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Archives

Pillar Crush

An example of the immense working pressures involved in potash mining and the instability of the crystal structures involved. Originally our Editor thought this pillar was part of the old Bord and Pillar workings, however Tim Coleman advised the Archive: “This pillar was located in the far south of the mine in a panel mined late 2001 and completed early 2002. The photograph has been clipped on the right hand side where my colleagues were standing”.

Image courtesy of Alan M. Franks and information kindly supplied by Tim Coleman. He actually took this image when he was the Rock Mechanics Engineer at Boulby.

Did you say Straight On?

An accident at Boulby Potash, the vehicle has gone from one level to another the short way! Terry Robinson tells us: ”Looks like an Eimco 915 LHD (load haul dump) machine.” Ian Benson tells us: ”I can remember coming on the next shift from this accident happening. This Eimco was dropping potash ore down the recently mined hole for a rock crusher to be installed in the North Conveyor Road another Eimco was loading the ore at bottom and taking it to the north side stamler which feed it onto the north conveyor. I think the driver suffered minor injuries and recall that amazingly the Eimco only had minor damage and was soon back in service. This photograph dates from around 1976.”

Image courtesy of Alan Franks and thanks to Terry Robinson and Ian Benson for the updates.

Roof Fall Caused by Carnalite at Boulby

Just to show that even modern mining isn’t without its hazards, here’s an image of a roof fall caused by the somewhat unstable (in air) compound Carnalite. A web definition: Carnalite (KMgCl3·6H2O, hydrous magnesium and potassium chloride). Carnalite crystallizes in a rhombic system and has a hardness of 2.5, the same as the finger nail. It usually displays a granular structure. Carnalite can be colourless, pinkish or reddish, always with a vitreous gloss. Carnalite is deliquescent, it dissolves even in the air humidity. Its taste is salty, spicy after the potassium and bitter after the magnesium content. Ian Benson tells us: ”Cleveland Potash did look at the possibility  of mining Carnalite but decided it would prove to difficult and hazardous.” The image is an obvious example of this problem.
Image courtesy of Alan M. Franks and thanks to Ian Benson for the update.

Honey, I Broke the Bulldozer!

Sometimes it just isn’t your day! Running repairs on a big Cat!

Image courtesy of Alan M. Franks.

Vimy Rangers

Okay the title is as much as the Archive knew about this photograph, who were they and where were they from? We awaited answers; pretty sure someone out there would be able to tell more about them. This is a very interesting photograph from the First World War. We need to identify the cap badges and the local lads. In 1917 the Allies launched an attack on the German lines at Arras in April. Nearly all offensives in the First War began in the Spring. More lives were lost on average per day at Arras than on the Somme in July 1916. The high ground to the north of Arras was called and still is as far as I know the VIMY ridge. It was high ground and had been held by the Germans probably since they retired after the Battle of the Marne in 1914. It was taken by the Canadians at great loss of life in 1917 and some small advance made. In fact the whole thing was a mock attack, invented by General Haig in the safe Chateau behind the lines. He had the track where he rode his horse sanded for safety. It was intended to keep the Germans diverted while General Neville attacked the Chemins des Dames, the high ground between Reims and Soissons. This was a failure and resulted in so many French dead that the French Army mutinied. Haig went on to what had been his main objective in July/August an advance at Ypres, which resulted in the horrors of Passchendaele”. Whilst Julie Riddiough added: ” There’s a Vimy barracks at Catterick Garrison if that helps at all?”.

Peter Appleton has assisted with: “All I can extract, with certainty, from this image is that both officers are Captains. The 3 pips and 2 stripes on the cuff of the right-hand individual, and the 3 pips on the shoulders of the left-hand individual tell us that. The individual at the left has collar badges that are different in design to his cap badge which, unfortunately, is partly obscured by his cap strap. This wearing of two, different, badges indicates that he has a specialism, as depicted on his collar badge, but is attached to a different unit, as depicted by his cap badge. The individual at the right has collar badges that could be smaller versions of his cap badge. This cap badge is of the fairly common design: a laurel wreath, surmounted by a crown, with a central element, and without a scroll across the bottom. There are many such designs used by regiments during WW1. I cannot be sure, but one such design, which matches closely with what can be made out when enlarging the image, would be The Rifle Brigade”.

Image courtesy of Joan Jemson and thanks to Bill Danby, Julie Riddiough and Peter Appleton for the updates.

Charles and Di’s Wedding, the Ladies of the Street Party – 29 Jul 1981

These are the ladies who made all the arrangements for the street party for Queen Street, Grosvenor Terrace and Irene Street in Carlin How; to celebrate the Marriage of Charles and Diane on the 29th July 1981 and a grand job they did too.
They are left to right: Susan Simmonds, Irene Greensmith, Jean Brown, Jean Young, Dorothy Ashwell, Doris Webster, Josie Miller, Lynn Bint, Audrey Metcalfe, Doris Ness, Iris Knight, Susan Kitching and Jill Anthill.

Duncan Sellers tells us: ”I lived on Grosvenor Terrace at this time, but I can’t remember this street party, although I do remember the one that was organised for the Silver Jubilee in 1977, held up at the Football Field. Many familiar names and faces, but none of them seen in over 30 years!”

Image courtesy of Raymond Brown, thanks to Antony, Mark Simmonds, Duncan Sellers and Sharon Bell for the updates.

Charles and Di’s Wedding: Street Party 29 July 1981

Doris Ness (left) and Iris Knight (right) give out the Crown pieces to May Cuthbert (left), Lily Marshal (centre) & Ivy Wilkinson (right)
Image and information courtesy of Raymond Brown.

Whitby Road

Another shop in East Loftus this time on Whitby Road, this photograph is dated 1907 and although I do not remember these people I do remember Ogden’s having this shop in the 1940’s and then I think Blaylock’s took it over. Do you remember it?

Joan Gray advises: “I’m Joan Gray (daughter of Doris and Jack Gray) and as a child I lived in Tweed Street. I remember the shop and Bill and Mary Blaylock and their son Tony. I used to call them auntie and uncle, although I’m not sure if we were actually related. We moved away from Loftus in 1963 but I know my mum kept in touch with them by letter. I believe they retired to Marske. Whilst writing, my parents and relatives have passed on, so if anyone can please provide any photographs or information it would be greatly appreciated. Mum was Doris Emily Foster and dad was John William (known as Jack) Gray. Dad was originally from Skinningrove.” anticipation.

Image courtesy of Mrs Pauline Ovington, thanks to Joan Gray for the update.

Footballers Or Prisoners?

Well yes I do know they are not prisoners but it made you look to see didn’t it?  Possibly a works team or Loftus Albion? Now you are here can you name anyone or tell where or when this photograph was taken?

Image courtesy of the Pem Holliday Collection.

A Grand Day Out

Was your Mum or Grandma on this outing?  Did they tell you about it? We can name many, but can you name any of the others? Outside the Wavecrest Hotel, Bournemouth, are assembled: 

Back left:- Fred Boyes, Jen Boyes, Dot Dawson, Mona Mathews Winnie Crossman, Mrs Womack, Ida Johnson, Jenny Boddy, Lem Grey.

Back right:- Olive Earl, Ivy Bassindale, Lou Matson, Annie Wood, Joan Dawson, Sylvia Anderson, Joyce Kennedy.

Front left:- ??, Mrs Wheatman’s sister, Mrs Wheatman, Ann Wheatman, Ivy Grey, Mrs Lettin, Mrs Gittins.

Front right:- Hilda Tyler, Isla Hullah, Isla’s daughter, ??, ??, Nina Alderson.

Men standing in the middle:-  ??, George Gittins, ??, Benny Gale, ??, Derick ?, Eric Wheatman, Jonty Smith.

Thanks to Adam, Ray Brown, Pat and Ann Greening with names and a suggestion that it may be at Bournemouth!