Back in 1911 Gilbert and Elizabeth Ayre lived at 32 Jubilee Street, Sleetburn. With them were six little Ayres, namely: John [aged 10], Elsie [8], William [6], Robert [4], Elizabeth Ann [2] and Irene [1].
So, was the above Gilbert our hero? In early March 1914 summonses were taken out against 219 workers employed at Sleetburn pit. They were charged with having left their place of work on January 30th 1914. The men went to the court together singing:
'Every bodies doing it'
It caused quite a stir and many interested onlookers took notice of them. Damages to the amount of five shillings were claimed against each man and Gilbert Ayre was taken as the test case.
The prosecutor set out details of a fatal accident which had occurred in number three pit at Sleetburn; it was the men in number two pit that responded by walking out of the pit. The colliery owners alleged that they had no right to walk out.The defending solicitor called witnesses to show that there had been ten fatal accidents during the previous twenty five years and the pit had always lay idle after each incident.
Eventually the magistrates decided in favour of the men. Test case Gilbert had won.
Now I know that there is a very good article deep in the site about Gilbert Ayre and it has an accompanying photograph showing him as a cricket batsman. It seems to me that the article already on site is probably about a younger Gilbert Ayre but even if that is the case I imagine that both Gilberts are part of the same family.
I imagine that Cloughy and his family might have an interest in this post.
WB
Mmmm interesting stuff Wilf. I will pass this on to mum.
ReplyDeleteHi Wilf,
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the batsman was of Raymond Ayre. It was taken at New Brancepeth colliery Welfare ground which was situated on the right hand side of the road to Broadgate about three hundred yards past the last house in Eshwood Street. The Welfare ground had a cricket pitch, tennis courts, two bowling greens and a full size football pitch and changing rooms. The groundsman was Mr Wallace from Pringle Place. Have gone off at a tangent again.
I remember Gilbert Ayre living in Jubilee Street. My family left New Brancepeth in January, 1947 just before the snows arrived.
I await with interest what Paul puts on this post.
Brian Mc.
Hi Brian... Sorry to correct you but the photo in question was indeed my grandad Gilbert Ayre son of the Gilbert Ayre mentioned in Wilfs article.
ReplyDeleteThe incident Wilf speaks of was before my Grandad Gilbert jnr was born.
My mum read with interest and was unaware of the story. In fact she said she only recently found that Gilbert snr worked in the mine. I wil add more info when I speak to the rest of the family including Gillian mums sister.
http://www.ushawmoor.host-ed.me/history/gilbertcricket.htm
Brian, although it turns out to be Gilbert [see Cloughy's Guru note] your wonderful village detail is forever heartwarming and impressive. Your tangents are so very interesting - and there have been several of them down the years!
ReplyDeletePaul,
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting me right on the batsman. That photo shows a lot of detail about the old part of New Brancepeth. The background in that photo speaks volumes of memories to me. I think the Gilbert Ayre I can remember must have been your grandfather. In days gone by a friend would set a case to put to the Union to fight. My late brother Jim did exactly that for a friend who claimed for expenses for a pair of special fitted work boots which he required due to his feet deformity. They were successful.
Brian Mc.