brianvoices

Brian Elliott's PIT VOICES project includes an ongoing programme of interviews with former Yorkshire miners. The pitmen talk about their experiences in a traditional industry and way of life that has almost disappeared. The original (30-80 min) interviews, transcribed and edited, are available in Brian's book Yorkshire Mining Veterans (Wharncliffe Books, 2005). The following consist of extracts from 11 recordings. You can listen to what life was like as a pit lad from the early years of the twentieth century; a young collier describes working naked when a startled Mayoress made a VIP underground visit; and we can hear a trammer who worked by the light of a candle. We also have a first hand account relating to the 1966 Cortonwood disaster and an eerie excursion by a young miner into the old workings at Cadeby where the terrible disaster of 1912 took place. The extracts also include sample experiences of men who moved to Yorkshire from the North East of England and from Scotland; and also the memories of a former NCB photographer. If you are interested in our rich mining heritage, in social and cultural history, then the PIT VOICES series should not be missed.

Running time 47.04

Track 1 (5.25): Tommy Emms (b.1911), re: Yorkshire Main (Edlington)

Track 2 (2.2l): Tommy Henwood (b. 1911), re: Bentley Colliery

Track 3 (3.53): John Williamson (b.1912), re Houghton Main

Track 4 (3.17): Harry Taylor (b.1913), re: Rob Royd (Dodworth)

Track 5 (4.49): Sid Cutts (b. 1919), re: Manvers Main

Track 6 (3.15): Stan Potter (b.1922), re: Guider Bottom Drift (Hoylarld Swaine)

Track 7 (3.52): Ted Lunness (b.1927), re: Cortonwood Colliery (1966 disaster)

Track 8 (4.40): Bob Jackson (b.1931), re: No Place (Durham), ex New Stubbin

Track 9 (4.35): Eric Crabtree (b. 1932), re: Cadeby Main (1912 disaster)

Track 10 (6.30): Jeff Poar (b. 1933), former NCB photographer

Track 11 (4.24): George Rankin (b. 1937), re Scottish mines, ex Markham Main

This recording was produced at Dearne Valley Venture, Bolton-upon Dearne,

£7.99 post free

For further copies or information contact Brian Elliott, Telephone 07941449341