19 reminders of mining life in South Tyneside’s pits- from success to strikes and closures

By Evie Lake
Published 20th Jul 2023, 05:00 BST

It was a huge part of South Tyneside life for decades and here are 19 reminders of the days of the colliery.

From Westoe Colliery to Harton pit, we have got scenes which will hopefully bring back memories of a bygone era.

There are colliery bands on the march and a reminder of life in the colliery villages.

Can you spot anyone you know in our retro selection? Take a look and let us know.

Waiting outside the St Hilda Colliery in South Shields in 1926. Photo: Shields Gazette

1. St Hilda Colliery

Waiting outside the St Hilda Colliery in South Shields in 1926. Photo: Shields Gazette

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Colliery Square, Hebburn where this resident is pictured shaking out the hookey mat. Photo: Shields Gazette

2. Shaking out the hookey mat

Colliery Square, Hebburn where this resident is pictured shaking out the hookey mat. Photo: Shields Gazette

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Back to 1963 for this view of Harton Colliery Band leaving Armstrong Hall to play its part in the Durham Miners Gala. Photo: Hartlepool Mail

3. Harton Colliery Lodge

Back to 1963 for this view of Harton Colliery Band leaving Armstrong Hall to play its part in the Durham Miners Gala. Photo: Hartlepool Mail

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Arthur Blenkinsop. Labour candidate for South Shields, talking to miners George Falconer, Bill Bissett, Ronnie Moffatt, during a visit to Westoe Colliery in 1964. Photo: Shields Gazette

4. A chat with the miners

Arthur Blenkinsop. Labour candidate for South Shields, talking to miners George Falconer, Bill Bissett, Ronnie Moffatt, during a visit to Westoe Colliery in 1964. Photo: Shields Gazette

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Related topics:South TynesideMemories

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