sent in wi' the big lads book

The History Society has published the memories of Usworth miner, Jim Tatters (1921 to 2013). He went down the pit shortly after his 14th birthday, and finished his mining career in Calverton, Nottinghamshire. In this 84 page book he vividly recalled his upbringing in Usworth Colliery, life in Washington before World War 2, his life underground, service in the Home Guard, living in the Hostel Estate as a 'squatter', before moving to Nottinghamshire.

These memories were captured on tape the year before he died, and it is hoped Jim' recordings, spoken in the pitmatic dialect, will become available on an audio archive sometime in the future.

The book is on sale for £5 and will be made available at local heritage events such as the Sunderland Heritage Fair (18 May) a forhtcoming Heritage Reels showing at the Arts Centre Washington, the Miners Picnic at Usworth- marking the 50th anniversary of the closure of Usworth Colliery, the last in Washington- and the Washington Carnival in September.

If you would like a copy by post for £5 + £2.10 p&p than email washingtonhistorysoc@gmail.com for bank transfer details