Ovalteeny

If Mr. Abrahart left, then he certainly did come back. I was at Westridge from 1959-64 and Geordie Hemmings was the HM and Mr. Abrahart was the Deputy HM, I'm pretty sure covering all 5 years.

I vaguely remember a mosaic, can't remember having to pay for it or buy a tile. I think there was only one.

Looking at the attachment below, which is taken from the information I have gathered from local newspapers, this team line-up never played together for any one football club, in any one season. My conclusion is therefore it is a scratch side, most probably to participate in the annual Good Friday “Top Club” versus “Bottom Club” fixture.

It would be brilliant if someone could confirm the year the photo was taken.

In the 1940’s and 1950’s players could sign for more than one club, provided those clubs were in different leagues.

Some of the men who played in the higher class of football (i.e Northern Alliance) were regarded as almost semi-pro as they received match expenses. So, they were prone to moving around, especially if the clubs made it worth their while.

I still have a lot more research to do (it's more of a winter project) with local football from this era, my data is certainly incomplete, but I have enough information on all the teams in Bedlingtonshire to be able to make a calculated stab and say that this a scratch side, gathered together for some sort of friendly. 

Worth looking at some of the other photos that have been available of both Facebook Pages i.e. "Bedlington Remembered" and "Bygone Bedlington" which were deemed to be teams from the annual Easter Monday friendly/charity matches between the Top and Bottom Clubs. The 1954 versions definitely look like being at Millne Park. I am told that previous friendlies were played at West Lea>

Hi Canny Lass, whilst John Shelley posted the photo on Facebooks Bygone Bedlington, I am in the front row and have helped with names.

It is I who thinks it is Moira Climpson, whilst I am happy to be proved wrong, I know she was a Netherton girl who was in our class.  I agree with you that she didn't have short hair. Perhaps she had it tied back for the photo. On closer look at the photo maybe this is the answer. Anyway, if someone else can have a look and help out with this query, then hopefully we can clarify who No. 14 is. It would also be very helpful if anyone can fill in the missing names.