THE BEATLES, World Cup success and Apollo 11’s moon landing defined the Swinging Sixties, but closer to home Whitley residents will remember another unique experience.
The snowstorm of Boxing Day 1962 has lived long in the memories of those who were in Whitley to see it.
According to Whitley Community Museum curator David Turner, up to six feet-worth of snow collected in some parts of the ward.
He said: “The snow storm is remembered for so many reasons by local residents of a certain age. It is fair to say that it was business as almost usual albeit at a slower pace.
“The buses were still running using chains on the wheels to help with traction.”
This photograph, provided by the museum, was taken at the junction between Margaret Close and Whitley Wood Lane.
The building on the far left was home to Darvells coal and coke merchant. One resident left a comment reminiscing about using a wheelbarrow to collect coal to heat their home.
Other stories included sledging on the slopes of gardens on the RAF estate, which was located at the rear of St Margaret’s Close and using dustbin lids as shields in snowball fights.
Mr Turner said: “Another resident, Darren Jones, remembers when the electric pole (shown in the photograph) caught fire.
“Not a full-blown fire, but [there were] lots of sparks which made it look like a Catherine Wheel firework. It turned out to be a faulty cable.”
With over 4,600 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an accessible online and in-person resource.
The group serves as a platform for residents past and present to share memories through photographs and comments.
It also allows group members to reconnect, with members reacquainting themselves with friends and schoolmates from decades ago.
The museum held a Whitley Way Back When event at the Community Cafe on Northumberland Avenue earlier this year to showcase its photographs and exhibits in-person.
For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com
