Step back into Ashington’s ‘lost’ past
ASHINGTON, one of the North East’s most notable towns, has been celebrating its 150th birthday this year.
It was the sinking of the Bothal mine shaft in 1867 that led to the rapid growth of coal mining and the astonishing development of the Northumberland community.
Fittingly, we have a great set of images recalling the town as it was in the last century.
They come from the DVD, Bygone Ashington, which has been produced by Past Times Media.
History buff, John Dawson, from Choppington is the group’s chairman.
The former miner also runs the popular Facebook pages Coal Mining Memories UK and Sixtownships History Group.
John said: “In the DVD we look at Ashington and see how it once was.
“Witness how the streets have changed over the years, and prominent buildings that once stood and are no longer to be seen.
“Of course, the town’s coal mining heritage is also recalled, along with dates and facts from its past.
“We’re charging £3.99 for the DVD, which is pocket money, really.”
Most of the photographs come from the early decades of the last century when Ashington was a booming coal mining town with a vibrant community.
The colliery, the main thoroughfare of Station Road, the miners’ hall and theatre, the Buffalo Picture Palace, the Greyhound racing stadium - as seen in these images - would all have been part and parcel of daily life for people at the time.
During 2017, there have been a range of celebrations in the town, from outdoor events, exhibitions, public art, musical performances, fairs, parties, town clean-ups and more.
One and a half centuries ago, the rapid expansion of Ashington was breathtaking.
It grew from a hamlet of around 800 people to a thriving town of 30,000 in less than five years.
A spokeswoman for Ashington Town Team recalled: “The mining families who came to live and work in Ashington created a resilient community spirit.
“Strong relations with neighbours, friends, businesses and organisations meant Ashington was a great place to live and work.” ■■The DVD Bygone Ashington, published by Past Times Media, is available for £3.99 from Al’s on Station Road, Ashington, or online at http://shop.pasttimesmedia. co.uk/