Norton

on.

Norton

Sentinel June 1st 1948. City Final.Page 1.
Mr. Vincent Brown aged 39, a miner of 183, Milton Road, Sneyd Green,was admitted to the N.S.R.I. with injuries to his back, in an accident at Norton colliery
Sentinel July 28th 1948. City Final.Page 1.
Mr Stanislau Lopata aged 29, a Polish mine worker living at Miner's Hostel Smallthorne, employed at Norton colliery was admitted to the N.S.R.I., with a fractured spine he received at work yesterday.
Sentinal. November 17th 1948. City Final. Page. 4.
Two miners injured at different collieries were admitted to the N. S. R. I. Mr. Reginald Poole, aged 35, of 46, Peel Street, Longbridge Hayes, employed at Wolstanton colliery, he as a suspected fractured leg. Mr. Walter Whitby, aged 47, of 45, Russell Road, Sandyford, injured at Norton and Biddulph colliery, he has a fractured rib.
Sentinel. December 9th 1948. Final. Page 4.
Mr. Frederick Steele, aged 31, of 19, Heaton Street, Milton, sustained injuries when he was involved in blasting operation at Norton colliery.
Evening Sentinel Jan. 1st 1949 Page 1. F.F.
Mr. Wilshaw, age 82 has been working at one pit for 71 years and claims the country’s record for long service underground. Mr Wilshaw, who is still employed by the Norton and Biddulph unit of the NCB, started at Norton before he was 12. He spent his entire working life underground and for over 50 years has worked at the coalface.
Evening Sentinel Feb 10th 1949 Page 5.
The design and construction of underground haulage engine houses at Norton colliery was the subject of a paper read by the Secretary Mr. G.J. Downend to members of the North Staffs branch of the National association of Colliery Managers at Stoke last night. (Full report)
Evening Sentinel May 5th 1949 Page 3.
The B.E.M. that was awarded to Mr. G.W. Wilshaw in the King’s birthday honours list of this year was, last night presented to him by Mr. I. W. Cumberbatch at a ceremony in the Railway Hotel, Smallthorne. Mr. Wilshaw also received an illuminated address and a wallet, gifts officials and workmen as a token of their regard. He had worked at Norton for over 71 years.
Evening Sentinel June 29th 1949 Page 5.
Norton and Biddulph collieries report a consolidated net profit after taxation for 1948 of Ł32.073.
Evening Sentinel Dec. 19th 1949 Page 6.
The funeral took place at Norton of Mr. G.W. Wilshaw who for 71 years worked at Norton and Biddulph collieries. He was awarded the BEM. < p He worked at Norton and Biddulph colliery.
Sentinel July 24th 1950 page 4
31 miners at Norton Awards completed 50 years or over in Colliery.list of names.
Sentinel 6th April 1951
Norton colliery long service certificates presented. (Photo).
Sentinel 21st April 1951
New plan for Wolstanton put to the council.
Same date N.C.B. Ambulance competition the Wynne cup won by Wolstanton. Runners up were Norton with Whitfield third.
Sentinel 8th Nov 1951city final page 5,
Following an accident at Norton colliery William Daniels taken to hospital with fractured left leg.
Evening Sentinel. January 10th 1952. Final. Page 1.
[Photo] Almost 80 years old and still working. Mr. Ernest Woodward as worked underground for 65 years at Bellerton colliery Norton. Mr. Woodward began work as a haulage hand at 14, and as spent 47 years at the coalface, until he was 68, then as a telephone operator at the pit bottom
Evening Sentinel. February 25th 1952. Late Page 5.
At Norton Colliery's Official's Annul Diner, held at the George Hotel Burslem, Mr. R. Bennett, North Staffordshire Area Manager for Colliery Official's, stressed that there must be closer attention to detail, and more safety. More on this can be seen on this page in the "Sentinel"
Evening Sentinel. September 5th 1952 Final Page 5
The only pit in North Staffordshire Coalfield Area, Norton colliery, which as not worked on a Saturday during the summer, resumes work tomorrow. All other collieries have worked throughout the summer.
Evening Sentinel. September 15th 1952 City Final Page 4.
The N.C.B. have announced the names of 66 men who have been offered N.C.B. University Scholarships in Mining Engineering, the names include, Three from North Staffordshire, they are, Mr. N.M. Morris of 340 Fordgreen Road, Norton le Moors (Norton colliery) Mr. T. Brereton of 158 Fordgreen Road, Smallthorne, (Parkhouse colliery) Mr. T Williams, of 58, Kelvin Avenue, Sneyd Green (Norton colliery) Mr. R. A. Bentley of Knutton, (Kemball Training Pit.)
Evening Sentinel. October 20th 1952 City Final Page 6.
Norton colliery look likely to brake an all time record if production remains at it's present output. It as produced 12,000 tons more than last year, Mr. L.W. Cumberbach O.B.E. said has he opened a new canteen at Norton colliery last night. More on this can be seen on this page in the "Sentinel".
Evening Sentinel. November 6th 1952 Final Page 1.
In a roof fall at the Bellerton pit, Norton colliery, early today 19year old James Bloor, a "packer" of 3 Ashman Street Smallthorne, was fatally injured. Mr. James Bloor Inquest appears on Page 5. of the "Sentinel" November 8th Final Edition.
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. 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. 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. December 4th 1953. Late. Page 10.
. A photo of Mr. John Moreton who is retiring after 60 years at Norton Colliery
Sentinel 10th May 1955 L p10
lf p1 Wage dispute at Norton Colliery. A strike was caused on a show of hands outside the canteen. The dispute involves mainly face workers who are looking for a guaranteed wage.
Sentinel 11th May 1955 C f p1
Face workers at Victoria and Chatterley Whitfield joins Norton on strike. The N.C.B. say the dispute at these collieries are for different reasons. Joe Woolridge N.U.M. secretary at Norton said his men would go back to work for a guaranteed wage of 55/- per shift.
Sentinel 25th July 1955 L p8
Photo of the Norton Colliery Manager G J Downend receiving leaving gifts from undermanager Mr S Thomas, and the new manager S Hacking. Mr Downend was to take up other duties with the Board.
Sentinel 9th August 1955 c f p1
Italians settle in North staffs. There are some 300 Italians working in North Staffordshire with the possibility of more to follow. Among those mentioned was Mr V de Lorenzo who worked at Norton. He had returned to this country where he had been a prisoner of war. He said he had married a lady from Worcester and now enjoys a far better standard of living than he had in post war Naples. A local union official said that at some collieries 20% of underground manpower was foreign and suggested that they had reached saturation point.
Evening Sentinel. February 10th 1956. City Final Page 10
About 1,800 tons of coal has been lost at Norton colliery this week through a strike of underground workers, the strike started on the day shift on Tuesday, and the men returned to work yesterday afternoon.
Sentinel 18th June 1956 late Front Page
Production at Norton colliery as completely halted today, when 143 face workers joined 83 strippers who have been on strike since last Wednesday. Another 283 surface and underground workers were sent home
Evening Sentinel. June 19th 1956 Late Page 1.
Photograph at Norton colliery miners outside the canteen where they attended a strike meeting. It is expected that the men will return to work tonight. since the strike started last Wednesday, approximately 4,430 tons have been lost.
Evening Sentinel. June 20th 1956 Late Page 1.
There was a fairly good turn out at Norton colliery when work resumed after the strike.
Evening Sentinel. September 27th 1956 Football Final. Page4.
Nineteen teams fished in the Cobridge Angling Societies water at Congleton, for the North Staffordshire Miners Welfare Angling Trophy, which was won by Norton colliery, second was Sneyd colliery, and third was Parkhouse colliery.
Evening Sentinel. December 15th 1956 Late. Page. 6.
Miner- Boxer, John Sternway of Norton colliery, will miss the Divisional Championships of the N.C.B. Amateur Boxing Assosation at Wolverhampton on Friday. He had a walk-over in the Area Final last night, but, appeared in a special contest, and received a broken jaw and had to retire.
Evening Sentinel. December 17th 1956 Late. Page. 4.
Photograph of retired mining employees of Norton colliery who attended a party organised by the colliery social and welfare committee on Saturday night. In the Photograph is Mr. J. Lawton, Mr. J. Mountford, Mr. E. Beardmore, and Mr. R. Lacey. There is a list of Guests and Officials on page 8.
Sentinel 1ST April 1957 late final p5
Victoria colliery's first aid team wins the North Staffs competition for the 10th year. Runners up were Norton, with Mossfield third. Hem Heath juniors won the Wynne Cup. There is a photo of Ron Smith receiving cup on behalf of the Hem Heath team. The competition was held at the Heron Cross primary school.
Sentinel 15th April 1957 final p5
N.U.M. conference in Stoke town hall Arthur Baddeley of Norton colliery President. Among the matters discussed was safety and manpower.
Sentinel 22nd July 1957 late p4
Photograph of veteran mineworkers from Norton Colliery receiving long service certificates from the manager Mr S Hacking. There is a long list of recipients.

Evening Sentinel. February 5th 1958. Late. Page 5.
Norton colliery had its highest output in its history, and two more colliery’s had their highest output in resent times. Norton’s output was 472,540 tons in addition it won the Area safety award league competition for 1957. Silverdale had an output of 364,355 tons, which was its best year since 1939. Stafford colliery’s output was 351,882 tons, its best since 390,882 tons in 1942.
Evening Sentinel. February 11th 1958. Late. Page 6.
Last nights North Staffordshire Institute of Mining Engineers meeting heard a lecture on safety haulage, from the former Manager of Norton colliery Mr. J.G. Downend, who is now Mechanisation Engineer of the N.C.B. Central engineering establishment at Bretby.
Evening Sentinel. March 5th 1958. Late. Page 5.
Result of the N.C.B. No1. Group, First-aid compaction held at Chatterley Whitfield colliery was: Senior shield, 1st Victoria colliery 480 points, 2nd Norton colliery398 points. Junior shield, 1st Norton colliery 341 points, 2nd Victoria colliery282 points. Chatterley Whitfield “L” team won the Wynne Cup.
Evening Sentinel. March 24th 1958. Late. Page 1.
More than 8 hours after an accident happened at Norton colliery, rescuers are still trying to reach Mr. Albert Adams, aged 29, of 88, Bucknall new road, Hanley, a married man with one child. As rescuers toiled hopes for his safety are fast waning. Mr. Adams was setting props with Mr. Roy Green, aged 27, of 10, Hillside Avenue, Baddeley Green, they were in 10 foot plough face, rescuers released Mr. Green but, as he was being helped to safety a further roof fall accured covering 7-8 yards. Evening Sentinel. March 24th 1958. Late. Page 1.
A piece of falling roof coal struck Mr. Thomas William Rowe, of 95, Mollinson road, Meir, on the head as he was working at Mossfield colliery, Longton, and killed him. The Sentinel, on the 25th gave the colliery as Florence. I do not know which one is correct! The inquest on Mr. Albert Adams, who was killed at Norton colliery, is likely to be held later on in the week City Final Page 1. Nine hours after a fall of coal at Norton colliery, the body of Mr. Albert William Adams was recovered.
Evening Sentinel. April 21st 1958. Late. Page 1.
A return to a seven hour day in the mines was urged by Mr. Arthur Badderley, of Norton, President of the Midlands Area of the N.U.M. at a two day conference at Stoke Town Hall. There are 90 delegates representing 50,000 miners.
Evening Sentinel. June 27th 1958. Late Final. Page 9.
A 39 year old miner Mr. Frank Tratzuk, of 2, Cross edge, Brown Edge, was taken to the N.S.R.I. with severe injuries to his feet, having been caught in a conveyor belt at Norton colliery. His condition today is slightly improved.
Evening Sentinel. September 5th 1958. Late. Page 7.
As a result of an unofficial strike which as built up over the last two days, production at Norton colliery is at a virtual standstill, it started on Tuesday by fourteen packers in the ten foot seam.
Evening Sentinel. September 6th 1958. Final. Page 1.
Norton colliery strike is over, the men will resume on Monday.
Evening Sentinel. September 8th 1958. Late Page 5.
As miners at Norton colliery returned to work on pre-dispute terms today after their unofficial action, members of the Power Group at the pit denied that they had joined the strike and alleged that they were “locked out”
Evening Sentinel. December 4th 1958. Late. Page4.
World War 1. hero, Mr. Rowland Smith, and his 69, year old wife of 8, Church Cottages, Norton, who have just celebrated their Golden Wedding. A miner all his life apart from the war, he went down the pit as a 13 year old, for 7s-6d a week. During the war he served with the North Staffordshire Regiment, and was wounded in 1917, after six months in a French hospital, he enlisted with a French Regiment, and gained his award with them.
Evening Sentinel. January 19th 1959. Late Final. Page 5.
More than 2lb, of explosives and 60 detonators were stolen last night from the explosive store at Norton colliery.
Evening Sentinel. January 20th 1959. Late. Page 1.
About Ł26 was stolen, when a wall safe, was blown open with explosives at, W. &H.S. Emery Co. Ltd. builders merchants, Copland Street, Stoke. Last night. Police are considering the theory, that the theft of explosive on Sunday night at Norton colliery is connected to this theft.
Evening Sentinel. January 21st 1959. Late. Page 1.
Stoke-on-Trent Police are now reasonably certain, that the explosives stolen from Norton colliery on Sunday night, was used in the safe blowing at a Stoke firm, on Monday.
Evening Sentinel. March 9th 1959. Late. Page 1.
The funeral takes place tomorrow of Mr. John Moreton, of 395, Ford Green Road, Norton, he was 78, and had spent all his working life at Norton colliery, where he rose from pit boy, to Under Manager, a post he held for 25 years.
Evening Sentinel. August 22nd 1959. Late. Page 5.
A 44 year old Norton miner was so depressed over an X-ray he had had, that he took his own life while the balance of his mind was disturbed.
Evening Sentinel August 20th 1960. Late. Page 8.
A Norton miner was killed yesterday after being crushed by an overturned coal tub underground at Norton colliery. He was Mr. John Eardley, aged 62, of No1, Intake Cottage, Knypersley Road, Norton. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the N.S.R.I. The Inquest on Mr. Eardley recorded a verdict of accidental death. A full report of the Inquest can be seen in the Sentinel Late Edition of August 24th on Page 6.
Evening Sentinel October 3rd 1960. Late. Page 7.
A N.C.B. official Mr. Herbert Pearson had an amazing escape from death today when his car somersaulted more than 100 ft down a steep embankment at Norton. More on this article is on this page in the "Sentinel"
Evening Sentinel April 16th 1962 Page 7.
Mr. A. Baddereley of Norton urged the need for much care and consultation between the NCB and the unions before any new venture was attempted. He was referring to the new reorganisation schemes and pit closures.
Evening Sentinel Aug.1st 1962 Page 5.
Big changes as North Staffordshire pits go on holiday. It will be full speed ahead during the holidays at several pits where major change over or istalation schemes have been planned, at Victoria, Norton, Sneyd, Wolstanton. Stafford, and Great Fenton. (more details)
Evening Sentinel Aug 17th 1962 Page 8.
A new electric drum winder will replace the steam winder equipment when Norton opens after wakes week holidays. (photo)
Evening Sentinel April 9th 1963 page 12.
Mr C.W. Hibbert of Norton was, last night elected President of North Staffordshire Branch of the Association of Mining, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.
Evening Sentinel April 11th 1963 Page 9.
Mr. George Allen, age 43 was killed by runaway haulage tubs yesterday, 15 minutes from the end of the night shift, at Norton colliery.
Evening Sentinel April 16th 1963 Page 10.
At the inquest of George Allen, it was said a broken tub clip had been found but there was a need to look at the scene of the accident.
Evening Sentinel Aug 2nd 1963 Page 12. City Final
A steel pin, which sheared on abnormal working conditions underground at Norton colliery caused the death of Mr. George Allen, age 43. He died instantly from multiple injuries.
Evening Sentinel Aug 12th 1963 Page 5.
The death occurred suddenly on Saturday of Mr. John Deville of Badderley Green, a prominent member of the NUM North Staffs and branch president of the union at Norton
Evening Sentinel Oct 10th 1963 Page 7 Final.
Mr William Sheldon, deputy, age 39 was killed in a roof fall at Norton colliery last night. He was a married man with a daughter of 18 years. He worked at Norton from boyhood. He was trapped by a fall while making his way along the face in No1 South 10 feet district. He was quickly freed, but found to be dead.
Evening Sentinel Oct. 15th 1963 Page 14. Final
Regulations regarding spacing distance of pit props, had been disregarded resulting in a fatal accident to William Sheldon at Norton colliery. (full story)
Evening Sentinel Nov 4th 1963 Page 5.
Norton colliery will be the first pit in North staffs to try a new system Deployment Centre, to prevent pithead queues for job allocation. This could be a model for other pits.
Page 10 Men at Holditch and Apedale produced 596 tons of coal in the voluntary Saturday shift.
Evening Sentinel Jan. 4th 1964 Page 1. F.
In Lord Robens report for 1963, coal sales were 200m tons. Wolstanton had produced 1m tons for the first time. And there was a record production at Norton colliery of face output of 132.5 cwt. Victoria colliery achieved an overall productivity of 40.8 cwt.
Evening Sentinel Feb. 13th 1964 Page 16. F.
Mr. S. Skelding age 28 was paralysed from the knees down, as a result of an accident by a roof fall at Norton colliery in January 1960. He was awarded. Mr. Skeldon was awarded Ł3.750 damages at Stafford assizes today.
Evening Sentinel July 22 1964 Page 5.
Two major underground operations, one at Norton and one at Silverdale are planned by the NCB during the August holiday close down of pits in the North Staffs area.
Evening Sentinel Feb. 15th 1964 Page 5.
Three North Staffs pits are among five in the West Midlands area with new productivity records. Norton has 38.6 cwt, Victoria 40.9 cwt and Hem Heath 44.1 cwt.
Evening Sentinel April 17th 1964 Page 11. F.
An unofficial strike at Norton colliery has so far involved a total of 101 men and caused the loss of 700 tons of coal productivity.
Evening Sentinel April 20th 1964 Page 10. C.F.
Normal work was resumed at Norton colliery today following last weeks strike, which, spread over two days and lost the pit 1.100 tons in of coal
Evening Sentinel April 28th 1964 Page 1 L.
Mr J.B. Wood, Deputy Chairman of the West Midlands Division of the NCB, congratulated Mr. E. Savage, Capt of Norton colliery civil defence team, after the team representing North Staffs, won the annual competition at Mossfield colliey, Longton, yesterday. They now go on to the National finals at Easingwood, Yorks in June.
Evening Sentinel June 30th 1964 Page 12. F. An accident at Norton colliery, in which a 45 year old, Mr. J. Biddulph was killed, was what some would call an act of God declared the City coroner. The cause of death was a fractured skull.
Evening Sentinel Oct 24th 1964 Page 10. F.
At the annual first aid presentations of North Staffs area, winners of the senior shield were Hem Heath colliery, Norton were second. Junior Cup winners were Victoria colliery, Hem Heath were second. Wynne Cup winners were Hem Heath B and second were Hem Heath A. Individual winner was M. Latty of Florence colliery.
Evening Sentinel Dec. 23rd 1964 Page 8.
Mr. E. Steel, former Agent-Manager presented a prize to Mr. Ken Johnson, winner of the Norton colliery sports table tennis individual championship at a dance at Trentham Gardens last night.
Evening Sentinel Feb 8th 1965 Final Page 5.
Underground tubs are to go for their last ride at Norton colliery. At the end of July, under one of the schemes, costing Ł119.000 aimed at boosting production and efficiency. Work will take place in the fortnight’s holidays. A Ł77.000 conveyor system is to be installed to replace the rope haulage. There will be a Ł42000 surface reconstruction scheme,
Evening Sentinel Sep 1st 1965 Page 5.
Photo of North Staffs area coal queen Miss K. Jones, as guest at the Norton colliery sports dance at Trentham Gardens ballroom last night.
Evening Sentinel Oct 12th 1965 Page 4.
Photo of coal queen Miss K. Jones and seven City girls during their visit to Norton colliery, where Miss Jones is a clerk.. They are seen collecting their lamps.
Evening Sentinel Sep 7th 1966 Page 14 F.
Mr H.E. Collings, NCB, was at the presentations of the National Civil Defence trophies at the Clayton Lodge Hotel last night. He described the Norton colliery team who won the NCB National competition as “truly worthy winners”. Mr George Taylor was leader of the Norton team. Page 7 photo of Mr. A. Ford’s presentation after 51 years service at Silverdale. .
Evening Sentinel June 27th 1966 Page 12. C.F.
Norton colliery defence team won the NCB civil defence championships at Easingwood, Yorkshire. At the weekend. Team member’s names are given. .
Evening Sentinel April 5th 1966 Page 6.
After the Norton development, Silverdale will be the second North Staffs colliery to have remote control and monitoring systems for underground equipment costing Ł66.000. It should be ready by mid summer. .
Evening Sentinel June 27th 1966 Page 12. L.F.
Norton colliery civil defence team won the NCB civil defence championships at Essingwold, Yorkshire at the weekend. .
Evening Sentinel Nov. 24th 1966 Page 13 F.
Miners from Norton colliery have formed an archery club. It is the first club connected with any pit in North Staffs. Paraplegic ex-miners and half a dozen from North Staffs men are showing how well it can be done from wheel chairs. .
Evening Sentinel March 7th 1968 Page 9. F.
For the seconded successive week, Norton colliery beat their productivity record last week. Output a man-shift for all employees rose to 56.5 cwt. Another North Staffs colliery, Holditch, reached 46.2 cwt beating an 11 month record. The Staffs area as a whole equalled its previous week’s record of 49 cwt a man-shift.
Evening Sentinel Sep. 23rd. 1968 Page 1. F.
The funeral took place in Burslem today of Mr. A. Badderley of Norton. He was a former president of the Midlands Area NUM. He was age 70 and retired in 1962. In his early years he worked at Chatterley Whitfield age 14 and also worked at Norton colliery. (Service and list of mourners Sep 24th page 7. F.)
Evening Sentinel Nov. 14th 1968 Page 13, F.
Photo of 15 members of Manchester Methodist College on a visit to Norton colliery.
Evening Sentinel Dec 28th 1968 Page 1 F.F.
Photo of Mr. F. Bentley of Norton colliery receiving the third prize of the NCB draw for employees in the national savings scheme from Mr. Charles Barlow.
Evening Sentinel March 12th 1969 Page 14. F.
Team work and colliery teach-ins are helping to boost output at Norton colliery were in their third consecutive week of record breaking. The 800 men have topped an output of 3 tons a man-shift for the first time.
Evening Sentinel July 31st 1969 Page 14. L.F.
Two North Staffs collieries broke records. Overall productivity at Norton reached 61.2 a man-shift. Victoria added nearly 2 cwt to a 3 week record by reaching 54.2 cwt a man-shift.
Evening Sentinel Aug 6th 1969 Page 1 L.
Photo of a champagne party of the Norton colliery consultative committee yesterday, to celebrate the breaking of the colliery’s productivity and tonnage records last. (Write up on page 7. F.)
Evening Sentinel March 2nd 1970 Page 6. F.
Intruders broke into the canteen at Norton colliery during the week end and got away with 17,000 cigarettes worth about Ł200. They also forced open a cash register, which was empty. Entrance was gained through a skylight in the canteen.
Evening Sentinel May 7th 1970 Page 8. F.
With his retirement this week from Norton colliery, where he has worked since 1938, Mr. A. Morris has stepped down from the presidency of the Power Group NUM. (Full story)
Evening Sentinel May 19th 1970 Page 12. F.
A boost for the moral of the 750 Norton miners, underground developments to open up the Foxley area are to be driven soon. Subsequence faces will be worked on retreat mining.
Evening Sentinel Oct 15th 1970 Page 8. F.
Photo of five members of Stoke-on-Trent city council, as they went underground on their visit to Norton colliery last night.
Evening Sentinel Dec. 24th 1970 Page 5. F.
A man who worked for almost 50years celebrates his golden wedding anniversary on Christmas day. He is 71 years old. They have two sons, a daughter and four grandsons. Mr H. Christie worked at Norton colliery for 49 years and was involved in an accident, a fall of roof, but recovered after six months.
Evening Sentinel Jan. 19th 1971 Page 10. F.
Two North Staffs pits are jockeying for the No 1 spot in the NCBs safety stakes, as the area’s 15,000 pitmen maintain a 29% improvement to hold their lead in the National area improvement table. The two collieries are Norton and Silverdale.
Evening Sentinel Feb. 6th 1971 Page 4. F.F.
Victoria won the safety competition organised by the NCB safety dept. Norton were second.
Evening Sentinel April 2nd 1971 Page 13. F.
Photo B. Woodward, head time-keeper at Norton colliery has retired after 44 years mining service, receives gifts from his colleagues.
Evening Sentinel April 7th 1971 Page 5. F.
Photo Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hales golden wedding at Norton. Mr. hales was a miner for 52 years before his retirement.
Evening Sentinel May 27th 1971 Page 8. F.
Photo of members of Meir branch of the Co-operative women’s guild as they prepare to go down Norton colliery last night.
Evening Sentinel Aug. 13th 1971 Page 20. C.F.
Norton colliery has established a new productivity record. One face at the pit had an output per man shift of 253.9 cwt. The best result at the pit since March 1969. The colliery employs 800 men.
Evening Sentinel Sep 7th 1971 Page 2. C.F.
The outcome of record paced underground drivages through rock promises to pump new life and fortune into Norton colliery. (Same page) The Institute of Mining Engineers, North Staff’s branch, held their general meeting at the North Staffs Hotel, Stoke yesterday to discuss a paper on spontaneous combustion.
Evening Sentinel. January 11th 1972. Final Page 1.
Angry miners at Norton colliery today are planning to send a telegram to the T.U.C. general secretary, Vic Feather, demanding action not sympathy. Norton colliery as been ringed with barbed wire as emergency safety measures and a red “No Trespass” sign erected. There is a Photograph in the Final Edition.
Evening Sentinel. February 23rd 1972. City Final Page 1.
Photograph of a group of miners at Norton colliery voting on the latest pay offer.
Evening Sentinel. May 19th 1972. Final Page 7.
A record player cabinet was presented to Mr. Ralph Sherratt in recognition of his 46 years with the N.C.B. A power drill and travelling clock was presented by Mr. Bacharach Manager of Norton Colliery. Mr. Sherratt started work in the accounts as a clerk at Chatterley Whitfield colliery, and ended his career as Cash and Records Supervisor at Norton colliery.
Evening Sentinel. June 12th 1972. City Final Page 10. Stop Press.
A School boy aged about 13, from Warslow Secondary School, Nr. Leek, collapsed and died, as a school party nearing the pit bottom at Wolstanton colliery, this afternoon after an Educational visit. A male Nurse and a Doctor were summoned. A Coal Board spokesman said “there was no accident”. Besides Wolstanton there were three school visits taking place today, the others were Norton colliery and Kemball training centre. Several thousand children pay visits to Staffordshire collieries each year.
Evening Sentinel. September 11th 1972. Final Page 6.
Photograph of Mr. John Blaiklock is to take over as Staffordshire area departmental chief mining engineer (planning and surveying) he will be based in Stoke-on-Trent, before moving he was at Lea Hall colliery, Rugeley, and was the former manager of Norton colliery.
Evening Sentinel. September 28th 1972. Final Page 8.
Two unique land reclamation schemes in Stoke-on-Trent were visited yesterday by Representatives and Officials of the City Council and the department of the Environment. The schemes are at Florence colliery and Norton colliery which are being landscaped, Norton colliery tip is 112 years old and Florence colliery tip is 98 year old.
Evening Sentinel. October 25th 1972. Final Page 5.
The N.C.B. have launched a safety drive, fifty pits throughout the country are involved, Florence and Norton collieries have already started, Chatterley Whitfield is the next to start.
Evening Sentinel Aug 8th 1973 Page 1 F.
Photo of 49 strong Knabenkbpelle children’s brass band from West Germany, visiting the Potteries, today visited Norton colliery.
Evening Sentinel Sep 26th 1973 Page 13 F.
The 650 man Norton colliery, Stoke-on-Trent is currently the safest pit in Britain, according to the Coal Board statistics, and Staffordshire is the third safest of the Board’s 16 areas.
Evening Sentinel Dec. 21st 1973 Page 7. L.
More than 200 miners and colliery officials attended a dinner at the Grand Hotel, Hanley, last night. The function was for miners from four North Staffs pits, Silverdale, Norton, Holditch and Chatterley Whitfield. Each of these pits has gained honours in the NCB safety campaigns and competitions.
Evening Sentinel April 17th 1974 Page 11
A legendary NUM Power Group leader, Mr. A. Morris, age 68 was mourned today. He had worked at Norton colliery for 32 years.
Evening Sentinel May 7th 1974 Page 18 Crewe
Retired miner Mr. Edgar Bailey, celebrates his 90th birthday at a meal with his family and close friends at the North Staffs hotel. Mr. Bailey worked at Norton colliery for 37 years.
Evening Sentinel May 17th 1974 Page 24 C.F.
Every day during the miners strike Marion Edwards, widow of a miner, left her flat close to Norton colliery to take coffee and sandwiches for the pickets. This week she got a surprise, for a deputation of miners visited her and presented her with a gift of Ł30 as a thank you for boosting their moral.
Evening Sentinel Aug 5th 1974 Page 6 Crewe
Norton colliery has set a new pit record in scooping their second major safety award in as many years, with only 831 working days lost per 100.000 man-shifts. The colliery won the Coal Board’s national safety award competition to take top prize of a trophy and a cheque for Ł1.246.
Evening Sentinel Dec 11th 1974 Page 22 Crewe
Miners at Norton colliery, who won two competitions on safety were presented with a cheque for Ł1,248.
Evening Sentinel Dec 18th 1974 Page 15 Crewe
Mr. A. Wright received the darts championship trophy from Norton colliery manager Mr. G.E. Ward at the colliery sports presentations.
Evening Sentinel Dec 19th 1974 Page 17 F.
Norton colliery today received a visit from Joe Gormley, president of the NUM. He had been invited by Jack Lally to acquaint him with the problems at the pit.
Evening Sentinel Feb 27th 1975 Page 11. F.
Mr. Wilf Simcock, a safety inspector with the NUM for the last 25 years made his last inspection yesterday at Norton colliery, where his father was killed in 1939. He worked in the mining industry more than 50 years. Mr. Simcock joined the industry as a fireman’s lad at Chatterly Whifield colliery, where he became a deputy.
Evening Sentinel Aug 20th 1975 Page 11. F.
Holditch and Silverdale collieries have both finished in the top ten of the coal board’s national league in medium size pits with Norton taken 6th place.
Evening Sentinel Feb. 13th 1976 Page 1. F.
Resentment at the narrow decision by the National Executive of the NUM to ban overtime in the pits, and fears that it could jeopardise the future of at least two North Staffs pits, Norton and Victoria, were mounting today.
Evening Sentinel July 30th 1976 Page 1. Stafford
Norton colliery is expected to close next year when a new face is worked out at the century old pit.
Evening Sentinel. July 2nd 1977 Final. Page 1.
Stoke-on-Trent M.P is to arrange a meeting between the local authority and the N.C.B. in a bid to defuse a row over dust, dirt and noise. The company is a coal distribution plant is in Kendrick-street, Longton, should move to the disused Norton colliery site.
Evening Sentinel. July 6th 1977 Crewe Ed. Page 12.
Jack Ashley today blamed a misunderstanding over a row of his attempts to move a Longton coal plant. It was a Longton resident who proposed the moving to Norton colliery not Mr. Ashley or the N.C.B.
Evening Sentinel. August 17th 1977 Crewe Final. Page 7.
Photograph of seven former managers of Norton colliery, of an historic unique reunion, they are the present manager George Ward, Ernest Steele, Ray Thorneycroft, John Blaiklock, Gordon Gillette, Stan Hacking and John Bacharach.
Evening Sentinel. November 10th 1977 Final. Page 13.
Miners at Holditch colliery have set up a new European record for underground tunnelling. The men at the 65 year old colliery archived the after driving a seven feet high “face line” tunnel 237 yards in one week, which is 2 feet longer than the previous record.
Evening Sentinel March 29th 1979 Page 15 Crewe
The once thriving Norton colliery closed on June 23rd 1977 and when the final pithead workings are removed, there will be nothing left on the surface as a reminder of the great days. (Photo)
Evening Sentinel June 8th 1979 Page 7 Crewe
The last coal-bunker at Norton colliery is blasted to the ground. Story plus pictures. Page 11 Mr. D. Hodgkinson has been appointed National chairman of the junior section of the Institute of Engineers. He has worked at Silverdale, Holdich, Florence and Hem Heath.
Evening Sentinel Feb 26th 1981 Page 6 Crewe.
Sixty-nine years ago an explosion occurred at Norton colliery that, had it happened only a few hours earlier, would almost certainly have resulted in the biggest loss of life in the history of the North Staffs coalfield.
Evening Sentinel March 19th 1981 Page 1. Crewe.
A new golden handshake for miners could spark off a big rush in North Staffs for early retirement. It could also give a boost to job recruitment. Page 9. There is to be a series in the weekly Sentinel on Norton colliery 1915. Page 15. Story of Wilf Simcock starting work at 14. He worked 51 years underground.
Evening Sentinel Jan 14th 1982 Page 11 Crewe.
The NCB have won a national award for their development of the former Norton colliery as an industrial estate for expanding and new firms.
Evening Sentinel July 2nd 1982 Page 15. Crewe.
Two mining officials with a total of 90 years service between them retired this week from the Western area of the NCB. Mr. D. Blakewell 44 years and Mr. B. Humphries 45 years, he started his career as a fitter at Norton colliery.
Evening Sentinel June 6th 1983 Page 7. F.
Mr. R. Thortheycroft has retired after 45 years in the coal industry. He started work as a haulage boy at 14yrs at Racecourse colliery, Shelton in 1938 Then took up work at Sneyd colliery as a deputy in 1949. He later managed Parkhouse, Mossfield and Norton.
Evening Sentinel July 19th 1988 Page 11. Moorlands.
Planning chiefs have urged swift action to clean up the derelict Norton colliery site; it’s been a terrible eyesore for many years.
Evening Sentinel 30th March 2000 Page 2 CF
Developers have unveiled Ł50m plans to redevelop the disused former colliery site at Norton.

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