BarnsleyandFamily

  Until the early 1990's coal mining was Barnsley's main industry, providing thousands of jobs. The Government of the day, decided that it was not viable to continue mining coal in Yorkshire and that it would be cheaper to import it.  The closure of the mines led to many job losses and pit villages were decimated, it is only in recent years that these villages are coming back to life by a re-generation programme.

Another Industry which provided a lot of jobs was "The Cannister Company", this was situated at the junction of Sackville Street, Barnsley and the top of Fitzwilliam Street.  It was affectionately known as "The Tin Factory" or "The Tin Oil".  It came to Barnsley  around 1919 and closed in 1992.  A lot of jobs were lost on it's closure.  I can remember as a little girl finding dozens of round tin discs, together with my two cousins, I used to "skate" them over the walls.  It is a miracle that none of us lost a finger or two during this escapade. The wall to the left of this picture was the boundary wall of the "Tin Factory".

The Star Paper Mill was situated at the bottom of Old Mill Lane, in Barnsley, and provided employment for hundreds of people, two of my Grandma's sisters worked there as young girls Tiddy (Elizabeth) and Alice.  It was very hard work, there was a very tall chimney, which was a landmark.  At finishing times there was a loud buzzer which told everyone in Barnsley that the shift was over at the Paper Mill, that buzzer was as reliable as "Big Ben".