Memories

I lived in nearby Coundon and Leeholme until 1988. I can recall as a young man regularly walking down the narrow footpath between Leeholme and Leasingthorne to attend social evenings in the village hall.

The sight of the rows of red brick/wood miners cottages is still in my mind. These were the homes of good, down-to-earth working people such as the Russells, the Johnsons, the Jordans, and the Moults, to name but a few.

Like most communities, Leasingthorne had its share of characters, but most of the local residents were in full-time employment living on what they earned. There were not on subsidies or handouts, if you wanted something, but could not afford to buy it, you did without.

Despite the hard times, people appeared to be more content with their lot in those days.

There was a greater sense of camaraderie between people than exists at the present time.

I can recall the miners welfare hall which stood beside the war memorial overlooking the shop in Merrington Road.

Sadly, the decline of this former vibrant community followed the closure of Leasingthorne Colliery in 1961.

Norman Robinson, Bishop Auckland.