Redbricks 50s

A Memory of Galley Common.

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


Added 13 July 2011

#232753

Comments & Feedback

I Remember them days i was only 6 years old i lived at 34 Valley Road next door to John Leakey...Anybody that knows me be nice to hear from you..My dad Alwyn Green worked at the Tunnel Pit..In later life in the 70s i played football for the tunnel..Bob Green
I have wonderful memories of growing up in galley common. My grandad, George Bates owned the barbers shop on the corner of valley road. I used play in the brook at the back of the houses that ran up valley road. Always remember my great Uncle Tom sitting on the step lol.
My name is John Leekey I lived at 32 valley Road from 1950 till 1973 I spent my childhood and teenage years in Galley common if any one can tell me where can i buy any books of galley common I used to hang around with Dave Bennett shay Smith Nigel Parks Dave Hornsby Anthony Hewitt Bob fullylove Pete cheesy Ealing if anything happened in those years it was probly us we used to love going to Arley on Friday night's to show them galley common was better place see how silly you are when you are younger great times growing up there when Huanchwood had a great football team Norky in goal Jake Bates centre forwarded Barry Parkes midfield just a few of the great team please leave a message if you know where I can buy a book of the village. or you just want to get in touch
Hi John This is Bob&Linda Green we lived next door to you at 34 Willow Road in the 50s My Dad worked at the tunnel pit..Alwyn Green mum name was Edna...I still remember we made trollys out of
planks of wood with pram wheels,then go up to the top of the lane & bomb down the hill I knocked about with John Oconner lived over the road in the blue brick house also Titch Moon,...if you remember me.. get in touch ..Bob..

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