1954, rear of 11 Manners Avenue, old railway cottages. The NCB bought them for the rescuers and their families. Left - Eric Minard, with Michael Healey on his knee. Middle - Christine Cocking with Eric's dog 'Laddie'. Right - Philip Healey with daughter Rosemarie.

I remember Philip (or Rosie's dad as I knew him). I seem to recall that amongst all the other things, he had a hand in TV repairs, and also being particularly impressed with a fairly large calibre bolt-action rifle he had. He gave me two bullets (presumably not live) which I later took to Chaucer infants school. It was found necessary to poke fellow pupil Arthur Butler with one of these items, and consequently they were confiscated by teacher Mrs. James. The promise of their return at the end of term was never realised. Shame.
Wasn't there also a dog (Trixie). It used to bolt for my older brother Gary whenever he went past the Healy's house on his motorbike. At least until the unfortunate Trixie went for a rotatonal ride with the front wheel. Not so keen to chase after that I recall.

Best Regards, Joseph Henshaw

Ray Havill, on wall beside Rescue Station. Window blacked out because of the war.

A generation later his son, Simon on the same wall, with Wayne in the background.

As Rita Havill said, "it was like living in a village inside a town."

Philip with Ray Havill's mum Edna and his sister at the Miners Welfare. The Welfare had a call out bell which meant that the men could go there when off duty but still on standby.

Grand parties were part of station life. Left, Marrion Mapletoft, Ray Havil, Frank Morley, Charlie Snarki, Rita Havil, and in front Teressa Snarki. Around 1974.