Posted on 03 January 2010.
This photo is of Lambton D Pit in the back ground you can see the Coke works next to the pit head in the foreground this was the canteen and miners baths. I can remember shining my shoes on a machine which was just in the door way of the canteen on my way back from Lambton baths (after been chucked in by Mr Murtagh.) Happy days.
Photo supplied by Geoff Robinson. Cheers Geoff
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I went to the baths up to 5 times a week in the 50′s. Afterwards we’d go into the miner’s canteen for a mug of tee and two slices of bread and margarine: Total cost 6d. Magic! Mr Murtagh did a good job considering how we all attempted to better him, but no chance. Tuesdays were for girls, but Houghton cycle club had an evening 7.30pm one hour session that cost 6d and they were glad for us to boost the numbers. We went regularly. Your photo brings it back to mind.
in the nineteen forties and early fithties lambton baths manager was mr bland his son donald swam for gt britain in the 1948 olympics he taught many local kids to swim myself also. when mr bland moved on to southampton pool tom murtagh got the lambton job.the baths were heated by an underground pipe from the steam engine that drove the colliery winding cage. my ganfather was a pick sharpener,and my father storehouse manager.i paid the men their wagesfrom 1956 till the pit closed. mr renwick was manager then mr wooding
I remember Mr Mertaugh in the 50s, a lovely man.
In the late 60s and early 70s I was friends with his son who lived in Baden St , Chester-le Street….I lived in No. 20
Brian Hughes
I remember Mr Mertaugh, I hated him for pushing me into the swimming baths on my very first day there. I was about 12yrs old. Mr Murtaugh just walked along the line of us kids and those who didn’t jump in, he pushed. No wonder I have always hated swimming!
Hi Sandra, I went to Newbottle school, when i was about 11 or 12 years old, we were sent to Lambton Baths, cannot remember who the swimming instructor was then , but he used to push anyone who could not swim into the water. Never tried to learn to swim after that. If he has passed away, i hope he drowned, thats what he deserves.