The station was closed in the 60's as were many other small rural stations, but there are plans to open a small station in the future.

Above the pond is the station masters house,with the waiting room and ticket office on the right.

This was a yearly event in all villages. The children would parade around the village and finish at the 'showfield'. Here there would be a fair and a teaparty. This custom has almost died out, although two local villages still hold this annual event.

This was the men's equivalent to the childen's gala. They would save money up all year and then go to a horseracing track in a local town to relax and enjoy a gamble and a drink.

There were several churches in the village: Wesleyan, Presbeterian and this - the Methodist Church. is now an environmental company. Prior to that it was used for Youth Training

The railway crossing (the white gates) is where the wagons carrying the coal from the pit to go to the south or shipped abroad. The gates where also a meeting place where the courting couple used to meet and walk down the avenue.

Whenever a pit was started, and a pit village formed, there needed to be other buildings, such as churches, schools and the Institute. This was a place for recreation, to hold meetings, celebrations and so on - a community resource. Saint Stephens Anglican church and the old 'Tin Church' in the background.

The house was originally built in approximately 1838 and was owned and lived in by a colliery owner. The coal board took over the house approx 70  years ago. 

CLICK the thumbnail to go to the larger image and information.