Maggie/915

Here goes:-

We need to remember our past when we think the youth of today misbehave. Maybe character building. Or simply life's rich pattern. The circle game!

In my time at The Netherton Colliery School, two lads lost their father in an accident. Anyone know more, it was about 1953/4 My memory is about the community pulling together to help the family. Truly inspirational, in every sense. In life you try to make a difference. You help and do not ask for reward. The reward is to lead a useful life.

Somewhere I have a book on the Bedlington Coop. My great uncle has his picture in it. The coop movement was hugely important in providing the essentials of life. Your story about George Marley is very good. An example of what we should all be doing about our own lives. There is a sense of community when the connections with your family go back so far.

Exactly right, our kids talk about their history. My lot lived in Ridge Terrace for a few years, I am still apologising to the neighbours, they loved it and talk about all the people and places. My history includes stories about them, which go down very well with the grandchildren, but not with my own kids. When the grand kids are born I buy the days papers for them. History starts there and then, whether they like it or not. At the last Bedlington history session someone felt schools should do more on history. I think it is up to us too. Sting in a song said History Teaches us nothing, I think it does although I do think we repeat mistakes.

Well done John. It is very important to keep the language active. The play The Pitman Painters has played in lots of places including Broadway. An after show talk I heard, asked the question of the language being understood.. The cast said in Wales not many people laughed at the jokes and after the performance they asked why. One member of the audience said they could not laugh loudly because they feared missing the next joke

There are World Heritage Sites with less to offer. Bedlington has it all, with a history going back to the Dark Ages. In between two rivers, The Blyth and the Wansbeck,not to mention the Sleekburn, we have higher ground to survey the land for invaders. Who can prove we are not named after Bede, the Cuthbert history was not just escape from the Normans. Any look at the church reveals windows that are Romanesque. Obviously there is the Norman Arch and the lepers window, but any look at the stone work reveals far more. The Market Cross, Vulcan place, the Nailers all add to a history that is of huge significance. Morpeth has a folk tale about trying to bring the tide to their town, without success. In Bedlington we did not need to try. The sea ways were the roads, Cambois which sounds French has a history that goes back to a time long ago. Obviously history demands argument, but I think Time Team or others could well investigate. I have to admit to being prejudiced.

Pitmatic is not out of fashion. Books are now written on the subject and I believe it is a lasting legacy of true Northumbrian dialect. When people moved to the jobs in the mines they brought with them the language. Variations do occur but they are worthy of study. Sadly Bedlington is becoming a dormitory town. This means our language dies or changes. The content of this site is of huge importance. HPW you are a legend in your own lifetime, write all you can and know it is worthy and important. I wish my memory was as good as yours! Micky can you not write some of what your Dad's story.

That is tragic, I hope the woman realised her mistake.

Thank you John Dawson it is like a Charles Dickens instalment daily.

I have the folk tale, but I am going to have to scan etc to put it on the web site. The book was given to me in 1955 for good attendance at the Glebe Road Sunday School! Apologies if I do not succeed! It is the thought that counts! Some might say!

Hope the school hall is still there! I think these recollections could be turned into a great situation comedy. Gritty real life in the true North, names changed to protect the innocent.

Remember we are North of the wall! Lots of our names indicate we were Border Reivers, with our own laws. Blacklaw, Greenlaw, the names are still there. Surnames and place names!

Wonder if the older generation can still go for lunch at the old school. My mother used to go along in the 90s before she died. Would be good to have a look at the old place, vestibule and all. Do not get wound up HPW, not good for the heart.

Obviously, I know little when it comes to computers. How do Twitter and Facebook make money? Can people who blog make money? If money, or lack of it, is an issue, maybe we should all pay an annual fee. The papers, films etc are all full of web piracy. The banks and governments appear to worry! How do lesser mortals, enjoy the benefits of a World connected whilst fearing the whole damned thing. Our children and grandchildren can be at risk. Can we make it safe! This is the wrong forum but it is current!

Radio 4 today at 11.30. Soul Music. All about the track Shipbuilding, Elvis Costello, Robert Wyatt.

I personally have not been involved in any war but I appreciate the people who have! They have allowed us to live a peaceful life. We have food shelter and a life is safe! If we are ill we can get help. I do not think Bedlington is a war zone.

Your doing fine HPW, our memories are all subjective and personal. In Bedlington sharing those memories is important. Your are second to none, brilliant

The site is fine and a credit to all who use it! I have really enjoyed the postings, there are so many going back years.

Maybe later 70/71! I think Ken Russell did his film round about then.

The website has very valuable historical and general interest subject information, gathered over a number of years. Bedlington is the reason we all come together, however the Internet, I think, makes us insecure for very valid reasons. The reason I am concerned is simple. People on sites have sold information for commercial gain. I am not assuming this is the case, but we all need reassurance that our ramblings are not subject to benefit any company or individual unless it is for the benefit of Bedlington and our Community. My concerns are not aimed at the management of the site, you all do a great job. Some things on the Internet are beyond our control. The reason for Avatar names is proving the point and no matter how many times you tell me Brett, I will always have concerns. I can only say sorry, I do not think you are 'Reptilian Overlords'.

Kathryn Tickell is touring again with her Northumbrian Voices. Warwick Arts Centre is too far but beg or borrow and get to Rothbury to see her and her crew. I believe she plays Rothbury on the 17th March

Saturday night and no room at the Inn. Actually the restaurant! They are doing well, Dun Cow or not.

Our stories are all here on the site already. We need ownership to be established. Do we own the site and contents or do the owners of the site benefit in total from our stories.

Someone send a search party out Foxy has gone missing. We forgive you for not having the photo in full. Wind ups are ok. Maybe the landmark is a pub, and Foxy is not missing.