kalee

I knew Jim Temple quite well. I went through a phase of building radios (with valves in), when I was a teenager and used to go to Jim's house for advice and to admire all his woderful Amature radio kit. Lots of which he had built himself. It was my dad who put me in touch with him as he knew of him from the pit. Dad worked at Netherton until he had a serious accident and had to come out of the pits, which he very much regreted "Once a pitman allways a pitman", he used to say. The photo looks very much like the pavillion at Bedlington station? Perhaps they were all built to a standard design back then? Kalee

Hi Wilma, Yes i remember it being very tidy and I remember the swings and rides in the park quite clearly. There was a "witches hat", a "Teapot lid", a "hobby horse", that sat about 6 kids? also some very dangerous shuggy boat type rides that scared me and once I say a boy get flung off one of these and split his head open badly. The park keeper took him away and an Amulance came for him. The bowling green was imaculate and the birds had to fly upside down over it! The bowling green and pavillion was inhabited be old men smoking pipes, playing bowls and generaly putting the world to rights. I seem to remember the pavillion was identical to the old one in Dr. pit park? Perhaps the same builders? Not seen any photos anywhere of the park in its prime? Thanks, Kalee.

Hi all, Just driven down Palace Road to view the new high school and see how things have changed. I was surprised to see the old Park keepers cottage is still there and indeed lived in and now called "Tanglewood cottage". Also the old bowls pavilion and bowling green are still in situe although looking very much neglected. Could not find any trace of the old play park or the way into it (all overgrown). Anyone remember the park, bowls pavilion or know anything about it? I am surprised it has not all been demolished and absorbed into the massive new School? I can find nothing about it online or indeed ownership of the land. Did the park belong to the colliery or the local council? If so then the park keepers cottage must have been sold off at some stage? Paul.

29I heard it was going to be an Ann Summers shop?

33I was so shocked and saddend to here this tragic news. I went to School with Keith at the old Whitley memorial & then on to the wooden school that burnt down. I have may happy memories of our times back in those days. I only found this site last year and was so happy to find Keith on here being his usual cheerful self. Often used to meet up at the Old Bedlington market when it was behind Prestos. Sincere condolences to Alan and the family. Paul.

Sorry no, I was in Miss Nicholson's class first year at Whitley Memorial. Paul.

Hi Micky, Went from Whitley Memorial to Bedlington Secondary modern. I have some photos somewhere in the house but finding them after Her indoors put them away will be a mammoth task. I remember Miss. Nicholson in the first year class, Mr. Buckler in third (I think). Finally Mr. Hall in last year, in the prefab! Paul.

Hi Everyone, I am Paul Maddison 57 years old and lived in Bedlington all my life but travelled an awful lot in my younger days. Went to the Whitley Memorial school (the old one). Then on too Bedlington County secondary (wooden one). which burnt down during my third year (I think). Remember Mr Laverick's bubble car being in the metal work room at the time and it being burnt in the fire! Loved the old Bedlington of my youth with almost everything you needed available in Bedlington Station or Bedlington. Now you cannot even buy a pair of pants in either! Lots of memories of getting the train from Bedlington station to either Newbiggin by the sea to visit my Aunt or to Newcastle (Manors), for the annual christmas shopping trip! Dad was a Miner at Netherton pit. Mam stayed home and kept the place tidy! Married now and still in Bedlington. Paul

Hi everyone, I am Paul. Went to Bedlington county secondary scool (wooden one) Was a pupil there when it burnt down and we got sent to the Princess Loise school at Blyth. Now bald, decrepit and falling to bits but fondly remember those days. Paul.