Maggie/915

Sure Malcolm, use the picture. Pity it came out the wrong way. ' plans of Mice and Men' I have other Bedlington bottles if you want more pictures. May take me time to find them. Invalid stout was I think sweet Guinness type ale. Ginger Ale is to aid the digestion as far as I recollect.

I joined the clan at Westridge from Nedderton at a later date than you, so I was not there those first days. Your memories sure stir up some ghosts for me HPW. You have an amazing memory. Mr Abrahart, his history lessons were inspirational. Cannot imagine being so involved with local history without his input. With his style of dress and ties he made History trendy, I suppose he was a Dan Snow before Dan Snow. I remember all the other teachers but stayed under the radar, so was never in trouble. Quiet revolutionary. My kids and grandchildren do not believe me. However our opinions were nurtured at Westridge and I think we all became rounded individuals thanks to their guidance. I know of characters who did not take up Grammer School placements in order to go to Westridge. One girl turned up from another secondary and had to return to her original school. We felt no need to take the 13 plus. We did Northern Counties and in only one year we did the syllabus for O levels. Now one argument for getting rid of Middle Schools is that they need extra time for exam preparation. They could well examine what worked so well for us at Westridge. Music has a special place in my life. One son says if you say you do not like Mum's music she plays it until you do. I now find I like strange music that they make me listen to. My Gran in Bedlington had a wind up gramophone which was brilliant when it wound down playing MacNamaras Band. And you tell the kids these days and they don't believe you. To quote Monty Python!

Hope these come out!

Yep and it says Wood Sons and co . Bedlington Newcastle and Bellingham. The miners lamp was via Stephen Martin, Evan's Dad. The clay pipes were from a Victorian rubbish dump in Bedlington. I will try to take a better picture of some with carvings. One has RAOB

This pub was the Dun Cow, I think. The old name relates to Saint Cuthbert and how the monks found Durham as a resting place for the Saint. I suppose this was the resting place of many local residents. Maybe a place to pray for good ale!

Thinking about the direction of the photo and the colliery rows. The Cheviots and the Simonside hills would be in view if the picture was taken on high ground.

Ok so I am a hoarder!

The concrete at the back, that I thought would hold back any land slip, seems the problem. I went to look because I thought it was a good job. I came away horrified. I was interested to see what others thought. Seems like an accident waiting to happen. The road way seems an unresolved issue.

What about the old gits like me who started Westridge in the late 50s!

Maybe the Coffin Chapel, or from another view the Power Station Chimneys, or there again the Tech at Ashington. Cannot think of any higher ground. Could be a slag heep!

Demolition work at the Doctor Pit?

Unfortunately I do not know enough about the rules Adam to complain. Building regulations are not my strong point. Health and safety are important to us all, self preservation! Maybe you can reassure me that things are ok!

Surely the powers that be, do checks and ensure safety! The developers may end up with more land, maybe that is the plan. I cannot see what can be done now that work has started and things are not right. Realistically, it is the people who own the land and the road access that need to be involved to find a solution. The building behind may belong to the developers. I think there was a forge somewhere, certainly behind the Sun Inn there was an anvil, which people would lift to show how strong they were!

You cannot say better than that!

After a funeral and a significant birthday, I am left wondering when life becomes History. One of my children said on the card, "Life is measured by time, But defined by spirit." So simple but so true.

You did not learn that at Westridge! Translation please

"De Profundis" I seem to remember the music teacher Mr Drinkwater composing a piece of music to represent the school and the motto. He took us with the choir to the hall in Ashington on top of the coop. He also took a trip to see opera at the Theatre Royal. So many memories.

I walked up to see at first hand what was happening. I was amazed to find the concrete is not supporting anything and the building behind looks as if it will suffer the same fate as the road. Please someone reassure me that the developers know what they are doing! It is such a historic site, could we persuade them to do a time team type dig before they do anymore. What is there to lose, they do not seem to care about safety and the danger posed to the businesses and people of Bedlington.

This brewery and hostelry is on the Barrington Road, in what was The Glove Factory, They do good food and real ale. With nine children in our group they were kind and efficient. They even found Altered Images version of Happy Birthday and gave the Adults a tour of the brewery.

Very relaxed atmosphere. On your recommendation I had the parsnip cake. It was excellent.

Pub names change but the original names can have a history all their own. The Dun Cow i believe led the Monks with The body of Saint Cuthbert to the site they made home (Durham or Dun Holm)

A public enquiry at Bedlington. This took place on the 19th October1849. Among the people present was George Routledge postmaster of Bedlington. I guess he could be found on the 1851 census

Our Genes all go back to Africa, watch Eddie Izzard tonight tracing his roots back. We are all equal, people who live in Bedlington for any number of years become extra special, regardless of colour or creed.

Is it, or was it a term of abuse. Robson Green has done a programme on the Pitmen Painters and maybe he could do a follow up on the subject of the language. The play is being produced again I believe.

Could there be a connection. We know we are connected to Saint Cuthbert, why not The Venerable Bede. We have a history before recorded time. With modern methods what could be found or discovered. A unique time and place before major development, in and around the church.