Miners’ Institute 1914-18

The wooden Institute was replaced in 1961 and demolished in 1964.

1914-18

Opened 26th February 1921 by Col. Maurice Bell, C.M.G., one of the directors of Bell Bros.

Ex-Army hut, 130 feet long x 24 feet wide (39.6m x 7.3m).

Messrs. Bell Bros, Ltd., owners of Bowburn Colliery.

Building provided by Messrs. Bell Bros, Ltd., costs of furnishing paid for by colliery workmen and villagers.

Miners’ Institute.

It was supplied with heated water and electricity.

It contained a concert hall, capable of holding 500, reading room, billiard room with full sized billiard table; games room, library etc..

1. The new banner of the Bowburn Miners Lodge was hung at the back of the platform.

2. In 1919 the firm had received £2,769,000 from the production of coal ironstone, pig iron, limestone and all the other industries carried on by the firm. Half of this amount had been paid out in salaries and wages. Much detail is given in the Auckland Chronicle.

3. 67 men had enlisted from the village in 1914. Parcels were sent to each of them that year. The numbers increased each year – 121 in 1915, 106 in 1916 and 115 in 1918. On Peace Day in 1919 they presented £2 10 shilling to 199 men and it was decided to continue the fund and provide the community centre.

4. The firm was also providing a field as a playing ground for the children, and where the ladies could have their walks without dressing up for the occasion.

5. A silver cigarette case was presented to Col. Bell, and also to Mr. Ivor Johnson, who should have attended but had business elsewhere.

The History of Bowburn Community Centre

Auckland and County Chronicle
03/03/1921 gives a very full account of the opening.

Durham Men in the Great War. Davison John; Durham, History of Education Project, School of Education, c.2001; ISBN 1 870268 26 1.

Fitzhugh Collection, Middleton in Teesdale;
C. Sanders;
Mike Syer;
Dorothy Hall