Evening Sentinel. January 1st 1953. Late. Page 1.
North Staffordshire Coalfield output was 6,451,804 tons in 1952 compared with 6,258,730 tons in 1951. More on this article can be seen on this page. Same Edition Page 6. The date of the N.C.B. Boxing Championship finals, to be held at the Victoria Hall, Hanley, has been changed from March 28th to April 11th . Final. Page 1. Photo of Mr. Samuel Brooks, still working as a pit deputy at Madeley colliery receiving the B.E.M. More on this article can be seen on page 5.Evening Sentinel. January 2nd 1953. Late. Page 1.
Photo of the first miners houses to be completed at Madeley Moss nr Newcastle. Page 5. Mr. I. W. Cumberbatch, Chairman of the West Midlands N.C.B. Comments in the opening of the new houses at Madeley moss. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. January 3rd 1953. Final. Page 6.
A first liquidation distribution of 80s–6d per 2s share is announced by the liquidators of Norton and Biddulph Collieries LTD. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. January 5th 1953. Late. Page 1.
North Staffordshire Coalfield output for the five weeks ending December 27th totalled 623,535 tons compared with 567,482 tons in Dec. ’51, for the 52 weeks ending 27th December, was 6,406,863 tons, against 6,624,071 tons, over the same period in ’51 and 6,357,657 tons, in ’50. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. January 12th 1953. Late. Page 1.
Photo of Hanley Deep Pit’s leading Officials and Guests, at the staff dinner held at the Bourgh Arms Hotel Newcastle, a full report is on page 6.Evening Sentinel. January 15th 1953. Late. Page 4.
Records galore in North Staffordshire Coalfield, Norton colliery 1952 output was433,000 tons, 13,000 tons above its previous best. Parkhouse colliery all time record for the second successive year, its output was 293,260 tons, was 13,500 tons above last years output. Wolstanton colliery beat its all time best in 1952 with 315,360 tons. Other North Staffordshire pits also gained distinction, Fenton’s output was160,290 tons its best since 1947. Silverdale’s 318,760 tons, its best year since vesting day. Hanley deep pit with 384,370 tons and Madeley with 195,300 tons had their highest output since 1948.Evening Sentinel. January 20th 1953. Late Final Page 5.
Newcastle Rural Council offered no objections to the building of 100 miner’s houses at Madeley Moss at last nights meeting.Evening Sentinel. January 22nd 1953. Late Final. Page 5.
Protest at building of miners houses at Badderley Green. Changed plan at Leek Rural Council meeting last nights meeting. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. January 23rd 1953. Late. Page 4.
Almost a full page feature on Holditch colliery Chesterton, showing photographs of the pneumatic stowing, which as been practiced for the past year. More on this article can be seen on this page. There’s a better photo on page 4 in the Late Final Edition.Evening Sentinel. January 30th 1953. Late. Page 7.
The father of Kenneth George Alcock aged 28, of 63 Argyle Road Longton, gave the signal for the lowering of the pit cage, when some time later he found out that when he had lowered the cage it had killed is son instantly. The father Mr. John Alcock aged 52, of 5, Rowland Street, Longton, who was the foreman blacksmith at Mossfield colliery on January 18th when the accident happened. The Coroner returned a verdict of Accidental death. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. January 31st 1953. Late. Page 1.
Pit Deputy is to be Stoke on Trent’s North Prospective Conservative Candidate at the forth coming by-election, he is Sam Field Middup M.B.E. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. February 3rd 1953. Late. Page 1.
Six men where killed last night at Dale green colliery Harriseahead, and one seriously injured. The Six were named as Dennis Hancock, single, aged 20, of 64, High Street, Harriseahead. William Mansell, married, aged 47, of Moss Place, Whitehill, Kidsgrove. James Oakes, married, aged 48, of Whitehill Road, Roockery, Kidsgrove. Joseph Bailey, married aged 54, New Road, Whitehill, Kidsgrove. Joseph Lawton, married, aged 62, of Dales green, Harriseahead. Thomas William Laurence Meakin, married, aged 45, of Tower hill cottages, Harriseahead. There is a photograph of the colliery and the brother of one of the men who was killed, talking to the Captain of the rescue teams. The miner who was severely injured as been named as Percy Woolrich, of Mow Cop, there is also a photo of him. More on this article can be seen on this page.Page 8 Photograph of the rescue workers at Dale Green colliery.
Late Final Page 8 Victoria colliery miners have voted to have the Stoke wakes week and the following week for their holidays, to bring it into line with the rest of the coalfield. City Final Page 1 There’s more on the Dale Green tragedy
Evening Sentinel. February 4th 1953. Late. Page 1.
There is a photograph of Mr. Percy Woodrich in hospital, who is very much better today. Officials of the N.C.B. along with H.M. Inspectors of Mines today inspected the workings of Dale Green colliery. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. February 5th 1953. Late Final. Page 1.
Opening the inquest on the six men who lost their lives at Dale Green colliery on Monday, the Coroner said “it may be some consolation to the relatives that the medical report showed in every case, that death was by gas poisoning and death was probably painless”. Evidence of identification was taken and the inquest was adjourned. Page 8 Stone Rural District Council has agreed to an application from the N.C.B. for coal boring at Beech. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. February 7th 1953. Late. Page 5.
At a presentation for long service awards for miners held at the Portland Hotel, Longton, the Secretary of midlands area Power group of the N.U.M. Mr. W.H. Edge said “there was lack of interest in pit welfare by young miners, and was exacerbated by failure to provide a voluntary pension scheme by young miners.Evening Sentinel. February 9th 1953. Late. Page 5.
North Staffordshire Coalfield output was for the four week of the January period 544,436 tons, an increase of 45,872 tons, or 9.2% on the corresponding weeks in ’52, there was a reduction of 3,381 tons on voluntary Saturday working. Same Page Mr. Percy Woodrich, the sole survivor of the Harriseahead pit disaster is improving in the N.S.R.I. City final Page 6 Two hours after he started his first Sunday shift for some time, Mr. Enoch Thorley, aged 42, of 22, Prospect Place, Newcastle, a packer was killed during a shotfiring at Kent’s Lane colliery, Silverdale, yesterday. It is understood that Mr. Thorley was struck by a piece of timber at the coalface. Mr Thorley’s inquest was on February 19th and is in the Late Edition on Page 5. Death was due to severe head injuries and lacerations to the brain. A verdict of accident death was recorded.Evening Sentinel. February 12th 1953. Late. Page 5.
Mr. Harry Machin of Enfield, Nantwich Road, Audley, a colliery proprietor who died on December 30th last year, left £13,622-9s-3d gross, (£13,571-8s-3d net). More on this article can be seen on this page.Page 7 A verdict of accidental death was recorded on Mr. William Lander aged 70, of 208, Normacot Road Longton, who died when falling from a wall at Florence colliery which he was dismantling and fell onto a pile of bricks last Friday the 6-2-53
Evening Sentinel. February 17th 1953. Late. Page 6.
Another North Staffordshire pit development. Piping gas to the surface for industrial use. Photograph’s of the “bowling alley” Seem and the vertical drilling with the new “Fortschritt” machine. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. February 19th 1953. Late Final. Page 8.
A miner was killed at Mossfield colliery today when a piece of coal fell from the coalface and struck him, he was Mr. Ronald Parsons, aged 29, of 14, Seedfields Road, Heron Cross, Fenton. He leaves a widow and five children. A verdict of accidental death was recorded on Mr. Parsons who was a victim of “ill luck”. A report of the inquest can be seen in February 21st Late Edition on Page 5.Evening Sentinel. February 20th 1953. Late. Page 4.
Sentinel Editorial on Subsidence and the N.C.B. e.g. Kinsey Street.Evening Sentinel. February 23rd 1953. Late. Page 5.
At Norton colliery’s annual “Officials” Dinner held at the George Hotel, Burslem, Mr. E. Cope, North Staffordshire Area N.C.B. production manager said “There is nothing to stop Norton colliery having a successful year. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. February 24th 1953. Late. Page 8.
A talk and demonstration was given last night by Mr. R.D. Ball, Technical Engineer of John Davis Ltd, Derby, on underground safe and efficient signalling to the North Staffordshire branch of the Association of Mining Mechanical and Electrical Engineers at Stoke on Trent Technical College last night. More on this article can be seen on this page. Late Final Page 8 Inquest on Harriseahead Dale Green colliery disaster where six miners were killed on February 2nd is proceeding.Evening Sentinel. February 24th 1953. Late. Page 5.
A verdict of accidental death was recorded on the six men who died at the Dale Green colliery. Death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning, as a result of an explosion. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. March 2nd 1953. Late Final Recast. Page 7.
A Hartshill youth told a Birmingham tribunal that because his father died, he had spent two years in penal servitude in the mines. His application to be placed on the conscientious objectors list was refused. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. March 6th 1953. Late. Page 7.
Kidsgrove Urban Council refused an application for mining operations at Goldenhill Bank. It is to be for housing purposes. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. March 9th 1953. Late. Page 5.
North Staffordshire Coalfield output for February was 531,537 tons, compared with 544,436 tons, in January. Over the eight weeks the production was up this year 1,075,973 tons against 1,001,344 tons in ’52 and 1,034,038 tons in ’51. The manpower was 62 less on the month of 58,928. Page 7. N.C.B. boxing article which Ezio De Biasi, from Madeley colliery, G. Shufflebottom, from Glebe colliery, and T. Twemlow, from Chatterley Whitfield colliery.Evening Sentinel. March 12th 1953. Late Page 7.
Photograph of the newly erected bus shelter for miners of Parkhouse colliery. The shelter is on the Talke road and was financed by the N.C.B. City final Page 1. The president of the N.U. M. would be asking the minister for Fuel and Power for an inquiry into the accident at Dale Green colliery, where six miners were killed recently.Evening Sentinel. March 16th 1953. Late. Page 5.
The greater use of electricity in the mines is the way to cut the price of coal, Mr. I.W. Cumberbatch said at the annual dinner of the North Staffordshire branch of the association of mechanical and electrical engineers at Stoke, on Saturday. More on this article can be seen on this page, plus a photograph on page 4. of the, Late Final Recast Edition.Evening Sentinel. March 17th 1953. Late. Page 4.
The part played by scientists in increasing the efficiency of the coal mining industry, was described in a paper given by Mr. W.M. Robertson last night, entitled,” Some aspects of scientific control” to the institute of mining engineers. More on this article can be seen on this page. Page 8 Photo of Chief guests, officials and staff of Madeley colliery at the annual dinner held at the Butchers Arms, Audley.Evening Sentinel. March 19th 1953. Late. Page 7.
The death as occurred of Mr. Wilfred Bailey aged 67, of 58, Park Lane, Knypersley, one of the best known mining-men in the Biddulph area. A report of Mr. Bailey’s funeral is on Page 5 of the Late Final Edition of the 24thEvening Sentinel. March 21st 1953. Late. Page 5.
A 44 year old miner, Mr. Cyril Wilson, of 19, Moore Street, Cobridge, was killed by a roof fall at Sneyd colliery yesterday afternoon, he was working at No2 pit at the time, the fall was not considerable and Mr. Wilson was extracted within a few minutes, but, he had died before reaching the surface.Evening Sentinel. March 24th 1953. Late. Page 5.
Of a resent 5s-6d a ton increase in the price of coal, only 9d was accounted for by the wage increase to miners, it was stated at the midland’s area annual conference of the N.U.M. at Stafford yesterday. More on this article can be seen on this page. Same Page An appeal to miners for better attendance at the pits was made by Sir Andrew Bryan, a member of the N.C.B. at the N.U.M. conference.Evening Sentinel. March 27th 1953. Late. Page1.
Photograph of Mr. Roach, manager of Holditch colliery, who gave a conducted tour to the Mayor of Crewe, (Mr. Frank Roberts) and other dignitaries during a civic visit. Page 4 At an inquest at Fenton a Verdict in Accordance with medical evidence of Dr. E.C. Myatt that death was from Silicosis with Tuberculosis on Mr. George Dooley Hodgkinson, aged 68, of 48, Cliffton Street, Northwood. Mr. Hodgkinson had worked at Hanley Deep pit for 50 years, and had retired in 1951. He died at is home on the 24-3-1953.Evening Sentinel. March 30th 1953. Late. Page5.
Rental and tenancy questions arising in conjunction with the erection of 600 houses for miners in the Chesterton and Silverdale as been discussed by the representatives of Newcastle council Heath sub committee, and the Coal Board. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. March 31st 1953. Late. Page.7.
Dearer coal will affect Gas prices, and Pottery’s plea for concessions. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. April 1st 1953. Late Final. Page. 5.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Planning Committee are considering an application from the N.C.B. to bore holes in the Clayton area.Evening Sentinel. April 2nd 1953. Late. Page. 6.
After a 20 minute retirement the jury at a Hanley inquest yesterday decided that a 60 year old miner at Berry Hill colliery was fatally injured when ridding underground on a tub, a practice which is strictly forbidden. The inquest was on, Mr. Charles John Harvey, of 37, Selwyn Street, Stoke, who died in the N.S.R.I. 7 days later.Evening Sentinel. April 4th 1953. Late. Page. 5.
Details of a N.C.B. proposal to carry out opencast mining in the Talke Pits area were given by the public health committee at Kidsgrove Urban council Meeting. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. April 8th 1953. Late. Page. 5.
A inquest on Donald Statham, a colliery switch operator of 19, Church Street, Chesterton, who was involved in a conveyor mishap at Apedale colliery. The reason he was in that part of the pit is still remains a mystery. He was killed when a conveyer which was held in place by a temporary structure fell on head. His skull was fractured. A verdict of Accidental death was recorded. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. April 9th 1953. City Final Recast. Page. 7.
Only a few seats remained unsold at Kidsgrove Town Hall, when a variety concert was held by a group of villages clubs, to raise money for the Dale Green mining disaster fund. The village clubs who took part were, Alsager, Butt Lane, Kidsgrove, Mow Cop, Newchapple, Packmoor and Talke pits.Late Final Page 8. The N.C.B. is to promote the National boxing championships to be held at the Victoria Hall Hanley. Ezio De Biasi from Madeley colliery at heavyweight, in a special contest R. Thomas a middleweight will fight T.G.Griffiths from Flint
Evening Sentinel. April 11th 1953. Final. Page. 1.
Photograph of Ezio De Biazi at the weigh-in today, for the N.C.B. boxing finals being held tonight at the Victoria Hall Hanley. Late. Page 5. Photograph of the Sneyd colliery cricket team, with a small article on those present, including Eric Bradrick (team captain) J. Ebblethwaite, and R. Boote the colliery manager.Evening Sentinel. April 13th 1953. Late. Page 4
Photograph of the chief guests of the at the N.C.B. National boxing finals which were held in Hanley.Evening Sentinel. April 14th 1953. Late. Page 8
North Staffordshire Coalfield output for the 5 weeks ending April 4th was 664,374 tons, against 657,445 tons, in 1952.Evening Sentinel. April 15th 1953. Page 5
Because he thought he should be getting a bigger wage, a 19 year old Shelton colliery loader became depressed, and took his own life. An inquest found that Reginald Poole, of 14, Newcastle Road, Shelton, who worked at Hanley Deep pit, committed suicide, while his mind was temporally unbalanced. More on this article can be seen on this page. Late Final Page5. A colliery packer Mr. Arthur Shemilt, aged 58, of 18 Tean Road, Cheadle, collapsed while working at Florence colliery yesterday, and when he was brought to the surface, he was found to be dead.Evening Sentinel. April 18th 1953. Final. Page 1
Alfred Sidney Fowles, aged 5 of 9, Albert Street, Silverdale, was fatally injured by a railway wagon at Silverdale colliery sidings yesterday. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. April 21st 1953. Late. Page 7
“Mr. Pastry goes down the pit” Photo of Richard Hearne (Mr. Pastry) with the manager of Sneyd colliery, Mr. R. Boote, and Mr. J. Hepplethwaite the No2 sub area agent.Evening Sentinel. April 22nd1953. Late. Page 5
Despite strong opposition by Biddulph urban council, the Ministry of Fuel and Power have granted permission to the N.C.B. to prospect for opencast coal on a sit at Wedgwood Gillow Heath. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. April 24th1953. Late. Page 5
Fell into the sump at Mossfield colliery. At the inquest into the death of 72 year old pumpman, Mr. John Brammer, of 101, Anchor Road Longton, Mr. Brammer collapsed with heart failure, and fell into the sump. Death was from cardiac failure due to extensive carcinoma of the liver. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. April 28th1953. Late. Page 5
Mine speeds may reach 40 MPH underground. A talk was given by Mr.T.E. Green, traction engineer to the N.C.B. London, in a paper entitled “principles of underground Locomotive haulage”. Same Page On his departure from the North Staffordshire Coalfield where he was the area strata control investigator, a presentation was made and tributes paid to Mr. M.V. Steinitz at Stafford colliery Social club. Mr. Steinitz, is taking up a position with North West area of the N.C.B. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. April 29th1953. Late. Page 6
Mr. Stephen Swingler M.P. for Newcastle under Lyme asked the Secretary of State of War, to exempt all miners, from a statutory obligation to do training in the Territorial Army. More on this article can be seen on this page. Page 7. Mr. Harold Davies M.P. for Leek, speaking in the commons, asked for special needs for the influx of miner’s family’s around the Leek and North Staffordshire area especially for Schools. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. April 30th1953. Late. Page 5
In appreciation of 41 years service at Brindley Ford branch of the N.U.M. of which he was President, Mr G. T. Averill was presented with a long service medal at Pittshill Workingmen’s club Chell. Among the members present was 88 year old Mr. John Broad of 75, St. Michaels Road Pittshill, who his still an active member, has he as been for the last 66 years. Photo of the presentation is on page 8 of this edition.Evening Sentinel. May 1st 1953. Late. Page 8
There are Photographs of football team from Wolstanton, Norton, Mossfield, and Parkhouse collieries.Evening Sentinel. May 4th 1953. Late. Page 5
Greater aid for victims of subsidence sought, a resolution urging the government to annul the 1950 Mining Subsidence act is to be sent the Prime Minister, Minister for Heath and the Chairman of the N.C.B. by the Silverdale mining subsidence protest campaign. More on this article can be seen on this page. Late Final Page 3 Photo of the last run of the old No. 8 from Norton to Nettlebank Wharf, and Mr Benjamin Round, the driver, with 78 year old, Mr. Tom Ash, who was the first fireman, on the first run. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. May 7th 1953. Late. Page 4
There is a photograph and an article on the election to President of North Staffordshire Association of colliery managers, of Mr. E. Steele, Area Planning Officer. Mr. Steele the son of an overman was born in Bradley. He was an apprentice surveyor at Chatterley Whitfield colliery, before being appointed as a surveyor at Talke o’ Hill colliery and later at Holditch colliery. He was a investigator on the Mines Research Committee. He later became manager at Glasshouse colliery, before becoming assistant to the manager at Norton colliery.Evening Sentinel. May 12th 1953. Late. Page 5
North Staffordshire Coalfield output for the first 17 weeks was 2,231,431 tons, compared to 2,133,580 tons, in ’52. The April output was 491,080 tons against 474,791 tons, last year. The manpower rose by 225 to 59,135. Same Page A 19 year old trainee was praised at a inquest at Hanley for his efforts to save the life of a colleague who was trapped by a fall of dirt at Chatterley Whitfield colliery. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death on Harold Owen, a ripper, aged 60, of 17, Bank Street, Rookery. More on this article can be seen on this page. Late Final Page 5 Madeley’s concern of letting of houses to “Pole’s”. Council should be putting their own families in houses first and Pole’s should go on a housing waiting list. More on this article can be seen on this page. Page 8 Mr. Stephen Swingler M.P. yesterday asked many Questions in the Commons on mining subsidence in the North Staffordshire area. More on this article can be seen on this page. City Final Page 8 People have sat and walked over a 90 foot deep shaft at Fenton for years. The pit shaft is more than 30 years old and is in a slag heap, the shaft is only a few yards from a council housing estate at upper Hollins Street. Corporation workmen have now covered it and fenced it off.Evening Sentinel. May 13th 1953. Late. Page 5
North Staffordshire Coalfield area made a profit of £1, 314,804 last year in a annual report. Tonnage was up to 6,248,889 tons, compared to 6,066,317 tons in ’51.Evening Sentinel. May 18th 1953. Late. Page 5
Sir Andrew Bryan a member of N.C.B. speaking at Stoke on Saturday, said, “It was important for the industry to have an efficient first aid service, when you realise that 230,000 accidents occur in the industry”. North Staffordshire came third in the senior first aid competition. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. May 21st 1953. Late. Page 6
A new weekly output record was set by Fenton colliery in the week ending May 16th the output total was 4,170 tons, the highest since vesting day. The previous highest was 4,024 tons, in November 13th 1948.Evening Sentinel. June 1st 1953. Late. Page16
In the Coronation Honours list a C.B.E. has been awarded to Mr. H.C.W. Roberts M.C. the Chief Inspector of mines.Evening Sentinel. June 5th 1953. Late. Page 6
“Colliery Cameo” New look in the pit, an article by W.H.C.Evening Sentinel. June 9th 1953. Late. Page 6
Gas prices forced up by the increased cost of coal. More on this article can be seen on this page. Late final Page Newcastle under Lyme rural district council has concerns over the N.C.B. share of miner’s houses at Madeley Moss site. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. June 12th 1953. Late. Page 4
North Staffordshire Coalfield output for the first 21 weeks was 2,711,966 tons, compared to 2,656,811tons. The four week period ending May 30th was 480,535 tons, compared to last year’s total of 535,231 tons. Total manpower in the area was 20,752.Evening Sentinel. June 17th 1953. Late. Page 5
Biddulph miners are getting their fair share of houses under a gentleman’s agreement with the council. More on this article can be seen on this page.Page 7 Prefabs may avert school crisis. Madeley’s influx of mining families as caused the building of two prefabricated at the rear of Madeley endowed school. Varied views on the problem is being raised by Stephen Swingler M.P.
Evening Sentinel. June 18th 1953. Late. Page 5
Four miners from the North Staffordshire area are among a party of nineteen paraplegic ex-miners who left today for an all expenses paid holiday to Prestatyn. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. June 19th 1953. Late. Page 4
A Lithuanian miner who refused to carry out an order given him by an overman, then struck him in the face at Chatterley Whitfield colliery, was fined £5 with £1-11s- 6d costs at the potteries stipendiary Magistrates Court.Evening Sentinel. June 19th 1953. City Final Page 1
Hanley deep pit may be idle for two weeks following yesterday’s cage crash, which was loaded with coal tubs, and fell to the bottom of No.2 shaft. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. July 9th 1953. Late Final Page 5
A 44, year old Biddulph miner was killed yesterday afternoon. Mr. William Taylor, of 24, Congleton Road, he was killed at the Hesketh pit, at Chatterley Whitfield colliery. He had noticed that three tubs were not in the cage properly and had attempted to adjust them when the cages started to go up, and he was crushed between the tubs and the side of the shaft, and he was taken up to the next level.Evening Sentinel. July11th 1953. Late Page 5
A Hanley inquest yesterday recorded a verdict in accordance with medical evidence that death was due to Silicosis with Tuberculosis on Mr. Fredrick Bradbury, aged 65, of 9, Dennis Street, Fenton who was a ripper at a local colliery until 1953 and left because of Hystagmus.Evening Sentinel. July13th 1953. Late Page 5
North Staffordshire Coalfield output for the five week June period, was 614,905 tons, compared to 480,535 tons on the previous month, which was a four week period and 593,279 tons, in June ’52. In the First 26 weeks of this year, North Staffordshire Coalfield produced 3,326,871 tons, against 3,250,090 tons, in the same period of ‘52and 3,249,572 tons in ’51. Manpower in the North Staffordshire area was 20,579 compared to 20,303 in ’52,and 19,079 in ‘51Page 8 Madeley colliery win the pits rescue contest held at the central rescue station Glebe Street Stoke on Saturday, Berry hill colliery were runners up.
Evening Sentinel. July14th 1953. Late Page 5
Ellis Smith, M.P. for Stoke- on- Trent South is to ask three questions to the Minister of Housing and local Government on July 28th on the subsidence in the Stoke- on- Trent and surrounding areas. Page 6. The Inquest on William Taylor who was killed at Chatterley Whitfield colliery on July 8th returned a verdict of accidental death. Death was caused by severe crushing and death would have been instantaneous. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. July15th 1953. Late Page 5
Photograph of Mr. Joseph Hollingshead’ of 139, Leek Road, Badderley Green has served continually for 61years at Norton colliery his retirement starts at the end of the month.Evening Sentinel. July17th 1953. Late Page 6
Two collieries have set new post vesting day production records Apedale produced 1,757 tons, and Fenton whose production was 4,296 tons.Page 7 Hanley deep pit will resume coal production on Monday next, as it as been out of action since June 25th that is 25 day’s lost coal production, but miners have been deployed at other collieries in the district.
Evening Sentinel. July20th 1953. Late Page 4
Photograph of Mr. H.J. Crofts C.B.E. of Norton who retired recently from the post of Production Director of the West Midlands N.C.B. Tributes to him are also on this page.Evening Sentinel. July25th 1953. Late Page 5
Prizes were presented to six boys whose essay’s were regarded as the best from High Street, Secondary Modern School, Tunstall, by Mr. W.H. Brown, and Mr. R. Trigg, Manager and Training Officer of Chatterley Whitfield colliery. A total of sixty boys paid a visit to the colliery recently.Evening Sentinel. July29th 1953. Late Page 5
The Stoke-on-Trent Coroner (Mr. G.W. Huntbatch) paid tribute to a Longton miner and said “He had fine courage and a great determination” who had been certified with Pneumoconiosis and continued to work. The inquest was on Mr. Fletcher Simms, aged 61, of 21, Red Bank, Longton, whose death occurred on Saturday 25th Death was in accordance with medical evidence.Evening Sentinel. July30th 1953. Late Page 4
For the second week in succession, Silverdale colliery as set up a new record for weekly output since vesting day, it produced 7,728 tons, over 200 tons more than the previous week.Evening Sentinel. August 10th 1953. Late Page 4
The first of twelve miners houses of the 434 being built by the coal industry Housing Association at Park Lane, Biddulph, for the West Midlands Division of the N.C.B. will be formerly opened and handed over to tenants on Friday.Evening Sentinel. August 12th 1953. Late Page 5
North Staffordshire Coalfield production output dropped because of holiday. July’s production up to the 1st of August was 506,018 tons, compared to 614,905 tons, in June and 510,089 tons, in July ’52. Production for the first 30 weeks of ’53 was 3,832,889 tons, compared to 3,760,179 tons, in ’52 and 3,748,558 in ’51.Evening Sentinel. August 15th 1953. Late Page 3
An appeal to miners to return work on Monday in strength after the first two week holiday, the plea was made by Mr.I.W. Cumberbatch at Biddulph yesterday. More on this article can be seen on this page.Page 5 2,301 houses built for miners on estates, in North Staffordshire will have been completed by June next year. More on this article can be seen on this page.
Evening Sentinel. August 17th 1953. Late Page 5
Miners made a very encouraging start after the holiday’s, 19%more workers on the coal face than last year. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. August 18th 1953. Late Page 5
Coal is being imported into Staffordshire from outside areas claim. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. August 26th 1953. Late Page 5
Biddulph Council last night decided to ask local independent housing association for closer co-operation in allocation of houses to miners at an estate at Knypersley. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 3rd 1953. Final. Page 5.
A young miner’s course is to take place at the University of North Staffordshire, Keele. 53 young employees drawn from all the four areas of the west midlands division will take part, included in the itinerary will be lectures, factory visits and a visit to Hem Heath colliery.Evening Sentinel. September 8th 1953. Late. Page 5.
More on the young miner’s course at Keele.Evening Sentinel. September 8th 1953. Late. Page 7.
Atomic power will not replace coal for the next 50 years. It was stated at the young miner’s course at Keele. More on this article can be seen on this page.Final Page 5. The death as occurred of Mr. R.W. Orchard, a well known figure in the North Staffordshire coalfield area, who died yesterday at is home at Wombourn, Wolverhampton. He started work as a clerk at Fenton Colliery, and as been promoted through his career and only in July of this year was promoted to the post of deputy market director for the West midlands division. More on this article can be seen on this page.
Evening Sentinel. September 10th 1953. Late. Page 5.
“Aren’t there too many officials in the mining industry today.” asked a young miner at Keele. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 11th 1953. Late. Page 4.
The science of colliery management was the basis of a talk given to young miners at Keele. More on this article can be seen on this page.Final Page 10. Three young miners from North Staffordshire area won scholarships in mining engineering and allied subjects, they were, S.J. Houson, from Sneyd colliery, J.M. Hill, from Norton colliery, and J.S. Wilcox, from Chatterley Whitfield colliery. More on this article can be seen on this page.
Evening Sentinel. September 12th 1953. Late. Page 5.
Science is playing an increasing contribution in mining safety, was a lecture to young miners at Keele. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 14th 1953. Late. Page 6.
Coal getting without labour at the face. Mechanisation is the ultimate goal young miners are told. Same Page. Mining tributes to Mr. R.W. Orchard at his funeral. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 16th 1953. Late. Page 4.
North Staffordshire Coalfield output in August was 230,181 tons, compared to 330, 111 tons, in August ’52. The reason given for the low tonnage was the miner’s holidays. Total manpower was 20,533, the same period last year it was 20,681.Evening Sentinel. September 17th 1953. Late. Page 4.
Almost a full page feature on the mines rescue station at Glebe Street, Stoke, including 4 photographs.Evening Sentinel. September 18th 1953. Late. Page 7.
North Staffordshire is joining with Bolton in a concerted effort to get the one million signatures in a bid to put pressure on the government to reconsider the 1950 subsidence act. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 21st 1953. Late. Page 5.
Death as occurred of Mr. James Rayney Leach Allott, of Barlaston, a prominent mining engineer aged 77, formerly managing directing of Kidsgrove collieries Ltd More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 22nd 1953. Late. Page 7.
“Fire Fighting in the Collieries” was the paper which won the F.H. Wynn prize for ’52-’53, it was read by the successful student, Mr. A.J. Bennett at last nights meeting of the North Staffordshire institute of mining engineers at Stoke.Evening Sentinel. September 23rd 1953. Late. Page 4.
Tributes were paid to Mr. J.R.L. Allott, at his funeral at Barlaston.Evening Sentinel. September 24th 1953. City Final. Page 1.
. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is to call for a national conference on subsidence. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 25th 1953. Late Page 7.
. Subsidence is costing the Highways Committee £22,000 a year to repair the damage. More on this article can be seen on this page. Same Page. The hearing as begun into the causes in which 6 men died at the Dale Green Colliery on February 2nd. The agent and the owners, Mr. Alfred Birchall, of Red lion farm, Harriseahead, and Birchall Collieries Ltd. of 12, Price Street, Burslem, are Summand for alleged contravention of the mines safety and heath regulations, there are a total of 35 summonses.Evening Sentinel. September 26th 1953. Late Page 5.
. At the Dale Green colliery case at Stoke Stipendiary Court, yesterday, the pit deputy said “The Ventilation was Sweet and Normal”. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 29th 1953. Late Page 7.
. Dale Green colliery case. Defence Opens. Air, free from gas, without fan-Agent. More on this article can be seen on this page. Late Final Page 10. Dale Green colliery case. Agent Questioned about crown hole. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. September 30th 1953. Late Page 5.
. Dale Green colliery case. No one could have foreseen danger- pit case witness. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. October 1st 1953. Late Page 8.
. After five days of hearing the evidence in the Dale Green case at the Potteries Stipendiary court, it was concluded yesterday when the Magistrate reserved his decision until a date to be fixed. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. October 2nd 1953. Late Page 5.
. Photo of 81year old underground colliery worker, Mr. Ernest Woodward, of 19, Manders Street, Smallthorne, he as worked at Norton colliery for 67 years.Evening Sentinel. October 3rd 1953. Late Page 3.
. Photo of the Mayor of Newcastle under Lyme (Alderman E. Bond) signing the national campaign petition against the 1950 subsidence act. Page 6. Subsidence petition launched nationwide against the 1950 subsidence actEvening Sentinel. October 5th 1953. Late Page 6.
. Newcastle under Lyme M.P. Mr. Stephen Swindler, on the need to let the nation bear the responsibility for subsidence bill.Evening Sentinel. October 5th 1953. Late Page 1.
. One Dead, two injured in roof fall at Hem Heath colliery. They were employed by contractors 900 yards down the new No.2 shaft. The dead man was Mr. Benjamin Willmore, aged 27, of 60, Villiers Street, Dresden. In the N.S.R.I. is Mr. James O’Rilley aged 50, of 213, London Road Stoke, who has a fractured lumber spine, and Mr. Cecil Cashmore, aged 20, of 16, Erskine Street, Longton, who has leg injuries, both are fairly comfortable. Photo of Mr. Willmore is on page Page 6. Mr. J. Foster production manager of South Staffordshire area of the west midlands division of the N.C.B. and former sub agent in the North Staffordshire coalfield, will succeed Mr. E. Cope as production manager, of the North Staffordshire area of the N.C.B. and as President of North Staffordshire Institute of Mining Engineers. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. October 12th 1953. Late Page 4.
. Two veteran miners, Mr. Samuel Brooks, of 78, Newcastle Street, Silverdale, and Mr. Harry Johnson of 182, High Street Silverdale, will be presented with B.E.M. medals by Mr. Geoffery Lloyd the Minister for Fuel and Power on Wednesday. Mr. Brooks, 72, has worked at Madeley colliery for 60 years, and Mr. Johnson, 74, has worked at Silverdale colliery for 61 years Page 5. North Staffordshire Coalfield output in September was 636,895 tons, compared to 642, 412 tons in September ’52. Manpower averaged 20,258 compared to 20,498in ’52 and 18,815 in ’51.Evening Sentinel. October 13th 1953. Late Page 7.
. Photograph of the National Coal Boards, Kidsgrove housing estate.Page 8. A big role for the North Staffordshire area was outlined yesterday by Mr. Earnest Steele, National President of the National Association of the colliery Managers to Stoke-on-Trent Rotary Club. More on this article can be seen on this page.
Evening Sentinel. October 15th 1953. Late Final. Page 7.
. The defendants in the Dale Green colliery case of a fortnight ago were find yesterday at Fenton court. Mr. Alfred Birchall of Red Lion farm, Harriseahead, and Birchall collieries Ltd, of 12, Price Street, Burslem the owner of the colliery were Fined a total of £68 with £57-15s-0d costs. Alfred Birchall alone was fined £2 on each of 24 counts of the 35 he was charged with, 10 being dismissed, one being withdrawn. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. October 16th 1953. Late. Page 8.
. Photograph of Stoke-on-Trent Rotary Club Vocational Service Committee after they had paid a visit to Chatterley Whitfield colliery.Evening Sentinel. October 20th 1953. Late. Page 5.
. The new President of the Mining Engineers Mr. Earnest Steele urges coal face training for boys. More on this article can be seen on this page.Page 7. The bulk of North Staffordshire’s coal is going to South Lancashire while the City Gas Works imports coal from other areas. More on this article can be seen on this page. Page 8. Mining subsidence costs the Stoke-on-Trent City Corporation £1, 250, 000 in for repairs Evening Sentinel. October 21st 1953. Late. Page 8.
. More on the election of Mr. J. Foster, North Staffordshire Mining Engineer.Evening Sentinel. October 26th 1953. Late. Page 4.
. West midlands division of the mine’s rescue competition was won by Walsall Wood colliery, with Madeley colliery last years winners, runners up.Evening Sentinel. October 27th 1953. Late. Page 5.
. A verdict in accordance with medical evidence was recorded on Mr. William Oldacre, aged 54, of 28, Talbot Street, Hanley, who had been a member of the City Council since last May. Mr. Oldacre as been employed at Hanley Deep pit, he had been a surface worker since 1942, following Hystagmus. Last February he was examined by the medical board and found to have 20% Pneumoconiosis. More on this article can be seen on this page. Same Page. A full list of expenditure in safety in mines research establishments. Page 9. An inquest held at Leycett colliery Mr. William Christopher Ram, aged 40, of John Offley Road, Madele, who was killed by a roof fall at Madeley colliery on October 13th. Death was caused by a fractured base of the skull. A verdict of accidental death was recorded. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. October 29th 1953. Late. Page 4.
. Photograph of the miner’s home in Blackpool. Plus a feature on the miner and his leisure time and his extended scope of social work. There is also a photograph of young miner’s holiday camp. Page 5. A verdict of accidental death was recorded on Mr. Benjamin Willmore who was killed in a roof fall at Hem Heath colliery on October 4th. The reason for the delay was the injuries to the other men involved in the accident. Late Final Page 10. Three miners plus the driver of the bus were hurt when it was involved in a crash in fog with a lorry, the bus was travailing to Parkhouse colliery, Chesterton.Evening Sentinel. October 31st 1953. Final. Page1.
. The death as been announced of Mr. J.W.Sunnall who was for over 41 years the General Secretary of the Colliery Firemen, shotlighters, overmen Association.Evening Sentinel. November 1st 1953. Late. Page 1.
. N.C.B. in a letter to conveyer belt manufacturers said it was time to implement fire retardant belting. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. November 4th 1953. Late. Page 7.
. Members of the North Staffordshire branch of the Electrical and Mechanical mining engineers at their meeting were given a paper on “control gear for material handling plant” by Mr. W.H.Soper’ of the Igranic Co. of Birmingham.Evening Sentinel. November 7th 1953. Late. Page 1.
. £35 Million Coal Plans for North Staffordshire. New pits visualised by Mr. I.W. Cumberbatch. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. November 12th 1953. Late. Page 11.
. At a meeting of the North Staffordshire mining association Mr. M.U. Steinitz, who is on the Strata control staff of the N.C.B. West midlands division gave a paper on “Prop free front faces”. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. November 13th 1953. Late Final Recast. Page 4.
. North Staffordshire call to amend the 1950 Subsidence mining act. It as support from local authorities, churches, farmers and trade organisations in a national petition as it is “snowballing” at a remarkable speed, Mr. John Crompton of Bolton, told a meeting at Newcastle under Lyme last night.Evening Sentinel. November 17th 1953. Late. Page 1.
. At Stoke-on-Trent today a meeting of the midlands regional advisory committee of the T.U.C. a delegate of the N.U.M. thought a coal consumers council would serve a very useful service. More on this article can be seen on this page. Late Final Recast Page 5. Since leaving School Mr. Samuel Mountford aged 61, of 40, Baskerville Road, Hanley, had worked at Hanley deep pit, spending 40 years of them as a collier it was stated at a Hanley inquest yesterday. Death was due to Bronco-Pneumonia. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. November 24th 1953. Late. Page 4.
. At a meeting of the North Staffordshire Institute of mining engineers last night, a paper was introduced on “Radio Frequency communication at coal mines”. The N.C.B. is to explore the use of radio’s in the mines. The system may be a boon to the rescue service. More on this article can be seen on this page.Evening Sentinel. November 26th 1953. Late. Page 4.
. The British Pottery Manufacturers Federation have sent a letter to the Town Clerk regarding the policy of the N.C.B. to export coal from the North Staffordshire Coalfield to other areas, and to bring in coal from the North East, and inviting the council to take action. More on this article can be seen on this page.Page 10. Parkhall colliery male voice choir made a return visit to Cheadle Wesleyan Methodist church to take part in special Sunday industrial service.
Evening Sentinel. December 1st 1953. Late. Page5.
. Former miner Mr. William Mountford, aged 82, of 329, Sneyd Street, Sneyd Green, celebrated 60 years of married life today. He started work at 13 as a farm labourer, receiving 9d a week, a year later he went to work at Hanley deep pit where his wages were 1s 6d a shift, he worked at several local pits including, Ubberley, Bucknall, Northwood, Seaham Co. Durham, Sneyd and Ford green, and finely completing 25 years as a colliery Fireman at Sneyd.Page 7 No new legislation on subsidence compensation, Ministers reply to M.P.s. Dr. Stross M.P. for Stoke-on-Trent Central is to raise matter on an adjournment at an early date. More on this article can be seen on this page.
. Same Page Dr. Stross asked the Minister for Fuel and power, in the commons yesterday, “What progress had been made on the use of conveyer belt in the coal mining industry that will not give rise to explosion through generation of excessive heat”. More on this article can be seen on this page. Same Page The £35,000,000 scheme for generating the North Staffordshire coal industry, which will call for all the skills and resources available to men in the industry was referred to last night by Mr. Rowland Bennett, (Assistant General manager West midlands division) of the N.C.B. Mr. Bennett made this statement at the second annual prize distribution of the mining department of the North Staffordshire Technical College. A list of the awards are on this page, plus comments and other peoples views. Late Final Page 10 After 70 years in the mining industry Mr. James Edward Ogdon, safety and training officer at Parkhouse colliery unit of the N.C.B. has retired. Mr. Ogden who lives at Heather Crest, Station Road, Mow Cop, is 83. He entered the mining industry at 13 as a underground pony driver at Black Bull colliery in 1897, he worked with the crutters making Victoria colliery pit bottom and engine room. There is a lot more on Mr. Ogden’s career in this article.
Evening Sentinel. December 2nd 1953. Late. Page 5.
. At an inquest in Hanley yesterday the Stoke-on-Trent Coroner, how a runnerway tub in the Bowling Alley seam of the Victoria colliery, Biddulph, killed one man and seriously injured an other, but when he had heard all the evidence he said, “It would still remain a mystery how the tub became uncoupled”. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death on Mr. Clement Henry Wilshaw, aged 48, of 67, Craigside Biddulph, who died from his injuries when stuck by a runnerway tub.Evening Sentinel. December 4th 1953. Late. Page 10.
. A photo of Mr. John Moreton who is retiring after 60 years at Norton CollieryEvening Sentinel. December 7th 1953. Late. Page 6.
. To produce 18 million tons of coal, now obtained yearly in the West Midlands Division, which includes the North Staffordshire area, there is in excess of 22 miles of coalfaces, the N.C.B. said. Since vesting day it as surface drilled over 22 miles in looking for more coal seams. North Staffordshire Coalfield output was 529,227 tons, compared to 518,653 tons, the previous month, and 501,504 tons, in November of last year. Manpower on November 28th was 57,817, this was 78 fewer with October 31st, and 1,091on January 3rd in this year. More on this article can be seen on this page.. Late Final Page 8. More than 120 local authorities will be represented at a conference called by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, to be held in London on mining subsidence.
. Evening Sentinel. December 8th 1953. Late. Page 7.
. Five organisations in the midlands are concerning themselves with the matter of importing coal into the North Staffordshire area, it was stated at a meeting of the West midlands Gas Consultative Council held in Birmingham yesterday. The Council is to ask the Minister of Fuel and Power to convene a meeting. Same Page. A denial that Biddulph might be undermined by coal working was made at last nights meeting of the Urban Council General Purposes Committee, when Mr. L. Poole, warned that any erroneous suggestion to this effect would discourage interested builders in coming to the district. More on this article can be seen this page. Page 10. The B.E.M. awarded in the Coronation Honours List was presented last night to 73, year old, Mr. H. Johnson, of High Street, Silverdale, by Mr.I.W. Cumberbatch at the Sneyd arms hotel Silverdale. More on this article can be seen on this page.. Evening Sentinel. December 16th 1953. Late. Page 8.
. Stockholders in Settle and Speakmen and Company Ltd., will receive £650,000 in the form of 32s-6d on each of the 5s stock as a result of the voluntary liquidisation of three subsidiary companies, they are Bignall hill colliery co. Ltd., Fenton colliery Co. Ltd. and Mossfield colliery Co. Ltd. All are wholly owned by Settle Speakmen and Co. More on this article can be seen on this page.. Evening Sentinel. December 17th 1953. Late. Page 6.
. North Staffordshire Coalfield was one of only two areas in the midlands division to make a profit in the third quarter of this year. North Staffordshire’s profit was £259,503. More coal was mined at Foxfield colliery than ever before output totalled 4,622 tons.Evening Sentinel. December 24th 1953. Late. Page 5.
. Victoria colliery, Biddulph, set an all time record with an output of 12,005 tons, the previous best was 11,942 tons set in 1948.Evening Sentinel. December 31st 1953. Late. Page 5.
. Photo of Mr.l. Roach, Manager of Holditch colliery presenting a cheque for £37-10s raised by workers in the pit canteen for the Christine Knapper fund.
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