THE UNVEILING OF THE COAL TUB DEDICATED TO COAL & COKE WORKERS OF EVENWOOD, RAMSHAW & DISTRICT and Dr JOHN NEVILLE

The Randolph Memorial Coal Tub, which is located on the village green outside Evenwood WMC, is a commemoration to the coal miners and coke workers who lived and worked in Evenwood, Ramshaw and the surrounding district.  It is also a memorial to Dr John Neville who was the local doctor for some 40 years, 1948-1988.  It was unveiled by Dr Neville’s daughter, Mrs Rosalind Wood together with Norman Wren and Parry Hall who represented coal and coke workers.

The Randolph Memorial Coal Tub was the idea of Mrs Peggy Fleming, of the Evenwood Tidy Village Committee, supported by Evenwood Engineering, CA Roofing, Randolph Coachworks, Coal Contractors, Durham Aged Miners Housing Association, Evenwood WMC, the Travellers Rest, the Dr John Neville Fund, Dr Joe Said and an anonymous donation.  The coal tub was sourced by Cllr. John Armstrong, restored by Ian Stephenson a resident of Alexandra Terrace, Evenwood, the plaque was also fashioned by Ian Stephenson and donated by Evenwood Engineering and the plinth was constructed by John Weir of South View.

A time capsule was hidden in the tub with items chosen by pupils of Evenwood C. of E. Primary School (Head Mr John Hunt) and Ramshaw County Primary School (Head Mrs Janet Corner).  Pastor Gary Tate (Evenwood Pentecostal Church), Deacon Roland Wilkinson (Methodist Church) and Rev George Liddle (St. Paul’s Church) offered a dedication for the memorial. 

The Ramshaw NUM banner was held behind the tub during the commemoration by Mike English and Bobby Black.  The Randolph NUM banner was unavailable since it was being restored.

There was an impressive gathering, balloons were released, refreshments were provided by the WMC and there was entertainment for the children of the village. 

Below:

A Group of former workers at Randolph Colliery and Coke Works

Back

Stan Redfearn, Jimmy Walton, Harry Clarkson, Stan Firby, Parry Hall, Norman Wren, Bob Heseltine, Norman Towers, Raymond Gibson, Fred Laverick, Norman Gill. (Note: Bill Clennell and Donald Metcalfe have been accidentally cropped from this photo)

Seated

Alf Clennell, Ronnie Peddelty, Robert Crampton, Nora Welford.

To the right, Paster Gary Tate and Mrs. Janet Corner.

Below:

A photo of the day