Sentinel 1st January 1955 L p3
New years honours I W Cumberbatch West Mids chairman gets the CBE 50 years service to the coal industrySentinel 3rd January 1955 L p5
Output and manpower down in the West Mids and North StaffsSentinel 4th January 1955 LF p10
The N.C.B. will consider moving extra coal by canal if the rail strike goes aheadSentinel 10th January 1955 LF p5
Parkhouse colliery new record for 1952 of 323,292 tons. Out put per man shift up from 28.77cwt to 31.47cwt. The Sneyd arms Tunstall hosted annual dinner colliery and group officials enjoyed the celebrations. Mr D Ayling Overman proposed the toast to 'the colliery' while Mr R Tipper Deputy proposed a toast to 'our friends'. Mr R Bennett AGM and Mr LW Fletcher Sub Area Agent represented group management.Sentinel 12th January 1955 L p10
National Coal Board give notice to Biddulph Council that they intended to extend the underground workings at Victoria and Chatterley Whitfield.Sentinel 13th January 1955 L p10
A presentation was made in Longton to Mr S Barker (Special Duties) of Mossfield Colliery. Mr Barker had worked nearly 50 yrs in the mining industry. He also served in the First World War. There was more information in the Sentinel on the 17th Jan late edition page 1, and a photograph in the late edition page 8 on the 18th JanSentinel 13th January 1955 CF p1
Article and photograph of a 107foot deep shaft found after a path collapsed outside the front gate of 8 Elgood Lane Goldenhill, The N.C.B. refilled the hole with pit dirt.Sentinel 20th January 1955 L p5
An appeal was launched for financial help for Mr J Mountford of Tunstall who was badly injured following a roof fall at Chatterley Whitfield. Mr Mountford is married with six children. It was hoped to raise £1500. Same addition page 7 there was a report of an accident to Mr A Banner again at Chatterley Whitfield. He was described as rather poorly with spinal and leg injuries.Sentinel 25th January 1955 L p7
Report on another hole that appeared in Murray St Tunstall. Officials from the N.C.B. sealed it off.Sentinel 25th January 1955 LF p5
George William Cordon Age 56 of Wellington St Hanley was killed At Berryhill Colliery on this date. The report said he was crushed by tubs that had come up from the pit. He had been employed at the colliery for 22yrs. For the last 8yrs he had been Bank and screen foreman. He leaves a widow.Sentinel 28th January 1955 L p6
'Day by Day' This years Midlands's miners gala is to be held at Tamworth castle on the 11th of June. It is expected that 50,000 will attend. Some of the events to be included are swimming, boxing, tug of war, darts, and the selection of the coal queen.Sentinel 28th January 1955 L p7
Mr Roy Spendilow, age 23 of Back Meir View, Longton, was killed at Florence colliery yesterday. Mr Spendilow was working on the coalface when he was buried by a fall of dirt. He leaves a widow. Further details of the accident can be seen in the Sentinel of Feb 2nd late edition page seven.Sentinel 3rd February 1955 L p10
Article and photograph on a water drainage culvert that was being driven at Bucknall. The tunnel was some 600 yards long, encountered 4 coal seams during its construction.Sentinel 7th February 1955 L p8
The death was announced of Minnie Pit Disaster Alderman hero Mr Arthur Roberts of Halmerend. Mr Roberts was an overman at the time, and his knowledge of the colliery was invaluable to the rescuers. He was present throughout the incident, and was a witness at the inquiry. Later he received the Carnegie Award.Sentinel 7th February 1955 L p8
At an old folk's dinner held in the canteen at Stafford colliery on the 5th Feb, long service certificates were presented to Mr A Shenton 60yrs, Mr D Cartlidge 58yrs, Mr T W Price 53yrs, Mr E Durber, Mr H Myatt, and Mr J P Williams all 51yrs. Mr William was still working. The two oldest employees, Mrs Power age 78yrs, and Mr Wilcox cut a special cake. There were approximately 180 people present.Sentinel 8th February 1955 L p7
Output per man shift in North Staff fell in the first 4 weeks of the year compared with last year. Output fell from 84.9cwt to 84.3cwt. Over the same period average manpower rose by 247 to 19,951.Sentinel 8th February 1955 L p7
Mr L W Fletcher Mining engineer gave a talk at the North Staffs technical collage Stoke. The subject was the new 'stowing' system on the Moss four feet Holditch Colliery.Sentinel 10th February 1955 L p5
West Midland director of Labour said the mining industry needed another 5000 men. A shortage of housing was making things worse.Sentinel 15th February 1955 LF p6
A talk at the North Staffs Technical collage by G J Rogers on the instalment of new fans at Hem Heath. Mr Rogers thought peak production would be in 1960.Sentinel 15th February 1955 C F p
Briton was to build 12 atomic power stations. These would reduce the need for coal by 5.6 million tons per annum.Sentinel i6th February 1955 L p7
Mr Samuel John Jones was killed at Berryhill colliery yesterday. Mr Jones was 38years old and lived at 37 Shelbourne St Stoke. It appears he was struck by falling dirt. Details of the inquest can be found in the Sentinel on page 6 of the late edition 19th Feb.Sentinel 17th February 1955 L p5
Article on local boxers appearing at the N.C.B. finals to be held at the Victoria hall Hanley. Among those mentioned were Tony Cotterill from Parkhall Colliery, P Brindley Hanley Deep, and Gordon Lythgoe of Chatterley Whitfield.Sentinel 18th February 1955 L p13
A wonderful article on children going to the new infants school on Coalville est. The children can be seen in the classrooms, having dinner in the canteen, and walking to the school through the snow. The headmistress Miss I M Brown said the first pupils started in January, by the end of the first week there were 175, now there are 216.Sentinel 23rd February 1955 LF p7
Mr Harry Kirk an electrician age 69 was killed at Glebe colliery on the 22nd Feb. Mr Kirk lived at 80, Baskerville Rd Hanley and had been employed at the colliery since 1913; there is a photograph and obituary in the Sentinel city final on this date. He had been crushed between two Tubs. Details of his inquest can be found in the Sentinel in the L F 25th of Feb page 16.Sentinel 25th February 1955 L p1
Heavy overnight snow causes Foxfield Colliery to cease production. Many miners were unable to get through the Drifts.Sentinel 28th February 1955 L p7
many local boxers win championships at the N.C.B. tournament. There was Tony Cotterill from Parkhall, Harold Brown and Alec Atkin from Chatterley Whitfield, Ernie Ball from Victoria, Eddie Edwards from Wolstanton, John Stanway from Berryhill, G Cataldi from Stafford, and George Shufflebottom From Glebe.Sentinel 4th March 1955 L p9
At the Hem Heath colliery welfare AGM, auditor Mr H Clutton said, 'A Healthy balance was being maintained'. Secretary A Illsley said 'During the last 12 months 150 special grants were made, 97 funeral grants, 200 long service presentations, and 200 Russell hotel grants had been made'. Also in attendance was Mr J Warren, president.Sentinel 8th March 1955 L p9
Out put and man power figures for the first four weeks in February. 544,465 cwt were produced, this was slightly down on the previous year, however, and manpower was 239 higher at 19,944. The bad weather at the start of February was one of the causes of last production.Sentinel 15th March 1955 L p9
There was a photograph of 80-year-old James Gibson of 2 Knypersley Road, Cornhill Norton, he celebrated his birthday at work. He is currently in charge of the service conveyor system at Norton Colliery. He has been at the colliery for 38 years. A keen churchman, he attends the Norton Methodist Chapel.Same edition, page 9. Photograph and article of residents complaining of the smell, and fumes from pit mound at Hanley deep colliery.
Sentinel 17th March 1955 L p9
At a meeting of the North Staffs Institute of Mechanical Engineers discussed greater use of underground battery powered locomotors. The speaker was J H Laithwaite chairman and the managing director, of William Neil and Son, St Helens.Sentinel 21st March 1955 L p6
Day by day. The mayor of Newcastle, Miss Ethel Shaw was to visit Holditch colliery to see miners at work photograph in the sentinel on the 22nd of March, city final page 1Sentinel 21st March 1955 L p7
Mossfield colliery workers presented with long service certificates and a cheque from the benevolent fund, for 50years service. The recipients were Henry Brassington, William Radcliff, William T Wood, Samuel Pitstock, and Henry Salt. Mrs T Mosley accepted an award on behalf of her late father. Area manpower officer Roland Bennett made the presentation. A further presentation was made to Samuel Barton, undermanager for 27years. The dinner was held at St Chad's Hall, Sandford Hill. The new colliery manager, Mr A Wardsley was welcomed. A photograph of the recipients can be seen in the late edition of the sentinel, page 5 22nd MarchSentinel 22nd March 1955 L p1
Joseph William Fisher age 20 of 31 First Avenue, Butt lane, was killed at Glasshouse colliery. He was buried under a fall. Mr Fisher still lived at home, with his mum, and family of 6.Sentinel 24th March 1955 L p12
At an inquest the coroner paid tribute to glebe colliery ripper, John Henry Roberts who collapsed and died at work, on the 21st March Dr E G Myatt, said the cause of death, was bronchial cancer.Sentinel 28th March 1955 L p6
Photograph of North Staffs colliery managers annual dinner. On page 7 of the same edition, there is an article concerning the annual dinner. On page 10 a photograph of Mr A Horner, at the N.U.M. miner's conference.Sentinel 29th March 1955 L p1
Re-organisation of colliers in North Staffordshire to be speeded up. Mr I W Cumberbatch speaking at the AUM annual conference at Stafford said 'Florence, Hem Heath, Chatterley Whitfield, Berryhill, Hanley deep, and Park Hall were all mentioned'.Sentinel 29th March 1955 L p7
The burning coal tip at Hanley Deep was discussed in parliament. Stoke MP; Mrs Harriet Slater raised the subject with the minister of fuel and power Mr Geoff Lewis. Same pages, NUM conference at Stafford, discuss the poor pay of face workers. Sentinel 29th March 1955 L p1Sentinel 30th March 1955 L p1
Photo of pit visit to Hanley Deep, by lord mayor, Mr L A Barker. Article on page 12, of the late edition, on 31st March.Sentinel 31st March 1955 L p13
Photograph on the long service presentation Hanley Deep. Three men, Mr George Howe, Harry Jones, and Fred Rigby with 155 years service between them.
Sentinel 12th April 1955 L 7
Upward trend in north staffs mines for production and manpower. In the 5 week March period, tonnage increased by 15,156 tons to 263,064 tons, and manpower up by 232 to 19,932 the figures were given by Mr J W CumberbatchSentinel 13th April 1955 L 6
Editorial on West Midlands chairman Mr I W Cumberbatch. He is to retire after a lifetime in the industry, more information and a photo can be found in the city final, page 1 and page 6, same day.Sentinel 16th April 1955 L 5
William Brockley, age 56 of 44, High Street, Halmerend, was killed at Holditch Colliery on the 15th April, A ripper, he was struck by a rope. Inquest in the Sentinel, 20th April, late edition, page 7.Sentinel 18th April 1955 L 5
Article on NCB housing, over 2,000 have been built in North Staffordshire, also photograph of the Brown Edge estate near Norton.Sentinel 23rd April 1955 f p6
there was details of a visit to Florence colliery by the local Soropimists Miss I Warn. She was accompanied by Mr A. E. Nicklin (Agent) and safety officer Mr Richards.Sentinel 28th April 1955 L p7
The shortage of miners in North Staffordshire was highlighted in Parliament with a question by Harold Watkinson to the Minister of Labour. It was agreed that the N.C.B. must start a recruitment drive. On the same page there is a photograph of members of the local fire service on a visit to Kemball T.C. Mr T Westlake training and education officer represented the brigade. The colliery manager Mr L Hull was also present.Sentinel 2nd May 1955 L p10
Photograph and full results of the N.C.B. boxing tournament held at the Victoria Hall Hanley. Ernie Ball of Victoria colliery is seen shaking hands with Eddie Edwards of Wolstanton colliery, both men had won through to the finals.Sentinel 4th May 1955 L p1
A Pit worker was found dead in the shaft bottom at Chatterley Whitfield colliery. A colliery official said the man had died of head injuries.Sentinel 5th May 1955 Lf p1
Mr Sidney Adams of Penkhull was recovering in hospital today after falling 30fet from scaffolding at Wolstanton collierySentinel 6th May 1955 L p12
Photograph of the Mossfield colliery football team cup finalist in the Longton league division two.Sentinel 7th May 1955 L p5
An Inquest at Hanley brought in a verdict of accidental death on Mr Maurice Tate who worked in the Institute pit bottom at Chatterley Whitfield. It was thought a tub might have struck him.Sentinel 10th May 1955 L p10
Photograph of the Hanley Deep F.C. finalists in the North Staffs Alliance League.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 12th May 1955 L p1
The dispute over price lists in North Staffordshire spreads to Glebe and Hanley collieries. There are now 5000 facemen involved. One striker told the Sentinel that he wanted a guaranteed wage of 55/- per shift, with additional payments for working in abnormal conditions. West Midlands N.U.M. secretary J.H. Southall as been asked to intervene.Sentinel 16th May 1955 L p7
To mark his retirement after 40 years service at Parkhouse Colliery Mr A Ruscoe Chief Electrical Engineer was presented with an armchair. The ceremony was held at the Sneyd Arms Tunstall on the fourteenth of May. Among those present was Mr J Bull Colliery manager, and sub area agent Mr L.W. Fletcher.Sentinel 16th May 1955 L p10
Boxer Ernie Ball of Victoria colliery became N.C.B. heavyweight champion at the finals held in Edinburgh. Others in The Staffordshire team were Eddie Edwards from Wolstanton who lost in a close contest with J. Milton of Scotland, while 23years old John Stanway a trainee at Berryhill was voted gamest loser.Sentinel 25th May 1955 L p11
at an inquest on the 24th May on Robert Lawton age 52yars of 292 Shelton Rd Cliffe Vale. A verdict of accidental death was recorded. Mr Lawton was fatally injured when he was struck by an iron support while working at Berryhill colliery. He died later that day at N.S.R.I.Sentinel 13th June 1955 L p7
Local collieries have been successful at the miners' gala in Tamworth. Victoria won the tug of war; Holditch were runners up in the relay. Representing Chatterley Whitfield, the Novelettes’ won the dance competition, with Berryhill second, and Florence third.Sentinel 14th June 1955 L p7
Six miners from Hem Heath with 341 combined years of service were presented with long service certificates at the colliery. The men were William Smith 60 yrs service, Jack Warren 59 yrs service, Arthur Shenton 57 yrs service, and Phillip Clarke, Joseph Bailey, Fredrick Clarke all with 55 yrs service.Sentinel 15th June 1955 L p1
An unofficial strike at Chatterley Whitfield over price lists for rippers has caused a loss of 1500 tons of coal.Sentinel 2nd July 1955 L p13
photo of the Chatterley Whitfield rescue team competing in the in the North Staffs area competition at Glebe St rescue station.Sentinel 7th July 1955 Lf p5
Details of the inquest into the death (30/06/55) at Berryhill colliery of Mr William James Sherratt age 49 due to a roof fall. Mr Sherratt lived at Corner Way, Werrington.Sentinel 13th July 1955 L p11
article on three ex Mossfield colliery miners, who have spent their savings on the creation of a small mine. The mine is situated off Salter's Lane, Werrington. The men named as J Sproson, Jim Forrester, and Harry Allen live in the Longton/Adderley Green area hope to produce up to 100 tons a weekSentinel 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 29th July 1955 Lf p1
Great photo of 5 men at Chatterley Whitfield showing the white £5 notes they had just received in their holiday pay.Sentinel 9th August 1955 c f p1
Italians settle in North staffs. There are some 300 Italians now 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.Sentinel 11th August 1955 L p1
Article and photos of the reconstruction of Hem Heath colliery. It is likely that the pit will employ up to 3000 men and produce five times its present output. The shafts are among the deepest in Britain.Sentinel 13th August 1955 L p1
A Mossfield colliery deputy Mr George Till age 47 lost his life today when he was overcome by gas. Further details from the inquest can be found on page five in the late edition of the Sentinel on the 17th of August.Sentinel 23rd August 1955 C F p1
A accident was caused when two loaded coal wagons broke loose from sidings at Florence colliery and collided with a locomotive. The loco driver Mr Joseph Hanley although flung from the cab was thankfully unhurt.Sentinel 31st August 1955 L p9
world war one hero Mr Edward Britten Wynne M.M. D.C M. age 67 was found dead in a platelayers hut at Hanley Deep colliery. In 1942 following an underground accident Mr Wynne lost his right arm. At the inquest he was found to have died of Thrombosis with silicosis being a factor.Sentinel 6th September 1955 L p5
Mr and Mrs J Howard of Gorsey Hill Norton celebrated their golden wedding. The happy couple came to live in the potteries from Rochdale in 1905. For 36 yrs Mr Howard was chief electrical engineer at Chatterley Whitfield.Sentinel 8th September 1955 LF p1
Photograph of Berryhill and Great Fenton collieries football teams playing on the pitch at BerryhillSentinel 22nd September 1955 L p5
At the N.C.B. playoff bowling finals on the green at Florence Colliery, Madeley colliery beat Foxfield colliery. In another competition, Chatterley Whitfield beat Madeley to win the knockout final for the second successive year (full tables shown) the Trophies were presented by N.U.M. area secretary Mr H Lockett.Sentinel 10th October 1955 L p7
After 45 years in the mining industry Parkhouse Overman Mr J Burgess was presented with a watch as a tribute to his service. Colliery manager Mr J. Bull was in attendance. Taking part in the concert that followed was Mrs M Pickford, Mr H Jones, with Miss D Hulse at the piano.Sentinel 15th October 1955 L p1
Coal production is to recommence at Berryhill colliery on Monday following a mishap in the shaft when a loose wagon caused damage to brickwork.Sentinel 17th October 1955 L p5
Photograph of the opening of a boxing gym at Berryhill colliery. In the photograph watching N.C.B. middleweight champion G Cataldi using the punch bag is Mr H Lockett joint secretary of the miners welfare committee.Sentinel 22nd October 1955 L p5
Hanley inquest into the death of Mr Franciszk Czerwinski who died at the N.S.R.I. from injuries he received in an underground roof fall at Stafford colliery. Further details in the city final p1 24th October. Date of Death 19/10/55.Sentinel 24th October 1955 L p10
Photograph of Mrs Rowland Bennett wife of the Area production manager presenting the trophies to Mr C Davies captain and members of the Madeley colliery Bowing team at Stoke Jubilee Hall. On the same page there is a list of Prize winners. Chatterley Whitfield Junior Brass Band provided the entertainment.Sentinel 26th October 1955 L p10
article on the funeral of 85 year old Richard Steele who had been an overman at Chatterley Whitfield for more than 31 years. He had also been a member of Norton Cricket Club for 60 years.
Sentinel 22nd November 1955 L p 10
Two photographs, one of Mr P. Yates, sub area agent presenting a long service certificate to Mr W. Bentley for 54 years service to Berryhill colliery. The presentation was held at the athletic club. The second photograph is of an unnamed miner at the Hanley Deep flower show.Sentinel 24th November 1955 L p 9
Photograph of Chatterley Whitfield Colliery Manager making a presentation to bowls team captain Mr R Steel for winning the area championship.Sentinel 1st December 1955 L p 10
At the Temple Methodist Church in Fenton a model of a modern colliery was on display at the annual miners service. The Parkhall Male Voice Choir sang hymns. Also in attendance was Mr Rowland Bennett area general manager, Mr E Jones National President N.U.M. and Mr H. Lockett area N.U.M. The service was arranged by colliery manager Mr D Alexander.Sentinel 30th December 1955 L p 5
Photograph and article on foreman carpenter Mr John Lewis Payne who was retiring after 65 years service at Sneyd colliery. During all this time Mr Payne had never been ill or late. He started at age 13 years on 8 shillings a week and had served nine colliery managers. He had also supported both Norton and Sneyd cricket clubs for over 40 years.Sentinel 31st December 1955 L p 5
Presentation made by Mr Tom Martin president of the Hem Heath Colliery N.U.M. to the colliery manager Mr Reginald Barber. Mr Barber who was the fifth generation of his family to work in the mines was leaving to take up duties of Group manager in the Manchester area. A photograph of this event can be seen on page 5 of the city final same date.BACK to YEARS