Paintings / Drawings by John Suggett
John's Memories of a Childhood in Usworth

SOME OF JOHN'S PERSONAL MEMORIES:

Life in Usworth where his Dad was a miner (who loved his pigeons) and his Mam was a housewife.
His brother, Colin, was a professional footballer - Sunderland, Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City.
John's early education was at Usworth Colliery Junior Mixed School and Washington Grammar School; his profession was Teaching.

Picture by John Suggett

STREET CRICKET

A Bin Lid, a Bat and a Ball.  Howzat!

Picture by John Suggett

BACKYARD CRICKET

Two Green Doors:  The Netty & The Coal Hoose!

Picture by John Suggett

STREET FOOTBALL

Remember 'Gates' where each player had his own goal (Gate) to defend and he could score in anyone else's.

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The above pictures were contributed by Usworth Man, John Suggett.
Thanks for the memories, John.  Thanks also to Washington History Society.

A PERSONAL RECOLLECTION
Bin Day at Don Gardens Playing Fields!

I remember playing Gates in the back-street between Don Gardens (left) & Tyne Gardens (right).
Headers, too - between opposite Coal House / Toilet Blocks.  Note the crossbars!
I played regularly with near neighbours Lenny, Tim & Russell.
(Jim)

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[ Local Miner, Edward Nesbitt wrote a poem about Street Games.  Read it (and others) at What's Where; Poets' Corner: Edward Nesbitt. ]