It is wonderful to see the postings about Burradon.

My grandfather (Andrew Carr) was a Burradon boy (born in very early 1900's) and all his brothers/father worked in the colliery.
Grandpa and one brother didn't because they were sent away by the family to play football - it wasn't dangerous and gave them a living wage. Grandpa ended up playing for Middlesbrough and his brother played for Newcastle.

The rest of the Carr family stayed in Burradon and I have cousins in the area.

I get to Burradon very rarely as I live in the US - but it always brings tears to my eyes to realize how difficult conditions must have been for the families then, and that this was my grandfather's home. I have been doing some research on the colliery on the net and the hard work, conditions and life for the workers has really hit home to me.

Maria D

Dear All
I am from Burradon, my name is Phil Mullen I was born 12 Nov 1957 and was one of 7. My parents were Athol & Freda, unfortunately they have both past away but I still hold the fondest of memories.

I remember my dad going down the pit, he used to come home after getting changed at the pit baths. We lived in Strawberry Terrace which was straight opposite the Time Cabin where they used to collect their lamps and tokens before going down. Great memories that will never be seen again.

When I was young we used to go potatoes picking just to help the family economy a little. More memories of Tommy Chorister who used to chase us from the engine sheds and, I think, from all over the pit yards.

Anyone out there would like to get in touch, old friends.

Please E Mail me p.mullen214@btinternet.com all emails will be answered.

07 August 2006
Liz is surly right the street in the picture is Strawberry Terrace. I lived there for a number of years at number 6. My dad used to sit in the back yard near the gate before he went down the pit and when the shift was finished come straight back home before he went down to the pit baths.

I am the middle son of Aythol & Freda Mullen one of 7 kids how they must of struggled in them days but I can never remember been hungry always clean and well turned out, it brings back so many memories all of which I can say are good. I don’t think we will ever see such close nit people all willing to help each other. Unfortunately they have both past away now god bless them.

Anyway all the best
Thanks
Phil

Hi
I am Diana Daniel's little sister Shiela Bryden (nee Lynch).

Yes I remember the good old days back in the 60's endless fun with not a care in the world. We used to live at 14 Office Row, and yes like the other guy I also used to jump the toilets and hope my mam wouldn't see.

We used to go around the pit buildings to get chased away by the watchy.

We would be in the welfare till dark, which wouldn't be heard of these days.

Yes I remember the £10 note we got to spend at South Shields on the day trip, we'd come back scruffy and tired.

Yes those were the days.

Keep on reminiscing
Shiela Bryden

Hi There,

I am very interested in your book about the 1860 mine accident at Burradon. Unfortunately I can't find out anything about it on your website. I'm a bit computer challenged. I believe my gggrandfather and his son died in that accident and would like to learn more out of respect for them.

If a book is available would you be kind enough to let me know. I live in Australia but will be in England in October.

With thanks and best wishes.

Pam

John Robinson says there is a booklet about the 1860 explosion which is quite good. It was written by A. G. Fryer I think and you can get it from Northumberland Family History Society (NDFHS.)

Hi
Although I was born and bred in Westmoor I had a sister who lived in No 3 Office Row Burradon. She was called Ada Bell and her husband was George who worked at Burradon. I spent many a happy hour in Burradon playing with my nephews Leslie and Keith.

I remember most people from Office Row including Dianna and Sheila Lynch and Philip Mullen and his family. I eventually served my apprenticeship as a fitter at Burradon colliery and was there until the sad day it closed.

I’ve lots of happy memories of my childhood and working life at Burradon.

Kind Regards,
Ray Kenney

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• Miscellaneous Notes and Incidents
• The Disaster 1860