Research Projects

by Harry Archbold

Thursday, 14 August 1969 will long be remembered by a large proportion of the inhabitants of Blackhall Colliery.

Just after midday a coach load of veteran bowlers, with their wives and friends, left the Welfare Park to play a friendly bowls match at Consett. On the way home they were in a happy mood after winning the match and spending an enjoyable afternoon, when tragedy struck. Suddenly the driver of the coach was battling to keep control as it careered down the steep Crawleyside Bank. Unfortunately the coach gathered speed and crashed through a roadside wall with tragic consequences. Nineteen of the party were killed. Most of them were grandparents with the exception of the twelve-year-old daughter of the driver. Many of the other passengers were rushed to Shotley Bridge and Bishop Auckland hospitals.

As the sad news filtered through to the village, particularly after the newsflash on television, the whole close-knit community was absolutely stunned and gathered in crowds on street ends and near to the police station to seek information. On occasions such as this, however, the community spirit of the people shone through adversity and offers of help came flooding in from all quarters.

The following week was indeed a sad week for the community as the funerals of the victims took place. Apart from the connections many had with the bowling club and the colliery, many were members of other local organisations, clubs and societies in the village. Not surprisingly the churches and chapel were full to capacity on each occasion.

Following the tragedy, as is often the case, a number of tales of unfortunate circumstances were revealed. The following are a just a few examples: the husband whose wife and daughter were on holiday so ‘he went with the party for a day out’; the grandson who filled in for his grandmother who was feeling unwell during the morning; the couple who cancelled their seats for the trip as they were facing a long coach journey on the Saturday and were feeling ‘uneasy’; the husband bowler, accompanied by his wife, who only went because he wanted to make arrangements for a pairs tournament match and he was sure to see the other people face to face; and one of the other victims who, ironically, had been a member of the local road safety committee for many years, often as its chairman.

A memorial garden was created in the Welfare Park and a bowls competition has been held every year, well supported by bowlers throughout the County.