Wombwell Main

A few more pictures my grandad took here, thought I'd start a new thread so I didn't take over the old team photo thread.

Sorry for the low quality, my Nan wants to preserve the HD versions for possible stock image sales in future etc.

Thought some here would like to see them even if they're a bit blurry though.

 

Great pictures mate, they remind me of my youth. When I was about 14 (1970ish), I was into railways and used to cycle down to Manvers Main to watch the shunting engines (steam and diesel). One day the driver of a diesel stopped and asked me if I wanted a ride. I had to hide when passing the offices mind.... He even let me drive, can't imagine that happening nowadays.

 

Brilliant, not sure that would pass Health & Safety these days but it's a memory you'll have forever

 

Brilliant photos, thanks for sharing. I love to see old photographs like these of our history, heritage and bygone eras

 

One from Wombwell Foundry here

 

I have operated winding engines
They Are one hell of machinery. They have numerous safety measures to protect those in the cages being safe
Those shown in the pictures were early ones. Very nostalgic

 

On a similar theme, I used to get a ride on the steam shunter at Darfield Main which they used to fire up every now and then when the diesel shunter broke down.

 

Is that now part of the Trans Pennine Trail?

 

yep, Aldham Junction. There used to be 4 sets of tracks to the left.

 

My Uncle was the manager of Wombwell main around 1958 to 1966 about the time of those photos.

 

Mi Dad used to tek me tut main.( Wombwell) As a bairn. To pick up his wages every week. None of this paid into the bank malarkey.

Out of all the pits he worked.That was his favourite. Some great stories and one horrendous.

When the roof collapsed on his coal-face. Trying to get to/dig out his mates. Hearing their cries for help. Before the roof collapsing further. ( Buried alive) It Was why, in later years he told me he didn’t want me to go down the mine. I wasn’t aware. He’d never mentioned it before . He would always break down after recalling the incident.

 

Tankersly tunnel in the 90s with my kids.

 

Hope it's not rude to ask, but did they get out?

 

Er with the picture... twice

 

I remember coming home from school and my dad was on his hands and knees in his vest and pants.
"What's up dad?"
"Some muck fell on my foot."
He got himself onto a chair and gently stamped his foot down and all his toes wobbled. All smashed to bits.

 

Do you mean Thurgoland tunnel?

 

Edited mate. The worst happened. I don’t know how many were killed in the incident. Probably in the archives somewhere. He/they ( the rescuers) mi dad not being a part of mines rescue but in the vicinity at the time. had to draw out of the hat to get the Bravery medal. Only one was allocated. The pit doctor drawing it out. ( how bizarre is that) and the doctor who was involved moved to New Zealand and wrote to the chronicle many yrs later. asking if anyone involved could provide more details of the incident as he was writing a book. Mi dad communicated with him sending a letter/letters.
My God I’m 63 and miss mi Dad like you wouldn’t believe. He made me the person I am today. I just hope my kids are as proud of me as I was of him. A great compassionate man. Who belied the the stereotype of the time. A man full of fun. and the tributes I get about him are countless. He Loved to socialise and told great stories. That only came from a life full of experience. I’ll shoot off now as I’m filling up recalling what a fantastic man he was and I was lucky to have him as mi dad. I probably didn’t show him how I felt about him till the latter end. But HE KNEW.

 

Oops. Quite right, Thurgoland on the former Great Central line to Manchester.

 

Brilliant photo. Guessing this was taken mid 1980’s with only the single remaining line towards Worsborough and all the gantries removed?

No idea why the lines to the right weren’t retained, keeping the rail link from Barnsley to Doncaster intact.