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Signature Sponsor
By David Morton
December 18, 2017 - Ashington, one of the North East’s most notable towns, has been celebrating its 150th birthday this year.
It was the sinking of the Bothal mine shaft in 1867 that led to the rapid growth of coal mining and the astonishing development of the Northumberland community.
Fittingly, we have a great set of images recalling the town as it was in the last century.
They come from the DVD, Bygone Ashington, which has been produced by Past Times Media.
History buff, John Dawson, from Choppington is the group’s chairman.
The former miner also runs the popular Facebook pages Coal Mining Memories UK and Sixtownships History Group.
John said: “In the DVD we look at Ashington and see how it once was.
“Witness how the streets have changed over the years, and prominent buildings that once stood and are no longer to be seen.
“Of course, the town’s coal mining heritage is also recalled, along with dates and facts from its past.
“We’re charging £3.99 for the DVD, which is pocket money, really.”
Most of the photographs come from the early decades of the last century when Ashington was a booming coal mining town with a vibrant community.
The colliery, the main thoroughfare of Station Road, the miners’ hall and theatre, the Buffalo Picture Palace, the Greyhound racing stadium - as seen in these images - would all have been part and parcel of daily life for people at the time.
During 2017, there have been a range of celebrations in the town, from outdoor events, exhibitions, public art, musical performances, fairs, parties, town clean-ups and more.
One and a half centuries ago, the rapid expansion of Ashington was breathtaking.
It grew from a hamlet of around 800 people to a thriving town of 30,000 in less than five years.
A spokeswoman for Ashington Town Team recalled: “The mining families who came to live and work in Ashington created a resilient community spirit.
“Strong relations with neighbors, friends, businesses and organizations meant Ashington was a great place to live and work.”
The DVD Bygone Ashington, published by Past Times Media, is available for £3.99 from Al’s on Station Road, Ashington, or online at http://shop.pasttimesmedia.co.uk/.
All of the following images are by Past Times Media.
Ashington Colliery, from the DVD, Bygone Ashington
A miner at work with a pick axe at the coal face in the Ashington Coal Companies Colliery, 1939
Ashington Colliery c1940
Old view of the Harmonic, Station Road
Ashington Central Hall in the background
Ashington pit ponies
Buffalo Picture Palace, c1912
A typical Ashington scene in the 1970s
Greyhound Racing Stadium
Ashington Colliery, c1920
Miners' Hall and Theatre, 1907
Wesleyan Central Hall, Woodhorn Road, 1937
Seaton Hirst
Station Road, early 20th Century
Parade marking the funeral of King Edward VII, May 20, 1910
Station Road, early 20th century |
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