Wednesday 31 January 2018

Murder of Mary Melvin



This is specifically about a murder at Carr Hill (known then as Carr's Hill) but it is close to The Felling and indeed The Felling is involved in this true story. The book entitled 'The Apprentice of Split Crow Lane' by Jane Housham...


...  is available at Felling Library

Briefly, in April 1866 Sarah Melvin, a 5 years old went along Split Crow Lane looking for her Dad. She was discovered later that night when a couple returning from the pub tripped over her body.


I've just started reading the book so I'll be back to make any additional comments I may have

Wednesday 20 December 2017

The Language of Death in Industrial Accidents

When, in 2017, the bomber at the Manchester Arena detonated his explosive device twenty two human beings were deprived of existence. Twenty three people died but, of the bomber who died, it could not be said that he was deprived of existence as he clearly chose it.
This description of death seems perfectly normal when describing a terrorist attack but would it be normal to use that expression in an industrial accident?
It might if it was considered that there was a person or organisation which was culpable in causing the death. but this is not now normal, largely because stringent safety requirements are imposed on industrialists


However, it was a normal concept two centuries ago in considering accidents in dangerous industries such as, but not limited to, coal mining.
In a T Directory of 1833 by John Sykes there is this report
An explosion took place in Felling colliery, by which six human beings were deprived of existence.
Another example in the same John Sykes Directory is this description of an explosion on Oct 11th 1799 at Lumley Colliery by which thirty nine human beings were launched into eternity
John Sykes also reports
An explosion took place, again at Lumley Colliery in 1843 when fourteen human beings were launched into eternity
another example at Lumley

Euphamisms for death still exist today with expressions like "kick the bucket" which stems from the hanging of criminals or this one from America which I particularly like "assume room temperature" which refers to normal body temperature of 37 degrees dropping after death to the temperature of the body's whereabouts eg 20 degrees room temperature
(see more here )


So, there  you have it. But look in again because I intend to make further enquiries and add more to this item


Monday 18 December 2017

Santa at Felling Library




The Friends of Felling Park and Town Centre funded and hosted a Meet Santa event in a style that equalled or beat many of the commercial Santa grottos that charge £10 or more. Each child got a pressie and a chat with Santa and his numerous helpers for a cost of Nil.



Chief Santa Helper Margaret Maxted telling helpers Monika & Martin how they should walk when leading a child/children to the grotto...kidding!


l to r 
Jon, Jeanette, Monika, Peter, Lorraine, Ros & Martin


Two very happy visitors
In the grotto corridor
Anne, Lorraine & Ros

The snow trail through the Library to the Grotto
Monika, Lorraine, Ros, Anne
















Let's approach the end with Dave (left), who struggled in, festively but under the weather, medically and Stephen Millen who took all these smashin' photographs..the last one of him taken by someone else but with his camera

To finish, here's Charley, with her grandson. Tho' not on duty this day she is one of the stalwarts of the Friends of Felling..Group

Tuesday 24 October 2017

Felling Soldiers Injured or Killed in World War One


C. H. Howes
Wounded


J. W. Taylor
Wounded


Corp. P. Humble
Wounded


Lce Cpl J. Humble
Wounded


Lce Corpl Jos Thompson
Wounded


Pte Daniel Lawler
Wounded


Pte David Jones
Wounded


Pte Frank Smith
Wounded


Pte George Jackson
Killed


Pte J. Cairns
Wounded


Pte J. Avery
Wounded


Pte J.M. Lightfoot
Killed


Pte John Ditchburn
Wounded


Pte M. Sugden
Wounded


Pte P. Mongomery
Wounded


Pte T. Irving
Wounded


Pte Thomas Tait
Died


Sgt Fred Stewart
Wounded


Sgt Joseph Lightfoot
Wounded


Sgt William Taylor
Wounded