Letter of the week: Good to see South Shields pit head opened as visitor attraction

After reading the Gazette's stories, I’ll be coming to visit Shields to see it.

Both my grandfathers, William Douglass and Bruce Mullen, worked there prior to the pit’s closure.

My great grandfather William Oley played the euphonium in the colliery band.

During the 70s I took advantage of learning to play the baritone at Saturday classes at Mortimer Road school. My teacher was Mr Stodart.

Due to my family moving to Northamptonshire I ended up playing 1st baritone in the county brass band, and toured Germany and played in Edinburgh.

I don’t know whether my great grandfather approved of me playing the baritone as opposed to the euphonium.

Paul Mullen.

Last week's Letter of the week: Super head can sort out South Shields school farce