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Wandering back through the years
It's time to make a date with 100 years of history – thanks to the Echo's 2010 nostalgia calendar for County Durham.
A snapshot of life in County Durham over the past century has been captured in our latest Wearside Echoes calendar.
"It is a feast of nostalgia for anyone with an interest in Seaham, Durham or the villages and towns of the county," said Echo editor Rob Lawson.
"If you fancy a trip down memory lane, then this calendar should put a smile on your face. Every time you turn a page, more history just comes to life."
Thirteen old photographs have been included in the 2010 calendar, which is due to go on sale at Echo outlets in the early autumn.
"We have chosen pictures which span the decades. Mining is well represented of course, and there are some rare gems, too," said Rob.
Musicians marching Seaham's Vane Tempest Lodge banner into Durham Miners' Gala in 1978 has been chosen as the cover shot for the 2010 calendar.
The Big Meeting dates to the development of the first miners' trade union in 1869, and the first gala was held two years later, at Wharton Park, Durham.
A nostalgic photo of East Durham's longest-serving MP, Emanuel "Manny" Shinwell, adorns the page for January, taken at Easington in January 1947.
The miners' champion defeated Ramsay MacDonald to win the Seaham seat – later renamed Easington – at the 1935 election and served until 1970.
Another "hero of the people" – Rolf Harris – is pictured on February's page, after the artist and entertainer paid a visit to East Durham in February 1980.
Rolf was filming his BBC show, Rolf On Saturday OK?, when he entertained miners at Murton Colliery with an impromptu version of Jake the Peg.
A portrait of Blackhall Colliery in 1947 adorns the March page, while a locomotive chugs along Seaham's harbour wall in 1965 on the April page.
NATO ships paying a visit to Seaham take a starring role in May and June features the long-demolished Hawthorn Towers in Hawthorn village.
The 30-room mansion was designed by architect John Dobson for Major John Anderson and built in 1821. It was later home to the Pemberton family.
Other photos featured in the calendar include a Danish schooner moored at Seaham, as well as old views of Easington Colliery, Seaham and Durham.
One rare gem can be seen in October – a picture of Seaham Harbour MP Ramsey MacDonald flying from Easington following the 1931 election.
MacDonald became Prime Minister following the election, but stepped down in June 1935. He lost his seat to Shinwell just a few months later.
The December page of the calendar also features a rare treat – miners' leader and Methodist preacher Peter Lee touring East Durham during the 1930s.
Born at Trimdon Grange, Lee started work as a miner at 10. He later became chairman of Durham County Council and Peterlee was named after him.
The Echo's photographic archivist, Susan Swinney, spent months hunting out potential pictures for the calendar – and is delighted with the finished result.
"There was a lot of laughter when I found the one of Rolf Harris doing his Jake the Peg at Murton. What a fantastic, fun picture that is," she said.
"Another scoop was finding the rare pictures of Peter Lee, Shinwell and MacDonald, as well as the one of Hawthorn Towers. They are all wonderful.
"One of my favourites has to be Shinwell, with all the people gathered round him and the banner and pit in the background. It really captures a bygone age.
"I love the Durham one too though, with the statue of Lord Londonderry watching over all the car mayhem, as well as the old one of Church Street."
* The Wearside Echoes calendars for County Durham and Sunderland are expected to go on sale from September, priced at 3.99. Pictures featured on this page can be ordered from the Echo on 501 7152.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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