Hi,
I am trying to find or confirm details of Albert Hutchison who I am told died in a mining accident in Fife in 1957 but I can’t find any record of his death. He lived in Thornton Fife and was married to Robina (Munro) Hutchison. I am not going to be surprised if I find out he didn’t die in an accident but ran off with the local milk maid!! I was adopted and I am trying to make some sense of the family history as it has been given to me. I will be very grateful for any help you can give me. I have been told he was a delegate for Rothes and Earseat.

Many thanks again

Sent:    08 March 2010 19:14

Caroline on 2/6/09 was enquiring if Albert Hutchison was killed in a Fife Pit in 1957, If she is referring to the Linday Pit disaster 14/12/57 then he was not one of the miners who was killed in this disaster. Following the explosion my father was one of the miners who entered the explosion area along with his workmate, unfortunately his workmate died. My father along with a few other miners managed to make their way away from the area to safety. 8 men were killed in the initial explosion plus the miner who went in with my father after the initial explosion making a total of 9 men lost.
I hope this information is helpful.

Robert Muiread

I have been trying for many years to find the story of my husbands grandfather (George?) HEEKS. My only information was gathered from my father in law, Horace Vincent Heeks, who had to be persuaded to talk about his family because he was so traumatised by his entry to a children’s home at the age of 11 along with his brother, Bert because their father died in November 1918 and his stepmother and other relatives would not take them in.

Horace told me that his father was a miner at the Minnie pit and was involved in the disaster, was injured and received compensation. He left and became a coal delivery man. I'm not sure which episode this was.

There is a suggestion that he was part of a rescue team.

Might there be a record of him in the archives anywhere?

Yours etc.

Beryl Heeks.

Tom was a driving force behind the shearer/loader attributed to Anderton and his effort was acknowledged by a payment from the NCB. However, apart from my memories of conversations with Tom some 15-20 years ago I have no information on the extent of his contribution. Tom worked as a pit manager in Lancashire and Staffordshire from approx. 1945 to late 1960's and was renowned for going down to the coal face dressed in his best suit and tie whilst he worked on achinery/problems.

He was a talented inventor/engineer who worked and travelled widely in Europe and the US at the behest of the NCB.

He was also something of a character and I hope someone will recall working with him who may be able to help please.

As Tom died in the early 1990's I am stuck for information and I would appreciate anything from anyone who knew him and his achievements.

Thanks! Douglas

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