Dennis & Winfred Thompson

 My Father and Mother Dennis and Winifred Thompson aged 16 on a trip to Whitley Bay

Johnny and Margaret Haggan

 Here are my Maternal Grandparents, Johnny and Margaret Haggan (better pictures below). I called them Nanna and Grandad. Nanna's maiden name was Catterall which I believe is a Viking name.

Below to the left is my Grandfather Johnny Haggan and to the right, my Nanna Margaret Haggan.

My Grandfather came over from Ireland to work as a coal miner. He worked at Eden Pit near Consett. He had a tough life often working thigh-deep in the water down the mine. His death certificate has a list of ailments as long as your arm, many unpronounceable and all acquired down the mine. 

My Grandmother is pictured with 3 of her children. I think the girl is my Aunt Mary but I'm not sure who the boys were. 

Johnny and Margaret had 14 children, my mother Winifred being one of the younger ones. They all lived in a tiny miner’s cottage in Crookhall, Consett.  Magaret was the sweetest, kindest lady. She’s not smiling in this picture as she’s just had all her teeth extracted. She was also as deaf as a post.

Richard and Emelia Thompson

My Grandfather Richard (Dick) Thompson and my Gran Emelia Thompson (Ward). My grandad drove the ingot charger at Consett Steelworks. He was also a singer and pianist. Amelia was a stalwart of Consett Methodist Chappel. They’re pictured at Newbiggin Hall, Weardale which I’m told was once the family seat until the lands reverted to the crown.

Mathew And Isabela Hagan

My maternal great grandparents. Mathew Hagan was nicknamed matha. He was a coalminer like his son. Isabela Jane Hagan (formerly)  Hedley. They are pictured with two boys, one of whom must be my grandfather. I have taken this information from my grandfather's birth certificate and noticed that Hagan is spelt with one "G". All current Haggans have two Gs. 

Annie Lowrie

This beautiful lady is Annie Lowery. She is my Great Grandmother who married my great-grandfather, Thomas, pictured here with his second wife. They ran the Braes pub in Consett. She died giving birth to my grandfather Richard.

Thomas and Margaget Thompson

 My Great Grandfather Thomas Thompson and My Great Grandmother Margaret Thompson. Thomas was the publican at The Braes public house in Consett. Apparently, he was the first citizen of Consett to own a motor car.

Richard Thompson And His Wife

 My Great Great Grandfather Richard Thompson and My Great Great Grandmother whose name I don’t know. Richard was a cabinet maker of Davidsons of Consett.