr Denholme's house, circa 1920s. Organised and conducted by Abraham Taylor, 4th from the left, centre row. Other known members include: J. Shields, A. Sayer, T. Sayer, I. Graham and Sandy Allen.
The Church Lads Brigade, Brandon Company 2336 ambulance c.1916 the banner reads fight the good fight.
G. Pennington and staff in the 1940s. Mr Pennington (second from the left) is with his drivers and conductors who ran a bus service between Durham and Brandon. This service was taken over by United in 1933. He also ran a workmen's service between Brandon and Pit House Collieries which was operated by his son, John Pennington, from 1934.
David Hopkins and Charles Wilson with the co-op butchers van in the 1930s.
Browney County School , 1881-1981 this photo was to celebrate the school's centenary year.
Ralph Ross on his pony express delivering the correspondence from Browney Colliery to various offices in Durham City in the 1920s.
Brandon Pit House Collery
Brandon Brick works
Brickworks
Brandon Brickworks, showing the large chimneys and brick kiln in the 1960s. Many a local brick made at this works is easily found with the familiar S & L embossed upon it;
Workers from Brandon Colliery Brickworks, c. 1898.
The Bartles family moving out of a colliery house in West Street, Brandon Colliery, 27 September 1946. They are about to experience one of the new council houses just built by Brandon & Byshottles Urban District Council;
The Bartles family moving out of a colliery house in West Street, Brandon Colliery, 27 September 1946. They are about to experience one of the new council houses just built by Brandon & Byshottles Urban District Council;
The staff of Brandon Co-op, 1955, with the promotion of the day being Kellogg's Corn Flakes. The staff are, left to right: M. Briggs (grocery assistant), Mr Clark (manager), I. Firth (grocery assistant), W. Craddock (assistant manager). Over from the Co-op, to the right, can be seen the shop front of Hopper's newsagents and confectionary shop. W. (Bill) Craddock was in later years to become the first Mayor of the City of Sunderland.
A fancy dress parade at Brandon Carnival in the 1930s.
A Sunday School sports day at the football field in the 1950s.
A harvest festival concert at the independent Methodist chapel, Browney Colliery, 1946
A group of Browney children standing outside the Independent Methodist chapel at Browney Colliery, 1936. The man standing on the right of the group is the local councilor, James Hill.
Keith (Al Johnson) Hughes performing at Meadowfield Social Club, one of his many stage performances in aid of local charities, c. 1970. Keith Hughes' act was to mime to perfection well known songs from Al Johnson's repertoire, including favorites like Mammy, Swanee River and Soring Boy. Keith was definitely a hard act to follow.
A young Fred Wilkinson, aged 13 years, 1911. He is seen here in his Brandon Colliery School rugby strip. In later years he obtained employment at Meadowfield Co-op, working as a butcher in the slaughterhouse
Meadowfield Place c.1910, in the days of horse drawn traffic, showing the police station in John Street. Iron railings, surrounding the police station have long since gone - possibly for the war effort.
The opening of the Brandon Branch of the Royal British Legion Club, Meadowfield, 1939. At this time the club was one big room. Today it is divided into a bar and concert room.
Members inside the Royal British Legion Club inspect the roll of Honour war Memorial dedicated to fallen comrades of the Second World War, 1952.
In 1955 the Royal British Legion Club, Meadowfield was the venue for the 'Queen of the Sun competition organised by the Sunday Sun newspaper. Bill Craddock, standing on the stage, was the compere. Also present was Norman Richardson, the band leader and well known travel agent from Claypath, Durham City.
A CWS fashion parade inside the British Legion Club, 23 June 1949.
The Parochial Hall (Church Hall) children's health clinic, 1946. This occasion is the Christmas party for the under fives.
The Church Hall, St John the Evangelist c.1960.
Langley Moor, below the main Railway Bridge in the 1950s. On the left can he seen Jessup & Foster's pop factory with the entrance to Holliday Park just below. The street of houses above the factory is Grove Terrace.
High Street, Langley Moor, c. 1960. A busy street, becoming highly congested with traffic Mawston's bicycle shop and Lamb's butchers shop can just be seen to the left — Mr Mawston is standing in the shop doorway. While to the right, United's No. 49 bus makes its way back from Brandon to Durham City.
E.Hopper, newsagent and confectioner, Langley Moor High Street, c. 1920.Edward and Edith Hopper are in their shop doorway, where you could obtain the Echo or a glossy magazine called Paris Roses. A variety of tobaccoes were offered for sale and a selection of pipes. Even a Cadburys gas mantle could lined to keep the home light's burning. The Hoppers endeavoured to provide a first class service to all their customers.
The interior of Walter Willson's shop, High Street North, Langley Moor, c. 1960. Always a well stocked shop, with a high standard of cleanliness and offering a variety of quality food. It was one of a chain of shops throughout the North East.
Walter Willson's shop frontage, Langley Moor, c. 1960. Located on the junction of High Street and Black road, baked beans are the order of the day as the slogans suggest: baked beans make a dainty meal' a meal in a minute' Handy &. Economical' It was a well remembered local shop which disappeared during the slum clearances of the 1960s.
The staff of Thompson's Red stamp stores, Black road Langley Moor c.1940
Jack Hutchinson's cycle repair shop, Langley Moor, c. 1950. Stockists of Raleigh bicycles located in the High Street. His assistant, jimmy Haits is standing on the left of the entrance to the shop.
Langley Moor Post Office staff c.1935
Pex stocking factory, c. 1988. The aftermath of a fire which destroyed a local stocking factory and with it much needed jobs at the time.
Black Road, Langley Moor, c. 1960. Category 'D' is imposed on the village and a start is made with the demolition of Watchmans Buildings. A great part of Langley Moor was demolished during this decade.
The entrance to Holliday Park, Langley Moor, c. 1920. This roadway led to a large house known as Langley Grove, which was occupied by the North Brancepeth Coal Company manager, Mr Martin F. Holliday. The house had at some time originally been an old hall Langley Grove is where the rivers, Deerness and Browney flow into one another.
The well kept flower beds at Holliday Park, c. 1920. Many years later the park was bequeathed to the residents of Langley Moor by the Holliday family.
Hirst & Thackway, raincoat factory, Langley Moor, c.1950.
Miss Elizabeth Jameson, special instructor, and Mr B.S. Willis, the general manager of Hirst &. Thackway clothing factory, Langley Moor, 24 August 1973. Both are modelling trench coats which were an export order for an exclusive American client.
St Patrick's R.C. school prefects with head teacher, Mr Tonge, c.1950.
A school group from North Brancepeth, 1913. North Brancepeth is a previous name given to Langley Moor School, opened 9 June 1910 by Martin F. Holliday of Langley Grove, manager and agent for North Brancepeth Coal Company. This was an extension to the original school made from natural stone see soup kitchen Langley Moor School
The staff at Brandon Council School, c. 1933. Back row, left to right: Tom Buxton, -?-, Mr J.C; Lax (headmaster). Front row: Miss Stephenson, Miss B. Stoddart, Miss Eden.
Four children of the Robinson family are just about to take off to school at Brandon Colliery complete with wartime gas masks, c. 1942. Left to right: George, Jimmy, Ethel and Mary.
St Patrick's R.C. School senior football team, 1960-61. Back row, left to right: Stephen Valenti, Morrissey, Peter Sewell, Billy Cummings, Michael Hughes, John Kitching, Johnny Stewart. Front row: William Brennan (headmaster), John Carey, John Nyland, Allan Johns, Jimmy Foxcroft, David Moran, Kevin Boyle (teacher).
ST Patrick's R.C. School football team, 1949-50. Back row, left to right: John Kennedy, Thomas Dowson, Robert Bird, Mr Tonge, Brian Byrne, Robert Ditchburn, Henry Stoker. Front row: Joseph McNammara, Robert Kennedy, Joseph Kitching, Paddy McAloon, Terence Dowdle;
Brandon School junior football team, 1957-58. Back row: James Grosert, Joseph Ord, Alan Hunter, Gordon Cutty, Brian Gibbon, David Argument, Peter Beresford. Middle row: Brian Anson, George Holmes, Barry Dickinson, Kenneth Heaton, Trevor Davidson. Front row: John Corker, Jimmy Proudlock. This junior team were winners of the Durham and District Schools FA League Challenge Cup, 1957-58.
Brandon Colliery School football team, 1920-21. Two of these fine young lads met tragic ends. Clennel, first left front row, was killed in C Pit Brandon as a young boy. Tunney, first right front row, was lost at sea during the Second World War. Freeman, second left front row, went on to play professional football with Middlesbrough and Chester.
Brandon County School group, c. 1958. The following are included in this group: A. Haywood, S. Foster, J. Wilson, J. Mearman, J. Ramsay, J. Tomlinson, W. Coulthard, R. Holmes, N. Errington, J. Guy, L. Cook, A. Rogers, R. Fort, J. Hayes, J. Proudlock, J. Mearman, R. Tobin, J. Berisford, M. Stewart, V. Newton, A. Earl, J. Stout, M. Bussy, A. Jackson, M. Atkinson, J. Richardson.
St Patrick's R.C. School concert, 31 January 1924. The teachers are, Miss Pat Anderson, first left, and Miss Francis Burt, first right. known school children taking part in the Flowerland Concert, are: F. Anderson, A. Sheekly, A. Murray, M. Richardson, W. Murray, L. Connelly, B McNammara, A. Kennedy
St Patrick's R.C. School netball team, 1955.
Members from Littleburn Colliery football team, c. 1920.
Brandon Colliery Cricket club, cup winners, 1928. The young boy on the left is holding the cricket scoring book. Brandon to this day has a successful cricket team.
Langley Moor St Patrick's Tennis Club at the opening of new courts, 1928.
Langley Grove football team in the 1920s.
The presentation night for Brandon Colliery Welfare Juniors at the Miners' Welfare Hall, Brandon Lane, c. 1965. Ronald Davidson (fourth from the left in the hack row) was elected as club secretary in the 1964-65 season. This was to be the best season in the club's history when they won tour major cups and were runners-up in the County Cup. Apart from the players, much of this success can be attributed to Mr Davidson's dedication and enthusiasm for this team.
Members of the Nativity Play at St Agatha's mission church, Brandon Colliery, c. 1945, Built in 1893, the mission church was made redundant in 1956 and some items were transferred to the parish church at Meadowfield (St John's). These items were the alter and fittings which were used to form a Lady Chapel in the north aisle, while a carved eagle lectern was put to good use. This occurred during the time of the Revd J.N. Ellwood, a much respected and revered parish priest;
St Andrew's Methodist church opening, 14 May 1983. A more recent photograph, but of great importance to the Methodists of the parish. The opening ceremony was performed by the Rt Hon George Thomas MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. The new chapel represents the efforts of five years hard work hy the memhers and friends of the society formed by the amalgamation of churches which served the villages of Langley Moor, Brandon, Meadowfield and Browney. The Methodist tradition in the area goes back well over a century.
St John Ambulance Brigade cadets at their annual presentation of awards inside the Miners, Hall in the 1950s.
St Johns Ambulance Brigade, Brandon Division, on parade at Brancepeth Village, 1926
Brandon & Byshottles UDC Engineers Department, c.1936. back row: R. Knight, M; Hayes, G Bowman. front row: P. Addison, J. Whitfield.
William King and staff at his undertakers shop in the 1920s. He stands in front of the shop doorway third from the left, back row. Mr King lived at No. 61, Frederick Street South, Meadowfield.
Exercising the donkeys which belonged to the Barnes family at the bottom of Sunderland Street, Brandon Colliery, 1948. Left to right: M. Dowson, M.Barnes, K. Barnes, A. Barnes, R. Metcalf and T. Danby
St Patrick,s R.C. church choir c1920. Langley Moor the choirmaster right side, Harold Tonge.
St Patrick,s R.C. church concert party performing Joan of Arc 1928
Langley Moor & District prize choir c.1900
Herbert Mercer, with baby Joy, outside No. 8, Commercial Street, Brandon, c. 1937. Mr Mercer worked as a driver for local coal distributor Tom Harker. Records of a lease for this property - for 99 years of a plot of ground, at Brandon Colliery for a building site - still exist today. It is from the Rt Hon. Viscount Boyne, Baron of Brancepeth, to Mr Robert Briggs, a retired blacksmith. It is dated 26 March 1887, with an annual rent of £1 2s, payable to Viscount Boyne. The property now belongs to Mr Peter Greaves and family who is custodian of this document;
Members of the Buffs outside J.W. Maddison's Shafto Arms, Littleburn Lane in the 1920s.
The Langley Moor encampment of the Grand Order of the Knights of the Golden Horn in the 1930s. They are outside Dr Wilson's house at Langley Moor, who was commander of the encampment. I would take an educated guess that the other members of this group would be of professional status or at least local businessmen as admission to this order was exclusive.
The workforce from Hirst & Thackway, c.1947.
Dunelmian dance Orchestra c.1936.
Salvation Army Ladies Boyne c.1900s.
Brandon War time Service, c.1940-45.