Part 1: 1930 – 1948.
Like many surrounding areas, Featherstone grew around coal
mining. Coal had been mined at Featherstone since the 13th century and remains
of bell pits can still be seen to the north of Park Lane at North Featherstone.
In 1848, the opening of the Wakefield, Pontefract and Goole railway line
through Featherstone provided the basis for large scale coal mining in
Featherstone, by opening up new markets in the South of England and Europe.
Featherstone Main Colliery was opened in 1866, followed by Ackton Hall Colliery
in 1873
Wallace Lambert and wife Mary give birth to their first
child, Clifford, on 30th January 1930. In 1937 Wallace joins Acton
Hall Colliery and the family – two younger sisters – move into a two up two
down home at 9 Robins Terrace Featherstone. No hot water, tin bath on the wall outside and a
loo in the yard. It was rough and tough.
Robbins Terrace VE day.
VE day party back of Robbins Terrace featherstone, Cliff Lambert, bottm extream right, Derek lowe just above him, The baby front centre is John Stanley who kindly provided the photo.
Cliff Lambert is my dad.
We chart his early years and the struggle to survive. Bullied and beaten at school. His nickname was. Fishy. Leaving school age 13, joining the Yorkshire Copper Works aged 14, cycling 22 miles daily from home to work in any weather during the war. He left the Copper Works 50 years later but we have a way to go so please be patient.
Featherstone is also an icon in the world of Rugby League
football as the most famous of giantkillers. Crowds of 15,000 would pack home
games, the town’s population 13,000. The players were gods, cult heroes and
loved by every girl in town, but thats for later.
I am blessed to hear and share his words
Next up he joins the Army.
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