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parsonage and bickershaw collieries

Started by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

would like to hear from anybody who worked at these pits from 1987 to1992

Started: 22nd Jul 2013 at 19:01

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Eyup, ar't related to Ste and Tony?

Replied: 22nd Jul 2013 at 19:41

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

no I am afraid not do you know anybody else who worked at bickershaw and parsonage?

Replied: 23rd Jul 2013 at 07:08

Posted by: frankwalford (1098) 

Peter Grainey was my brother in law.He worked at Parsonage

Replied: 23rd Jul 2013 at 09:34

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

I've spoken to a woman from Westhoughton today, she told me her late husband was an electrician at Parsonage, his name is Kevin Kirkman.

Replied: 23rd Jul 2013 at 19:54

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

I worked with Kevin Kirkman at Parsonage. Grand lad, always had a smile on his face. I was a fitter there but left in 1980

Replied: 23rd Jul 2013 at 20:14

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Just remembered I worked with a Colin Grainey in the developments.

Replied: 23rd Jul 2013 at 20:17

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Thanks for your replies .in response to Tonker and Dosco when our families came to england from ireland one group settled in the liverpool area and the other in the manchester area .my family settled in St,Helens our name was spelt as Graney.I remember when I worked at parsonage as an electrician part of an installation team I was waiting to get in the cage to go underground when I noticed a man with the name Peter Grainey on his coat it was like looking at my dad uncanny .I had the pleasure of knowing kevin kirkham I was sad to hear he had passed away .there is a picture on the parsonage site showing 5 electricians in the work shop I think the photographer was kevin kirkham good memories.

Replied: 24th Jul 2013 at 13:19

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

that was a long message sorry good memories

Replied: 24th Jul 2013 at 17:50

Posted by: hindleyite (3995)

There's a bloke I work with,I'm pretty sure his dad worked at Plank Lane around that time.I'll ask him tomorrow.

Replied: 24th Jul 2013 at 19:33

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

I've been down Plank Lane several times. In fact, I went down today!

Replied: 24th Jul 2013 at 19:47

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

are you sure you was,nt going up

Replied: 25th Jul 2013 at 18:53

Posted by: GrahamK (444)

Completed my shot firing training at Parsonage with Stan Wall training officer and Gerald Gregson I think he was the deputy manager. Spent to weeks there a good set of men.

Replied: 28th Jul 2013 at 22:32

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

in reply to GrahamK do you remember tommy whittle and stuart crompton electricians .

Replied: 29th Jul 2013 at 07:15

Posted by: glynrich (31)

I remember once going sea fishing with Kev kirkman,I think Stue Crompton and Tommy Whittlte were there, about an hour out a seagull cr--ped on me, I said has anybody got any paper ,Kevin said I wouldn't bother it will be miles away now.

Replied: 29th Jul 2013 at 22:04

Posted by: GrahamK (444)

Sorry graneyjoesph I worked at Bold and later at Parkside I completed my shotfiring at Parsonage.

Replied: 29th Jul 2013 at 22:07

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Glynrich, when you went fishing with Kevin Kirkman, was there not an electrician there called Kenny Green?
Kemmy was a good mate of Kevin's and they always went fishing together.

Replied: 30th Jul 2013 at 00:28

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

glynrich that was kevins dry sense of humour great bloke ,tommy and stuart ended up working on the surface good set of lads at parsonage also the rest of the pits I worked at .but for maggie we would still be sharing these memories face to face.

Replied: 30th Jul 2013 at 07:20

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

in reply to messages I started my apprenticeship at old boston with graham coffey didnt know his family.also lad name of stuart burns .keith hibbut went to new zealand couple of years before the strike .afternoon chargehand fitter was bob hallsworth was that the bob you are talking about

Replied: 30th Jul 2013 at 07:29

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Spotted a couple of ex Golborne colliery lads on your profile picture, is that Colin Richardson back left? and the lad next to him was form Burnley, I think his name is Gavin.

Replied: 30th Jul 2013 at 23:50

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Tuddy thanks for you reply the picture is of colin richardson but not gavin cuuningham its brett hargreaves from burnley the picture is on parsonage album workshop pictures .lots of memories working at the complex ,colin is from ince I recall

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 08:05

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

TUDDY look at photo of the day february 2012 message from ste stonehouse from the picture of golborne memorial stone

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 08:13

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Yea, now I remember, it was Brett not Gavin, there were a few lads came to Golborne from Burnley. That's a good photo of the memorial stone, I remember Ste and his brother Frank working at Golborne. There were two Grainey brothers killed in the explosion at Golborne, Peter and Pat, was that the Peter who you met at Parsonage?

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 11:50

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I think it was never got chance to speak to him .I thought I was looking at my dad . the lads from burnley use to travel every day 2 names I recall the antrobuses and a bloke nickenamed Moose

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 12:29

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I remember the Antrobusses, I think one of them was called Sid, they worked on the jackbit shift. I also remember Moose and his two mates, they helped to carry me out on a stretcher once. Tommy Paige was another of the Burnley men at Golborne.

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 12:47
Last edited by tuddy: 31st Jul 2013 at 12:54:53

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Irememember tommy he got hurt on plodder face ,He moved to parsonage in charge of lifting appliances,nice bloke tommy ,your right about sid antrobus hard worker full of burnley humour must have been the pennine fresh air

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 13:11

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

These are the electricians (underground) that. I can remember.
Alf Taylor, Kevin Reidy, Malcolm Davies, Mick Davey, Mick Stokes, Kevin Kirkman, Tommy Whittle, Kenny Finch, Brian Harrison, Alan Burgess, Barry Parkinson. Stuart Crompton, Roy Parr, Kenny Penington (Red un) and a lad called Nigel that was a bit deaf.

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 13:46

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

DOSCO.I remember a few of those brian harrison his dad was an assistant engineer freddie harrison .do you remember russell noonan

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 15:33

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

also mick reid as well

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 15:34

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Just remembered, Johny Bullough, Alan Jones and Cyril Bradley

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 16:34

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

i remember them alan jones had nickname pastie feet i think .i started at old boston with johnny bullough 1967 paddys day 17th march

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 16:44

Posted by: veg grower (inactive)

Dosco - do you remember if Tommy Whittle lived in Atherton? My Grandad had the same name, and worked at Parsonage for a while.

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 18:16
Last edited by veg grower: 31st Jul 2013 at 18:16:53

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Veg, the Tommy Whittle I knew lived in Hindley Green but he may have come from Atherton originaly?
I think he had a brother that was also an electrician at another pit, maybe Parkside.

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 18:48

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Dosco, do you mean Cyril Benson instead of Bradley ?

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 20:55

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Yes Evelyn, it was Benson

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 22:51

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Dosco, I knew Kevin Reidey and Mick Stokes. They came to Parkside.

Replied: 31st Jul 2013 at 23:00

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

cyril benson theres a name from the past tommy whittle was working on the surface when i finished 1991 1992

Replied: 1st Aug 2013 at 05:33

Posted by: veg grower (inactive)

Thanks Dosco, it isn't the same person.

Replied: 1st Aug 2013 at 09:59

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

When asked about how many pints he'd supped Mick Stokes used to say 'I don't talk in pints I talk in gallons'
He liked a drink did Mick

Replied: 1st Aug 2013 at 10:15

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

kenny pennington red haired lad hence the name red un.do you remember a lad called carl nabacov electrician came to parsonage after golborne closed .EVELYN i remember Don was elder member of the electric shop and was treated with a lot of respect from all who came in contact with him

Replied: 1st Aug 2013 at 20:39

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Thank you Joe, You are not the first person to say that about Don.It appears that he was well respected by his Parsonage mates. He is still a gentleman and a gentle man who has been my soul mate for 52 years.

Replied: 1st Aug 2013 at 22:10

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

And long may it last.another name from the past Ste Dixon worked on the aurface as well,I remember his dad from bold a unoin man part of the st,helens craftmans branch

Replied: 2nd Aug 2013 at 06:42

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

What about the fitters then, Underground.
Joe Kenyon, Alan Hampson, Eric Greenalgh, Ian Derbyshire, Ray Foster, Steph Myers, Frank Higgs, Albert Massey, Eric Smith, Roy Cunningham, John Bretherton, Billy Halliwell, Billy Machin, Dave Winstanley, Johnny Davies, Tommy Rigby, Joe Littler, Derek Morris, Kenny Grgory, Bob Hall, Bernard Marsh, Dave Topping, Laurie McTigue, Trevor Rosser.

Replied: 2nd Aug 2013 at 13:35

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

A fine bunch of lads the names sticking out are alan hampson who lived locally we installed big haulage engine at parsonage alan was one of the fitters on the installation ,ray foster I knew from golborne he transferred to parsonage also a fitter ste halliwell who had the nickname gomez ,cant beat stirring memories from names from the days at the 3 pits not many work enviroments could equal pit life

Replied: 2nd Aug 2013 at 14:07

Posted by: GrahamK (444)

Ste and Frank Stonehouse both moved onto Bold Colliery, Frank was good boxer.

Replied: 12th Aug 2013 at 20:23

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

he was true ,didnt they have trials for st,helens rugby

Replied: 13th Aug 2013 at 06:17

Posted by: GrahamK (444)

I did my shotfiring with Ronnie Caunce at Old Boston think he worked at Parsonage of Bickershaw he was a rum lad.

Replied: 13th Aug 2013 at 20:20

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

not sure about ronnie caunce, I started at bold 1968 moved to golborne 1986 the part of an installation team covering the 3 pit complex great times

Replied: 14th Aug 2013 at 07:26

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Recently, I've met two ex-pit surveyors.

One's Dave Pasquell and the other's Derek Haslam. Anybody remember them two?

Replied: 14th Aug 2013 at 20:53

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tonker not sure about those two ,do you remember the scottish lad first name alec use to work with tony pickavance (sasquash)after bold he moved to golborne

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 07:40

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

No, because I only ever did my training at Bold, except for a bit of salvaging. I was at Parkside from 1974 until 1986 and I loathed and despised it!

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 10:03

Posted by: Burgo1010 (9)

I'm Alan Burgess' son, he worked at Parsonage until 82 when we emigrated to Oz, Sadly my Dad passed away on 27th July 2013.
He was good friends with Kevin Kirkman and family.

There is a online memorial for him here:

www.legacy.com/guestbooks/thewest-au/guestbook.aspx?n=alan-burgess&pid=166110452&cid=full#sthash.FegjLpDs.8S47kmwL.dpbs

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 10:38
Last edited by Burgo1010: 15th Aug 2013 at 10:41:11

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Burgo1010 very sorry to hear about your dad passing away pass on my sympathies to your family,I only worked at the 3 pit complex from 1987 until 1992 but I knew kevin kirkham who I AM led to believe as also passed away, there is a lady whose name is Evelyn Armstrong her Husband Don knew Kevin if you contact Brian on wiganworld he will be able to put you in contact with Evelyn Armstrong good luck

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 11:10

Posted by: Burgo1010 (9)

Yes I will do that as I am trying to contact family over there who may not know of my Dads passing.

Cheers

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 11:52

Posted by: Burgo1010 (9)

Dad had a cousin Barbara armstrong?

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 11:56
Last edited by Burgo1010: 15th Aug 2013 at 12:32:49

Posted by: kryten (inactive)

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 12:04

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

kryten regarding Burgos link one message brought memories back tony mcgarry deputy electrical engineer at bickershaw best boss I ever had, last saw him in the Hare and Hounds 1990s pass on my regards

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 12:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Burgo1010 good luck with getting in contact with Evelyn and Don Armstrong.

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 12:39

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

I'll pass on the message to Kevin Kirkman's wife.

Replied: 15th Aug 2013 at 19:14

Posted by: Burgo1010 (9)

graneyjoseph, if you tell me your name then I will pass the message directly to Tony, am in contact with the family

Replied: 16th Aug 2013 at 07:14

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Morning Burgo1010, my name is Joe Graney he will remember me, wish him all the best great bloke

Replied: 16th Aug 2013 at 07:30

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Tonker ,Kevin was a great bloke dry sense of humour ,It was a pleasure to have known him

Replied: 16th Aug 2013 at 07:33

Posted by: Burgo1010 (9)

Message sent Joe
To quote his wife Joan "tell him tony says he was the best x"

Replied: 16th Aug 2013 at 11:55
Last edited by Burgo1010: 16th Aug 2013 at 12:00:00

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Burgo1010 he is a top dollar bloke only met joan through seeing tony at the hare and hounds ,tony will remember bonehead ,we met some great characters meet some more we hope ,you all take care good luck

Replied: 16th Aug 2013 at 17:45

Posted by: GrahamK (444)

Dave Nicholson and his dad Don who has past away both worked at Bickershaw Colliery until it closed.

Replied: 19th Aug 2013 at 21:34

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

GrahamK those names are not familiar to me at the moment,I worked installing the haulage system taking men and materials down to the plodder developments and then the NISBE bunker Kenny taylor was the chargehand electrician in the plodder area,other names I remember Jimmy gore and Bob Fairhurst Alan shields

Replied: 20th Aug 2013 at 07:35
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 20th Aug 2013 at 09:58:07

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Undermanager plodder area was it Mark Jones ?

Replied: 20th Aug 2013 at 17:19

Posted by: BILLYAGG (69)

Graneyjoseph,
The Alec you refer to with Sasquash was Alec Bole. A true friend who passed away at such a young age with cancer. Mark Jones was my undermanager at Bickershaw. I see you mention a Kevin Kirkman who I do not know but apparently liked his fishing, at Bickershaw I used to work with Jimmy Kirkman who also loved his fishing and he always said he was going on fishing trips with his brother but never ever mentioned his name. I wonder if Kevin and Jimmy were the brothers. Jimmy used to drive the loco on night turn.

Replied: 26th Aug 2013 at 16:08

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

BILLYAGG I think your right about jimmy and kevin kirkham,as regards Alec Bole at bold I worked on T26 with Alec he moved to golborne at the same time as I did good bloke like you say,I wasnt that keen on golborne but I moved as part of an installation team of 5 electricians working at all 3 pits mainly parsonage and bickershaw I enjoyed my time there,

Replied: 26th Aug 2013 at 18:49

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

on one of the threads somebody mentioned a pub outside the bickershaw gates I think it was The Neveison not a bad pint.

Replied: 1st Sep 2013 at 17:09

Posted by: wizzerwin (1577)

My brother john winrow worked as an electrician at plank lane, but I can't remember when he retired.

Replied: 30th Sep 2013 at 19:31

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

sorry wizzerwin cant remember john winrow ,jimmy gore I remember kenny taylor

Replied: 1st Oct 2013 at 06:40

Posted by: BILLYAGG (69)

At Bickershaw upon the night shift there was an electrician who I became good friends with, his name was Gary Blackhurst.

Replied: 15th Oct 2013 at 22:01

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

BILLYAGG cant remember Gary ,Bickershaw was a big mine I met some great mates there nobody thought it would end ,we (me and my 4 workmates)came up the mine and was on our way to the workshops when we was approached by a reporter from the local tv. news he asked how we felt about the news the mines was closing pending consultation we told him but they only showed a censored version ,what a question to ask

Replied: 16th Oct 2013 at 07:14

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

I remember Gary Blackhurst. He was in the same group as me at St.Helens college.

Replied: 16th Oct 2013 at 18:43

Posted by: winder (1293)

I remember Gary as well. Spent more time on the surface than he did at pit bottom

Billy Bolton onsetter at No3 pit, George Hitchy Deputy on nights, Mick Flannery another onsetter.

Great bunch of lads

Replied: 16th Oct 2013 at 19:50

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tonker what years were you at st.helens college ,do you remember when they were going to call it St.Helens Institute of Technology when when they noticed the abbreviation?

Replied: 17th Oct 2013 at 05:58

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

graneyjoseph a couple of lads you might remember from the top ,stey sutton & a bloke called cec had 6 sausage barms for his dinner every day & pea soup aswell on fridays ,also the main man stey dixon

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 01:48

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

names from the past is ste dixon the lad from haydock his dad worked at bold he used to be a shopsteward.so whats your name handsomeminer?

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 07:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

handsomeminer have a look at Photo of the day February 2012 11-02-2012 golborne memorial there is some messages worth reading

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 07:41

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Ill keep you guessing but a clue is I appeared on tv once ,a few more names Eddie porter,mick the vegan,Eddie mack,jimmy rowlands,randy

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 07:45

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

man of mystery then ,you worked at bold and parsonage,eddie mack was he the ropeman

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 09:54

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

handsomeminer your tv appearance was it the announcement of the collieries pending closure

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 11:24

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

It certainly was joe as I remember it they could only use the interviews with the wiganers because they couldn't understand the st helliners

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 12:39

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

is that you shep? if it is good to hear from you if not hello anyway

Replied: 18th Oct 2013 at 17:40

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

You guessed the wrong one joe ,I was having a pint with shep a few month ago we were on about you wondering what you was up to,nice to here from you if your ever back up here well meet up for a pint

Replied: 19th Oct 2013 at 11:09

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

handsomer miner put a name to the mystery is that colin

Replied: 19th Oct 2013 at 11:16

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

It is

Replied: 19th Oct 2013 at 12:01

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Well its good to hear from you how as life treated you 20years+ ,I have have been down in wales permanently since 1999,I stumbled across thee wigan world site by accident good to talk about the time we spent in the mines

Replied: 19th Oct 2013 at 12:21

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Yes plenty good times don't see many ex workmates about now

Replied: 19th Oct 2013 at 12:39

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

take care pass on my regards to shep perhaps we can exchange e-mail addresses

Replied: 19th Oct 2013 at 18:10

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

GJ, in your pic of the miners, on the far right in specs, is that Jim Frampton?

Replied: 20th Oct 2013 at 00:55

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

no it is Kenny Williams of St.HELENS the picture is on the parsonage site electricians in the workshop ,I am on the bottom left the lad on the top left is colin ,I am not familiar with the name Jim Frampton perhaps somebody reading these will know the name

Replied: 20th Oct 2013 at 06:26

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Joe I've been working with graham Burke knows you from bold

Replied: 20th Oct 2013 at 13:52

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

graham yes good lad worked with his dad john died in the wool miner he was a overman good man manager pass on my regards to him

Replied: 20th Oct 2013 at 18:31

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Art, Jim Frampton came to Parsonage from (I think) Bickershaw along with several other Deputies. He was a very nice bloke. His son was an electrician at Parsonage too.

Replied: 20th Oct 2013 at 20:51

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

Dosco, the deputy Jim, is my Mrs Bro'-in-law. In his 80's now. He used to work at Johnpit SLG
Young Jim, is the one I thought was in the pic. He is now a prison officer. Another son, Tony, has been living in the Far East for years..

Replied: 21st Oct 2013 at 01:03

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Art, If it's the same one and my memory serves me right he had ginger hair. I worked in the developments when I first qualified as a fitter and Jim was deputy on my shift. He used to give me (ocasionally) a chew of his baccy. It was a treat as he used to soak it in Rum for a few days before bringing it to work. I think Tony was still an apprentice when I left Parsonage in 1980.

Replied: 21st Oct 2013 at 18:30

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

dosco did you not go back into the mines ?or have I not been paying attention,

Replied: 21st Oct 2013 at 18:44

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy was you a fitter at golborne if so I probably worked with you

Replied: 21st Oct 2013 at 18:51

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Grainey, no I didn't go back when I came back from South Africa. I tried to but things where going the wrong way and none of the mines in the area where taking on.
Maybe was a blessing in disguise as I had to look for work elsewhere before thousands of other miners where faced with the same dilemma a few years later.

Replied: 21st Oct 2013 at 19:51

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thats true dosco in the early 80s before the strike I worked with a fitter Ray Sefton and another electrician George Cummings we decided to apply to Anglo American about jobs in south africa we along with our wives were invited to a fancy hotel in manchester for final interviews the outcome was I was offered a job in the coalmines the other two jobs in a goldmine ,my wife got coldfeet we didnt go they did .after the strike 87 or 88 I was working at parsonage and Ray sefton started with the ATC as a fitter he had come back paid his mortgage off ,I turned three jobs down in my time at the mines the last job working on the channel tunnel, comical part 98 I started back in the tunnels with AMEC minus a wife never been so happy about the latter .sorry to drag on

Replied: 21st Oct 2013 at 20:07

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

No, I wasn't a fitter, I was a face man, worked mainly in the plodder and the six feet with Snowy's team. Before that I was spare P.L.A. and worked all over the place.

Replied: 21st Oct 2013 at 22:49

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

Dosco, this is a pic of Jimmy Framptons eldest son Jim.
He's the one in the middle, glasses & a big smile, taken down Parkside

Replied: 22nd Oct 2013 at 01:11

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy I worked in the plodder seams electricians dave mc,coombs kevin sharkey alan pennington fitter tommy page ,I worked both on the face and in the developments in plodder with jimmy clarke dave southworth some of the names I remember working with a lad in the headings Brian Whittle his brother Roy worked at bold

Replied: 22nd Oct 2013 at 07:42
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 22nd Oct 2013 at 11:07:39

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Cheers Art, I didn't know young Jim but he looks like a cheerful chap, as was Tony. Please pass my regards to Jim snr next time you see him.

Replied: 22nd Oct 2013 at 19:04

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

Will do

Replied: 22nd Oct 2013 at 19:23

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Art, I know from your previous posts that you where good friends with Bill Collier. Am I correct that Bill has passed on now?

Replied: 22nd Oct 2013 at 19:35

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

graineyjoseph, Yea, I remember most of them fellers. Sadly I think a couple of them have passed away now. I worked in the headings with Brian and Smithy a few times, Brian's nephew Kenny worked on the face, he broke his back in the bottom stable on one of the plodder faces. Tommy Page was hurt in the plodder as well, I think he fractured his skull.

Replied: 22nd Oct 2013 at 22:35

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

@

Replied: 22nd Oct 2013 at 22:35
Last edited by tuddy: 22nd Oct 2013 at 22:49:52

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

@

Replied: 22nd Oct 2013 at 22:36
Last edited by tuddy: 22nd Oct 2013 at 22:50:21

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

Dosco, yes, Bill passed away a couple of years ago.
The sad thing was, just before, I met Bill & his wife in the Market Hall.....And he didn't know me....Very upsetting. Salt o' the earth was Bill.
A few happy Hols we spent together

Here's a shot taken outside the "Original Wigan Pier Bar" in Torviscas Tenerife, the lad behind Bill & me,(from Carlisle) is also deceased..

Replied: 23rd Oct 2013 at 01:22
Last edited by ©art©: 23rd Oct 2013 at 01:33:23

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

good picture art

Replied: 23rd Oct 2013 at 05:58

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Art, That must have been hard for you after knowing him so well. Bill and his wife where neighbours of my parents in Bamfurlong and they where very kind to my Mother after Dad passed away. I went out for a pint afew times with Dad and Bill to a club just down the road from where they lived (can't think of the name) and played football with his son Martin.
Wasn't his wife a nurse?
That photo must be a nice momento of a lovely man.

Replied: 23rd Oct 2013 at 16:48

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

Dosco,yes, I went to their house in Bamfurlong, was it Enid Place or Winstanley Rd? Can't recall which. He & Margaret left there & went to the flats , near W/L/Theatre.
The club you mention would have been Jolly Jacks, now a Police Station. I have many hard copy pics of our hols...priceless

Replied: 24th Oct 2013 at 00:55

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Had a lot of good times at both parsonage and bickershaw it always felt like you was part of a big family community.

Replied: 29th Oct 2013 at 07:52

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

BILLYAGG You mentioned you worked with Mark Jones undermanager at bickershaw I have sadly been informed Mark passed away a few years ago he was only 50,sorry to pass on sad news ,I had a lot of respect for Mark.

Replied: 30th Oct 2013 at 08:54

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I have been asked a question by a fellow member of the parsonage ex-workers he asked if I or anybody on this thread knows the surname of the fitter who tragically died of his injuries incurred when he was crushed dismantling DOSCO bridge conveyor his first name was Norman ,I would be grateful if anyone remembers his surname and anything relating to this tragedy ,thank you.

Replied: 21st Nov 2013 at 06:50

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Joe, Norman Partington

Replied: 21st Nov 2013 at 19:38

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Thanks dosco appreciated

Replied: 22nd Nov 2013 at 05:34

Posted by: lezgee (717) 

joe our trevor(sharples ) died of brain tumors and lung cancer he was 52 ish , i think he did work with you , he was a rum lad on qt even knicked a panda car once lol , i miss him every day

Replied: 22nd Nov 2013 at 11:24
Last edited by lezgee: 23rd Nov 2013 at 14:43:49

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

lezgee sorry about trevor god bless him,we worked in the darkest and dirtiest places in the mines I personally would not of changed it you take care and good luck

Replied: 22nd Nov 2013 at 18:06

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

I had a message on my blog from Vinny Kay you parsonage lads would remember him senior overman great bloke

Replied: 27th Nov 2013 at 20:25

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I remember Vinny, he was the only bloke that I knew who came to the pit in a Rolls Royce.

Replied: 28th Nov 2013 at 14:27

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

yes that sounds like Vinny I think he started a wedding car business

Replied: 29th Nov 2013 at 05:58

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

sad news I have just heard Jimmy Fiddler as passed away and Jimmy Gore God Bless

Replied: 21st Dec 2013 at 18:24

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Sad news indeed, Jimmy used to give me a lift home from Parsonage when I was an apprentice. A gentle giant is how I will remember him.
God bless

Replied: 21st Dec 2013 at 20:24

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

dosco yes great bloke.

Replied: 22nd Dec 2013 at 09:09

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

seasons greetings evelyn & Don ,& all other freinds & ex colleagus

Replied: 24th Dec 2013 at 20:07

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Many thanks Handsomeminer and the same to you, and a happy, healthy 2014 to one and all.

Replied: 24th Dec 2013 at 20:43

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Evelyn Don and Colin and family and everyone MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Replied: 25th Dec 2013 at 06:56

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

30yrs since the strike ,23yrs since I finished in the mines,yesterdays service remembering the golborne disaster,how time flies.I left school on St,Patricks day 1967,happy Paddys day to all.

Replied: 17th Mar 2014 at 13:40
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 15th May 2014 at 15:54:06

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

what happened to tommy whittle and kenny williams who worked at parsonage ?

Replied: 15th May 2014 at 15:56

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Joe, Not seen Tommy since about '83 but someone told me he opened a carpet shop in Market street Hindley after Parsonage shut. I think it was with his brother. I could have dreamt it though

Replied: 15th May 2014 at 17:49

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

dosco good to hear from you,there was two whittle brothers not sure if theyre related to tommy their names are brian worked at golborne and roy who worked at bold,

Replied: 15th May 2014 at 18:55

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

tommy,s brother was John Whittle he was a pit electrician did a long spell in south africa ,when he came back he worked at Golborne for a spell not seen John for over 30 year now ,not seen Tommy since the complex shut ,Id be surprised if Evelyn or Don hadnt seen tommy recently,not seen Kenny since he finished at pit

Replied: 16th May 2014 at 04:11

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

morning Colin,last time I spoke to ste dixon he said Kenny got a job in hindley a firm called volex I think,Evelyn as not mentioned seeing tommy ,cant see him running a carpet shop you never know though.

Replied: 16th May 2014 at 05:40

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

joe that was about 25 year ago think volex shut a few years ago it was on the sight of the old turner bros factory in hindley green ,kieth quinn & dicky humphreys started at the same time bet kennys retired now ,iam wondering if don & evelyn are on their hols as iam sure theyd have commented by now

Replied: 16th May 2014 at 20:00

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Colin you might be right about Evelyn and Don,Kenny probably as retired now,people I spoke to who worked at bold have not seen kenny for years.

Replied: 17th May 2014 at 06:01

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Handsome and Joe,
Don remembers Tommy working for an agency doing P.A.T.( portable apparatus testing ) at Wigan Infirmary.
As far as we know Tommy has never had a carpet shop but his son in law is/was a carpet fitter.
We haven't seen him for a long time.
Hope you are both OK.

Replied: 17th May 2014 at 22:38

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thanks Evelyn,I hope you and Don are well,about Tommy I wonder if he worked at Wigan Infirmary at the same time as Ste Dixon if so they must have had some interesting tea breaks,best regards Evelyn and Don.

Replied: 18th May 2014 at 06:04

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

no wonder the heath service is struggling Derek Henry also worked their

Replied: 18th May 2014 at 11:53

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

sounds like last of the summer wine.

Replied: 18th May 2014 at 14:51

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Not sure as to were Derek Henry is upto but I must say, He was one of the most honest, genuine and polite man I have had the pleasure of knowing. He had his priciples and stuck to them, plenty may have called him and/or ridiculed him but no one and I mean no one would have pushed him into a direction, he didn't want to go... Cracking lad and I really hope he is ok.

Replied: 19th May 2014 at 15:20

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

ste your right about derek one of the people I was proud to have met your description of him was perfect.

Replied: 19th May 2014 at 18:15

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

I'm off fer some Tony Brown

Replied: 19th May 2014 at 18:41

Posted by: spud1 (inactive)

Bob screw

Replied: 19th May 2014 at 23:31

Posted by: ©art© (6154)

Condor or Aromatic from the Co-Op

Replied: 20th May 2014 at 01:03

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

hedges snuff for me never chewed tobacco.

Replied: 20th May 2014 at 06:21

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Joe, I always found hedges a bit 'sharp'
It was Rumneys for me
Did any of you soak the baccy in Rum or Whiskey

Replied: 20th May 2014 at 18:06

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

This morning, I've been working in a house, belonging to a girl whose dad came round to let me in.

He worked at Parsonage, as a cutter driver. His name is Jack Hobbs!

Anybody remember him?

Replied: 21st May 2014 at 00:26

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

dosco that was a good one too,soaking tobacco in spirits was the done thing,tonker I dont recall the name myself but somebody will remember him.

Replied: 21st May 2014 at 06:11

Posted by: Campfire (585)

I never smoked in my life but would'nt go down pit without at least 5" of Tony Brown. I can still smell it !!!. Once I was on the Rider at the pit bottom (Bold) and must have lost my "baccer" and got off, went back up pit to the canteen and by the time I got back down pit, the rider was on its way and I had to walk in to the Bull Nose to make sure I got the Becarit down to the dip (South Area). Gentlemen, they were the Good Old Days...

Replied: 21st May 2014 at 13:56

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

best days of my life great people and those that are no longer with us we will meet again,good days ste.

Replied: 21st May 2014 at 17:08

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

Tonker, I worked as apprentice fitter on W&B 13'S and Jack Hobbs was monorail man. If you see him again ask him if he remembers the fitters Joe Kenyon and Alan Hampson. I don't recall Jack ever being on the cutter but that could have been before or after my time. He was a good bloke though.

Replied: 21st May 2014 at 18:36

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

dosco I remember alan hampson great bloke hope he is doing well if you see him pass on my regards.

Replied: 21st May 2014 at 19:18

Posted by: brocklanders (696) 

like this thread, just a few fellas reminiscing about times past, no bickering, just chit chat. Love the camaraderie amongst pit men, worked with a few and they all say the same thing...."I would go back tommorrow".

A pleasure to read Gents. Excuse the interruption.


Replied: 21st May 2014 at 22:21

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

your welcome brocklanders.

Replied: 22nd May 2014 at 06:13

Posted by: dosco (inactive)

brocklanders, Thanks for the comment. I suppose we are still just doing what we did back then,,,,,,,being mates
I don't personally know any of the posters on this thread but feel a bond to each and every one of them

Replied: 22nd May 2014 at 18:30

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

me to I think our paths will have crossed ,I worked with handsomeminer and new campfire and his family,

Replied: 23rd May 2014 at 05:28

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Gentlemen - It is really nice to have a sensible and mature chat among true Gentlemen, as I do feel at times that within other "threads" within WW there are comments posted purely to wind folks up.

Replied: 23rd May 2014 at 09:17

Posted by: Campfire (585)

I forgot to mention that I got a Taxi the other day and Vinny Kays son was the driver. I asked how Vinny was doing and he is fine. Did'nt ask his son how old would Vinny be,, any ideas???
Remember doing a stint on nights, around 1980 / 81 for a couple of weeks but ended up doing close on 2 years and going in on Saturday and Sunday nights to cover the "travelling" with a Deputy and ended up with Vinny. I started at 10pm till the morning but Vinny started a 12 noon and was still there and that was the norm. He wasnt 7 stone wet through but must have had and still has the heart of a lion. He lives on a farm in Wrightington and still working... What a chap...

Replied: 23rd May 2014 at 09:27

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste I bought a sportscar off Vinny,I am 62yrs old Vinny will be about the same age roughly great bloke turned up at parsonage for a shift in a Rolls Royce.

Replied: 23rd May 2014 at 10:09

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Joe - I remember that.. that's when he started doing Weddings part time. Couldnt believe it, untill he shown us.. he had his uniform in the boot with the flat chauffeur hat with a badge on the front and I'm sure it was a Bold Branch NACODS badge. Honestly !!!!

Replied: 23rd May 2014 at 15:24

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

ste thats true vinny is an always will
be a character proud to know him.

Replied: 23rd May 2014 at 18:19

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Me and Don saw Vinny in Morrisons Supermarket about 2 months ago.He looked very well and was telling us about his farm in Croston.
He also told us that he had a narrow boat which is moored at Rufford.

Replied: 23rd May 2014 at 22:16
Last edited by evelyn: 23rd May 2014 at 22:18:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Evelyn ,Vinny is a larger than life character I first met him at bold then meeting up again at parsonage,he would be a great subject for life stories on the TV he certainly would entertain us.best regards to you and Don.

Replied: 24th May 2014 at 05:42

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I think Vinny was interviewed on radio Manchester once by Alan Beswick.

Replied: 24th May 2014 at 12:57

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy I would liked to heard that .

Replied: 24th May 2014 at 16:09

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

I've been asked to relay this message (from Wigan Rejects) onto this (WiganWorld) thread.

Courtesy of - les-bradd (a Wigan Reject)



"Tonks could you pass a message on Wigan world P and B thread about Vinnie Kay I used to work in the Lamproom at Parsonage and totally agree with the folks on there in there admiration for Vinnie even though he had smelly feet"

Replied: 24th May 2014 at 16:31

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

well done tonker for passing the message on.

Replied: 24th May 2014 at 18:54

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

hi evelyn
hope you & Don are keeping well myself & graneyjoe have both tried contacting Stey Dixon recently with no reply have you or Don heard from him

Replied: 1st Jul 2014 at 18:21

Posted by: evelyn (421)

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

Replied: 2nd Jul 2014 at 11:50

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Thanks Evelyn you and Don take care.

Replied: 2nd Jul 2014 at 17:32

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Many thanks don/evelyn stey contacted me yesterday good to hear hes on the mend

Replied: 4th Jul 2014 at 12:37

Posted by: evelyn (421)

Your welcome Colin

Replied: 4th Jul 2014 at 15:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Evelyn,Don,Colin,Ste and campfire and all have a good weekend.

Replied: 4th Jul 2014 at 17:09

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

and you joe, was talking to neil darlington[fitter] theirs rumour of a bickershaw reunion in the near future

Replied: 4th Jul 2014 at 17:20

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Neil theres a name from the past,let me know Colin.

Replied: 4th Jul 2014 at 17:29

Posted by: lynhalliwell (76)

If there is a reunion please put it on here, my hubby would be very interested. He worked at both Parsonage and Bickershaw ( there till the bitter end) finishing in October 1992, had only good things to say about his pit days!

Replied: 14th Jul 2014 at 16:15

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

lynhalliwell,is your husbands first name Ste,? if it is wish him the best we used to call him gomez because of his moustache,

Replied: 14th Jul 2014 at 19:23

Posted by: lynhalliwell (76)

No that's not him, his name is Kev. Fitter at Parsonage and later a deputy at Bickershaw.

Replied: 17th Jul 2014 at 08:02

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

lyn there will be people on WW who will have known him from both mines,good luck with getting replies.

Replied: 17th Jul 2014 at 09:03

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

hijoe
stey halliwell was from coppul,he mated with eddie mack the rope man & our old mate keith gardener [aka moose]not seen any of the lads from that side of wigan for 20odd year now

Replied: 22nd Jul 2014 at 13:26

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

hello Colin, we had some good laughs with them three.

Replied: 22nd Jul 2014 at 14:54

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Went on Nobby Clark's stag do and was close to getting arrested with Ste Halliwell. We were round the Gay quarter in Manchester (Canal street) and you can guess the rest....Ste Morley also had a say in it... Great memories though..

Replied: 22nd Jul 2014 at 22:36

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

you know all the best places Ste.

Replied: 23rd Jul 2014 at 05:31

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Joe - not been round Canal Street since but heard its more up market then when we were there.. Dont know the reason but it seems that I dont get asked these days to go on any Stag do's ????

Replied: 23rd Jul 2014 at 07:46

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thats their loss Ste,last one I can remember was in the Plaza in St,Helens comedians and strippers,I went on a couple of the gentlemens nights out organised by a fitter at golborne one was at Aspull rugby club,eye opening to put it mildly.

Replied: 23rd Jul 2014 at 08:13

Posted by: Campfire (585)

The Plaza in Duke Street, Joe- your bringing back some true memories With coming from Parr, I frequented the Plaza most Sunday nights, in the very early 70's say 70 /71 it was then classed as the upmarket type of establishment, bouncers with suits on and a cloak room were they gave you a raffle ticket as a receipt. Some of the entertainment wasn't really up my street but the class of clientele were the next division up from the Bold Miners Welfare and Derbyshaw Hill Labour clubs. The freshments were also over priced at the time about 2 bob a pint but we consoled ourselves with the Double Diamond DD, which without any doubt always allowed for a few sparks on the way home.

Replied: 25th Jul 2014 at 07:43

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

very true Ste, double diamond nectar sadly missed,the marketing men who promoted lager certainly did a good job ,heineken in bold miners ,greenalls lager yuk.happy days.

Replied: 25th Jul 2014 at 09:36

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Joe - do you remember Top Hat on draught?? it was available in bottles but certain places had it on draught. Brewed by Burtonwood brewery and was certainly "fighting Tackle"

Replied: 28th Jul 2014 at 09:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste I do remember Burtonwoods Top Hat very strong beer.

Replied: 28th Jul 2014 at 11:14

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

not heard from GrahamK for a while on the colliery threads hope he is well,

Replied: 6th Aug 2014 at 11:32

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

"Ex Miner Stuart Twist passed away Sunday 11th January. He worked at Bickershaw / Parsonage from 1981 to 1992, he was aged 48. Would you pass it on to the miners thread on WW, the one on wiganworld section. Some may know him. His funeral was today 21/1/15"

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 15:56

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tonker sad news 48 no age at all,R.I.P,

Replied: 21st Jan 2015 at 16:46

Posted by: Campfire (585)

tonker - I do remember Stuart, really sad news R.I.P

Replied: 22nd Jan 2015 at 07:37

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste I had a message on my blog from Charlie Fox fitter do you remember him he worked at bold and parsonage.?

Replied: 15th Apr 2015 at 14:39

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Hi Joe - I do remember Charlie, we used to call him Robocop at Parsonage with all the tools he had hanging from his belt. I remember we were working the holidays and installing a face and Charlie was the fitter.. a chock hose had gone and we shouted for Charlie but to no avail as he was in the Sportsmans pub but still on overtime with us and he got away with it...

Replied: 16th Apr 2015 at 15:28

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste that sounds like him not a bad bloke his dad worked on the surface,thanks Ste

Replied: 16th Apr 2015 at 17:34

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Sportsmanship pub no longer exists

Replied: 16th Apr 2015 at 23:35

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

wouldnt even know where that was Colin,I remember having a pint in the pub uotside of bickershaw pit the everson I think.

Replied: 17th Apr 2015 at 04:47

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

It was the big pub right at he end of wigan road ,just passed the street for parsonage,shut about 10'year ago was empty had a fire now demolished

Replied: 17th Apr 2015 at 07:54

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

thanks Colin,

Replied: 17th Apr 2015 at 10:34

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

we had some great times do it again,and again no problem.

Replied: 17th Apr 2015 at 16:28
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 17th Apr 2015 at 17:38:30

Posted by: Campfire (585)

joe - When was the last time you was around Bickershaw area, where the pit was?? If its not for the last few years, you would'nt recognise it now...They have made it really good and they are still working on it.

Replied: 1st May 2015 at 15:52

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste it as been a long time I wish it was yesterday ,Ste have a great weekend god bless to you and your family,I believe bold is the same even an housing development on there, Joe

Replied: 1st May 2015 at 17:09
Last edited by graneyjoseph: 2nd May 2015 at 09:52:25

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Heard its incorporating a marina,not sure how many boat owners their are in plank lane & crank

Replied: 2nd May 2015 at 22:18

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

not many I would guess Colin.

Replied: 3rd May 2015 at 06:44

Posted by: alfranco (2) 

Any one knew my Dad Allen France he worked at Parsonage and some others not sure Parkside or not.Sadly he passed away 2003 with a Brain Tumor.He finished at 55 with ill health he got Salmonela food poisening they never found out where he picked it up.

Replied: 27th Nov 2015 at 00:24

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

alfranco sad to hear about your dad.I didnt personally know him but you can expect some replies.

Replied: 27th Nov 2015 at 05:44

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

I can remember the name, was he a surveyor? Sorry to hear that he's passed away.

Replied: 28th Nov 2015 at 14:30

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

tuddy best wishes to you and your family .

Replied: 2nd Dec 2015 at 17:46

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Thank you Joe, regards to you and yours.

Replied: 3rd Dec 2015 at 19:23

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Gentlemen - Seasons greetings to you all and your Families. A little early, I know... I think I may be having a bit of a procedure shortly and may not have the flexibility of communicating again for some time on WW.

Replied: 14th Dec 2015 at 12:34

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

Ste good luck in what comes next we are thinking of you and wish you well.

Replied: 14th Dec 2015 at 16:53

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Hope all goes well campfire

Replied: 14th Dec 2015 at 21:08

Posted by: tuddy (1297)

Good luck Ste, let us know how you get on.

P.S. Your'e not having the snip are you?

Replied: 14th Dec 2015 at 21:29

Posted by: Campfire (585)

Ste - I wish.. I had the snip done in 1982.. when I could knock and 6" nail into a foot block with it !!!

Replied: 15th Dec 2015 at 12:00

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

you cant beat memories ,knowing then what we know now.

Replied: 15th Dec 2015 at 12:45

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

End of an era gentlemen

Replied: 18th Dec 2015 at 20:20

Posted by: graneyjoseph (4618) 

it certainly is sad day for all of us.

Replied: 19th Dec 2015 at 07:08

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Seasons greetings to all freinds & ex colleagues

Replied: 24th Dec 2015 at 12:26

Posted by: whups (13083) 

sadly joe graney isnt with us anymore .

Replied: 5th Sep 2022 at 11:57

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Brian Joe finished up on his own in Newport I kept in touch with him over the phone sadly he got a little confused towards the end,nice to say his brother met up with him and kept in contact at the end

Replied: 5th Sep 2022 at 18:56

Posted by: whups (13083) 

wot did he die of colin ? .

Replied: 8th Sep 2022 at 12:09

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

Joe give up posting in Aug 2019 and met his demise in April 2020

Replied: 8th Sep 2022 at 18:14

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Not sure Brian

Replied: 8th Sep 2022 at 21:02

Posted by: whups (13083) 

does anyone else know colin ? .

Replied: 13th Sep 2022 at 12:22

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Don't think so Brian he lost touch with people round here

Replied: 13th Sep 2022 at 20:32

Posted by: whups (13083) 

it,s a bit of a mystery then .

Replied: 14th Sep 2022 at 15:34

Posted by: Handsomeminer (2694)

Most of it boiled down to a very bitter divorce of which Joe was the innocent party he had no contact with his adult children sad really

Replied: 15th Sep 2022 at 12:39

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

Any miner's on this site worked at " THE QUAKER HOUSE COLLIERY " in Ashton-in -makerfield ?????????GB

Replied: 17th Sep 2022 at 15:23

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Winstanley!

Replied: 17th Sep 2022 at 17:03

Posted by: PeterP (11195)

GB type into search at top of the page "quaker pit"

Replied: 17th Sep 2022 at 18:25

Posted by: GOLDEN BEAR (6555) 

YES TONKER ,,, NAMED AFTER UMSELF !! ALSO MANY THANKS TO YOU
PETER.P . GB .

Replied: 19th Sep 2022 at 15:32

Posted by: tonker (27808) 

Replied: 19th Sep 2022 at 21:51

Posted by: whups (13083) 

yes alan i worked there for a short spell .

Replied: 28th Sep 2022 at 15:01

Posted by: whups (13083) 

i see the search engine has been working overtime .

Replied: 28th Sep 2022 at 15:03

Posted by: jo anne (34699) 

Oh no, only just seen
GraneyJoseph isn't with us anymore. Saddened to hear that, he was great fun to know on WW. R.I.P.

Replied: 7th Nov 2022 at 15:16

 

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