Forum

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  1. Dear People,

    My name is Berry Swarthoff, and me and my wife Yvonne live in the Netherlands and we adopted on the 31st may 2021, this year, the grave of Eric Whiteley from Killimarsh, Derbyshire.
    Eric was a rifleman and fought with 2nd Bn,The Royal Rifles in the second World War.
    He is buried at the Venray War Cemetary,and died on December 1st, 1944,only 19 years old.
    Report:
    Temporary buried in a fieldgrave in Backyard of hoofdstraat 68 Meerlo Netherlands .

    Reburied 16/09/1946 at Venray War Cemetary.
    Son of Leonard and Mary Ann Whiteley, of Killamarsh, Derbyshire.
    And now we try to track down any surviving relatives and photo’s of the fallen Rifleman.
    “We heard about the adoption program and me and my wife thought it would be an honor and privilege for the family that we take care about Eric’s grave.
    “We’ve been to his grave and we brought some flowers and lit a candle for him.
    Lest we forget.
    It’s proud to say that all the graves at the Venray War Cemetary are adopted.
    It would be an honor to find his family.
    Berry & Yvonne.

  2. Hello there I would like to ask if anyone can give me some info on 24 Sheffield road s212ea I would like to know history on it and if anyone has died in it could there have been a young boy does anyone know

  3. Hello, i have recently discovered some family history with Killamarsh and would be really interested to know if anyone knows anything about the people i may be linked to.
    sorry for the long post……but here goes:
    Samuel Harrison (coal miner) and Mary Ann move to the area and have the following children:
    Mary J Harrison born 1885
    Elijah Harrison is born 1891
    William Harrison is born in 1894 but sadly dies at 9 months
    Ephraim Harrison is born 1899
    Lily Harrison is born in 1901
    in the 1901 census they are living 71 Station Road, Mosborough, Eckington
    in the 1911 census they are living 9 Kirkcroft Square, Killamarsh

    Mary and Charles Shimwells (coal miner) marry 1902 St Giles Killamarsh and have the following daughters:
    Mary Emma Shimwells born 1903
    Florence born 1904
    Violet born 1907
    Clara born 1910
    the 1911 census they are living 24 Kirkcroft Square, Killamarsh

    Ephraim marries Mary Etheldred Hewitt in 1920 at SS Peter and Paul Eckington
    they have:
    Harold Hewitt – 1917
    Gerald Harrison – 1920
    Samuel E Harrison – 1923
    the 1939 register they are living 26 New St, Chesterfield, all colliery heavy workers

    Elijah Harrison born 1891 marries my Great Grandmother Mary Ellen Jacques from Gainsborough in 1910 in Killamarsh
    they have the following children:
    Elijah Samuel Harrison – 1911 dies before his first birthday
    Clarence Harrison – July 1912 (marries Lilian Batty in 1937 in St Giles Killamarsh)
    William Harrison – Nov 1912 – I know very little about him
    Then something happens and Mary Ellen goes back to Gainsborough and gives birth to my grandad Cyril Harrison in April 1918 and she goes on to have alot of other children all with the surname Harrison, although fathers not on their birth certificate.
    I would love to know more about my Killamarsh family and if anyone knows of anyone that is connected to this family.
    I currently live in Gainsborough and was planning a trip to Killamarsh before the lockdown happened, but unfortunately it seems this will have to wait.
    I love looking at this site, in the hope that somewhere an ancestor will appear.
    thank you for reading!

    • Hi Emma, Just seen your post and I have a small piece of information for you. Mosborough census include Holbrook/Halfway. In 1901 71 Station Road would be in Halfway, the house still exists today. as you exit the roundabout at Halfway to travel to Killamarsh it is the tenth house down on left. The Harrisons on New Street in 1939 would also have been at Halfway not Chesterfield. That was the registration District with Eckington having the local office. hope you fin this interesting.

    • Hi Emma, The census for north east Derbyshire can be confusing as Mosborough & Halfway are often entered as Eckington. This because of a registration office in Eckington which was then under Chesterfield Rural council. I believe the Harrisons on Station Road is at Halfway (the house still exists), and the Harrisons on New Street were at Halfway not Chesterfield. I was born on New st which is still still there but houses gone

  4. Hi there, my first post on this wonderful site and I can’t tell you the enjoyment it’s given me looking at all the comments and photos, it all seems such a long time ago, but looking at these it feels like yesterday. Hoping someone can help me with information regarding an accident at the chemical works where my grandad Sam Bird was killed. (my gran was Lizzie Bird who lived in the corner bungalow on Norwood Crescent) unfortunately I don’t have much to go on so anything would be great! It means a lot to me so hope it jogs a few memories.
    Stay safe everyone in these troubled times
    If anyone remembers me, would be great, but most of you seem to have been in the “A” form, and I was a mere B form student! haha

    • Posted this in April still not moderated, so here goes another message
      I’m trying to trace an old friend from Killamarsh. Marie Fox( she married Stephen Collier) she had a sister named Elizabeth who I believe had a hairdressing salon in Killamarsh. I think she eventually moved to Totley I think.
      Would be wonderful to get back in touch so any info would be much appreciated

  5. Has anyone any recollections or information about my great uncle Cliff Marrison? He was the cobbler on Bridge Street and before that on Kirkcroft Lane. His wife was Mary and I think her maiden name was Rivington. I’ve been contacted by someone who now owns his flying jacket and is interested in his background as he flew for 644 squadron which was a special squadron associated with the SOE and towed gliders on 5th & 6th June 1944 and at Arnhem.

    If you have information or any memorabilia please post a reply and I’ll get in touch.

  6. Is there anyone In Killamarsh knows of a family way back that had a Taxi firm and had relatives in Harvey Clough Road Sheffield either Johnson, Cutler or Storey research Family tree.
    Johnson and Storey from Nottinghamshire Cutler of Sheffield grateful for any suggestions please

  7. Killamarsh Sec School Christmas Dance 1964
    I was in class 4A & it was the last dance come party before I left.
    We had a little known act on the stage which at the time very few people , if any would believed this guy who gave a shocking performance would go on to be an international star. He was partial to drugs & was known for it . He was off his head at this event & actually fell off the stage (best part of the show)
    The guys name
    Joe Cocker
    He was a gas fitter by day a gruff vocal performer by night who was well known on Sheffield pubs & clubs circuit.He somehow ended up in America & became a multi millionaire rock star ( he couldn’t scrape a living singing in Sheffield).
    The same story goes for Def Leopard , made it massive in USA but in Sheffield couldn’t get any bigger than a regular spot at the Leadmill playing to a group of students.
    Getting back to Joe Cocker. Many many years later I was in conversation with a mate & Joe Cocker’s name came up. The saying Small World springs to mind , my mate said ” I was Joe Cocker’s apprentice when I worked for the Gas Board”
    Does anyone else remember the Joe Cocker Falling Off Stage Event ?

    • This is in response to your comments about Mr Mullins.

      Really can’t remember him – but I do clearly remember the cobblers.
      I used to go there regularly for my mum – and later took newspapers there. I remember this old guy – probably Mr Mullins, telling me off because he was waiting for his paper – it was only 7.00 am!
      The other thing I remember was – as you turned the corner into Rotherham Road there was a drive with gates – and viscous little Jack Russell that used to make me jump out of my skin. When I remembered it was there, I would tease it because I felt safe.
      Do you remember Mr Marsh who lived just round the corner from you – he was always picking his nose and wiping his bogies up his bum – gross!!

      PS I don’t remember Joe Cocker falling off the stage. Bet it was a sight to see!

      • I vaguely remember Mr Marsh ( lived round corner from Charlie & Kenny Fisher ? ) Can’t remember his nose picking antics though , glad I wasn’t as observant as you Eric . If I remember correctly he had two rather attractive grown up daughters , I say grown up daughters as we were only kids.
        I remember various people visiting the estate trying to scrape a living . Two people of a bygone age , the Rag & Bone Man and The Scissor Grinder. The Rag & Bone Man used to come round with his horse & cart shouting “Any old rags,any old iron”. You could here the clip clop of the horses hoofs as he moved around the estate. All the kids would desperately dash about looking for rags to exchange for a goldfish or a fancy balloon . The Scissor Grinder used to rack his push bike up so the back wheel was off the floor and somehow a pulley was attached to a grindstone , he used to pedal & the grindstone turned to sharpen your knives etc . Seems a very primitive exercise now but the guy made a living from it .
        Remember the Wet Fish Man who used to come round on Friday ? Whywell ? . Everyone pronounced it Weewell . He used to ring a bell , that was the cue for all the kids to give him grief . Us kids would gather near the van and sing
        “Willie Weewell sells fish
        Three hapence a dish
        Don’t buy it
        Don’t buy it
        It stinks when you fry it”
        All sounds a bit naughty & disrespectful but strangely enough there were no real rouges on the New Norwood Estate. We were all well mannered and respected our elders , adults were ALWAYS addressed as Mr & Mrs.
        Finally there was the Ice cream Man , think it was Manfride
        he did posh tubs with all kinds of fruit toppings poured over the ice cream , lovely.

        was attached

        • I remember Mr and Mrs Mullins -she was a right bundle of fun………. not. I was sent down there to buy vinegar and Mr Mullins would always say “tell yer mam it’s sour”. I think the cobblers was Mr Shimwell, his hut was at the back of the house. The path to the hut always reminded me of blocks of chocolate, sort of criss-crossed.

          • My friend Margaret Batterham and I used to walk down the brick path, occasionally the black path with the big tree, on our way to church with the bells ringing. I always think of those times when I hear them, a lovely sound. We were briefly in the choir and if my memory serves me right, received 2s6d for singing at the wedding of Heather Presley. Sometimes we’d call at Revitts shop next to the Crown for sweets, but I think our favourite was Heeley’s penny and halfpenny tray. Sweet cigarettes, strange coconut ‘tobacco’ in a little pouch, black jacks and tooth-rotting chews etc. I remember buying fireworks from there too, one or two at a time, no money for big boxes like they do nowadays. We used to go sledging on what was laughingly called The Park on Norwood Crescent, just a circle of sloping grass, and in summer we’d head off to Mills (Millses) field with bits of cardboard to slide down the grass. My mum used to have us looking for trembling grass, don’t seem to see it now. I didn’t go to the secondary school but have lots of memories of the juniors. Mrs Smith and Mrs Burton in the hut at the bottom of the playground. I once got the ruler from Mrs Smith for talking – it wasn’t even my fault, Lois Tongue spoke to me! I used to love that apparatus in the playground, like a large capital A made of metal pipes, it was good to be first out at playtime and get to shin up… all on the concrete – health and safety would have a fit! Does anyone have photos of the junior/infant school classes? I’d love to see them.

            • Hi Jane
              Just spotted your article on your visit to Norwood . I did the exact same about 6 weeks ago. Agree with your findings.Standing outside the schools made me feel slightly upset. It was like visiting a cemetery , just memories,ghosts of children I knew that no longer existed , WEIRD INDEED

            • Hi Jane
              You appear to have a better memory of Junior School than me.You’ve jogged my memory though. Mrs Smith & Burton but don’t remember their faces. I do remember Mr Large & Lowe and being an ink monitor which entailed going out of the building into a type of cellar to pour the ink into small pots.I obviously remember girls who went up to Secondary School but cant remember girls that went up to Westfield (Ann Shore,Lois Tongue & yourself), Lois Tongue had an older sister called Ruth.I remember quite a few lads that went to Westfield (Alan Walker,Graham Haslem,Keith Walker ,David Mallender & Peter Darker)
              Peter Darker met a tragic end,unbelievably unfortunate death.He was working abroad when a hitman mistook Peter for a foreign diplomat & shot him dead .
              Mills’s Field I’d forgotten & I’d been racking my brain to remember the name of that lovely little shop “Heeleys”. Penny Tray was brilliant for kids,fireworks were penny bangers but you could step up in class & purchase the ultimate banger,The Little Demon which was 50% dearer at a penny halfpenny. What about The Pingle ,that was a fun place with its stream & rope swing.Killamarsh was a great playground for kids in the ’50s & ’60s . If I could turn the clock back I’d choose the same childhood for sure.
              If you’d like to identify me,on this site I found a photo of me when I was 10yrs old.
              Photo Gallery 1
              About halfway through down the right hand side is a photo of 3rd Killamarsh Scout Group 1959
              I’m on back row second from left (partly hidden)
              Another photo (gallery 1) was supplied by your friends brother Jimmy Batterham
              Its Killamarsh Sec School Prefects I’m sat front row between Mr Reid & Margaret Lowe , I was Head Boy
              Lovely to know you still have your mother in your life
              Take Care Jane x

              • Hi i remember being at school with a mr lowe and a mister large i used to go out with himfor first aid covers to mosbourgh want answer about bramagh halfway

            • Hello Jane
              If I remember rightly, you lived near the bottom entrance to the ‘old’ estate – near Wendy Lane/ Annette Flint – and of course Margaret Batterham.
              Didn’t you go to Chesterfield Art College?

              • Hi Eric, just browsing and only just spotted your post. Yes, I lived halfway down Norwood Crescent, there were two blocks of newer semis which I’m told were built in the space allocated for shops. Never happened! Built about 1952. Didn’t go to Art College but straight out to work after doing a Commercial Course at Westfield. I do remember you and your brother Neil (I also have a brother Neil!). Nice to hear from you Eric, take care!

          • Hi Jane
            I remember your name & could even put a face to your name & its 60yrs ago . The brain is a complexed piece of kit that stores away things you dont realise are there. Perhaps you dont remember me , I’ll go into all that school stuff when I reply at length to your other article on School, Norwood & Church etc .
            You’re spot on with Shimwell cobbler & Mullins,what a miserable pair of old characters the Mullins were. Mr Mullins was very crude. I was in his shop when Keith Nichols asked for a packet of 5 Park Drive tipped for his mother. Mr Mullins said ” Sorry me owd fart only got plain uns , tell her to stick em up her arse then they’ll be reight”
            What a thing to say to an 8yr old, Mullins was a character though (none around now)
            I’ll answer the other piece shortly when I’ve more time Jane
            Regards
            Steven Hall

    • Hi Steven. I remember hearing Joe Cocker playing at the secondary school dance from our bedroom window on Rotherwood Road, but I couldn’t have told you what year or that it was Christmas. I have just come across this site and I have been engrossed reading about all the people and places I have such fond memories of, although, I too can’t remember Mullins shop on Rotherham Road. I think we were all very lucky to have such an array of places to explore in close proximity around the village, the canal, the Pingle, the meadows (before Rother Valley), tunnel tops, the ponds (with all the bluebells in the trees), Churchtown and the old scrap yard full of military and commercial wrecks, the railway sidings with lines of steam locomotives waiting to go into Tommy Wards for scrapping, the Juniors club, etc etc. Happy days spent with Pin, Tony Rose, Anthony Shaw, Mogg, and many others.

      • Hello John
        I have mentioned you in my pieces a couple of times. I remember calling in on you and Alan to come out to play – your mum was not impressed – it was only 7.15am!!

        At the time I thought she was mean – but hardly!! But we were basically feral children – ready for the adventures that Killamarsh offered young kids!!
        Take care – Eric [Mogg]

      • Hello John
        I have mentioned you a couple of times in my pieces – mainly about your bad luck!!
        I do remember calling at your house to see if you and Alan were coming out to play – your mum answered, and she was not impressed! I don’t know why – it was 7.15am!! The playground called Killamarsh awaited.

      • Hi John
        Just before I start I’ve left 4 articles on here well over a month ago which still say “Awaiting Moderation” & was beginning to lose faith wondering what I’d done wrong & still wondering.
        Anyway John I’m pleased you remembered the Joe Cocker gig from your bedroom window,brilliant,especially as Mogg Morris was a pupil at Killamarsh Sec & has no recollection of it at all.
        Tell you what always sticks in my mind is that top of the range scooter you & your Alan had.It had wide pump up tyres, unheard of at the time,and even a seat I think. If I remember correctly it may have been a present from Germany due to your mother being German. Great being a kid on that estate where we all entertained ourselves in the main especially when not every family had a tv unlike now. We’d go off the estate for hours playing in the woods,fields,pingle etc & our parents never had to worry about us at all , very different indeed to today’s childrens environment.
        I knocked around with your Alan quite a lot with him being older than you John. I think you and my next door neighbour Pin Nicholls were about the same age. I’m same as you John I’m engrossed by the memories this site can unfold,it also gives me the pleasant feeling that I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed my childhood in Killamarsh

        l

  8. Hi can anyone tell me whether there was a house on Ashley road called “Ashley”?
    My Great grandparents lived there and I was wondering if it still existed.
    Thank you.

  9. Hello, I am trying to trace someone called Stuart Hurst who used to live in Killamarsh. I guess he was born in about 1947. His parents had a chemist in Hillsborough and he had a son called David in about 1967/8/9. Would really like to find out more what happened to them. Thanks.

  10. Only just come across this site , its brought back fond memories of Killamarsh Sec School & Norwood but the site seems somewhat inactive with few postings. I Remember loads :- Dogga Mogg Stephen Cartwright Alan Walker Pin Nicholls EVERY LAD IN 4A & beyond Corky Bill Marsden Terry Adair(Dan) King Wheelhouse Eyes Joan Barker Jill Armstrong Shirely Childs Linda Oscroft Brenda Hutchins Carol Smith Limb Twins . I remember everyone on school photos not just those I have mentioned .Im not on form photo but on football & prefects photos. I occasionally see Evan Davies at Bramall Lane & bump into Linda Oscroft & her husband who usually reminds me of my bad points but forgives me

    • Steve, glad to see that you follow Blades but do you remember the matches between Norwood and Killamarsh Bottoms when we were kids ? Dave Mallender

      • Sorry David don’t remember matches between Norwood & Killamarsh Bottom. I do remember you & your brother John living on Sheffield Rd roughly opposite Maurice Drapers Gents Barber. When I was 9 I used to catch the supporters bus to The Lane . Reg Vernon ran The Navigation branch of Blades Supporters Club. I’ve since lived at Beighton , Intake & now Crystal Peaks but for years went in Steel Melters & Midland occasionally , saw your John & at the time he said he was still going to watch the Blades

        • Hi David
          On reflection I do vaguely remember those football matches. A lad called Peter Purdy was in your team.
          Did you play in goal David ?

    • MEMORIES OF KILLAMARSH SECONDARY MODERN SCHOOL

      See if this jogs a few memories

      I went to the school between 1961-66, following my older brother, Neil [1957-61] and before my sister Joan [1962-66].
      For those who are unaware – the secondary modern schools were quite news; they were as a consequence of the 1944 Education Act, which proposed that local authorities implement three schools to cater for the range of perceived intellectual abilities of all pupils. This was known as the Tripartite System – where those who were seemed to be academically-able would go to grammar school and become professionals e.g. doctors/ lawyers/architects … and so on … [e.g. Eckington/Westfield Grammar School]. The second category was the Secondary-Technical schools which would cater for the more ‘technically’ minded, who would go on to be engineers/designers etc. [including high level secretarial or clerical work, [e.g. Rowlinson Technical School – Norton]. Then there was the Secondary-Modern School [like Killamarsh], which was for those who were considered to have no technical or academic potential – they were to be given a ‘general’ education in preparation for the mines and factories.
      The school was determined by the 11+ examination, but as important was the government claim that – no school was ‘better’ than any other – there was to be ‘parity of esteem’, meaning each school was of equal value – because the 11+ assured that the right pupil went to the right type of school – matching the child’s perceived [and measured] potential intellectual abilities.
      The first flaw in this system was that in the austerity of post-war Britain, Local Authorities could ill-afford to build three different [small] schools – each with its own land/buildings/teachers/resources. This was an innovative but very expensive system, so local authorities tended to build two schools – the secondary-modern and the grammar school – [a Bi-partite system] – relatively few Secondary-Technical schools were built – Rowlinson was a rare exception. Even so, some local authorities in the 1950s were already building one ‘big’ school – the comprehensive school, which did not come to North East Derbyshire until the mid-1960s [Westfield]. Incidentally, the 11+ assessment was abolished in most areas at the same time for being unreliable – but down in Kent, even after so many years, it is still used as a flawed method of assessment for selective and non-selective schooling – but that is another story.
      The result was that even assuming that the 11+ exam had some validity, which is still very doubtful, the school selection was either/or – grammar or secondary-modern. Some kids were possibly quite suited to these schools – but many were not – leading to a massive failure by the central and local governments to support those kids realising their potential.
      Light [or frustrating] relief – a genuine old 11+ question [No wonder we failed it!!]
      Which is the odd one out – and why?

      Omelette Courage Leave
      Streamer Measles
      Bear in mind the 11+ was at that time an IQ assessment measuring logical thinking – based on this, my answer was courage – because it is the only word with one ‘e’ in it – but I was wrong. So what do you think? Answer at the end …
      There were many of us at Killamarsh Secondary-Modern School who were ill-suited for this general education – many so much brighter than me – from my years – who come to mind – James Batterham/Jack Cartwright/Michael Clarke/Joan Barker/Jill Armstrong/Wyndham Arblaster … and so on … [Sorry if I have missed out anyone]
      Having said that, despite the narrow curriculum, and the dated resources, I have only praise for the school; I still think that the teachers and Mr Reid were a credit to education. I can only speak for my five years at the school – it is for others to comment on Mr Seston’s time as headteacher.
      I started at Killamarsh Secondary-Modern School in September 1961 from Norwood Primary School, joined by many eleven-year olds from the Endowed School – strange lot! But only because they were ‘different’ – saying things like ‘sir, please sir; if they wanted something from the teacher – strange expression – we ‘normal’ ones just said ‘please sir’. However, it didn’t take long for us to integrate and all these years later I am unsure who went to Norwood and who was from the Endowed. It didn’t take long for it not to matter. I was ‘best friends’ with Steven [Sam] Hall/Martin Hibbert [Norwood] – Chris Brownlow/Joan Barker – Endowed.
      We came from the cosy ‘womb’ of Mrs Smith/Miss Burton – and Mr Lowe and Mr Large. [Many years later I played football with Eric Large at Westfield Sports Hall. Initially a strange experience, but quickly came quite normal – lovely man]. From the cosy security of being the biguns at the ‘little’ school to being the tiddlies of the ‘big school’ – looking around at all the big lads – Chalky Corkwell/Graham [Bill] Marsden/Terry Adair – particularly John Jennings!! – the older girls – Brenda Hutchins – scary!!.
      My earliest memories are of the strictness of the teachers – they didn’t give an inch. In third or fourth year when we were out climbing in Birchen’s Edge in Derbyshire, I remember me, or one of our group, asking Peter Reynolds, the maths teacher, why the teachers were so hard on us in the first and second years – he revealed that it was a deliberate strategy in order to impose limits on behaviour and enforce discipline. When that was achieved – they could ease off. [Nowadays, the advice to new teachers is known as ‘don’t smile before Christmas’]. We must have been slow on the uptake!
      Although the school was very small by today’s standards – [I think it was 260 pupils, but that seems ridiculously small, so if anyone knows for sure, please correct me] – we had many clubs: The Camera Club – Karabiner Club – Trampoline Club – Badminton Club … and so on. I was a member of each of these until I crunched my nose attempting to do a somersault on the trampoline; I dropped out of that one … it hurt!
      The one I remember most clearly was the Karabiner Club because we often taken [each Thursday] to an outcrop in Derbyshire by Mr Reynolds and Mr Ellin. Usually this was Birchen’s Edge near Baslow or Stanage Edge near Hathersage – they may have been others, but I can’t remember them. We would leave about 4.00 – do some climbing – and get back about 7.00-8.00. These were great fun – the climbing was good and we saw a different side to the teachers.
      The school was heavily in to outward bound education so they arranged yearly outings. The ones I remember are first Miller’s Dale – staying in in an old disused school with Peter Reynolds and Mrs Harrison [the home economics teacher]. I still have a lovely photograph of all the pupils who went there – Joan Barker/Chris Brownlow/Margaret Lowe/Keith Nichols/Linda Templeton … and so on … We went into Buxton where the highlight was swimming in the thermal baths – that was amazing – a cherished memory. But Mr Reynold’s car was damaged by some of the local kids, which must have spoilt his time with us.
      I also remember going to Whitehall in Buxton, where we walked over Kinder Scout [most boring place in the world] with Joe Brown – the renowned rock climber. While at Whitehall we did some skiing and went on a midnight hike, which was really about 9.00 pm, but it seemed so late! We went to the Beddgelert in Snowdonia for a camping and canoeing week, but on the first night we didn’t secure the canoes so the wind dumped them in the rock-filled river, damaging them so they were useless. I think it was this trip that we shared with Pipworth Road School from the Manor, Sheffield. We went with them because Mr Hunt, the science teacher, had left Killamarsh to work there, so we had a combined field trip.
      I have saved Overton Park until last. This trip has been discussed elsewhere on the site, but they were being a little coy! It was my first trip with the school in the first year [in modern language – year 7] – we were the diddlies with those 15 year olds – so old – so mature! We had boy’s tents and girl’s tents – but not late at night! I was in the corner of the tent so it was my job to be the lookout for teachers as it was ‘all change’ for the older boys and girls. I will not name names – you know who you are ….!! It was great fun – for some more than others!! I wonder if the teachers ever knew. In the 1980s I took 16-17 year olds from various colleges on several residentials; for example, Fox House, Llandudno and the Lake District – it was viewed as serious [remember unhappy parents!] and it was difficult to keep the boys and girls apart – some things never change!!
      I was also a member of the ‘art school’, along with Steven [Sam] Hall and Wyndham Arblaster, which Mrs Arblaster organised at Hackenthorpe School. We did some drawing and painting, but also played football using the school’s hockey nets as goals. We didn’t know what they were, but there were just the right size for a kick-about – the girls in Killamarsh played netball – not hockey. All three of us rode our bikes there – but I remember coming back when either Sam’s or Wyndham’s bike chain broke, so one towed the other – with disastrous results! We were riding down Cow Lane, which was a lane then – I was in front when there was a crunch and yowls of pain as both Sam and Wyndham ploughed in to each other – one on top of the other! It transpired that one had decided, to go one side of the small tree – the other – the other side! Result – crash – much pain – and hobbling!
      I will close by reminiscing about being a member of the first fifth year at Killamarsh Secondary Modern School. When we were in the fourth year we were asked if we wanted to stay on and take CSE’s; this was a new initiative by central government so that all pupils left school with some measure of achievement. Previously, pupils left school with a leaving certificate that confirmed they had attended secondary education for the required length of time, but there was no indication of achievement. [The leaving age was then 15 years – bought in in 1948].
      There was about twelve of us who stayed on into the 5th Year – the Limb twins /James Batterham//Ivor Burton Joan Barker/Michael Clarke/John Burke/Sheila Pattison/Susan Atkinson/Rosamund Vernon – [were there any others? Roger Rutland?]
      The fifth year was interesting but CSEs were hardly a replacement for GCEs – a grade one in CSE was supposedly equivalent to a ‘C’ in GCE. Nevertheless, I found it an enjoyable year; we felt so much older because Mr Reid gave us our own common room where we revised, then again, we mainly played music – and we had certain freedoms – no school uniform[?]. I think I worked hard and did well in Art, Geography and History – but abysmally bad in Maths, English and Science where I gained grade 4s – the equivalent of ‘F’ at GCSE today. This reflected my schoolwork and revision – I loved Art, Geography and History – [still do] but hated Maths, English and Science [still do]; having said that, I have since taught Maths and English in college – so I did improve!
      I have little to say about the yearly school plays because I don’t remember being involved, but I have said elsewhere on the site Dogga Booth’s performance was excellent. I remember Roger Rutland [and I think Evan Davis] in a band [Foot-tappers?] playing their version of the Beatles’ record ‘Help’ at a Christmas party – they too were excellent.
      After leaving school I went on a short course on how to be a farmer [really a farm labourer] near Derby. After that I did a brief stint on a farm near York. I then went to Chesterfield Art College – but not for long. I was good at school – but felt pretty mediocre at the college, so I left after only one term. I left to pursue a career as an electrician in coal mining. Shows a clear career focus – farming/art college/electrician – all within a year of leaving school!!
      Favourite teachers – Mrs Dubash [but she left early to be replaced by Miss Briggs and her very unsexy bloomers!] Mrs Arblaster – always a supporter, but I feel I let her down by not pursuing a career in art. She seemed to have faith in me – whereas I had none in myself.
      Mr Lound for being such a kind man – he taught me again at Clowne Technical College
      Mr Ellin/Mr Reynolds for introducing us to outdoor pursuits. In the 1980s I worked with Terry Ellin at Shirecliffe College in Sheffield.
      Mrs Rodgers because she took time out to help me do well in history
      Mr Sawyer – I was talking in class, so he said: “Morris, you can present the lesson next week”. So I did – it was about St. Chad of Lichfield. I loved it – and from that day I wanted to teach. Thank you – Tom
      Hated teachers – none – in their own way, I thought they were all great – even the ones who gave me the stick [for what seemed the slightest reason] – particularly Mr Hind, but he did introduce us to classical music, which much of it I love]. Mr Thornton always seemed too severe, but he was a different man when we met him for a reunion in the Loyal Trooper in South Anston – by courtesy of Beryl Limb.
      Fond memories – please feel free to correct me if I have got anything wrong – or add anything new, or your take on events I have mentioned.

      By the way …
      Which is the odd one out – and why?
      Omelette Courage Leave
      Streamer Measles
      The answer is Streamer – reason being, you can have
      • Spanish omelette
      • Dutch courage
      • French leave [which means – going AWOL]
      • German measles
      This is an example of a ‘culture bound’ question – meaning that you needed to belong to a culture that would use this terminology, so it excluded many pupils. Furthermore, if you didn’t know the answer, you couldn’t possibly work out the answer from the information given.
      Don’t be too disappointed if you got this wrong – I have asked this question to at least 800 mature students, and in that time, only one got it right. I had a teaching colleague who also knew the answer, but then again, he had a public school education!

      AROUND THE SCHOOL
      Playground: The Pen – [old tennis court] boys only – playing football! No girls allowed – sexist times!
      Behind the tall poplar trees were the old air raid shelters – source of interest, but I can’t remember much about them.
      The famous sloping football field – source of success and failures – football only, definitely no rugby. Mr Ellin and Mr Reid tried to introduce us to rugby a few times – I know I hated it [still do] – and I think most of us did. We played cricket at the Juniors’ ground – I hated that too! We went swimming to Creswell swimming baths – or was that just in the Junior school?
      Mr Thornton [English] and Mrs Arblaster [Art] had their classes in mobiles at the side of the football field.
      Below those were the Young Farmer’s Club resources. There was Cynthia, the sow that had endless number of piglets. The male piglets were castrated by Mr Scott who had land between the football field and the canal. Not a pleasant sight [or sound] for the male pupils! In addition, there was an apiary where Mr Scott kept bees. These came in useful when I worked on several farms that had neither pigs nor bees!
      The boys worked in the school allotment at the top of Belk Lane [the Black Path as it was then]. The subject was called Rural Science, which is a posh name for gardening; taught by Mr Martin. Here the boys learnt the rudiments of growing brassicas and potatoes. I won a prize for my potatoes, apparently not the biggest yield, but the best quality – more luck than judgement! James Batterham got the biggest yield.

      From entrance – RHS of the quad – from far right corner
      Mr Hind: Music Room
      Mrs Dubash/Miss Briggs: English [?]
      Mr Reynolds: Maths
      Mr Martin: Geography
      Mr Rawson: Library
      Up the stairs to Mr Reid’s room

      Opposite end of the quad
      Mr Stoakes: Woodwork Room
      [I seem to remember he married Miss Swift – the previous needlework teacher]
      To the right of the entrance
      Dining Hall/Theatre/Sports Hall
      Top Left Hand corner
      Miss Swift/Miss Jones: Needlework
      Mrs Rodgers: History
      Mr Lound: Tech. Drawing
      Mr Ellin: PE
      Mr Hunt: Science
      Mr Sawyer: [Science/RE]

      • WOW
        Here’s me thinking Leo Tolstoy wrote War & Peace when all along there is a possibility it was my old school mate Mogg Morris who wrote it. LOL
        You’ve a brilliant memory of our school days which proves how much you must have enjoyed them.
        One teacher at Killamarsh Sec said You’ll always remember your school days.Very true indeed
        Every pupil will remember the house point system
        Good work (circle, honours list) Bad work (square ,black list) 5 circles = home 10mins early 5 squares = cane off Paddy Reid
        I’d 2 sq from Tom Sayer , 1 for poor work & another for talking in science lesson . Just to top it off for a dare I kissed Joan Barker , Sayer caught me
        & swiftly gave me another 3 sq forcing me onto The Black List (which didn’t seat well cos I was Head Boy)
        I ended up sat outside Paddy’s office awaiting the cane with 2 others. The 2 went in before me & were caned. I went in next , Mr Reid asked me what I’d been doing to get 5 sq . He said While you’re here it’s all good news on the football front 2 more clubs want to sign you , so now you have the choice of 5 , Sheff U Rotherham Aston Villa Charlton & Leeds . So he chatted football with me then said Ok get out of my office & don’t let me see you in here again , NO CANE.
        I must admit I was somewhat a favourite of Mr Reid because he showed great interest in my football abilities.
        I personally found Mr Reid a great bloke who helped me in many ways , Top Bloke who I remember fondly

        • First to agree – Mr Reid was a great bloke and head teacher. I can understand why he favoured you! Great footballer!! To be honest, as I said elsewhere on the site – it wasn’t so much your skill – you had bucket loads – but it was your bravery I was in awe of – your heading ability knowing that you might have your head kicked off but going for it anyway! So sad about your ankle – probably now, with advances in medical science, you would have been up and about in next to no time.
          I remember a lad from school – [younger than us] – he could make a ball talk – but just didn’t care for the game. Me! absolutely loved the game – but rubbish. I was so envious of both of you – but I have admiration for you because you took that love combined with skill forward – until misfortune played its part.

          PS Ray Peat had an injury similar to yours – stopped his playing career as well.

          • Ray Peat ended up being a Pub landlord. He had Blue Bell at Aston (now closed) & Robin Hood at Aughton , Nr Swallownest which is now under new management.
            He recognized me straight away which was a surprise as Im now bald & wear glasses.
            Where are you living now Eric , I know you moved out of Sheffield area but wondered if you were back

            • After nearly thirty years in Kent, I recently retired [completely] and moved to the North Yorkshire Moors. Moved last December – been bleak ever since. We can count on one hand the number fine days! We knew it would be bleak – but not this bleak! We are hoping [praying] it gets better. I remarried to someone much younger than me – and have a 15 year old son.
              Life is still challenging – but who said it shouldn’t be!
              Best wishes
              Eric

              • Very vague address, is the actual place a secret ? Went for a roam round Killamarsh last week . Visited places I was attached to as a kid. Walked past the 3 schools we attended as kids.It was weird , it felt like looking in on something surreal . It really did feel a lifetime ago, it saddened me.Walked round Norwood. do you remember the north & south green bonfires where each side would have to guard the wood for fear of the opposition raiding it. Saw our old homes, loved living on Sherwood Rd as a kid. No central heating or double glazing no fridge , no tv at 1st & only about 6 cars on entire estate (all black). I vividly remember frost on the inside of the windows & the patterns it made like leaves.
                I remember going on a cross country run past Mr Mullins little shop at Norwood , I said “Hello Mr Mullins” , he said “Hello me awd F- – t ” LOL . PE teacher Terry Ellen heard him & went on one at Mr Mullins,” No way to speak to kids” he said . Us kids were used to old Mr Mullins , he was a character.
                Anyway back to the visit. Couldn’t find Cats Arch that went under the canal that I couldn’t find either . No Black Path but actual opening was there leading to housing estate. I wondered if The Pingle was still there beyond the houses , if it was I couldn’t figure out how to reach it anyway. Id have loved to have had a wonder down by the stream that ran through the Pingle.Remember the rope swing in The Pingle, that was really good. A pleasant surprise was that The Red Brick path it was almost intact with plenty of red bricks poking through disintegrating tarmac. The Red Brick Path was a fantastic sledging run in the winter. Was surprised to see the big field still there as a large open grass area . Only thing missing was the large ghostly decaying tree that stood on the edge of the field.We used to throw our hand held throwing arrows that were launched by a piece of string in that field , brilliant, Ive never seen any kids anywhere with throwing arrows, I wonder if it was a Killamarsh thing.
                Do you remember the scrap yard at the side of the canal next to Cat Arch. In there were WW11 vehicles , I always climbed into those , all sorts in them even empty ammo boxes. I believe Mogg Morris & Sam Hall both loved being KILLAMARSH KIDS

                • Hello
                  I well remember those places – in fact on my diatribes I discuss the Cat’s Arch/the scrapyards/red brick path etc.. But can’t remember Mr Mullins – where did he live?
                  Also I have put something on about the choir – another long piece that might jog memories – I hope so ..
                  I live in a village called Castleton – [fairly] near Whitby. Very bleak but it looks lovely in spring and summer – so we are trying to hang on …
                  I, like you, have fond memories of Killamarsh
                  – but I wish my long pieces stimulated more memories and discussion – will keep trying!!

                  • Hi Eric
                    Re Mr Mullins :
                    He had a small shop on Rotherham Rd opposite Old Norwood Est. It was only small, basically a house front.To the right of the shop was a driveway & if you went down it at the back on the right hand side was a little cobblers shop called Shimwells.Surprised with your vast knowledge of everything Killamarsh you don’t recall Mullins shop.When we used to go to play off the estate towards The Angel Pub we’d pass the shop which was handy for buying a few sweets. Pin Nicholls used to buy 5 Park Drive tips for his mother & my mum always sent me there for potted meat.I always remember the potted meat being in a large metal tray, it had a thin layer of fat on top & would be cut by a large round ended knife then slapped onto a piece of grease proof paper on the Avery scales
                    HAPPY DAYS
                    ps

                  • I’m loving all these reminiscences of Killamarsh in the 50s/60s. Your estate was the ‘new estate’ Eric, not so new now, and full of parked cars I imagine. I was on Norwood Crescent. I live in Derby now but recently had a wander round with my Mum on Churchtown and up the brick path. It’s amazing how the canal has completely vanished, and yet shut your eyes and there it is….. dripping Cats Arch and all, with the scrap yard at the side. And the rec with the swings and slide….. happy days! God, I’m old!

      • Just a little enlightenment on the comprehensive system start date:
        I went to Eckington Grammar School in 1954 and it was about 2 years later when Westfield Comprehensive School was built at Mosborough and the Grammar school was incorporated into it. We had to walk between the two schools for lessons some of the time. I did at least 2 years at Westfield for my 6th Form studies and for some years before that too.
        I used to cycle to Westfield from Killamarsh, about 30 to 45 minutes to school depending upon the weather and less than 15 minutes to the Bridge Street / Sheffield Road junction if the traffic lights at Halfway were green and nearly all without pedalling !!

  11. Often wondered if Mogg Morris ever tired of getting “The Cane”. He was caned more than anyone I know , sometimes across BOTH hands. There were times he would move his hand & the teacher would have a kid come forward to hold his arm to stop him moving again. That kind of thing these days would possibly get a teacher a custodial sentence but it doesnt seem to have done Eric any harm . Credit to Eric Morris for overcoming life`s obstacles. Being brought up with Neil & Joan by only there mum wasn`t easy but Im impressed with his hard work & drive . He`s an OVER achiever for sure , well done Mogg

    • Hello
      Good to hear from you – thank you for reminding me about my painful memories!!

      I didn’t think I had been caned/slippered any more than most – but that is probably my selective memory. My overriding memories of the kindness of the teachers – Mr Reynolds/Mr Rawson/Mr Martin/ Mr Lound/Mr Ellen/Mr Sawyer/Mr Hunt/Mrs Arblaster – and Mr Reid – [not sure about Mr Thornton!!]

      However, I do remember four times quite clearly …
      1) Mr Ellen gave me the slipper for climbing the wall bars in the gym/dining room/theatre/assembly hall/badminton hall – small school!
      2) Mr Hind gave all of the stick because we didn’t know the school song [Rose of England]
      3) Mr Hunt caned me because I was talking in the science lesson. I tried to explain that I was talking because Roger Rutland had nicked the pen I was using – but it was a waste of time – thanks Roger
      4) The final one is back to Mr Ellen – the boy was Jimmy Whitely – I still moved my hand! Incidentally, in the early 1980s I worked at the same college [Shirecliffe] when we reminisced about it … and could laugh!

      See your football memories for another comment

      • Definite selective memory issues Mr Morris . Hind used to dish the cane out big time , I remember him giving it you , we used to sit together quite a bit & definitely in music class . I was awful at music & used to copy off you . The Unpleasant Vince Thornton gave you a few wacks too . Hind & Thornton were 2 unsavory characters to say the least , neither married & no wonder.

  12. Unfortunately the proposed project was unsuccessful. Whilst North East Derbyhire District Council were very helpful and had agreed to donate one of the bungalows for the project, Rykneld and the company who were working on their behalf in building the new bungalows were not at all co-operative and said that they would be taking the roof of all the bungalows and then the walls would just fall in. They were not happy to try and save one of the bungalows for us as they said this would slow them up!!
    Yet another Killamarsh landmark lost.
    We can but try to keep going with our proposed projects.

  13. Lord Haw Haw stories – seen 1 mentioned on here but heard the story of him knowing the area before from family based in Renishaw and Mosborough. Anyone else ? tried the College but they just don’t respond ……..

  14. Hi
    I am looking for any information, pictures, histories of the Shephard family from Killamarsh. According to the 1841 census my 3G Grandfather (John Shephard)was a farmer and publican – place given as Bridge. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  15. My mum Elsie Taylor (was Spooner) worked in the canteen for many years at the Westhorpe Colliery I remember the white swan they had as a pet until sadly someone ran over him he was very friendly This must be at least 58 -60 yes ago I wonder if anyone else will remember him.

  16. I have recently retired and have started to look into my parents family backgrounds. one of the things that has intrigued me for some time relates to the fact that my father was married prior to meeting and marrying my mother.
    My dad was in the 3rd Battalion of the Scots Guards and his army records show that he married a Francis Mallinder in Killamarsh on the 26/05/45. The address that Francis lived at is 13, Gannow Villas. My Father and Francis were later divorced, I think that this would be early 1949. I was wondering if anyone on this site had any information about Francis. My Fathers name was also Thomas.
    I can be contacted on, thomas.burns2@ntlworld.com
    Thanks in anticipation.

  17. Any answers – false memory syndrome?

    After over 50 years I decided to walk along the canal bank towards the Tunnel Tops.

    As I walked what appeared to be numerous fish suddenly scattered – but as I walked something ‘big’ turned by the bank causing such a swirl in the water I nearly jumped out of my skin. I assumed it was a ‘big’ fish, but then wondered whether it might have been an otter – is that likely?

    I walked past the bridge that was barricaded – much stronger than it was in my childhood days when we used to climb over and build camps in the woods. One day we were so absorbed that we only realised the time when the church clock struck 6.00 so as choirboys we were far too late for Evensong – by mum and the Rector [Rev. Cheetham] was not impressed.

    I walked on to the new developments about which I am ambivalent. I was sad to see the canal had gone, but impressed with the way the new houses had integrated aspects of the canal in to their landscaping.

    Finally I was walking back when I saw an old fella with a dog walking towards me – I thought I would ask him about his memories but as got to the place he should have been – he had disappeared! I was bewildered because I couldn’t go to the left because of the canal – he couldn’t go to the right due to the density of the woods – he couldn’t have walked in front of me because I was faster than him – and besides, I would have seen him on Rotherham Road. So I think I saw an apparition – but I can’t be sure

    My questions – only curiosity about the state of my mental faculties

    My memory of that stretch of the canal was of dense trees on either side – what we used to call Rat Wood is still there but the trees along the bank seem to have gone – were they moved as part of that company’s expansion – or were they not there in the first place?

    Where the new developments are located – my memory was again of woodland close to the canal all the way up towards the Tunnel Tops but the absence of trees on the left is quite striking. Again were there trees right down to the canal or has the landscaping been very extensive – such that the trees have been cut back a considerable distance?

    Anyway I hope someone can help with my potential memory loss – it would be appreciated

    • Seems you beat me to it Eric, a walk full of childhood adventures. Names like David Plant, Colin Paterson, Roy and Tony Mantle, Jeff and Billy Longden and Alan Wardley spring to mind. What a wonderful time was had roaming far and wide, ignoring the dangers of deep empty canal locks, climbing into the tree tops and pressing against the walls of a railway tunnel as a steam train thundered by. There was hardly a patch of woodland, pond and orchard that we didn’t explore.
      I’m a bit concerned though about the strange ripples in the water, rustlings in the reeds and oh dear, the disappearing man and his dog. If I didn’t know you better I’d say you’d spent to long in the Angel Inn before setting out. Fortunately of course I do, so I’m certain it’s all true.

      • hi neil, do i know you and eric?david plant escapes me,but i did know colin,alan,billy,tony and roy.used to see billy and susan when my wife and i could go dancing.see them odd times at crystal peaks.i stiill talk to roy on the phone as he lives at berwick-on-tweed.every time i phone him the first question is,who has died.we are still talking so we are ok.i think.i lived at norwood then highmoor.search the memory.mick weston.

        • Hi Mick, Thanks for asking. Through the haze I seem to remember your family opening a shop which was in the end house on Hut Lane next to what I always knew as Grandad Morris’s field. Did you have a sister, maybe Katherine? I used to visit my relatives most Sundays at High Moor. Perhaps we will have spoken, but I was a year or so younger than the other lads and obviously in a different class at school. You may not have known Eric as he is about 4 years younger than me, with I think ,a much better memory. Best regards. Neil

          • hi neil, you are correct,my mother did have the shop on hut lane.i do have a sister,kathrine also 2 brothers david and charles. i am the eldest.your memory is still working. i phoned roy mantle earlier in the week.he is ok. all the best,mick.

    • Almost 60yrs ago they were otters in the canal , I saw them on more than one occasion.Think otters are a rare sight anywhere these days. Lovely to here the name Chris Cheatham (Rector) , what a great guy he was, we all loved being in the choir , trips & garden parties etc . He had a presence that relaxed people & you felt he really was a man of the people , maybe because he was a chain smoker who looked forward to a pint after evensong on a Sunday night.

  18. Would a d.i.y shop in Killamarsh be a good thing or a bad thing?
    Also would a Gardening shop in Killamarsh be a good thing or a bad thing?

  19. Having just found your excellent website I wonder if any of your members might possibly be able to assist me with any information regarding an EMANUEL HAYWOOD who was born 5th July 1884 in Barber’s Row, Killamarsh. His Parents were Robert and Mary although his father remarried to a Helena in 1905. Robert was a Fish dealer and the family may well have run a Fish shop.
    Emanuel was a coal miner before serving as a regular in the Coldstream Guards. He was part of the original World War 1 British Expeditionary Force and suffered from shellshock early in the War. He was returned to England and although still in the Army he spent the rest of the War back coalmining in the Killamarsh area. He died, I believe, in 1945.
    Very many thanks indeed
    Peter Haywood

  20. Hi I’m looking for a gentleman named Stan Booth who stayed in 10 wag staff villas killamarsh, he may be around 80-90 by now he is an old friend of my grandads from the war. I also have a picture of him. If anyone has any information please contact me at jadedonald16@hotmail.com thankyou

    • Hi Jade, I sent you a message to the email address you supplied here – Stan Booth was my dad and he sadly passed away on New Year’s Day 2009.

  21. Killamarsh Station name plate.
    see on TV by Paula during the Michael Portillo’s Great British Railways Journey’s, 17 Jan 2014 during a visit to Doncaster railway museum left middle of screen partly hidden by other exhibities.
    Neil Emsen

  22. I just wanted to fill in a gap of the “down the street” shops. Someone mentioned Kirks the butcher I think that it could possibly be Peter Kelshaws then next to that was Milners –fruits and veg ( later it was own and run by the Tongue family)

    • Kellshaws butchers was 49 Bridge Street and was next down from the Co-op. I know because I was born there in 1942 and the house was rented from ( I think) a “Mrs West” who lived on High Street.

  23. Reading Sheffield Forum a while ago, a topic came up which brought back memories…the talking point was about a large.. black/brown?..stuffed bear which stood in a doorway ,i can recall seeing this when going to Skeg on the charabanc en-route to the Derbyshire Miners in my early teens, .1960’s..it was still there years later when myself and a few others used to go to Ingoldmells/Skeg on the motorbikes camping ….long before there were caravans at Eastgate …thing is no-one can recall exactly where it stood,the last place offered was opposite The Bridge Inn at Dunham..personally i thought it was further along nearer Wragby,but, probably wrong!…i am sure many will recall this bear..BUT where was it ??….

    • Hi, cuz. the bear stood in Dunham on the right hand side in what i think was a pub yard before you got to the bridge.I remember it from going fishing with my dad when i was little.It had a name but i can;t for the life of me recall it. Cheers, Ron M.

      • Hi Ron,the pub would be the Bridge Inn,quite a few remembered the bear, but no-one was sure where it stood…one other person said the same place as you re-called,mystery now solved..cheers Ron…Paul

  24. l’ve recently found this site and recognised some names. However I am rereading on 7″ Nexus and I have problems reading a pale grey font on a white background. More contrast would be nice
    .
    Neil Emsen

  25. In one of the threads someone mentioned the name Terance Hurst, does anyone have any info re the Hurst family…………

  26. Have just been looking at the proposed route for the high speed link to Leeds via Sheffield. The proposed route is through killamarsh it appears to run on the great central line very close to the site of the old station.

    • John is correct that the proposed route for the High Speed 2 link to Leeds via Sheffield, which has been announced today, does run on the Great Central line next to the site of the old Killamarsh Central Station.

      At the moment we only have the information which has been made public on the radio, TV etc, but we will be looking into this further and at the implications of these proposals for the people of Killamarsh.

  27. KILLAMARSH HERITAGE SOCIETY AND RAGE

    Shared Objectives

    Killamarsh Residents Against Greenbelt Erosion (R.A.G.E.) was formed, as many of you will be aware, because of threats to build a large housing estate on land between Green Lane and Upperthopre Road in Killamarsh. This land, which was part of the former Westhorpe Colliery, is owned by Harworth Estates, a subsidiary of UK Coal.

    Since the formation of R.A.G.E. it has become apparent that the North East Derbyshire District Council is being forced into re-designating this and other green belt land, surrounding the entire Killamarsh conurbation, as building land to provide so-called affordable housing. R.A.G.E. believes that this is neither necessary or justified, and that this ‘need’ is for a large overspill from Sheffield – the city has no current intention of building on its own green belt land.

    Various members of R.A.G.E. believe that various aspects of the Killamarsh history have been conveniently ignored, i.e. the rich history of coal mining in the locality.

    The Norwood, High Moor and Westhorpe mines contributed massively to the local economy, but a modern day visitor would not know that they ever existed. Some of us believe that the fields that Harworth Estates would like to build upon would be better made into a Memorial area, recognising the sacrifice of the miners who died whilst producing coal, or who have since become seriously ill due to the effects of dust inhalation, or other related industrial disease.

    We have met informally with members of the Heritage Society and think that the reinstatement of the Killamarsh Central station building should be linked to the Chesterfield Canal restoration work and to a proposed Mining Memorial – linked by the various footpaths and Rights of Way in Killamarsh – to provide a walking or cycling footpath. This would recognize the rich history of Killamarsh, whilst providing a healthy leisure persuit.

    Please let us know your views.

    Paul Johnson
    Chair
    R.A.G.E.
    Email: enquiries@killamarsh-rage.co.uk

    • Having read Pauls piece I have often wondered what this village must have looked like 6/7 hundred years ago .No railways cannals or mines.Imagine stood at the top of Broom hill looking over the Rother valley towards Eckington. It must have been quite a sight.probably huts houses on the edge of the flood plains wild animals and a river full of fish . Imagination is a wonderful thing.Ron Marshall.

  28. I was wondering if anyone can tell me anything about Elsie and George Taylor, they lived in Gannow Villas, I know they had a son called Frank who married a girl called Audrey.
    Frank and Audrey had two sons, Glynn and Vaughan. I would appreciate any help.

    kind regards
    Angela

    • I knew frank and audrey I think. To me they were Mr and Mrs Taylor. I think they lived near me at norwood place later in life. I spent time with audrey after frank died before she moved into a care home if it is the same couple x

    • Hi Angela I have just been looking at your comment about Frank and Audrey and it brought back a wonderful memory for me.They used to go dancing on sunday night’s at the leisure centre and Frank was a much better dancer than he realised.He did a vienise waltz with Ethel Robinson and it was sheer joy to watch. He whisked her round the floor like a little doll so light on his feet.He was so modest and didn’t know how good he was.Happy day;s leave happy memories.Janet Jackson

    • Frank.and.audrey.used..to.live.nextdoor.but.one.to.my.wifes.parents.on.rotherwood.road.killamarsh.about.1960.TerryMead

  29. I’m not connected with Killamarsh although I may have travelled through it on the train a few times (50 or more years ago). I did, however, want to say how terrific it is to see the fine level of interest in the history, genealogy and unique aspects of the culture, of the area – not to forget all the other places which also have well-supported local history societies. Well done.
    The past is fragile and precious and tends to crumble away at the edges unless there is someone there to gather the pieces.

  30. Looking at the Forum pages I see that the chairman is called James Batterham. I wondered is this the Jimmy Batterham I used to work with at Westthorpe Colliery?

    Mike

  31. Hello Elaine, I knew your mum well when I was a teenager. My sister and I attended St. Johns Ambulance cadets, at a wooden building in Holbrook. We had greatest of respect for Muriel (nee Jackson), and she may be interested to know that my sister took up nursing after leaving school, and I did rehabilitation work with people with vision loss. Her teaching did have some influence!!!

    • Through the KHS website I have been able to get back in touch with old school friends from Killamarsh Endowed School infants (1959 – 1963). I no longer live in the area but have family living in Sheffield who I visit quite regularly. I am coming over again on the Bank Holiday and wondered if any of the old pupils would like to get together on Tuesday 8th May in the evening at one of the local pubs to be suggested. I would particularly like to see Joan (nee Mantle) and perhaps you could post a reply Joan. Will be in touch again soon.

      Lorraine (nee Higginbottom)

  32. just found this website by accident .I am the grandaughter of Joe Booth of Booth and fisher Buses. My mum has loads of pictures of Killamarsh and I will speak to her to get her to publish these pictures she has. She has lived in Killamarsh all her life and this year she is ninety and has a brilliant memory of all killamarsh life

    • Thank you for your interest in our website Elaine.

      Yes, it would be great to speak to your Mum about her memories of Killamarsh and borrow her photographs to put on the web.

      We would love to have any memories you or your Mum have of Killamarsh on our Memory Bank, please feel free to put on as many as you wish.

      PB

    • Sorry, I’m not a Killamarsh girl myself, but love what you’ve all done putting this together, it’s a good lesson for all of us.

      I do remember the Booth & Fisher buses from many years ago,
      I think my Dad took me on one possibly either to Shirebrook, or Kiveton Park for football matches, or another route.

      It would be worthwhile for you & your Mom to publish the photos in book form, I bet there would be a lot of interest. You can do it yourself now for not a lot of money. Well we can do it here in the US from several companies, I hope you have the same opportunities. A friend (Ann Wardley) in Canada published her family memories of their house movers days before & after the war, such escapades. Someone even made a play out of the book of her & her Dad’s memories & it was put on in Sheffield ? at the Victoria Hall on Chapel Walk a couple of years ago.

      I myself always go into The Sheffield Shop opposite the Town Hall & have bought a load of books & cards ,etc , they sell well.

      There is a lot of interest in trains, trams & buses for our expats living all over the world, especially the men. They love to re-live their youth, train spotting days, the buses of many colours, and the old Sheffield trams.

      So much is possible these days.
      susan.
      ===============

    • My name is Graham Dopson. I can remember Mr Joe Booth and his wife, as I was born and bred in Killamarsh. We always made for there house when it was bob a job week and Christmas Caroling as they were always generous. I also went to the juniors as a teenager playing snooker, when Mr, Booth came in he would always give us a bag of threepenny bits to share, a fortune in those days. Fond memories.

    • Hi I’m looking for a gentleman named Stan Booth who stayed in 10 wag staff villas killamarsh, he may be around 80-90 by now he is an old friend of my grandads from the war. I know he used to be a driver for his uncle I think at one point.I also have a picture of him. If anyone has any information please contact me at jadedonald16@hotmail.com thankyou

  33. My family and I had a lovely walk on the old track by the old station today, it was sad to see it in such bad repair, with a pram and other stuff stuck on the fence, I am so pleased to have found out that you plan to restore it to its former glory, I remember when it was a reclaimers yard in the 80s but moved away, so was shocked at the state of it today. We live in Halfway, but would still like to help in some way to get this project off the ground.
    On another issue alltogether – My Grandfather was a train driver and I know he drove from Thorpe salvin/wales bar. My late father said that he was the first man to drive from Thorpe Salvin, but I cant remember whether it was a first type of train, or through a certain track. His name was John Foote and it would have been over 80 years ago. If anyone has any memories or ideas what this event might have been, and would he have drove through Killamarsh, would it have been the same track?
    Thank you for careing enough to start this project

  34. The Killamarsh Census. The population increases over the decades.
    1801. 576
    1811. 632
    1821. 779
    1831. 774
    1841. 906
    1851. 1070
    1861. 1053
    1871. 1884
    1881. 2847
    1891. 3202
    1901. 3644
    1911. 4545

  35. Hello Maggie
    Thank you for using our site.
    I will look into this for you.

    Pat
    Secretary
    Killamarsh Heritage Society

  36. My maternal grandparents give their address as Barbers Lane, Killamarsh at the time of their marriage in 1898. Grandad’s occupation was ‘Horse Keeper’, presumably at a mine.
    Might there be any mining employment records available for that time ?

    • Hi Maggie
      I have been speaking to my contact who is the expert on the history of Killamarsh and he wonders if you have any more information – eg your grandfather’s name any anything else which would help.

      Pat

      • For a long time now, I have been trying to trace my father’s family the Barbers who resided on Barbers’ Lane until around 1940 when the properties there were demolished after being condemned. According to my father his grandfather, Edward Barber, owned all the properties on Barbers’ Lane and much of the land around those parts. I have looked at the 1901 Census for Killamarsh and it stated that Edward Barber’s occupation, at that time, was a ‘milk dealer’. Sadly, I found out he died that same year at the age of 73. I then looked at the 1911 Census for Killamarsh and found his wife Ann was also a ‘milk dealer’, still residing on Barbers’ Lane, and that my grandfather, Frank, at the age of 15, was working as a pony driver at Kiveton Park Colliery. I would be extremely grateful if you could ask your contact, the expert on the history of Killamarsh, if he has any information about the Barber family who lived on Barbers’ Lane, or information regarding the history of Barbers’ Lane and the surrounding land.

        • whilst browsing I found your query. in 1891 Edward Barber was at Barber Row living next door to his sister Sarah Evans. He was also next door in 1881. He was son of Miles Barber, born 1794 to John and Elizabeth. In 1871 Edward was at Prince of Wales, Barlbro` Built by his brother-in-law Miles Frederick Horatio Barber, husband of his sister Elizabeth Ann Poole Barber ( husband and wife were cousins) In 1861 Edward was lodging at Barlbro` in 1851 he was with his father Miles at Dukinfield where Miles owned a warehouse. Edwards father Miles married Sarah Bromley d.o. William, a hat manufacturer at Denton. Hope this is useful. Sue

          • Hi Sue,
            Thank you kindly for the information you recently passed on to me that filled in many gaps. I have been looking at the census for 1841 and discovered there was a Miles Barber, at the time, living and working as a farmer in Killamarsh. I have also found out that Miles Frederick Barber was a man of means, not only having business interests in farming, but also interests in the building industry, coal mining and brick manufacturing. I am curious to know if either Miles Frederick Barber or Edward’s father, Miles, as it appears he might have had the means to do so, was responsible for building the houses and cottages on Barbers’ Lane? Do you know what the family connection is between Frederick Miles Barber and Miles Barber? And do you know any possible information about Edward’s parents, John and Elizabeth?
            Kind regards,
            Martyn

            • Miles Frederick Horatio Barber also built BARBERS ROW on Renishaw Hill which was attached to THE PRINCE OF WALES PUB .He was born 1815 in Eckington , parents John and Sarah . He died in 1884 at Speakley Farm , Barlborough leaving his wife and 8 children .
              Barbers Row was demolished 1969-70 but there are many families that still live in the area.
              I would really like to make contact with the family as I have written a book about Barbers Row and would like to write a sequal.Hopefully I shall have a third BARBERS ROW reunion early next year . I am the Heritage project manager at Barlborough Heritage Centre, please take a look at our website .

        • Hi Martyn. I think the row was pulled down a bit later than you think. In the late 40s early 50s I recall a girl called Beatrice Mills who lived on the row around that time. Regards, Ron M.

    • If he was a horse keeper could he have been connected to Gascoyne’s farm which was situated at the edge of Barbers Lane. Gascoyne’s were also funeral directors and used beautiful black horses for their business.
      Usually people who looked after pit ponies were referred to as Pony Drivers.
      There was a row of houses on Barbers Lane called Barbers Row, my aunty lived in one.

      • i dont know if its the same Gascoine as the one i new was freddie who use to deliver milk in his horse and cart and always use to give us a ride from school when we was coming home for dinner barbara glossop ne sewell

        • Regarding the post I did saying about Freddie Gascogne delivering milk in his horse and cart and giving some of us kids a. ride on our way home from school for dinner it was around 1950s

  37. Hi Pat Taylor
    Of course I remember you how could I ever forget all those great times we had together. I must have the same photo and will have a look in my box of memories for it. I honestly had forgotten after all those years who else had been in the nativity but I believe the other angel was Lesley Davidson and suppose the 3 Wise Men were your brothers David and Philip and the 3rd Peter Golding. I have one other memory of when we were practicing for the Nativity and I took the part of the inn keeper, your David knocked on the vestry door and when I opened the door and started to say ” there is no room at the inn” your David said in his loudest voice ” come in it’s a shop” that is something that always sticks in my mind.
    Happy days. Hope to hear from you soon.

    Joan Talbot nee Mantle

  38. Thanks Ian for your message. We are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed our recent event at the Leisure Center. Howard’s presentation, as you said, was very enjoyable and after Dave Froggatt’s last poem I don’t think there were many dry eyes.
    We are planning our launch of Killamarsh Heritage Society which, hopefully, will be soon and will be widely advertised.We hope to see you there for what we see as being a memorable and entertaining evening.
    Once again many thanks for your kind comments.
    Joan

  39. Apologies that this is a little late, but I would like to thank all those that were involved in putting together the excellent event at the Killamarsh Leisure Centre a few weeks back. Whilst I have seen quite a bit of the material before, there was a wonderful array of photographs, Howard put on a brilliant show (as always) and the words of Mr Froggett were a very nice end to the evening. I think the size of your audience was a reflection of all the hard work that must have gone into organising it all and I just wanted to let you know that it is appreciated. I do hope you are thinking of doing more of the same in the future.

  40. Hi Nigel
    Thank you for the email. Could you telephone me on 0114 2484812 or email pat@bendog2.plus.com so that we can get in contact regarding the information etc that you have.
    Many, many thanks.

    PB

  41. I have just seen your request for info, etc in The Leader. I should be able to provide vast amounts of info, pictures, etc about Killamarsh over the centuries, as I am related to many 100’s that came from and lived in Killamarsh over the years.

  42. Hi
    Could I ask what you mean by joining the society, do you mean to take up membership in the society or to attend our meetings which are held every Tuesday at 6.30pm in the Leisure Center.We are always looking for new members to join us and bring their ideas in what we see as being an exciting venture. Could I ask please what area of Killamarsh you live? If you need further information please feel free to contact our secretary at pat@bendog2plus com

    Regards
    Joan

    • Hello Joan,
      We live “up the hill” in Manor Road. Very active members of the Canal Trust but would like to support the Heritage Society too. We’ll help where we can, but wanted info on joining, i.e how much per person/year, do we have to come to a meeting to join? We came to the talk on 17th but didn’t notice any forms….

      • As I said we have a meeting at 6.30 pm tomorrow (Tuesday) and on the agenda to be discussed will be Membership, so we will keep you informed of that.

        You are more than welcome to attend any of our meetings and we appreciate your support and any help you are able to give us.

  43. I hope everyone is enjoying the old photographs on the Photo Gallery. If you have any photographs relating to Killamarsh, please get them to us for inclusion in the Gallery. We will scan them and get them back to you.
    Can you help in putting names to people on photographs already on the Gallery:
    1. Westthorpe Colliery St Johns Ambulance Brigade (taken in the 1960s)
    We know some of the names but can you fill in any gaps? Are you on the photograph? Let us know who you are and where you are?
    2. Miners at Westthorpe Colliery. Are you on the photograph or do you know someone who is?
    3. The Endowed School trip to York (around 1959/1960). Are you on the boat or do you recognise anyone?
    4. The Endowed School Girls and Boys (around 1959). Are you in the group or can you name anyone who is?
    5. The Killamarsh County Secondary School (Norwood) Prize Day on 4th October 1964. Where you there? Do you know anyone who was?
    Let us know.

    PB

  44. Thank you very much for your suggestions, these will be brought to the next meeting of the Committee.

  45. Hi, This is just a thought, but there are 2 shops empty at the side of The Admiral and I wondered, if anyone thought of asking if these could be borrowed for a period of time, to provide a base for the society and also to raise awareness of the aims of the society. There is a lot of footfall in that area and residents could call in and share idaes and information. I am sure there are individuals who would help with interior decorating etc. Anyway as I say it’s just a thought!!

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