1900 - 1994

Silverwood Mine

Hollings Lane

Thrybergh

Facts, Stories and Features

FRANK JONES

By Frank Jones Chartered Mining Engineer

FOREWORD

Since I started this site I have never ceased to be impressed by the achievements by many of the miners of Silverwood, the story of Frank Jones is no exception and is yet again a story that emphasizes what can be achieved by hard work and determination. Frank was brought to my attention by his son Steven who grew up listening to tales from his father and Uncles regarding their experiences at the mine, thankfully Frank now age 77 has a desire to share his life here on these pages, and I believe we can all be inspired by what he has to share.

John Doxey 2006

THE SILVERWOOD OLD BOY

Frank Jones was the son of Albert Jones of Dalton and it is believed that his father Albert is mentioned on the miners list as A E Jones age 20 living at 58 Norwood St Dalton  in February1926 and was employed as a Haulageman at Silverwood. Albert Ernest Jones was born in 1904, and died in 1988. There were many with the name of Jones at the mine over the years, not all related, but there was Albert's brother's Douglas  who was an electrician, Lawrence a  bricklayer and Colin jones a faceworker who all worked at Silverwood. Frank's Mother carried the maiden name of Atkinson and her Father Willie Lister Atkinson and his sons Fred Bill and Steve also worked at the mine.

Frank was born at No 3 Doncaster Road Dalton in 1929, and attended the local council school, passing his 11 plus exam and gaining a place at Rotherham Grammar School in 1940, his name was the 1st on the honours board at Dalton for his achievement in passing the 11 plus.

Starting his mining career in 1946 at Silverwood he found himself working in the Survey office as a dust sampler and in the following 14 years crossed the whole range of mining operations during his progress. As you will see this man kept himself occupied with his studies but he also found some time for leisurely activities and joined the Silverwood cricket team, later becoming an all rounder as a batsman, bowler, and eventually captain of the team. At age eighteen he played football [ soccer ]for Wickersley old village in the Maltby league and remembers playing against one Fred Trueman who as any true English  cricket fan will know became one of the best if not the best fast bowler  who ever played for England.

Frank also found time to do some courting, he met and married his  wife Margaret and the couple are still very happily married today [ 2007 ]

He was also to gain many friends at the mine amongst them being a man who is remembered by many in the local mining community and that was the late Len Barlow

Meanwhile Frank had gained experience on the coal face and obtained his Colliery Deputy ticket, and also studied for two years as a management trainee during which he obtained a Colliery Managers Certificate including the Corporate membership of the Institute of Mining Engineers. He left Silverwood in his capacity as a Colliery Official to work as a Mining Engineer for Gullick Dobson a very large manufacturer  of mining equipment. By now there was no stopping Frank who had probably realized his potential at this stage and his next achievement was to gain the qualification of a chartered mining engineer, and was recognized as a leading figure in his field. This is emphasized by the fact he was elected president of the Manchester Geological and Mining Society around this time, the society being a World recognized institution.

However following a heart attack he underwent quad heart by pass surgery, from which he recovered enough to resume his career finishing his time as a Mining Director in the Mining Industry Mining Supplies Ltd. at his Office and works based in Doncaster.

Message from Frank and Margaret Jones previously of Dalton Brook
"Would like to hear from anyone who remembers us from the 1930-60 era."
frankandmargaret@amserve.com

To be continued.

© Frank Jones

Additional text and page formatting © John Doxey