I was reading on a friend's page, about Coal mine closure in the North East of England, where I now live.
This brought back memories of mine when first moving to this part of the world.
I left Ireland to come here, in the early 70's at that time the Collieries were still producing coal.
Now I came from a City, where I am ashamed to admit, that I never thought much aboutCoal Mines.
We did not have Coal Mines in Ireland.
I must say I had a bit of a shock when I came to live in a Mining Village.
These are only my views remember!!!
As regards to the Miners houses, I remember them as being , old, cold, with outside toilet.(no Central Heating)
The language used by the mining community was " Pitmatic",
I may as well have been in Japan or China, I did not understand a word.
Examples : Ow wheres tha ganin?" = "Where are you going?
"The nas" = You know ?
"Hoy a hammer hinnie" = Pass a hammer dear
"Why aye man" = Of course, or yes
"Howay man!"= Come on(depending on context it could also mean= You are joking
"Why man" = means getting a little fed up running out of patience
"whats the thinks thas deein?= What are you doing?
Now I only quoted a couple here, I had to get a Phrase book to help me cope(smiles)
The air was really filled with a sooty smell, and clothes were always soiled with coal dust, it got everywhere.
Polluted beaches, where there should have been sand, was thick coal covering the beaches.
The Miners worked hard in terrible conditions, and what little time they had above ground,
they would spend in Allotments to grow vegetables, or in Pigeon Crees ( cree= shed).
The housing left a lot to be desired, as did most of the villages.
I longed for clean air, sandy beaches and green fields, something I had always taken for granted in Ireland.
Then came the Miners Strike in the 80's that was an awful time to witness.
My husband's family and relations had all been "Pit workers" they had not known any other work
The only contact I had with the Colliery was when I had to visit the Canteens in the Mines,
as they sold Confectionery there and my job then was Representative for well known
Confectionery Company. Those were visits just before Pit Closure.
Now I have gabbled on a bit here, but it was basically to air my views on Mining Closure,
and I am so glad that they have closed.
Now we have our wonderful coastline back with sandy beaches, new housing in all of the Villages.
Most important CLEAN AIR...as it is smokless zone .
There are a lot of new Businesses have moved here now, so it is a thriving place I refer to all of North East.
I left the Village in 84, but I still live in the area, next to the Coast.
Am I sorry???????? no ...... The people here are some of the friendliest you could ever
wish to meet.
Only my memories...........
