Redbricks 1950s

I was born and bred in Tunnel Road, Galley Common in the Pit houses (belonging to Haunchwood Colliery). One of my early memories of which there are many was of the tip which was waste slag from the mine and was always on fire and backed down to the back gardens of the houses. At night you could see fires burning bright red in the tips. As kids one of our games mostly in the winter was to get a empty can, the bigger the better, and put holes in the bottom and slots in the side. We would attach a lengh of wire to the top making a long handle, then fill it with fire from the tip and adding coal to keep it going. Then we would swing it round our heads in a loop or figure of eight (good old health and safety). They used to get red hot that anybody on the road at the bottom of the tip could just see what looked like balls of fire going round and round in the dark. I cannot remember many accidents, only one lad who had the hot coals go down his back. I think he had to have a skin graft. I still live in the village but if there is anybody who used to live here and can remember these times please reply with your memories. A Redbrick Kid