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ALDERMAN JAMES EVANS J.P. LORD MAYOR - CITY OF STOKE ON TRENT 1966-1967

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ALDERMAN JAMES EVANS J.P. LORD MAYOR - CITY OF STOKE ON TRENT 1966-1967 Born in Burslem in 1904, second of eight children - Son and grandson of miners. Left school at 13.   Entered Coal mining industry.   Went underground at 14 years of age.   Worked at every job from: Pony Driver, Door Trapper, Haulage Hand, Coal Face and Charge Hand official. At age of 18 became interested in Trade Union activities and realised the need to improve my education.   Attended Wedgwood Institute, Burslem, studying English and Mathematics.   Gained 2 first class certificates in each subject.   At same time joined the political wing of the Trade Union Movement and became active in the Labour Movement. At age of 21 was elected as collector and canvesser for my trade union.   Appointed to Branch Committee at 22 years of age and over next 21 years filled every office in the Sneyd Branch of the N.U.M. (Chairman, Secretary and Delegate. For 12 years was member of the North Staffs Miners
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THE WINDING ENGINES AND ENGINE MEN OF CHATTERLEY WHITFIELD

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THE WINDING ENGINES AND ENGINE MEN OF CHATTERLEY WHITFIELD           No greater collection of steam driven winding engines could be found in the land.  Five shafts, all in a row and all on one site was unusual and formed a huge deep pit mining colliery.  From the smaller engines of Middle Pit, Winstanley and Platt Pit to the gigantic monoliths of Hesketh and Institute. They were a magnificent spectacle to see and hear operating, lowering and drawing coal, men and materials with speed and efficiency.           The Royal Navy called them 'grease monkeys' but that job description at Whitfield was 'oiler and cleaner'.  At the age of 15 in 1949 I was just called an 'oil lad' and in my teen years it was my job to clean, oil and grease those engines under the watchful eye of the winding engine men (operators).  They had cause to be wary.  Shortly before my arrival one such 'oil lad' had been killed instantly in the crank race at the Middle Pit.  I ev
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