I understand that the Thornton Brothers had premises on Red Row, would that be the family of Walter that went to Westridge?

Hi Orloff!

Probably was related.

I started Westridge the very first day it opened in 1956[!!!!!],and I didn't know anybody by that name,if they didn't come from the Whitley school.

But in later life,I worked with the Thornton Bro's Dad,Geordie,and Uncle Jackie,down Bedlington A pit,in the mid-sixties.

They came from Bedlington Doctor pit,when it closed.Canny fella's and really gud worker's,and that trait has followed on with Geordie and Keith,who run the business.[old Geordie's Sons]

There was another Thornton,related, who had a car repair,and welding shop,next to the Coffin chapel,at Bedlington,in the 1960's,so young Walter was probably his Son.[mind,I'm not sure about that,just a suggestion!]

Cheers Orloff!

Bill.