Burnopfield is another link in our chain of villages –
including Byermoor, Marley Hill and Sunniside along the Turnpike Road –
inextricably linked to the coal industry. Although best known for its famous
neighbours, the coal owners Bowes & Strathmores of Gibside Estate, Burnopfield
had other industries and grew into a thriving community. Arguably the ‘Capital’
of our villages and not just because it had the much appreciated Grand Cinema,
but because there was a far larger community in bygone days which attracted
a better choice of shops and always seemed to be a hive of activity. Like
all of our villages now, community spirit seems to have waned, possibly due
to the demise of the coal industry.
This book reminds us of the gentler days when people did seem to care more
for each other and pull together, even through the dreadful days of two World
Wars and many other hardships.
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