48-515: John O'Neill (1926–1999) was a British musician, known as a singer, whistler, and trumpeter. Born in Stanley, County Durham , England, to Northern Irish parents from County Tyrone , Northern Ireland, O'Neill was largely self-taught as a musician, and learned to sight-read music scores. O'Neill had a UK top five hit single with " I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman " credited as 'Whistling Jack Smith' (a play on "Whispering" Jack Smith ). He recorded this as
96-584: A billiards club and several shops. In November 2008, the burnt buildings were demolished. Stanley was renowned for an annual, two-week summer playscheme, which ran from 1972 to 2013. Based at the former Stanley Youth Centre, it was organised by a group of local people, and recruited international volunteers through VAP (Volunteer Action for Peace—formerly Youth Action for Peace). Children participated in games, activities, and trips to local cultural and leisure venues. Stanley Youth Centre offered activities to young people Monday to Friday during school term as well as
144-538: A contrast to the former pit villages in the area of Annfield Plain. "Anfield", as the name was originally appears to derive from "the fields of An", referring to a man who lived before the Norman Conquest . The "Plain" part of the name was originally "Plane" and appears to refer originally not to the plateau on which the village stands but to the inclined plane on the Stanhope and Tyne Railway of 1834 (now
192-515: A duty to provide allotments and to consider the potential impact of every policy and action on reducing crime. The council's powers include the provision and maintenance of bus shelters, community centres, play areas and play equipment, and the awarding of grants to local community organisations. It can also issue fixed penalty fines for offences such as littering, graffiti, fly-posting, and contraventions of dog control orders. The town council has 20 councillors, elected every four years by electors in
240-666: A footbridge over the A693 to the south into Greencroft Industrial Estate after passing Annfield Plain Park before turning west towards Greencroft proper. Annfield Plain F.C. , based at Derwent Park Stadium, is situated on the south west side of Annfield Plain, backing onto Greencroft Nature Reserve and Alexander Pond. Annfield Plain Cricket Club is located on the west side of the village within Greencroft . Annfield Plain Park, on
288-473: A larger Greggs outlet (both opening December 2022) and a drive-thru Starbucks (opened in March 2023) in a newly developed site off of Agnes Street. The Front Street area, however, continues to be defined by its derelict buildings, including the old school building in the centre of Front Street, which has remained unoccupied for decades. Over the past 20 years, the refurbishment of Stanley town centre has seen
336-542: A memorial headstone to mark the mass graves of those who died was dedicated in 2005. A memorial to the 1947 Louisa Morrison Pit Disaster was unveiled in 1997 on the fiftieth anniversary of the event, and re-dedicated in 2018 after it was moved to another site. South Moor Memorial Park was opened in 1920 and dedicated to the memory of employees of the South Moor Colliery Company who died in WWI . It
384-585: A range of community groups and clubs, and can be hired for private functions. Under the umbrella of SAYC, the Stanley Area Youth Consortium, trips and activities for children and young people in the wider Stanley area are offered by an array of youth clubs and voluntary associations. These include Stanley Young People’s Club, focused on the South Stanley and South Moor areas; Oxhill Youth Club, founded in 1962, which runs
432-552: A result. In 1999, the Harry Ramsden's fish-and-chips restaurant chain threatened to sue the eponymous owner of the "Harry Ramadan" fish-and-chip shop on Front Street for trademark infringement . The name was changed. In 2003, plans to convert a derelict hotel on the High Street into a club for swingers received numerous objections, and after the intervention of the then- district council , were dropped. In 2005,
480-488: A summer programme. Located at the top of Tyne Road, facilities included a sports hall, pool table, table tennis, meeting rooms and coffee bar. The range of activities available included DJing, volunteering, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award , babysitting, first aid training, and youth work courses. The Centre closed in 2016 after many decades of work with young people. In mid-2023, Stanley Town Council handed back Stanley Civic Hall,
528-480: Is a town and civil parish in the ceremonial county and district of County Durham , England. Centred on a hilltop between Chester-le-Street and Consett , Stanley lies south-west of Gateshead . The local economy was once based on coal mining and other heavy industries. The core of the town began to grow in the nineteenth century through the expansion and merger of the mining villages of East Stanley and West Stanley. The civil parish, created in 2007, incorporates
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#1732801092193576-530: Is a village in County Durham , in England . It is situated on a plateau between the towns of Stanley , 3 mi (4.8 km) to the north-east, and Consett , 5 mi (8.0 km) to the west. According to the 2001 census, Annfield Plain had a population of 3,569. By the time of the 2011 Census Annfield Plain had become a ward of Stanley parish. The ward had a population of 7,774. Along with much of
624-612: Is derived from the Old English stān and lēah , meaning "stony woodland clearing". The first printed map of the Bishopric of Durham was created in 1576. Published in 1579 as part of the cartographer Christopher Saxton 's county atlas, it appears to show Stanley as "Standley". In 1611, John Speed , a famous English mapmaker who built on Saxton's work, created a map of the bishopric that also appears to show Stanley as "Standley". The 1909 West Stanley Pit Disaster , one of
672-562: Is in the UK parliamentary constituency of North Durham . Since July 2024, this has been represented in the House of Commons by Luke Akehurst of the Labour Party . Since 2007, Stanley Town Council has provided the first tier of local government. The council has the statutory right to do whatever it considers will improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of the area. It has
720-462: Is situated on and just over the boundary with Catchgate to the north west. The C2C cycle route passes directly through Annfield Plain to the south of Tesco on its way from Whitehaven in Cumbria on the west coast, to Sunderland on the east coast, following the route of the former Stanhope and Tyne Railway . The C2C enters Annfield Plain from the east from Oxhill and Stanley. It leaves via
768-580: Is some light industry (mostly at nearby Greencroft Industrial Park ), most of Annfield Plain is made up of housing, village shops, a working man's club and two remaining pubs (Coach and Horses, and the Queen's Head – the Smugglers Arms closed in the 1990s and the Plainsman ceased trading and was demolished in 2009). The local Tesco (formally Co-operative) Co-op supermarket was commonly known as
816-706: The Disco , an allusion to its former name: the Annfield Plain Co-op and Discount Electricals . The supermarket was converted to a Tesco store in October 2007. The original Annfield Plain co-operative store was dismantled and rebuilt at the nearby Beamish Open Air Museum in the late 1980s. The site of the village's main pit, the Busty , is now a privately owned coach garage. Annfield Plain Public Library
864-537: The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme locally; the Activity Den, based in Tanfield Lea , active for nearly 20 years; Beamish Community Football Club; PACT House, a community hub; and several community halls, schools, and churches. There are two memorials to the 1909 West Stanley Pit Disaster : one unveiled in 1913, four years after the event, and another unveiled in 1995, 86 years after. In addition,
912-559: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister granted permission to plans to form a Stanley Town Council. This followed a campaign by local people, including a petition signed by more than 2,000 names, representing 10% of the population that would be covered by the new Town Council. Campaigners promised that the new Town Council would increase the pace of regeneration within the town. The Stanley Blues Festival took place during
960-507: The Stanley area. Stanley was first mentioned in historical records in 1211. Stanley is referred to in an early thirteenth century episcopal actum —a documented decision— of Richard Poore , Bishop of Durham from 1228 to 1237. The actum , dated between 1228 and 1234, confirms the granting of the vill of Stanley and some land in Durham to William de Kilkenny . The town's name
1008-581: The Walrus " by the Beatles in 1967, which required them to do "all sorts of swoops and phonetic noises" according to Paul McCartney : the score George Martin prepared for them included the chanting of phrases like "ho ho ho, he he he, ha ha ha", "oompah, oompah, stick it up your jumper" and "everybody's got one". They also sang on the Beatles' " Good Night ", as well as on their last album, Let It Be , at
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#17328010921931056-492: The advent of the Industrial Revolution , and a number of deep pits were sunk over the course of the 19th century. The village grew substantially and light industry increased, including the construction of a brewery , mill, and candle factory; as well as various services for the population, including a school, church, at least two nonconformist chapels, and a variety of shops. In the 19th century Annfield Plain
1104-434: The area comes from the 16th century, when the main economic activity was sheep farming . The village's association with mining begins in the late 17th century when many shallow mines were dug. The Stanhope and Tyne Railway, laid in 1834, assisted the transportation of coal . Several limekilns were built at this time and were fuelled by local coal, with limestone being brought in by rail. Demand for coal increased with
1152-559: The basis of the eastern end of the C2C cycle route passing through Annfield Plain, from neighbouring Greencroft through to Stanley ). The engine used by the plane was known as the Anfield Engine because of its proximity to Anfield House, built in the 18th century on nearby Loud Hill. The spelling changed to "Annfield Plain" around 1856, when houses were built for miners on the nearby plateau. The earliest hard evidence of habitation in
1200-572: The behest of Phil Spector . Sammes also provided the distinctive basso backing vocals on Olivia Newton-John 's early country crossover hits, including " Banks of the Ohio ", " Let Me Be There " and " If You Love Me (Let Me Know) ". The Mike Sammes Singers's one entry in The Guinness Book of British Hit Singles is for " Somewhere My Love " in July 1967. Ennio Morricone 's soundtrack for
1248-479: The closure of the coal pits followed by the loss of major employers at Ever Ready in nearby Tanfield, as well as the closure of both the British Steel plant and Shotley Bridge General Hospital in the neighbouring town of Consett. Local businesses in Stanley town centre were also significantly affected by the development of the giant MetroCentre shopping complex in nearby Gateshead, with local trade decreasing as
1296-483: The county council became part of a new upper tier of local government, the North East Combined Authority , led by Mayor Kim McGuinness of the Labour Party . The Stanley AAP, one of 14 in County Durham , is a non-political organisation and funding body engaged with tackling local issues. It involves members of the public and representatives of Durham County Council and Stanley Town Council,
1344-494: The decline of traditional industries and the arrival of large supermarkets and chain stores, 'Old Stanley' has declined, with many locally owned shops and pubs closing. The town's main shopping area, Front Street, is pedestrianised, housing independent shops alongside large chains such as Boots . A market is held on Front Street on Thursdays and Saturdays, although this has become smaller in recent years. There are also supermarkets such as Asda , Aldi and Iceland located within
1392-615: The film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly contained whistling by John O'Neill. The main theme, also titled " The Good, the Bad and the Ugly ", was a hit in 1968 with the soundtrack album on the charts for more than a year, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard pop album chart and No. 10 on the black album chart. O'Neill also sang the theme tune to the American TV series Wagon Train , where he
1440-519: The first weekend in August between 1993 and 2007, with appearances by local, national, and international blues artists and renowned musical acts. In 2005, The Animals played a well-received set. In early 2008, however, organisers announced that the Festival was to be discontinued due to insufficient funding. In June 2008, an arson attack left a historic building on Front Street in ruins, along with
1488-519: The north-east coast. The Louisa Centre, a sports and leisure complex, contains a gym, a 25-metre swimming pool (with a 300-seat spectators' gallery), a small pool, a sports hall, a shooting range, a soft play area, a nursery, meeting rooms, a café, and Stanley Library. The Stanley Indoor Bowls Centre, with a large arena and grandstand, offers play for people of all ages and abilities. Inaugurated in 1977, it has hosted several top-level international events. The Centre also provides meeting facilities for
John O'Neill (musician, born 1926) - Misplaced Pages Continue
1536-619: The opening of a new bus interchange and an extension to the Louisa Centre leisure facility, including a new swimming pool. A new health centre, Stanley Primary Care Centre, was opened in February 2010 along with a Sure Start children's centre. Stanley is 4 miles (6.4 km) from Junction 63 of the A1(M) motorway . Stanley Bus Station is an interchange for bus services which is served by several operators. The nearest railway stations to
1584-499: The police, the fire brigade, health, housing, and education providers, business, and voluntary organisations. Stanley AAP publishes a directory of local activities and advice and support services. The three largest employment sectors for residents in the local area are retail, manufacturing, and health and social work, while the three largest industry groups for local businesses are construction; professional, scientific, and technical services; and retail. In recent decades, with
1632-455: The seven parish wards . The last election was in 2021 for the 2021–2025 term. Each year the councillors elect, from amongst themselves, a town mayor and deputy, and a council leader and deputy. Durham County Council provides the second tier of local government. Eight Stanley town councillors serve on the county council. Its responsibilities include education, housing, social services, highways, planning, and refuse collection. In May 2024,
1680-556: The single "The British Grin and Bear" is co-attributed to Walker. O'Neill was a member of The Michael Sammes Singers in the United Kingdom. Mike Sammes ' group were a vocal group, known primarily for their work as session singers providing backing vocals, although the group also recorded seven albums of their own. Johnny O'Neill and the Michael Sammes Singers provided backing vocals on the recording of " I Am
1728-452: The solo whistler for a set fee and was never acknowledged as its performer, nor paid any royalties. When the track was aired on Top of the Pops , O'Neill and his family were shocked to see an actor appear on stage to mime to the recorded backing track. Some sources attribute the single to British Decca / Deram producer Noel Walker , as producer and performing artist although the b-side of
1776-580: The south side of the village, contains tennis courts on its northern corner, a bowling green, a children's play area, a basic basketball court, a war memorial and a green area with football pitches. Annfield Plain is located in the County Durham unitary authority area. It is represented on Durham County Council by Michele Hodgson and Thomas Nearney (both Labour). The village is part of the North Durham parliamentary constituency , which as of 2005
1824-495: The surrounding area, Annfield Plain's history was coal mining . Much of the surrounding landscape is rough moorland , dominated by the nearby Pontop Pike television mast. Not far from semi-rural Derwentside , however, is the Tyneside – Wearside conurbation , with Newcastle 12 mi (19 km) away, and Sunderland a similar distance. The cathedral city of Durham is 10 mi (16 km) away and offers quite
1872-522: The town are Chester-le-Street , Durham and Dunston . The town is also close to Newcastle International Airport . As well as a number of primary schools, Stanley has two secondary schools. These are: The town is also served by St Bede's Catholic School and Sixth Form College , based in the nearby village of Lanchester . The C2C Cycle Route skirts Stanley to the north. This 140-mile (230 km) route links Whitehaven ( Cumberland ) on England's north-west coast with Roker Beach ( Sunderland ) on
1920-422: The town of Stanley and the villages of Annfield Plain , Bloemfontein, Catchgate , Clough Dene , Craghead , Greencroft , Harelaw , Kip Hill , New Kyo , No Place , Oxhill , Quaking Houses , Shield Row , South Moor , Tanfield , Tanfield Lea , Tantobie , The Middles , West Kyo and White-le-Head . Some archaeological evidence, or possible evidence, of Iron Age and Roman activity has been found in
1968-493: The town. Tesco planned to construct a new supermarket on the Clifford Road Retail Complex site, which had previously housed Kwik Save , Presto , a furniture shop, and an indoor market. Tesco sold the land to TJ Morris , and the former Kwik Save site was then redeveloped into a large Home Bargains store, opening in July 2018. The store created 60 new jobs. Stanley has also added a Domino's ,
John O'Neill (musician, born 1926) - Misplaced Pages Continue
2016-639: The town’s long-standing arts venue and community hub, to Durham County Council. Amidst political controversy, it closed shortly afterwards, and was put up for sale in early 2024. The Civic Hall was formerly known as the Lamplight Arts Centre, which opened in 1961. The Council had taken over its running in mid-2013. The Civic Hall hosted concerts, recitals, plays and shows in the Alun Armstrong Theatre, had an independent cinema, put on exhibitions, held classes and seminars, and
2064-594: The worst in the history of British coal mining, occurred at West Stanley Colliery on 16 February of that year. 168 men and boys were killed. An explosion at the same colliery in 1882 had killed 13 men. On 22 August 1947, an explosion at the Louisa Morrison Colliery killed 22 men. Stanley was served by the Stanhope and Tyne Railway , which had two stations in the town: West Stanley , and Annfield Plain . Both closed in 1955. Over recent decades, Stanley has suffered hard times economically, with
2112-675: Was a weddings and corporate events venue. In late 2023, the owners of the Beamish Football Centre training ground announced that government funding had been secured for a major refurbishment and upgrade, with work starting in 2024. Stanley, whose boundaries have changed over the years, has successively been part of the Lanchester Poor Law Union (from 1837 onwards); Stanley Local Board (1892); Stanley Urban District (1894); Derwentside District (1974); and County Durham (2009). Stanley
2160-627: Was credited as Johnny O'Neill, and the recordings of traditional Irish songs The Gordon Franks Singers And Music With John O'Neill was recorded with The Gordon Franks Singers and Music, in which he was the solo tenor. On these recordings, O'Neill sings in an Irish accent, though his actual voice was rather more Geordie /London. Living with his wife for the majority of their life in Ilford in Essex , they raised four daughters and later retired to Dovercourt , Essex. Stanley, County Durham Stanley
2208-525: Was merged with Stanley School of Techlonolgy in 2011 to form North Durham Academy then closed in 2013 when pupils were moved to the new campus in Stanley . Annfield Plain is centered on what used to be the junction of the former A693 between Consett and Stanley (now bypassing Annfield Plain to the south west) and the B6168, heading north towards Catchgate and Flint Hill. The A6076 additionally heads south west towards Maiden Law and Lanchester. While there
2256-643: Was rededicated in 1950 to also commemorate those who died in WWII. The Masonic Hall in Stanley has a plaque commemorating members of the Coronation Lodge who served or were killed in WWI . Armed Forces Day , an official UK event, is observed on the last Saturday in June. Miners' Sunday, a celebration of Stanley's heritage, takes place in late August. Annfield Plain Annfield Plain
2304-571: Was the scene of a murder, when a man named William Thompson killed his wife. He was hanged at Durham prison on 5 January 1874.³ Annfield Plain Golf Club (now defunct) was founded in 1907. The club closed in 1931. Greencroft Comprehensive School (later Greencroft School ) was the main secondary school in Annfield Plain between 1965 and 2013, split between sites at New Kyo and Greencroft (see Greencroft for more information). It
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