Dalton Magna, Dalton Parva,

Dalton Brook.

Main Photo Content Jonathan Dabbs

The Late Michael Shaw

" Proud Yorkshireman"

Michael Shaw was born and raised in Dalton and started work at Silverwood Colliery in 1966, working there just three years. However he was never to forget those years at Silverwood, or the men he worked with.

He married Esther Thomas also of Dalton, the daughter of Rhys Thomas. Rhys had joined the Silverwood workforce in 1924 and finished working in 1964. Born in Wales he like many others came to South Yorkshire looking for work, the Thomas family lived on Arundel Ave. , and were related to the Cassidy's of Dalton.

Michael and Esther went to live in Blackpool Lancashire, and  made many new friends with their warm Yorkshire character. Sadly Michael's health was not good over the last few years and he underwent a series of operations. In 1994 he had suffered a serious heart attack, the operation he underwent at the time left him in serious pain for the remainder of his life. Despite this Michael as such was his characteristic outlook on life complained little about his unfortunate health, and was known in the area for his good work and charitable nature. He had a genuine soft spot for the down and out people in the local area, and not only bought them food, he also bought clothing for some of them.

In June 2004 Michael after a long wait for a further operation, was finally admitted into Liverpool Hospital. The operation was not successful, and despite further operations and efforts and his great inner strength. Michael sadly passed away. Michael's funeral was at All Hallows Church Blackpool on Tuesday the 13th of July 2004.

His friend Stephen Jenkinson informs me that during the last twelve months he had been taking copies of pages from this website to show Michael and Esther. The couple had a great deal of pleasure in reading about the place they grew up in, the people , and also Silverwood Colliery. According to Stephen, Michael in his final years was still proud to be a Yorkshireman born in " God's own County"

Anyone wishing to pass on condolences please contact  Stephen Jenkinson