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Reclaiming the course JLP01_08_08782
Whitley Bay Golf Course, Whitley Bay, NORTH TYNESIDE. A view of the restoration of Whitley Bay Golf Course following the completion of opencast mining on the site, showing a man playing golf in the foreground and a crane on a spoil heap in the background.
John Laing and Son Ltd had started opencast mining operations in 1942 to meet wartime needs. The work was expanded by the company after the war and in 1948 opencast coal mining took place at Golf Course Opencast Coal Site in the Monkseaton area of Whitley Bay. By 1953 the mine was closed and the land was reclaimed. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Media ID 24174963
Filename: jlp01_08_008782.jpg
Size: 5351 x 5386 (5.8MB)
Date: 17th December 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
1950s Extraction Golf Course Mining People Recreation Sport Land Reclamation Landscaping
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> Industry > Extraction
> Sports > Sports venues > Golf courses
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the remarkable transformation of Whitley Bay Golf Course after years of opencast mining. In the foreground, a man gracefully swings his golf club, symbolizing the revival of this once barren land into a thriving recreational haven. Behind him stands a towering crane perched on a spoil heap, serving as a reminder of the site's tumultuous past. During World War II, John Laing and Son Ltd initiated opencast mining operations to meet wartime demands. After the war ended, their efforts expanded further until 1948 when opencast coal mining commenced at Golf Course Opencast Coal Site in Monkseaton area. However, by 1953, with its purpose fulfilled and resources depleted, the mine was closed down. The image showcases not only the successful reclamation but also highlights how nature can heal itself over time. The lush green fairways now replace what was once an industrial wasteland. It is testament to human ingenuity and determination that such drastic changes were possible within just a few short years. This photograph serves as an important historical document depicting both environmental restoration and post-war recreation in North Tyneside during the 1950s. It reminds us that even amidst destruction and upheaval caused by extraction industries like mining, there is always hope for renewal and regeneration through careful planning and dedication to preserving our natural landscapes for future generations to enjoy.
