Hello Gary,

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thanks for all the hard work on the two sites.

The miners lamp is now engraved by a man whose family named Baker used to live at he thought no. 10 Pit Row and whose grandfather had spoken  of  the

accident. I have spoken to Father Peter and have agreed to call him again in the new year to sort out when the lamp is to be put in place. He is obviously busy at the moment with Christmas and the fire. Will keep you posted.

I will do you a piece about my cousin's daughter visiting Brierley and already have a photo of her stood outside her great grandparents house at no.24 pit row.

Regards Dave Nicoll Pogmoor

Thanks David and a Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you too. Did you contact that fellow by telephone re the miners lamp, please keep me informed and I will get a piece in the chron for you. Looking forward to reading the story re your cousin's daughter visiting Brierley. Take care David and I will probably see you in the New Year

Hi     Gary  

We  will  be  carol  singing  round  the  village  the  23rd  if  weather  is   ok   from  4pm. If  you  can   sing  you  are  welcome  to  come.

Betty Richardson nee Evans

PS   Have  a  great  Christmas  and  a  great  new  year

Betty the carol singers were wonderful. They brought tears to my eyes.

Hi Gazza

Its Ben Schofield here. I am in New Zealand at the moment. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and every one back in Brierley. I am off to Sydney for the New Year, miss you all. The website is still mint gazza I love it, my email is benjaminschofield@hotmail.com or find me on Face book through your graham!

Merry Christmas

Hi  Gary 

Just  to  let  you  know     on  Saturday   13th  December,   there  is  a  Christmas  Fair  at Brierley  church. It  starts  at  4pm till 6pm.  There will be a  Santa's   grotto,   Christmas  stalls,  cake stall,  mulled  wine,  tea  coffee and music  by  Grimethorpe  &  district band.

Then  on  the  Sunday   14th  we  have  a  Christmas   concert,  that starts   at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4 and  its  the  kids  from  Brierley school,  and   Jenny  who  teaches  the  kids  to  sing  some  of  her  friends  are  going  to  play  there  musical  instruments they  are  very  good,  so  if  you  can  put  the  word  about  please  would  be  very  grateful.  so  we  have  a  busy  two  days.

and  all  being   well   the  22nd  December  if  weather  OK   we  are  going  round  the  village  carol  singing with the  kids  in  the  choir

Thanks  a  lot   Gary,

Betty  Richardson (nee Evans) Brierley

Hi Gary,

Regarding photograph number Information required number 24, I think the year is 1987/88, Brierley Primary School Class 4,  and the names are :

Back row l-r: Mrs Allcock, Kerry Fitzgerald, Mark Smith, Gareth Armitage, Lisa Bailey, Jonathon Winstanley, Darren Simpson, Clare Halford.

Middle Row l-r: Nigel Smith, Marcus Smith, Ben Pickering, ?????, Hayley Doig, Katrina Marriot, Wayne Sheard.

Front Row l-r: Mark Horne, Melanie Kearford, Caroline Duckett, Hayley Todd, Lisa Marsh, David Yoxall, Michael Greenwood.

I might be out on the spellings and I am not sure on the girl 4th middle row, might be Jay something ?

Regards, Dave Yoxall Canada 

Thanks for the information David. Thanks to your information I have now added the photograph to the archives with the photo number schools 150. Have you moved to Canada yet?

Hi Gary,
Yeah am sat working in Vancouver this minute. Staying here for three months then moving to Toronto.
Regards, Dave Yoxall

I take it you are David's son who I went to school with. The only photograph I have of the inside of the shop is a black and white one with Bessie Woodward behind the counter. I do have a re produced newspaper cutting of an angled view of the shop but it isn't very good, it is also showing Mr Jubbs printers shop which was next door. I will put the photographs on the web site for you next time I update. How is your grandfather keeping, I haven't seen him since Dale and Debbie left the post office? Also tell your dad I asked about him and tell him to keep in touch with the web site as I am launching a new site shortly to  the memory of St Paul's school. I wouldn't mind a copy of the photograph you have for the archives, do you think you could loan it me, I am a photographer so if your friend hasn't already started to repair it I could do it for you free of charge of course. I also have photographs of 21 Church Street including the back end of its demolition.

Updated 27 November

Hi Robert, one of the photographs you requested is now on line

Hi' Gary, these Photos are of Ferrymoor Flash on Cudworh Common near (Grimethorpe). We all remember the floods and the trouble it caused. You can see the man feeding the birds, the following photos shows the results of the flooding.

From: Allan Hampson, of Grimethope, Barnsley.

Thanks Alan, I have added the photographs to the Your Contribution page

Hello Gary

My late Grandma was born in 1880 (in Brierley). Her name was Teresa Shelton. Her Parents owned the "cake" shop famous for its pies. (I think it is still there). later in life she married Thomas Bagshaw (my Granddad) and they lived in Grimethorpe at 7 Joseph Street. My Granddad was a miner, as was his Stepson  George. George was the son of my Grandma. She had two other sons one called Ezra ( nicknamed jack) and Ernest, two Daughters, one called Teresa and the other Frances (my late Mother).

Gary,

I read with interest the article on Felkirk St Peters church and about Maurice Bradley Parker Boyd. For your correction, Maurice served in East Africa with the 11th (Hull) Heavy Battery RGA as a signaller. He died whilst on leave after having a collision on his bicycle and thus never went to France with the rest of the Battery. It is a long shot I know, but are there any Boyd's left in Felkirk or Brierley who may be related to him. I am researching g the Hull Heavy Battery and am keen to acquire any surviving documents or photographs where possible. I visited St Peters Churchyard this last Tuesday but unfortunately could not find his grave, any assistance would be useful.

Many thanks for any help you may offer.

With best regards

Rupert Drake Lincoln

Thank you for the information Rupert. I will pass it on to John Steele who gathered the information. I only did the photographs and edited John's work for the web site.

Hi Gary

Hope you're keeping well my friend, not seen you around for a while!

I often wondered where the Taylor family had moved (see email further down the page) to as I drove past their old house by the Three Horse Shoes.

I can remember playing football for hours with Dean and the rest of the lads ( Dave Leadbeater, Alan Burdett, Geoff Hill to name but a few) on Brierley park many years ago!

Great to hear from Duane who used to mate about with my brother Darren (sadly with us no more), Dave Lomas, Clive Pearson again to name but a few of that gang!!

Just goes to show Gary that the website you have created is doing a fantastic job keeping people in touch with their heritage and their roots!

On another note the mail from Susan Lazenby regarding John T Audin brought back memories as he used to work with my uncle Charlie Garner (now deceased) at Brierley pit and I was told by my mum that the news of Johns death was given to his family, friends and neighbours when they were all at a dance in the Institute (now Brierley Club).

John is actually close by my brother Darren in Brierley cemetery and the date on his headstone is 13th February 1945

The memories triggered by people's e-mails evoke every emotion!

Keep up the good work Gary

Cheers

Gary Wilson Brierley 

Thanks for your kind words re the web site Gary. It is when I receive emails like your that I realise that all the hard work and effort (but also enjoyable) I put into it is worth while. Also there is a lot of activity behind the scenes where I receive confidential email from visitors wanting to get in touch with friends, family etc that no one sees. Some good news for all ex pupils from St Paul's, I am launching a web site in its memory and I already have been in touch with John Balmforths son Alan who has sent me details about his father on his retirement along with photographs, I am getting very excited about it. It should be launched, hopefully, before Christmas. I am also hoping for a contribution From Edwin Hambleton. Maybe you could put pen to paper for me Gary and write of your time there. I am hoping to involve as many ex pupils as possible.

Hi Gary

This is Ronnie Harpham I can help with the photo Sports 1, back row left to right Percy Harpham snr back row 4th from left Fred Gray, front row  left to right Percy Harpham  jnr 2nd from left Harry Gray  he played for Barnsley after ww2

Best regards

Ronnie Harpham Brierley

Thanks Ron, I have updated the photograph.

Hi Gary

I'm wondering if you can help me, I'm looking for a club in Brierley that was called "The Nite Owl". I can't seem to be able to find it although someone told me it has changed name if this is so do you know the new name? and maybe website address and or phone number it would be a great if you could help me out.

Thanks very much

Lesley Grant-Mills

Hi Duane

Thank you for your email. it was really nice to hear from you as I remember your family very well (Were you all modelling as children)? I went to school with Dean and I have lots of photographs of you all thanks to Barbara Pearson who I believe Dale or Dean mated about with Clive her son. If my memory is correct, I think you all left the village before we entered High school as I cannot remember Dean being there but I did wonder what happened to you all. If you check out the memories of St Pauls school that I wrote there is a couple of photographs of me when I was there, perhaps you could point them out to your Dean, he may remember me. It would be nice to have photographs of the family with their children as you all are today. I am forwarding a photograph of you all and there is also Clive (Doddy)  Pearson on it along with Donald Woodward who if you remember was sadly electrocuted on his uncle Eddies ice cream yard. Hope to hear from you soon.

Charming Reflection.

As seen by Brierley Hospital Queen (Mabel Earl) as she received that final touch that matters from an equally charming trio of nurses.

 My Mother Margaret Rose Audin is the one standing at the back. She was never a nurse so they are wearing fancy dress.

  Margaret was born at 9 Moors Fold Brierley on 14th 3 1931 and baptised in the Methodist Chapel on 12 April 1931my parents were married at the Methodist chapel on 23 December 1950. I was born at 6 Park View Brierley the Audin family had moved to this address and my parents rented the front room. My granddad Horace Audin says in the newspaper article written on their golden wedding he worked at Brierley pit from the age of 13. he earned 7/6 for a six day week. by the time he married he was earning 32/- a week. He was secretary of the football and cricket clubs and he was involved in the allotment association. his eyesight was very poor so no army service but his 3 brothers were involved. One of his brothers was electrocuted in the fan house at Brierley pit. I have found a death entry for a John T Audin  aged 38  in 1945 which might be the one i will send for the death certificate unless you can suggest a newspaper archive to search. such an event may have been reported in the paper as a coroner would have been involved. compensation for a death in the pit in those days was £200 if you could prove the deceased was not to blame!

I have a couple of photos which could do with identifying I will scan and send them.

thanks for putting the picture of Milefield school trip to Newlands on. I am 4th girl on front row from left Leslie Douthwaite nee Wright. My best friends were Christina Tarff, Mandy Street (who went out with Ian Arkwright ) as did my other friend Jackie Smith also Bev cooper. I guess they were all from Shafton. Leslie Redhall lived in Brierley she had a brother called Mark who I think now Lives in York. Lesley went to Western Australia around 1985. We were at Art School together. It's nice to see Bugsy Moran. He was a lovely guy. 

Oh the other picture of a class at Milefield , the girl on the end with long pig tails is Ann Webster She lived in Shafton. I think she is a nurse now.

Regards Les Douthwaite Channel Islands , Jersey

Thanks for the info Lesley, the photograph has been updated. Is the girl next to you Julie Elsworth (my first love) from Shafton?

Hello Gary

I am enclosing some memories of the Kerr family in Brierley; my maternal grandparents. There are some additional photos to add but I need to get them copied and pass them on to you. Let me know the best way.

I refer to a pit lamp in the church but I now understand it was stolen ; any good news before i pass on the bad ones I will also add some references / sources as well if you think it is an interesting bit

Regards David Nicoll formerly of park avenue now living in Pogmoor Barnsley

Hi David

Thanks for that mate, very interesting. Can you scan the photographs and send them by email? If not, you may be better bringing them to me and I can copy them myself and save you the cost.

Regards David

Thank you that would be brilliant. My collection so far (including more recent photographs) has reached about 2,000 photographs which will eventually be left to the local archives along with all the interesting facts I have gathered over the years. I married an Oats in 1976 so if you send me further details I may be able to check things out for you as I am also doing the family genealogy. Could you please give as much details as you can regarding the photographs you send e.g. names, dates, location, other people on photographs etc that you may have. I am also starting to save Grimethorpe photographs so perhaps you might be able to send these at a later date. I am really looking forward to seeing the photographs especially the ones of the post office. Your name will be credited to any photographs you send me.  I am so pleased you enjoy the web site, it makes the hard work I put into it worthwhile when I receive emails like yours. Please let me know where you are from and then I can put your email on the web site. Dawson is a well known name in Grimethorpe.

Hello Gary

Just reading Ken Waters details on your "where R U now" page.

I have lots of memories of Ken, mainly from the Youth Club that used to be held in one of the blocks at Grimethorpe (later Willowgarth) School.

I see that Ken mentions a few of his old friends (including me.)

Not sure about everyone Ken mentions, but Dave Miller still lives in Brierley, as does Pat Dye.

I think Angie Loring lives in Hemsworth, and John Lomas not far away in Shafton I think.

I've managed a really long move to Wombwell, (not quite as far as Ken's)

Its great to catch up with people through your site, so keep up the good work.

John Draper

Wombwell

Thanks for that info John. I am sure Ken will be pleased.

Hello Gary

Just wanted to let you know that I have enjoyed visiting the website. I wonder if you know where the origin of the name Brierley comes from or what it means?

  Over the years I have been told that Brierley is an Anglo Saxon name meaning, Brier, meaning briar or hedge and ley a meadow?

  I would be interested if anyone could shed light on this for me.

Kind regards, Gary J Brierley

Hi Gary, thank you for your kind email. If you follow the link below it will lead you to Richard Watson's excellent History of Brierley site where I am sure you will be able to gain all the information you require.

http://www.brierleyyorkshireengland.net

Dear Gary

My mother was a nurse at the isolation hospital in 1936 and I thought you may like to have this photo for your web site.  The names from left to right:

Nurse Violet Carter - My mum

Nurse Elders

Nurse Brown

Nurse Flynn

Nurse Daly

It is my mums 90th birthday this year and we are doing a family history for her.  I have been looking for a photo of the sanatorium as it would have looked in 1939.  If you could help I would be very grateful for a copy.

Kind regards

Marilyn Jones Northampton

Hi Marilyn

Thank you for the photograph which I will add to the Baipip archives. When you say sanatorium, do you mean the Robin Hood which is what was the sanatorium, or do you mean the Isolation hospital itself? There is an old photograph on the web site of the now Robin Hood

Hi Gary

I thought that you might be interested in the following events at St Paul's Church. It would be nice if you could bring along your photograph collection.

July  14th   Music  Festival.

July   19th   Social  event  will  let  you  about   that  one  later.

Dec  6th   Christmas  Fair,

Thanks  very  much   Gary

Betty   Richardson  (nee Evans) Brierley.

Thanks for your reply Ken. By the way, are you happy with your Where R You Now page?

Hi again Gary,

I would love to hear from more people Ken but I think all Brierley ex pats must be shy. There's certainly plenty of them out there with an average of 8,000 visitors to the site each month.

Good   morning   Gary,

Did  you  find  anyone  who  last  knew  when  the  church  clock   worked.

We  are  having  an  open  day  in  May.  I will  let  you  know  what  date  later. Other events include, June   summer  fair, July music  festival and also a social event. December a Christmas fare.

I will   get  all  the  dates  for  you  later. Thanks  a  lot   Gary

Hi Betty

The only information I have is that a Mr Kaye from South Hiendley attempted to repair the clock circa 1973 but failed. So it obviously wasn't working at that time. When it actually stopped I am not sure but talking to elder residents I would estimate it last working circa late 1960s early 1970s. Leave it with me while I make further enquires.

Hello Gary

The vicar of Grimethorpe may know as he has had quite a lot of work done on the cenotaph. Barnsley Archives at Barnsley Central Library should be able to help as they have collected records from local parishes. They also have back editions of the Barnsley Chronicle. It should be easy to find the write up as the month and year is known.

Regards Richard Watson Brierley

    Thanks for advising me of the recent update to the Brierley web site.  I have viewed it with much interest, and am pleased my contributions are of use.  I still view the pictures of the demolition of the old school with much sadness.  Still, time marches on, as they say, and I suppose we must accept changes.  I remember visiting the school with Dad many times, and remember the whole place as if it were yesterday.

   Thank you also for the information on the 'reorganisation' changes.  Yes, I will certainly keep that information to myself, as you request.

   Nina and I occasionally get up to Sheffield to stay with friends, and also visit Wombwell to see Nina's brother.  Next time, I think we will try to find time to visit Brierley for old times sake.  It will have changed a great deal since my last visit there (a long time ago).

I remember standing with my Dad at the bus stop on the main road (not far from the Three Horse Shoes) for the Pontefract bus to Barnsley. 

I also seem to remember that In the field opposite, the school sports days took place.

Dad took his concert party ("The Jackdaws") to perform in the hall at the Methodist Church on several occasions - I remember, as I was one of the performers (I played piano duets with Dad from the early age of seven!).  We all went all over the place by bus!!  Dad and I did a double act and called ourselves "Rabbits and Landarmy" (a pun on the name of the famous piano duettists, Rauwits & Landour, on the wireless!).  Happy days!

I also remember the school caretaker, Mr Thorpe, who lived in a cottage opposite the school.

Also, I think that Ice cream was made at the farm next door to the school.

   The 'little grey cells' seem to be bringing all sorts to the surface!!  It's really good to be in regular contact with my long lost cousin, Rosy, thanks to the Brierley Website.

Will keep in touch, Gary. Very best wishes,

Alan J Balmforth Long Sutton,  Spalding.

Hi Gary its Lynne Hall, just been looking through the pages. I see you are asking about Karen and Sharon Harris. A few years since I found Karen living at South Kirkby, kept in touch for awhile but not seen for a long time. I think her dad was living in Brierley or her Grandfather not sure I know her grandfather Married a Mrs Dodd they lived in the houses across from Brierley Post office at the back of the Big house.  Do not know about Sharon, Hope this can help a little

Hi There Gary,

 Just to let you know that I am really pleased to have been in contact with Alan Balmforth, Jack Balmforth's son.

  We are now in regular contact via Emails and have both been happy about finding each other. We have both been looking through old photographs and it has been quite spooky how many we have that are the same.

  My elderly Mum, Evelyn Mary Harris who is Jack Balmforth's niece, is particularly pleased that we have found her cousin Alan after all these years. I am sure that Alan won't mind if I tell you that she has always told me that one of the happiest days of her childhood was when she pushed her little cousin Alan around Shibden Park in his pram, when he was only a few months old !!

  She also has very fond memories of her 'Uncle' Jack, so it is nice that she has now more photographs of him and now knows where Alan is after loosing contact for so many years.

So thank you Gary for reuniting our family and allowing us to complete our family tree.

Kindest Regards - Rosie Stewart - Bradford

I was only to pleased to help Rosie. I was over the moon myself when I received his email. He send me some information on his dad and also some smashing photographs.

Hi Gary

I have just discovered your Brierley web site, and have been particularly interested in St Paul's school information and sundry photographs of my late father, Mr J H Balmforth, the retired headmaster.

I see that some of the material has been provided by Rosie Stewart of Bradford (it seems that her Mother is Dad's niece).  I have never met her, and would like to contact her, and would be most grateful if you could possibly help.

Dad retired to Thirsk, and died there on 14 July 1998.  He had been a widower since 1984.  I am now aged 73, and have resided in S E Lincolnshire for seven years,

If there is any information which may be of use to you regarding Dad, I shall be pleased to pass on whatever I can.

Dear Alan

I was a pupil of your fathers and I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I was to receive your email. Your father played a big part in my life and education. It is a while since I was in touch with Rosie and she told me that you phoned her mum to tell of your dads passing and then they lost touch with you. It will give me great pleasure to put you back in touch and I will write to Rosie as soon as I have sent you this email. One of the main reasons I was in contact with Rosie, is that I am collecting information on St Paul's school and I was asking her details of your fathers passing etc and any other information she may have. So you can see, apart from having the greatest respect for your father, it is nice to know that I have found you and perhaps gain information about your father at a later date. Have you read my memories on the web site about my time at St Paul's? Your father features heavily in those memories. Have you also seen the photographs on the web site. Mrs Thorpe and Mrs Horton who were two of his staff and my teachers are still living, Mrs Thorpe in Brierley and Mrs Horton not too far away in Minsthorpe. I am sure they would be glad to hear from you but I am not to sure if they have computers. Anyway Alan I must inform Rosie and then rush of to work but I am So exited to hear from you and hope to spend time conversing. Thank you very much, you have made my day.

Hi Gary, What great news it was hearing that Alan Balmforth has made contact with the web site. Yes, it is fine that you give him my Email address. I appreciate you getting in touch with me regarding Alan finding the site. My Mum will be especially pleased as she often talks about 'Uncle Jack'. Thanks again Gary. I will keep in touch.

Kindest Regards - Rosie  Stewart Bradford

The photograph is on line for you David

Hi  Gary

Hope   you  are well, can  you   do  me  a  favour? Would  it  be   possible  to  find  out  the  last  time  the  church  clock    was  working please. Father  Peter  said  some   of  the  older  people  of   Brierley   might   know,  so if you   can find   out   for  me  I would be  very  grateful. The   top  of  the  steeple   is  very  loose  Father   Peter  has  been  to  the  top  today.

I look   forward  to  hearing from  you.

Thank you  Gary.

Betty   Richardson   (nee Evans). Brierley

I will make enquires regarding the clock Betty

Good  morning  Gary,

I do  hope  you  are  well  this  bright  and  sunny   morning. I have ,just  been  looking  at  old  photos  of  Brierley  school and can offer you the following information.

School 137   circa  1956/57  St  Paul's  class  2  miss  Waller. Back  row  I  think  they  called  him John  Roberts, middle  row  John  Thorpe and I think Ken  Price  and  maybe  Mike  Round  then  me  Betty  Evans.

Schools  97  circa   1957/58  St  Paul's  Mrs  Fox  class

Pat  Dye ?  then  I  am  sure  Christine  Vamplew  then  Barbara  Thorpe,

Christine  is   Herbert's  niece. I  do  hope  that this has  helped  you. Sometimes  the  more  you  look  at  the  old  photos  you  can  remember  the  names.     

Anyway, have  a  nice  day, Good  work  you  are  doing   Gary,  just  love  this  website,

Betty  Richardson (nee Evans). Brierley 

Hi Gary

I have seen your appeal on the Home page of the Brierley Village web site and understand that Linda Jagger is looking for my address. Linda is my cousins daughter. Here you are Linda it will be great hearing from you and I'm not 80yrs old I was 79 on New Years Eve last.

Edmund Redmile Australia

Glad to help Linda

Hi  Gary

It's   Betty,    just  to  let you   know   someone  broke  into  the  church  again and  took  brass  candle  sticks  and  a  miners  lamp. We  are  having   a   Celebration   day  I  think its  19th  July   we would   like  you  to  come  and  put  all  your  photos   out. The  kids  from  school   will  be  coming,    they  are  starting  on  the  tower  Monday    25th  Feb.  If  you  can  take  the  photos   step   by  step,   then  you can  put  them  on  show,    have  you  got  a  lot  on  the  church, would  be  grateful if you have.  

Thank you  Gary

Betty   Richardson  [ nee Evans ] Brierley

Let me know a little nearer Betty

Hello Gary

I have managed to track down all the information I needed regarding the deaths of my two uncles in mining accidents. The archive office in Doncaster has the records of the mines inspectorate for the Yorkshire region; so a visit there provided all I required. They have records for fatal and non fatal accidents.

Perhaps you can pass on this source as I am sure I am not alone in looking for these facts.

Regards

Dave Nicoll, formerly of Park Avenue Brierley and now living in Pogmoor, Barnsley

Hi Gary

My Great Grandfather born in the village, a Shepherd, lived in an ancient cottage alongside the then Pinfold (opposite the church). He regulated fines for stray animal transgression c 1860. Great Grandma Sarah worked and lived off a vegetable and flower smallholding behind the cottage walking and carrying produce in 6 (Six) round wicker baskets on her head to BARNSLEY Market until c 1914. A successful day meant she could ride on a horse drawn omnibus back to the Three Horse Shoes.

      Granddad George and Grandma Emmiline lived in what is now a barn cum garage still standing, diagonally opposite the old Co-op Building, was known as "Old Mores Fold" ; c 1896 until c 1900 they moved to "Oakdene" on Barnsley Road where my Father was born in 1901.Related by marriages to Brookes and Oates families.

Ron Gibson Easington, Loftus, Cleveland. 

Thanks for your very interesting email. I was interested to hear you were related to the Oates through marriage as I married Tony Oates daughter Ruth (Tony was Gads son and Danny Oates grandson0. If I am correct (and I have been known to be wrong) Moores Fold is no longer there. I have a photograph on the web site of Moores Fold which as you say was opposite to the old Coop near Pear Tree Farm and near to where the Methodist Church is now. A lot of people mistake the outbuilding at Baxendales farm as Moores Fold but this is further up the road.