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
It has not been possible to go underground at Chatterley Whitfield for many years because the passages are flooded. More recently, Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as landowner, has imposed severe restrictions on visiting Whitfield because of concerns over safety. Some buildings are in a dangerous condition and almost all buildings are closed for the foreseeable future because there may be asbestos in them. Currently, the only way for members of the public to visit the site is on the annual Heritage Open Day in September. Sometimes, special visits for school groups can be arranged, but these must be arranged several months in advance. Some of the land around the perimeter of Chatterley Whitfield, however, is open to the public, and you can get an excellent view of the site from the top of the nearby tip. You can book your place on the 2013 Heritage Open day after the 1st August 2013 by visiting this link page : Heritage Open Day 2013
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