LIFE in east Durham pit villages in the years leading up to the nationalisation of the coal industry comes under the microscope in a newly-published book.
The final publication in a trilogy, chronicling the industrial and social history of Thornley, Wheatley Hill and Ludworth Collieries, casts a vivid light on the tough times endured in pit villages during the years from 1914 to 1947.
Its release marks the culmination of a comprehensive five-year project by Wheatley Hill History Club.
The first book in the series, which featured Thornley Coal Company, which owned the pit between 1830 and 1885, was published by the club in 2002.
This was followed by an edition featuring pit life under the ownership of the Weardale Coal Company, between 1886 and 1913.
The latest publication chronicles the final stage of the Weardale Coal Company's ownership, between 1914 and nationalisation in 1947.
The stories of the life and times of the three communities is told through the medium of newspaper cuttings, set out in chronological order.
A host of photographs from the time will help evoke memories in the older residents of the community as well as painting for new generations a graphic picture of times gone by .
The 400-page latest book relives the era through snippets published at the time, ranging from court reports to sporting events and general chit-chat.
But it is the repeated references to accidents in the pits which brings home so forcefully the perils faced by the pitmen.
Stories include that of 61-year-old Peter Renwick, who lost his life in Wheatley Hill pit on August 28, 1914, in a fall of stone, and the death of 35-year-old Albert Bell, who died in the same colliery's Hutton seam after a horrific fall.
It records the tragic end of 15-year-old Wilson Tunstall, a pit pony driver, who died of septicaemia after being injured by a runaway tub.
Heart-rending reports of fatalities are to be found on almost every page.
The book also gives an insight into living conditions, such as a report from the County Medical Officer, in May, 1915, which describes Ludworth - with the exception of one row of homes - as having "hardly a house belonging to the Coal Company which is reasonably fit for habitation''.
Despite the depravation, residents made the best of their lot, and reports of concerts in churches and chapels and sporting events show how the mining families came together on as many occasions as they could.
This treasure trove of information will be launched for sale at £10 on Saturday, September 24, at Wheatley Hill Workingmen's Club, between 10am and 3pm.
To mark the occasion, the theme of the day will be the year 1947 and, as well as performances by a brass band, members of the local Mothers' Club are to dress in the style of the post-war years.
There will also be a display of photographs and mining memorabilia and a colliery office is to be recreated, thanks to Beamish Museum.
Other history groups around Wheatley Hill will also be putting on displays of their works, and refreshments will be available from a mock pit canteen.
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