An appeal to the House of Lords has been lodged by Wolstanton Ltd. and the Attorney General of the Duchy of Lancaster against their appeal by Lord Justices Clauson, Luxmore and Goddand on the court of appeal on July 4th in the mining subsidence test case. Newcastle-under-Lyme V Wolstanton Ltd. and the Attorney General of the Duchy of Lancaster.
There is a claim for compensation by John Thomas Radcliffe of 89, Liverpool Rd. Kidsgrove, against Wolstanton collieries Ltd. Mr. Radcliffe sustained injuries to his right kneecap and right ankle, being crushed by two mine tubs. This article is not very clear.
Lost for three days in the pit, a miner was in an exhausted condition when found. Unsolved Mystery at Wolstanton colliery.
While working underground at Wolstanton colliery, Mr. William Plimbrey, a 46 year old miner, of 8, Thornley Rd, Stanfields, Burslem, was struck on the head by a girder and received injuries to his pelvis. He was taken to the N.S.R.I.
Two miners at Wolstanton colliery were fined 10s each at Tunstall Stipendiary court for fighting at the colliery; they were G.W. Lewis, of 6, Robertson Drive, Newcastle U. L. and W. H. Burke, of 75, Slater St. Burslem.
The House of Lords heard today appeals by Wolstanton colliery Ltd. and the Attorney General of the Duchy of Lancaster, against a decision of the Court of appeal in the mining subsidy test case, brought by, the Mayor, Aldermen and the Burgesses of borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
A verdict that death was due to shock and haemorrhage, following injuries caused by a fall of roof, was recorded at the inquest at N.S.R.I. today on Albert Edward Newbrookes, aged 39 of 20, Daniel St. Middleport, a colliery packer who died in the N.S.R.I. on Wednesday following an accident at Wolstanton colliery.
In the mining subsidence test case in the Chancery Division before Mr. Justice Farwell, the Corporation of Newcastle under Lyme, were granted an injunction and decleration against Wolstanton colliery, and the Attorny General of the Duchy of Lancaster. The defendants were ordered to pay the costs.
A mining injury in a colliery accident which happened ten years ago was the subject of arbitration, under the Workers Compensation act at Newcastle under Lyme County Court yesterday. The applicant was Mr. William Newbrooks of 63, Keeling St. Wolstanton, and the respondent was Wolstanton Colliery Co. Ltd. Mr. Newbrooks who was 43 years of age had worked at Wolstanton colliery for about, 15, years. He had been assisting a fireman in the preparation of shotfireing at the coalface, when a fall of roof occurred, resulting in Mr. Newbrooks sustaining injuries to his back and head. The respondent‘s spokesman said “It was a very old accident on which the applicant relied on his memory on which is now very different from the accident in the report book at the time. The onus of proof should be with the applicant”.
A colliery surface worker from Wolstanton was find £5 at Longton Police Court, he was found guilty of committing an offence, with intent to insult a female; he deigned the allegations.
“You are a despicable fellow and you will go to prison for three months” this was pronounced by Mr. W.L. Dixon at Newcastle Borough Police Court on a 24, year old miner who works at Wolstanton colliery, he was caught stealing 14s, he lives at Stanfields, Burslem.
A verdict that the cause of death was a fractured spine, by a fall of roof, on Mr. John Thomas James Whitehurst aged 53, of 65, Hillport Ave; Porthill, who received fatal injuries in an accident at Wolstanton colliery on Tuesday.
Tributes of esteem were paid at Keele Parish Churchyard on Saturday to Mr. Arthur Askey of 234, High Street, Silverdale, Mr. Askey passed away at N.S.R.I. at the age of 55, and he was a winder of 25, years at Silverdale colliery and Wolstanton colliery.
At Newcastle under Lyme Borough Police Court this afternoon, Mr. Sam Grocott aged 17, of 13, Rotterdam Rd. Newcastle was committed for trial at Staffordshire Assizes, when he will appear on the following charges; 1. On the 23rd of July 1942, at Wolstanton, in the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme, did unlawful damage to a steal haulage rope with the intent to impair the efficiency of the colliery machinery, being used in the performance of essential service namely the production of coal. 2. On the 23rd of July 1942, at Wolstanton, in the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme, did unlawfully damage a steel rope having reasonable cause to believe that it would likely interfere with their carrying on with their work by persons, namely miners, engaged in essential work namely the production of coal. Bail was renewed at £50, in personal surety and £50, in accustomed defence.
Mr. Samuel Grocott today was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment for the damage he caused at Wolstanton colliery. He had previously been employed at Leycett colliery. (Madeley) The manager of that colliery said he was “hopeless.” See 14th August 1942 Back Page.
While following his occupation at Wolstanton colliery Mr. Edward Beech, a miner aged 32, of 8, Clover St. Wolstanton, was trapped by a fall of dirt and sustained injuries to his back, he was taken to the N.S.R.I.
Two miners received leg injuries and now are in hospital through accidents while working in their pits on Saturday. They were Mr. Leonard Hitchcock aged 20, of 17, Chell Heath, Tunstall, who is employed by Norton and Biddulph collieries, and Bertram Barber aged 39, of 68, Starley St. Burslem, he is employed by Wolstanton colliery.
Charged at Hanley Police Court with stealing 30s, Mr. John Kelly aged18, a collier who gave his address as 90, Brook St. Hanley, pleaded guilty, he had worked up to seven weeks ago at Wolstanton colliery, the defendant gave an undertaking to return to work and refund the 30s and pay 15s costs, the case then was adjourned for one month to see if the defendant kept his promise.
Post war housing plans for the City and in it there is opposition to Wolstanton collieries plans for growth. There is plenty on this on this page.
The annual meeting of Wolstanton Property Owners Association was held at the St. John School, Wolstanton, on Friday night, they are to consider an application by Wolstanton colliery for more mining underground their housing and other properties in the area. On this page is a lot more information.
Application for temporary order to let down the surface lands in Newcastle-under-Lyme, and Stoke-on-Trent to extend the coal workings was made before the Railway and Canal Committee sitting in the Law Courts today, by Wolstanton colliery Co. Ltd. proprietors.
Two men were summonsed at Newcastle under Lyme Police Court, for abstaining themselves from work without reasonable excuse, at Holditch colliery. Mr. Harry Barker of 71, Hassam Ave. Newcastle, Mr Barker, was fined £2, for being absent on May 20th, and for being absent on June 10th and July 10th was fined £1, and ordered to pay costs of £2-2s. Mr. John Arnold Wainwright of 40, Wilton St, Cross Heath, Newcastle, was summonsed for being abstaining himself from work at Wolstanton colliery on June 30th and July 7th and 9th. There was to be an adjournment so the defendant could attend.
A temporary order has now been made by the Railway and Canal commission relating to the application of Wolstanton Ltd; Wolstanton, Stoke on Trent proprietors for the powers to be let down the surface of areas from which they propose to take all mining. The powers have been guaranteed to Wolstanton colliery Ltd. to work the Ironstone and Coal in the Redmine seam for as long as the war requirements demands.
Mr. Abraham Elson aged 46, of 22, St. Mary‘s Drive, Newcastle under Lyme, is in the N.S.R.I. suffering from an injury to one of his feet, through dirt falling on him. He is employed at Wolstanton colliery.
Consideration was given by the Railway and Canal Board Commission in the Law Courts today to the application for an order to let down the surface of land in Newcastle under Lyme and Stoke on Trent by Wolstanton colliery Co. Ltd. the proprietors. The object of was to extend certain coal workings. There is more on this on this page and back page.
The hearing was continued before Railway and Canal Commission in the Law Courts was heard on the applicants was Wolstanton Colliery Co Ltd. There is more on this on this page; and there is more on mining subsidence in tomorrow‘s edition of the Evening Sentinel.
Judgment today in Wolstanton colliery Ltd. application for permission to mine for more coal in the area.
A case of interest to all engaged in the mining industry was hared at Newcastle under Lyme County Court today, Mr. W. Robert Prodger of 6, Park avenue West, Wolstanton, claimed £29-7s, (loss of four weeks wages) from Wolstanton colliery. The plaintiff was employed has a colliery engineman, but dismissed on September 18th 1943, he had been employed by Wolstanton colliery for several years. The engine he was on had a fault and drew in water and stalled. The consequence that there was a sudden tension which caused the cage to swing in the shaft, that had occurred on several occasions, but the date in question 18th September, he had one of these on that day, he remained at his work place for the rest of the shift. He was then told he was to be dismissed; after consulting his union representative an appeal was lodged. At this time it was too late for the Evening Sentinel to print anymore on this day. There will be more on this in tomorrow‘s paper.
The claim against Wolstanton colliery Ltd. by a former colliery worker for an alleged wrongful dismissal failed at Newcastle under Lyme County Court Yesterday.
A verdict of accidental death was recorded by Newcastle- under-Lyme District Coroner At the resumed inquest at the Guildhall, Newcastle, yesterday on Mr. Charles Arthur Mellor aged 32, of Rutland St. Cobridge, who was killed at Wolstanton colliery on 4th March. Evidence was given that he along with other workmen was engaged with withdrawing steel arches out, when he was buried by dirt when the side suddenly collapsed, he was found to be dead when extricated.
At Newcastle-under-Lyme Police Court yesterday Mr. Thomas Hattersley of West Brampton, Newcastle, was summonsed for abstaining himself from work at Madeley colliery without a reasonable excuse, on January 28th, also on April 17th, 28th, and May 4th. A fine of £5 and Costs of £2, 2s was imposed.
At the same Court, Mr. John Redfern of St. Barnards Rd. Knutton, was fined £5, in each case for abstaining himself from work at Madeley colliery, without a reasonable excuse, he was absent on 5th, 15th, 20th. The defendant a single man 24 years old an underground packer at the colliery, he had since November 1943, to May of this year a period of over seven months had worked only 22 shifts.
Also at the same Court three fines of £2, each were imposed on Mr. Herbert Cook of Talke Rd. Chesterton, for abstaining himself from work at Wolstanton colliery without a reasonable excuse on May 22nd, 24th, and 27th. In the case of Mr. Robert Bagguley of St. Michaels Rd. Newcastle, who was summonsed abstaining himself from work at Holditch Mine, Co. Ltd. without a reasonable excuse on March 20th, April 24th, and May 6th. The defendant said he had been on the night shift for four and half years, when others had been on different shifts. Since he had taken off nights he had worked regular. The case was dismissed on payment of £1.
In the case of Mr. George Henry Leese of Roberts Ave. Newcastle, he was summonsed to appear on the charges of abstaining himself from work at Holditch Mines Co. Ltd. It was adjourned so the defendant could appear.
It is learned that three North Staffordshire collieries passed their output targets for the W/E 2nd March. They are Victoria colliery passed their target by 1, 021 tons, Wolstanton by 88 tons and Kent’s Lane, Silverdale by 100 tons.
An inquest held at the N.S.R.I. on Mr. Richard Boulton aged 38, of 14, Castle St. Chesterton, who died in the N.S.R.I. on Sunday following injuries received at Wolstanton colliery on April 2nd.
Mines Subsidence claim Mr. Justice Evershed in the Chancery Division yesterday opened the hearing of the action brought by the Corporation of the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme.
There’s more on the claim by Newcastle under Lyme against Wolstanton colliery.
The Court of Appeal today, consisting of Lords; Justices Norton, Somerville and Cohen, continued their hearing of the Appeal of Wolstanton colliery, from the decision of Mr. Justice Evershed in the Chancery Division on July 25th, when he awarded the Newcastle under Lyme Corporation, £4,500. This was for injuries to the Corporation’s Gas Mains.
It is the fifth day of the hearing the Appeal by Wolstanton colliery Co. Ltd. in the Court of Appeal in London. The court consists of Lords Justice, Morton, Somerville and Cohen.
Newcastle under Lyme Corporation, oppose Wolstanton colliery plan to mine beyond the great row seam.
A description of "Koepe" winding gear, which is used extensively in Germany and Holland, and to a lesser degree in France and Belgium, was given last night by, Mr. G. W . Alexander Bsc, of Metropolitan Vickers Electric Co., to members of North Staffordshire branch, of the Association of Mining, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. This type of winding gear was later used at Hem Heath, Florence and Wolstanton collieries More information can be obtained from the E. S. If required.
Mr, Frank Bailey age 41, of 8 Westlands Avenue, Newcastle under lyme, an underground worker at Wolstanton Colliery was admitted to the N.S.R.I., with bruises and shock after a roof fall
Two miners were injured yesterday, one at Glebe colliery, Fenton Mr William Davis, aged 48, of 42, Linden Place, Blurton. and Mr. Jphn Lawton, aged 38 of 66, Lilly Street, Wolstanton, who worked at Wolstanton Colliery, both were admitted to the N.S.R.I., with head injuries.
An inquest took place on Mr. James Brick, age 61, of 117 Dimsdale Parade, Wolstanton. who was killed when a roof collapsed on him, on the 14th June, another man, Frank Bailey aged 41, of 8 Westlands Avenue, was also injured, and detained in the N.S.R.I. The Inquest was adjourned until Mr. Bailey could give evidence.
Three miners were injured at different collieries, whilst working underground yesterday, and admitted to the N.S.R.I. They were Prokop Matiyeio a Pole, living at the Knutton Miner's Hostel, who had injuries to his head and right leg, when struck by falling coal, while working at Madeley colliery.
Mr. Frank Seaton, aged 34, of 5 Orchard Street, Wolstanton. employed at Wolstanton colliery, was admitted with a broken ankle.
Mr. James F. Beatty, aged 63, of 6a, Lovatt Street, Stoke, recieved a spinal injury after falling from a tub, at Florence colliery.
Inquest held yesterday at Newcastle - under - Lyme, that a roof fall caused the death of Mr. James Brick, aged 61, of 117 Dimsdale Parade, Wolstanton, the Jury returned a verdict of, accidental death.
Two miners injured at different collieries were admitted to the N. S. R. I. Mr. Reginald Poole, aged 35, of 46, Peel Street, Longbridge Hayes, employed at Wolstanton colliery, he as a suspected fractured leg. Mr. Walter Whitby, aged 47, of 45, Russell Road, Sandyford, injured at Norton and Biddulph colliery, he has a fractured rib.
A paper on mine ventilation has won for Mr. K. Dunn, a mining student, the Wain prize for 1949 at a meeting of the North Staffs Institute of Mining Engineers. Mr. Dunn works at Wolstanton colliery.
A verdict of accidental death was returned by a jury at a resumed inquest on J.T. Martin, age 57 who was buried by a fall of roof while working underground at Wolstanton colliery.
The NCB has delayed its application for permission to work other seams in the Wolstanton area, but there is no reason to expect that the application will not be made sooner or later.
Mr. J.T. Cliff, age 47 a miner, was admitted to the NSRI with severe lacerations and fracture of the right arm sustained when he was buried by a fall of waste at Wolstanton colliery. .
16 Wolstanton Awards,miners for 50 years list of names.
Wolstanton Collierys record output at the coalface.
New plan for Wolstanton put to the council.
Same date N.C.B. Ambulance competition the Wynne cup won by Wolstanton. Runners up were Norton with Whitfield third. In the Challenge cup Victoria came first Hanley Deep were second.
Wolstanton colliery apply for permission to mine Peacock, Spendcroft, and Cannel Row seams on certain land under N.U.L. Also the Great Row seam under other areas.
A plea by the N.C.B. for Wolstanton colliery to work more coal seams. If this is not allowed, it could lead to men being thrown out of employment. This plea was made by the N.C.B. in an application being heard in the Chancery Division. More on this can be seen on this page in the "Sentinel"
Many house's were likely to be rendered inhabitable by the workings of two or three more coal seams, was made by a consulting mining Engineer, in an affidavit read in the Chancery Division today. More on this can be seen on this page in the "Sentinel"
Re- Wolstanton Colliery Inquiry. There is a report on today's proceedings on page 1, and yesterday's on page 5.
The N.C.B. has been given the right to work more seams at Wolstanton colliery for the next 50 years. More on this can be seen on this page in the "Sentinel"
Wolstanton colliery last week had it's highest output since vesting day producing 7,268 tons, it's previous best performance was in November '48, the new record was 273 tons more.
Wolstanton colliery broke last week record output, by creating a new record this week, which was 403 tons higher.
All time record for Wolstanton colliery, last week produced 7,847 tons, It's the fourth time in seven weeks that it's overtaken it's previous best
Photograph of men at the end of their shift leaving Wolstanton colliery.
90 Wolstanton veterans all over 65yrs hold a party at the Plough Inn. The colliery manager Mr J Wood was in attendance.
Durham miner Mr E Nicholson given the keys to is new home on the Parkside Estate Silverdale. He worked at Wolstanton colliery and was the 175th tenant to come into the area. There is a photograph in the late edition on page 6.
Phillip Edmunds age 38yrs was killed in a shot firing accident at Wolstanton. The inquest on the12th Oct, it was explained that Mr Edmunds from South Wales had been living in Knutton Hostel. His wife and children were to have moved to the potteries the day after his terrible accident.
many local boxers win championships at the N.C.B. tournament. There was Tony Cotterill from Parkhall, Harold Brown and Alec Atkin from Chatterley Whitfield, Ernie Ball from Victoria, Eddie Edwards from Wolstanton, John Stanway from Berryhill, G Cataldi from Stafford, and George Shufflebottom From Glebe.
Photograph and full results of the N.C.B. boxing tournament held at the Victoria Hall Hanley. Ernie Ball of Victoria colliery is seen shaking hands with Eddie Edwards of Wolstanton colliery, both b had won through to the finals.
Mr Sidney Adams of Penkhull was recovering in hospital today after falling 30fet from a scaffolding at Wolstanton colliery
Boxer Ernie Ball of Victoria colliery became N.C.B. heavyweight champion at the finals held in Edinburgh. Others in The Staffordshire team were Eddie Edwards from Wolstanton lost in a close contest with J. Milton of Scotland, while 23years old John Stanway a trainee at Berryhill was voted gamest loser.
Photograph of Chatterley Whitfield Colliery Manager making a presentation to bowls team captain Mr R Steel for winning the area championship.
The N.C.B. office in London today have stated that at least four North Staffordshire collieries are to receive major reconstruction, they are, Stafford, Holditch, Wolstanton and Chatterley Whitfield collieries. There?s more on this article on this page.
The death was announced of Mr L J Cox a clerk at Wolstanton.
Photograph of veteran miner Joss Cooper at a fire-fighting exercise at Wolstanton.
Wolstanton colliery was to commence drilling for Methane. The gas would be piped direct from the coalface to the consumer.
last coal from Lycett colliery. After 100yrs of production Lycett closed today. The present manpower of 437 u/g and 112 surface will eventually be transferred to other North Staffs pits i.e. Hem Heath, Wolstanton, Silverdale, and Holditch. 100 men will be kept back for salvage, which should take between 6 and 12 months. A further 5 men will produce sufficient coal to keep the boilers going.
The deadly gas methane is to be harnessed. Wolstanton, and Holditch are to remove 5,000.000 cubic feet of gas per week. Article and photograph.
Photograph of the wife of Mr. Rowland Bennett, North Staffordshire?s Area General Manager, presenting the trophy to Wolstanton colliery, the wining team in the Area rescue compaction.
There is a report on manpower in the pits, plus North Staffordshire?s outlook in the collieries. Recruitment in the coalmines in the division continued to improve and they general position was more satisfactory. A new shaft at Wolstanton had started, where the deepening of the existing one completed, these two shafts are to be taken lower still where they would link up with the Deep pit and Sneyd collieries. The new shaft at Hem Heath, the first in the country to use the twin rope friction winding system would service the development down to 1,062 yards was commissioned. A new drift mine was started by the N.C.B. at Apedale. Referring to training and education a new surface provision was completed at Kemball training centre.
Photograph of Wolstanton colliery miners receiving a certificate from Mr. E.H. Browne, (Divisional Chairman). In the photo? is Mr. Harry Lear who as completed 59 years service at the colliery. There is a list of miners who have completed 50 years or more on this page.
A 69 year old miner was startled by the sound of a motor cycle that he jumped, but unfortunately he jumped the wrong way, into the track of the machine, it was said at a resumed inquest in Hanley. The coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death on Mr. Leonard Arthur Dabbs, of Wolsay Road, Wolstanton, who died in the N.S.R.I. after being in collision with a light-weight solo motor cycle in a private colliery Road at Wolstanton.
Staffordshire County Council will be asked to approve a draft term of settlement with the exception of condition regarding compensation payable for mining subsidence and damage concerning the N.C.B. application for the right to work further seams in the northern half of Wolstanton, Westlands and Clayton.
Coal output at Wolstanton colliery was 7,862 tons, which was the best since the colliery open in 1916.
Wolstanton colliery will represent North Staffordshire Area in the mining rescue competition at Birmingham University on Saturday for the divisional shield.
The new pit shaft now being sunk at Wolstanton colliery is sunk at the rate of 75 yards a month, the aim is to increase this to 100 yards a month.
Miners at ?Peacocks 3? face at Wolstanton colliery, who won a cash prize in a ?Safety and Tidy? competition, decided that instead of shearing the money between them, that, they would help to bring a brighter Christmas to less fortunate then themselves who are spending Christmas in hospital. The money is to go to the N.S.R.I. and to the men?s eye ward.
The new situation in the mining industry represents the end of a period of abnormality, for it could not regarded as normal for the industry in full continuingly to meet demand, Mr. Brown said in Birmingham yesterday, but the change had been a sudden one. It had arrived because of a fall in consumption, and not because of an increasing dispute. He also spoke of different North Staffordshire Collieries where improvements were in hand, namely, Sneyd, Hem Heath, Florence, Wolstanton and Hanley Deep pit, collieries. More of his speech can be seen on this page.
?A real work of Art? that is what Czechoslovakian Deputy Fuel Minister, Jaromir Matusck, called Hem Heath colliery headgear, the Minister is leading a delegation to North Staffordshire, to see the coalfield recon structure program and, modern mining methods. They will also visit Sneyd and Wolstanton collieries. A full list of Their party and our accompanying party, is listed on this page.
Photograph of Wolstanton colliery long service award presentation of certificates, to miners who had been employed at the colliery for 50 years or more. They are Mr. T. Smith, Mr. R.J. Beech, Mr. C. Malbon, Mr. L. Maddock, Mr. H. Mottram, and Mr. W.T. Foster. The presentation was made by Mr. J.T. Seabridge, No.1 Group Manager.
A 12 day, international conference is being held at Chatsworth House, Derbyshire; It is being held by the Cementation group of company?s. Senior executives, from twelve countries are in the group, with a small party of technical writer?s. They will be going to Wolstanton colliery, to view the installations that have taken place. They will be lowered 1,785 ft. in an 85 ft. cubic hoppit, (a bucket, to carry passengers in). More information is on this page.
Page XV of Supplement Photograph of the new collar at the top of the shaft at Wolstanton colliery. There is also an article entitled ?Good progress in the fight for coal? by Mr. R.W. Scurfield. (Production Manager (planning) in the North Staffordshire.
At Sneyd colliery sports ground on Saturday, Holditch colliery were the champion colliery, with Chatterley Whitfield colliery second and Wolstanton colliery third. All the results are on this page.
A career in mining which spans half a century, ends this week with the retirement of Mr. Tom Horan, of 65, Edward Street, May Bank, who his best remembered as a local athlete. Mr. Horan began work at Silverdale colliery, then he moved to Hanley Deep Pit, and for the last 31 years, during which he has been the winding engineman at Wolstanton colliery.
Almost half of North Staffordshire miners have had their chest X-rayed this year. There is a Photograph of miners of Wolstanton colliery and the Medical Sister, (Sister I. B. Calthorpe) at the N.C.B. mobile chest X-Ray unit.
Photograph of Hem Heath colliery and Wolstanton colliery?s Koepe Tower. It is notable for being the deepest shaft in North Staffordshire at 3,420 feet.
Photograph of Mr. George Henry Eggerton, a Wolstanton colliery worker and Union Official, was awarded the B.E.M. in the New Years honours list. See page 9 of this Edition of the Sentinel.
Photo of retiring mining engineer, Mr. G. F. Barnes who has retired after 51 years in the mining industry, he has worked at Sneyd, Hanley Deep and Wolstanton collieries, where he was the group mechanical engineer.
Photo of Wolstanton colliery's modern winding gear towers, where a ?10 million of reconstruction is taking place.
Wolstanton colliery Angling Society in their first competition lost to Burslem Isaac Walton.
Three sports grounds in North Staffordshire, costing ?43,000 are among major items in this years West Midlands programme of the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation. The grounds are associated with Wolstanton, Chatterley Whitfield and Hem Heath.
Mr. H.J. Widdowson, North Staffs area General Manager, presented prizes at the area rescue competition at Tunstall town hall. He said during the past year none of the local colliery rescue teams had been called upon. Parkhouse won the trophy, Hem Heath were runners up, Wolstanton were 3rd. and Holditch 4th.
Coal was being wound up the shaft of Sneyd colliery for the last time today, before Monday?s output link up with Wolstanton.
The first winding at Wolstanton colliery today of all coal from three pits set seal on North Staffordshire?s biggest tunnelling project and beat the schedule by several weeks.
Mossfield won the area trophy in the NCB finals at Berryhill on Saturday. Victoria was 2nd and Wolstanton 3rd. More than 500 men took part.
Big changes as North Staffordshire pits go on holiday. It will be full speed ahead during the holidays at several pits where major change over or istalation schemes have been planned, at Victoria, Norton, Sneyd, Wolstanton. Stafford, and Great Fenton. (more details)
NCB division and area safety competition awards were presented at Chatterley Whitfield colliery and Wolstanton yesterday. (Photo and details)
Wolstanton colliery is one of the three pits in the West Midlands Division producing coal at the rate of a million tons a year.
Hem Heath colliery was paralysed by a strike of 1,300 men. Miners aggrieved by a six-shilling a day drop in the shift rate.
the civic heads of Newcastle-under Lyme and Newcastle N.S.W. Australia, for the first time in their lives, saw miners at work at the coal-face at Wolstanton colliery.
Wolstanton colliery which is among the most up to date in the country will, next week draw its millionth ton of coal this year, the first time since nationlisation, that any colliery in North staffs has achieved this target. The millionth mark was achieved by Chatterly Whitfield colliery in 1937, 1938 and 1939 but it has not been hit since then.
Voluntary Saturday shift working at seven North Staffs pits yielded an estimate 5,479 tons of coal. Chatterley Whitfield, 1,807, Wolstanton, 1,626, Hem Heath 915, Foxfield 328, Holditch and Silverdale 300 tons each Florence 198 tons.
The first colliery in the West Midlands area since nationalisation to produce a million tons of coal in one year is Wolstanton, and today this record breaking load was given a civic reception as it arrived at the top of the shaft. (Photo) The Area General Manager, H.J. Widdowson, Lord mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Ald. J. Westwood, the Mayor of Newcastle, Ald T. Bethel, plus others.
In Lord Robens report for 1963, coal sales were 200m tons. Wolstanton had produced 1m tons for the first time. And there was a record production at Norton colliery of face output of 132.5 cwt. Victoria colliery achieved an overall productivity of 40.8 cwt.
A misadventure verdict was returned at the resumed inquest in Newcastle yesterday on Mr. H. Machen age 45. He was killed on December 30th 1963 while servicing a cage and gantry at Wolstanton colliery. He struck on the head by part of the mechanism at the side of the shaft.
The eventual amalgamation of three local branches of NACODS was foreseen during a dinner at the Grand Hotel, Hanley on Saturday. The event was the first annual dinner of the Sneyd, Deep Pit and Wostanton. The three collieries are now amalgamated into the Wolstanton concentration.
A former member of North staffs NCB amateur boxing club and Meir Air Training Corp, Neil Shea, is helping to win honors in the RAF.
Mr. S. Skelding age 28 was paralysed from the knees down, as a result of an accident by a roof fall at Norton colliery in January 1960. He was awarded. Mr. Skeldon was awarded ?3.750 damages at Stafford assizes today.
After falling off the back of a lorry at Wolstanton yesterday, Mr. W. Dale was taken to the NSRI with a suspected fracture of the skull.
Overall productivity in the West Midlands Division rose by 1.5 cwt to 36.3 cwt with two North Staffs pits, Wolstanton and Hem Heath close on the 1 million tons mark. The chairman said that they were also pressing on as fast as they were able with more powered supports particularly in North staffs.
Photo of Mayor of Newcastle, Ald B.G, Vernon, and his brother Harold on a visit to Wolstanton colliery with Mr. E. Maudsley, No 2 group manager and Mr. A.S Harper, architect.
At the inquest yesterday on W. Drobot, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death. He died of multiple injuries caused by a rock fall at Wolstanton colliery. It was said unfortunately that such accidents happened in an industry as great as mining.
Staffordshire County Council ambulances will probably be made available to several coalmines in the near future. The pits include Holditch, Apedale, Silverdale, Victoria and Wolstanton. The cost would be ?6,000 and this would be repaid by the Coal Board.
A 42 year old Wolstanton Crutter, A. Mallinowsky was awarded ?15,000 against the NCB at Stafford assizes today.
Wolstanton have won the cup in the NCB North Staffs area fire fighting competition for the third year running in succession. Chatterley Whitfield were 2nd and Silverdale 3rd.
Hem Heath colliery team won the NCB area rescue competition, Holditch were runners up, Victoria were third and Wolstanton fourth. .
A 58-year-old on-setter, was killed in an underground accident at Wolstanton colliery last night. He was Mr. James Lucas who was crushed between a mine car and a girder. .
For the first time ever a woman figured in the annual long service awards presentation for Wolstanton colliery. She was Mrs. Ethel Shaw, managers typist for 15 years to whom a special presentation was made. Long service certificates were presented to 25 miners with an average length of service of more than 40 years. .
At the inquest on Mr. James Lucas age 58, it was said that modifications to a system of load trucks into a pit cage are being tried at Wolstanton colliery after the fatal accident.
Photo of the Lord Mayor, Ald. J. Evans, who was an ex-miner before he retired. Yesterday returned to the pit for a day when he went underground at Wolstanton colliery.
A former chief engineer at Wolstanton colliery, Mr. W.C. Cartlidge, has died in hospital. He also worked at Great Fenton, Hanley Deep, and Florence.
Photo of Mr. G.A. Schofield Gen. Manager of Wolstanton colliery presenting NCB 50 years service certificates to Mr. A. Cooper and W. Dodd at the Wolstanton colliery retired miner?s annual dinner.
Photo of Wolstanton colliery football club at their 21st dinner and prize presentations at Kidsgrove.
Mr. Jan List age 43 was killed instantly when he broke his neck, ribs and breastbone in an underground accident at Wolstanton colliery on Wednesday.
Silverdale won the fire fighting competition at Kemball Training Centre on Sat 2nd Sept, Wolstanton were 2nd and Stafford 3rd. Photo on page 10.
Photo. Wearing pit helmets and overalls, four new office staff workers of the NCB get a close look at the workings of a colliery underground when they visited Wolstanton colliery yesterday.
Long service awards for colliery rescue work and prizes won at the NCBs annual rescue competition finals last September, were presented on Saturday, by Mr. C. Bishop, district rescue station manager. The competition was won by Hem Heath, (Photo) followed by Holditch, Wolstanton and Florence. Florence miners received pocket watches were, R. James, R. Baskerfield, S. Clowes, J. Lumsdon, E. Keay and C. Shaw.
The Wolstanton mine welfare club held their 4th annual Christmas dinner. Nearly 50 paraplegic miners and their families enjoyed the dinner provided by the club. Gifts included cigarettes for the men, chocolates for the wives and games and sweets for the children.
The NCB have decided to cease operations in the top horizons at Wolstanton colliery and concentrate on lower horizon workings.
Regarding the proposed abandonment of top horizon working at Wolstanton colliery, pit consultation will begin after Christmas. It is possible that start on transferring men to Florence and Hem Heath will take place.
Photo of the opening of the new ?33.000 extension to Wolstanton miners? welfare club, Smallthorne by Mr. H.J. Widdowson.
More takes on working Wolstanton colliery to improve production, involving ceasing production of general-purpose coal and concentrate on coking coal. Area NUM officials were present.
Mr. P. Hulme age 46, a miner at Wolstanton colliery had to have his left foot amputated after an underground accident at the colliery yesterday. The accident occurred at the end of the shift. He was run over by a mine car.
The funeral of Mr. James Spooner, a surface superintendent at Wolstanton colliery takes place at St. Andrews tomorrow. Mr. Spooner began working at Wolstanton colliery, before that he worked at Holditch and Mossfield.
Coal face workers at Wolstanton colliery hit a record productivity rate of 196.5 cwt. Last week and Stafford colliery face workers also estabkished a new record of 220. 3 cwt. Per man-shift.
Photo of Canadian visitors descending Wolstanton colliery
Photo of Liberal prospective candidate for Newcastle, visiting Wolstanton colliery. Page 14 In the next 12 months 1.000 Wolstanton colliery underground workers will have the chance of winning a holiday abroad. To enter the colliery safety competition a man must have been accident free for 3 months and have 100) attendance record
Wolstanton, Chatterley Whitfield and Victoria colliery?s are three of North Staffs pits about which the NCB are having discussions with the unions. It was stressed that the plans had not been finalised.
Chatterley Whitfield colliery, have been awarded the Harold Lockett Trophy, by the NCB for their thrift during the last year. Wolstanton was in second place.
Hem Heath colliery, last years winners un the Staffordshire area rescue competitions, could only manage 4th place in the 1970s event, held at West Cannock No 5. The winners were Lea Hall No1. Lea Hall No 2 were 2nd and Wolstanton 3rd.
An extensive safety campaign is being launched at Wolstanton colliery, the deepest pit in the country, in ten days time the nine-month campaign is aimed at cutting the number of accidents in the colliery. Wolstanton is one of 50 taking part.
Unofficial strike action flared at one of North Staffs pits, Wolstanton today despite recent appeals by the union for normal working pending the out come of next week?s ballot.
With more men reporting back to work at Wolstanton, colliery the Coal Board described the improved position today as a partial unofficial stoppage.
Photo. Long service presentations were made at the dinner at the Grand Hotel, of Wolstanton colliery branch of NACODS.
Photo of Mr. H. White, chairman of North Staffs industrial sports federation, presenting Les Hall, captain of Wolstanton Miners welfare club, the champion club trophy at a presentation last night.
A 21 year old miner from Wolstanton colliery began a 170 mile walk to London to protest at the governments handling of the miners dispute, he his Mr. Chris Goodwin of 12, Wrenbury-crescent, Berryhill. There is a photograph of Mr. Goodwin on Page 1of the Evening Sentinels 16th City Final Edition.
A School boy aged about 13, from Warslow Secondary School, Nr. Leek, collapsed and died, as a school party nearing the pit bottom at Wolstanton colliery, this afternoon after an Educational visit. A male Nurse and a Doctor were summoned. A Coal Board spokesman said ?there was no accident?. Besides Wolstanton there were three school visits taking place today, the others were Norton colliery and Kemball training centre. Several thousand children pay visits to Staffordshire collieries each year.
Arrangements are being made to-day for an autopsy on 13 year old schoolboy who died during an educational underground visit to Wolstanton colliery. Trevor Below, of the Old Cheese Factory, Astonfield, was among a party of fifteen pupils from the Warslow Secondary school, when he collapsed after visiting a coalface.
Staffordshire is the fourth safest of all the eighteen N.C.B. areas a Coal Board Spokesman said, and that the accident rate of 2,260days lost per 1,000 man shifts worked was well below the National average of 2,988. Wolstanton colliery finished eighth overall with 39% reduction in woke days lost.
The manager of Victoria colliery, in which 22 year old, D. Brookes was killed, told a Burslem inquest yesterday that he was satisfied the man was following the regulations for roof supporting when the accident happened. Page 8 NCB coal queen Margaret Dominak, visited Wolstanton colliery yesterday and went to the Bowling Ally seam 1.150 yards below ground. Photo page 11.
Photo of Wolstanton miners? welfare angling section, receiving prizes. The Major trophy winners were, Jim Gregory, Don Simms and David Goddard.
NCB Coal Queen, Margaret Dominiak made a 100-mile dash to be in time for the start of Wolstanton colliery open week.
Under the guidance of Mining instructor Mr. Mr. A. Scott, girls the Newcastle College of further education see a mock coalface at Wolstanton colliery, which is open to the public this week. Page 16. There have been 16.050 visitors at the pit this week.
Proposals by the Coal Board for the incorporation, in about 2 years time, of operations at Chatterley Whitfield colliery, with adjacent collieries, notably Wolstanton are now under discussion with the NUM.
A group of 19 Coal Board apprentices are to visit Ruhr pits in west Germany. Included is R. Jenkins age 19, an engineering craft apprentice (Electrical) from Wolstanton colliery.
The Power group NUM headquarters have returned to their original offices in 4 Broad St. Hanley, from where they became fully operational today. Mr. N. Webb age 34 a coal ripper, was taken to the NSRI with groin injuries yesterday. The accident occurred underground at Wolstanton colliery.
Miners sat out a three hour vigil today after a fire broke out in a 2,700 feet deep ventilation shaft. Men at Wolstanton colliery were ushered into an underground passage and had to stop work as the minor blaze started in the disused Sneyd collier several miles away. By midday they were working as normal.
The long expected integration of Chatterley Whitfield colliery with Wolstanton colliery, confirmed by the Coal Board yesterday, means that about 140 of the 680 men will be surplus to requirements at the Tunstall pit.
A former official of the Chatterley Whitfield NUM alleged discrimination in the compilation of the list of 137 miners due to be transferred to other pits as a result of integration of Chatterley with Wolstanton
Seven German mining engineers are to visit Wolstanton, Silverdale and Hem Heath collieries this week.
By resolution from Wolstanton colliery branch, the Midlands area conference, called on the National Executive to carry out periodic inquiry into the effects of the productivity scheme in the industry in the safety and health of the members.
A young miner was killed at Wolstanton colliery today. He was working on an exploratory seam when the accident, believed to have involved machinery occurred.
The NCB said the life expectancy of Victoria colliery, Biddulph, was between 7 and 10 years, also the workforce at Chatterley Whitfield colliery would be reduced from 600 to 386 when merged with Wolstanton colliery.
Underground roadways, to link Chatterley Whitfield and Wolstanton, were spot on. The new 590 yards long tunnel 18 feet wide and 15 feet high connected the collieries. (Photo)
The General Manager of Wolstanton colliery, Mr. G. Irwin, led a party of Russian mining delegates to the pithead at the start of their visit to the colliery today. They are on a fact-finding mission.
Safety curtains had not been installed at Wolstanton colliery when a middle aged miner was killed, an inquest jury heard at Kidsgrove yesterday. Polish born John Dolezy died instantly, after he was struck on the head by a piece of coal. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Mr. Dolezy aged 56, of 37 Queens-Drive Biddulph, had been transferred from Chatterley Whitfield colliery earlier this year.
Safety curtains had not been installed at Wolstanton colliery when a middle aged miner was killed, an inquest jury heard at Kidsgrove yesterday. Polish born John Dolezy died instantly, after he was struck on the head by a piece of coal. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. Mr. Dolezy aged 56, of 37 Queens-Drive Biddulph, had been transferred from Chatterley Whitfield colliery earlier this year.
Wolstanton colliery miners at a mass meeting today unanimously rejected the N.C.B. incentive pay offer.
Men at Wolstanton colliery through their branch officials today expressed strong resentment at the apparent official support being given at the midlands N.U.M. Head Quarters to the introduction of localised incentive scheme, and the disregarding of the national ballot decision.
J.W. Hall received fatal injuries while working underground at Wolstanton colliery last night. He received head injuries whole installing powered supports on 104s Banbury face.
The inquest jury returned a verdict of accidental death on J.W. Hall age 51 who died in hospital of brain lacerations due to a fractured skull in an accident at Wolstanton colliery.
Dissatisfaction with the NCBs incentive scheme at Wolstanton colliery came to a head today resulting in a strike by 700-day shift miners.
An enquiry was being carried out today into the death of Mr. T. Okonski age 53. He was struck yesterday while working on an underground conveyor at Wolstanton and suffered chest injuries. He was rushed to hospital and died later that day.
A shortage of coal has been caused in North Staffs by geological faults at Wolstanton colliery. An NCB official said the difficulty had been made worse because of peak demand season.
Miners at Wolstanton colliery has the least number of accidents in the county for the three months ending December last year. A plague marking the achievement was presented to Mr. G. Irwin, General Manager.
Union leaders were meeting management officials for discussions after trouble flared up at Wolstanton colliery.
Barry Dale, an NUM official was today seriously ill after a road accident. He was the safety engineer; prior to that he was safety engineer at Wolstanton. Colliery.
Mr. k. Dunn, who worked all his life in the North Staffs coal field has retired. He joined the industry at Victoria colliery as a mineworker. Later went to Wolstanton as safety and training officer then to Chatterley Whitfield and Great Fenton colliers as assistant under-manager.
There was deficit in the Western area of ?24.8 m. It was brought about by bad weather and a winter rail and road strike. There has been major geological problems in several pits including Holditch, Wolstanton and Hem heath.
Mr. L. Bolderson, a Wolstanton colliery worker has won the colliery competition called safetymind. He received a cheque for ?25 and now goes to the Staffordshire area final in September.
Coal output in the western area was up by 100,000 tonnes, but several North Staffs pits were being plagued by geological faults. Wolstanton?s new face is now yielding good results and some improvement at Victoria colliery.
Production has cut by half at Wolstanton colliery due to spontaneous combustion. A 1,000 tonnes a day will be lost.
Mining machinery worth more than ?3m could be lost, following the sealing off of a section of the pit at Wolstanton colliery due to spontaneous combustion.
Mitchelin tyre works today piped in waste pit gas to drive their production machines. Five collieries contributed to this. They are Florence, Hem heath, Holditch, Silverdale and Wolstanton.
Chris Kent, a technical assistant at Wolstanton colliery is to spend several weeks in the U.S., thanks to a scholarship award.
Seven Staffordshire men meet on Friday at Hem Heath colliery sports club in the final of the safety mind competition. The seven included. D. Wickstead from Victoria colliery, P. Foggerty from Hem Heath, M. Bissel from Wolstanton and Con Todd from Florence colliery.
Three miners who have devoted a life times work to the North Staffs coalmining industry have just retired. Don Palnter age 61 gave 47 years service, he started at Wolstanton. R. Chadwick age 60. He started work as a pony driver. J. Millward age 60 clocked up 34 years.
Newcastle Mayor, Jack Beech went on a fact-finding tour of a new coalface at Wolstanton colliery. (Photo) Page 3. An article in ?Women?s World.? about Chatterley Whitfield mining museum.
Angry workers walked out and production was halted at Wolstanton colliery. The men on the day shift went home in an incentive bonus scheme row.
Wolstanton colliery has carried off another award in the NCB safety league competition for the second year running. (Photo of Mr. G. Irwin, manager, receiving the shield.
Retired Wolstanton miner, Mr. W. Mottram received a 51 years long service award from Mr. G. Irwin, colliery manager. (Photo)
Sportsman voted for Joe Wills, Wolstanton colliery, among the top ten who enjoyed remarkable success in charge of both Hanley town and Sunday club, Red House football teams.
Firemen launched an emergency operation early today after a freak lightning bolt struck the main power room at Wolstanton colliery.
Four North Staffs collieries, Hem Heath, Florence, Holditch and Wolstanton each have new under-managers.
The miners? overtime ban led to 240 men being sent home from Wolstanton colliery, where shaft and underground maintenance inspections, normally done at weekends had not been completed said an NCB official. Page 10 A. Scargill told a Power Group meeting in North Staffs that the Union did not have the money to pay pitmen on strike.
Miners at Wolstanton colliery have, for the second time in two weeks achieved a record overall face production of 14.2 tonnes. The previous week was 13.21 tonnes. The pit produced 11.836 tonnes from two faces in the Coxhead seam.
Wolstanton colliery has been named as one of the pits on the NCBs ?hit list? just hours after its miners had set new productivity record. Mr. G. Bentley, NUM branch secretary said there are certainly plenty of coal reserves, if it were to close, it would be a government decision.
A claim that Wolstanton pit was on a NCB hit list was today condemned as farcical by Roy Ottey, Sec. of the NUM Power Group.
Wolstanton is to close, insists Arthur Scargill. The NUM president personally stepped into the row over the future of the pit, saying that it was definitely on the coal boards hit list.
An inquiry was launched today after Mr. M Koseckie died in an underground accident at Wolstanton colliery. He had internal injuries and a broken leg and died last night in the NSRI.
Craftsmen down Wolstanton colliery want thermal under-ware for use at the pit bottom.
Mr. M. Koceki age 58 died a few hours after an underground accident at Wolstanton colliery. He died from bleeding due to crushing injury of the abdomen. ?Inquest
Mining experts are to hold special talks next week to tackle working difficulties facing pitmen at Wolstanton colliery. The talks will centre on dust, gas and heating problems at the pit,
A key meeting takes place tomorrow to discuss job-cutting measures aimed at giving loss-making Wolstanton pit a new lease of life.
Miners leaders are to seek permission to ballot the entire workforce at Wolstanton colliery following threats to job cutting.
A mass meeting takes place at Hanley tomorrow to discuss the future of Wolstanton pit.
Miners at Wolstanton have yet to decide whether to fight Coal Board plans to cut 350 jobs at the pit. The meeting was to bring the men up to date with what is happening.
Two North Staffs colliery?s will be represented in the area finals of a TV style safety quiz, Florence and Wolstanton.
A key vote on the future of Wolstanton colliery could be held by miners there in the next few days.
Voting was underway on the Coal Board package aimed at giving a new lease of life to loss making Wolstanton colliery.
Two hundred miners were evacuated from Wolstanton colliery early today during an underground fire scare. A dramatic rise in the air temperature, sparking off fears of spontaneous combustion.
Peace talks were underway at Wolstanton colliery today after a lightning walkout by more than 400 pitmen over bonus payments.
Miners in North Staffs could be short of coal this Christmas because of their overtime ban. The industrial action is hitting the concessionary coal deliveries. Page 9. Talks were taking place today following a pay row, which led to 300 men being sent home at Wolstanton colliery. Mr Joe Wills said management had jumped the gun and acted too hastily.
A miner who faces the rest of his life in a wheel chair after an accident at Wolstanton colliery, was awarded ?280.000 damages in a two minute hearing Stafford today, 6 years after the accident.
British Coal are being urged to reveal their plans for the future development of the now defunct Wolstanton colliery.
A former North Staffs pitman, Alex Brown is to become only the second ever lay-person to be commissioned as a Methodist industrial Chaplin. He took early retirement as safety officer at Wolstanton colliery last year. Now he is all set to be sole mining as pit Chaplin at Hem Heath.
British Coal has earmarked two sites in North Staffs for dumping up to 20.000 of coal a week. The locations are at former Wolstanton colliery and Chatterley Whitfield Mining Museum.
Controversial plans for a massive shopping development on the site of the former Wolstanton colliery are poised to get the go ahead.
School children, Stephen and David Marshall aim to bring in the new year with a bang. They have been selected to blow up derelict colliery buildings at Wolstanton pit.
Holdtich colliery is to close later this year following British Coal?s announcement that it has no viable future. Tim Bevington looks at the background to the decision, which comes just after 3 years since Wolstanton was axed.
The Wolstanton miner?s welfare club closed in 1982. The financial affairs are now to be wound up 10 years after it closed.
Full page about best stories about coal mining, including Florence, Wolstanton, Sneyd and Minnie pits.
Article on Hanley Deep pit site, past and present.
Concluding the series, mining memories by George Shufflebotham. George worked at Berry Hill, Mossfield, Wolstanton, Hem Heath and Florence.
An ex soldier from Poland has been married for 50 years to the pottery woman he met in 1946. Bruno Kilin was a miner at Wolstanton colliery.
Nancy and William Gibson celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. William worked at Wolstanton colliery.