I think it is unique combination of things. The old mining communities worked hard together and played hard together. Everybody knew everybody else. There wasn't a lot of money around and folk shared and helped each other. When I think back to growing up in the village of Cowpen, it was a wonderful time, and our small community was fairly tight knit for the times. Mum's were home makers, dad's often worked together down the pit or in associated work. Neighbours popped in and out on a regular basis. All the kids in the street played together, generally nicely. A lifestyle that seems to have died out within the last 40 years or so. Perhaps the older ones can add to my nostalgic reminiscences. Northumbrians are also a very warm and generous natured folk, though I'd advise you never cross one! I don't think it is unique to Blyth, I think if you were to ask the folk of other mining towns in Yorkshire or Wales, they'd probably say very similar things. A shame that the community bonds are lost now, and little seems to draw people together. So many things seem divisive, splitting families up in the hunt for gainful employment and the like. Often out of necessity rather than choice. Many families seem to be parted by many miles and sometimes vast distances across the globe. Sad really.....
P
