Schoolday's end...

[Douglas McMann]

Having delved into my family history over the past few years, I have been struck at the large number of my ancestors who were "employed" as coal miners...some from a very early age, straight after leaving a fairly elementary education...

This song certainly strikes a chord...

Schooldays over, come on then John,
Time you were getting your pitboots on
On with your sark and moleskin trousers
Time you were on your way
Time you were learning the pitman's job
And earning a pitman's pay

Come on then Jim, it's time to go
Time ye were working down below
Time to be handling a pick and shovel
You start at the pit today
Time you were learning the collier's job
And earning a collier's pay

Come on then, Dai, it's almost light
Time you were off to the anthracite
The morning mist is on the valley
Time you were on your way
Time you were learning the miner's job
And earning a miner's pay.

 

[Brian Moore]

Oh deary me. How poignant can a lovely song be?

Coal features in my ancestry too. (I think Rob's also, he said once.)

Thanks Dougie.

 

[Douglas McMann]

Yes Brian...Mr Gaughan does it proud, and I don't mind saying it catches my throat when I listen to it...