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In June 2012 we were in Caen. Visiting a church we saw a couple sitting, the lady speaking in French. Leaving the church I spotted a badge on his jacket “Normandy Veterans”. As we walked on I said “I should have thanked him for what he did”, I’d never been able to say thank you to a veteran. “Go back” said Karen, and I did, speaking to the French lady. Karen said something to me in English and the lady said, “but he too is English”. I shook his hand and thanked him on behalf of my family and friends. Tears in his eyes he humbly said “But I was only doing my job” in a strong North East accent. He carried on telling me that he went back every D-Day anniversary to pay his respects to his mates who unlike him didn’t survive that day or the war. “What part of the North East?” I asked. “I live in Bedlington” he said, “but I was born in Bar'nton, which is now gone”. I know I said, I lived there until I was 4. Small world, I was very humble as they walked away. One of my simple desires realised to say thank you, and to a fellow Geordie. At the time we lived in the East Midlands and here we are now in Bedlington not too far from his birthplace.

This photo shows the coal washer that was in use at the Doctor Pit until the 1940’s. The waste material from this washer formed the pit heaps around the Doctor Pit (now rehabilitated and covered in trees.) This was a fantastic adventure playground for the kids in the area. There was what would be known today as a BMX track – we called it a “scrambler track”. Sliding down the heaps on a piece of conveyor belt or corrugated iron sheet was also popular. Much of the heap was still burning so you had to make sure you didn’t end up falling into a section that was still smouldering. Health and Safety was not such a big thing then and you had to carry out your own risk assessment before heading out to the heaps! There was also a pedestrian tunnel went under the heaps and railway line known as the “cundy” and this could be a bit scary for a kid.

How embarrassing can this get?

Also in the picture Fourgee and his big sister. Location is likely Front Street West (help - someone?). Date is probably around Christmas 1984.

The Northumberland Miners' Picnic, with the Bedlington Doctor Pit banner paraded.

Bedlington Miners Picnic, July 1974.

Left to right. ?, ?, Eileen Brown? (nee Purvis) the vicar's daughter and Dr Brown's wife, James "Jimmy" H Millne

The Mechanic’s pitch looks a bit waterlogged!

Council School - some of the family are on this but not certain which ones.

Miners' Picnic at Bedlington 1980

The photograph Was taken On 19th July 1919 during Bedlingtons Peace Celebrations following World War 1. "Bedlington celebrated the Peace on Saturday by entertaining the school children, the aged people over sixty, and all ex-servicemen to tea and sports. The children and ex-servicemen assembled in the Market Place at 1.30pm where they sang the National Anthem, and Councillor J. Caine, J.P., addressed those assembled. A procession was then formed, and headed by the Netherton Silver Prize Band, marched to the field for sports, the field being kindly granted by E. Gray, for the purpose, a fairly large programme of sports was enthusiastically gone through, not only by the children and ex-servicemen, but by the old people as well, prizes for each event being £1, 12/6d, and 7/6 respectively. At 3pm the old people sat down to a splendid tea in the Locke Hall, which was most tastefully decorated for the occasion, the tables also being beautifully adorned with flowers, and the various ladies who presided vying with each other for the best display. The comments of the old people showed how thoroughly they enjoyed the good things provided, Soldiers widows were entertained with the old people, each being presented by Councillor Caine on behalf of the committee with a 10/ note. The ex-servicemen sat down to tea at 4.30, and greatly taxed the efforts of Mr. Eadington and his staff of ladies to supply their wants. However like the proverbial "Bedlington Terriers" their tenacious efforts prevailed and the ex-servicemen were satisfied, and voted it a good tea: "couldn't be better", said one. The school children had tea in their own schools, the teaching staffs with various helpers attending to them. After tea all sports were resumed, being witnessed by huge crowds of the townspeople, who seemed to enjoy the sports equally with those who took part. Dancing was indulged in by the young folk both on the green and in the Locke Hall. At 11 pm, Mrs. Weeks set fire to a large bonfire in the colliery field which was built through the kindness of Mr. R.J. Weeks. A fireworks display was also given, these being purchased by the subscriptions of many of the public, Councillor Leathard and Mr. J. A. Chrisp being responsible. The proceedings from start to finish were declared perfect, and spoke well for the way in which each section was organised. Councillor J. Caine, J.P., acted as chairman and Mr. J. Eadington as secretary to whose efforts with those of the ladies and gentlemen who formed the committee, the success of the proceedings were due. The Bedlington dancing party, who have done so much for the boys while they were away fighting were represented on the committee, and were responsible for the tasteful way in which the hall was decorated.".

The new A1 Turst Steam locomotive Tornado Passed though Bedlington Station on a Railtour. I got Permission of Network Rail to go onto the Station Platfroum to get this shot.

Whittle Colliery banner being marched at the Miners Picnic at Bedlington 1980

Northumberland Miners' Picnic, Bedlington 1980

Miners Picnic, 1974.

Miners' Picnic down Front Street, Bedlington. 1970

Miners' Picnic, Bedlington, showing the Woodhorn Colliery Branch Banner paraded down Front Street. 1970

Miners' Picnic at Bedlington. The photo shows the Woodhorn Branch Banner. 1961

Procession carrying Lynemouth Branch N.U.M. banner, Bedlington Miners' picnic 1960

Procession carrying Dudley Branch N.U.M. banner, Bedlington Miners' picnic 1960

Netherton residents on a day trip to the Kyles of Bute, early on during the Second World War. It must have been a very long day out. Thank you to the Picture Editor of the Evening Chronicle for giving permission for use of this photograph.