Ern Lambert
Ern Lambert was picketing Myall Colliery during the lockout of 1929. He was 16 years old. He pocketed a lump of coal as a keepsake. This was the beginning of a lifetime of collecting, focused on local mines and industry.
Ern’s father Cuthbert was a miner. Ern worked at Lymington Colliery in Cardiff South. He spent his later life working at Cockle Creek Power Station. He kept items that reminded him of his employment there like a set of keys to the power station and his welding mask.
He collected items from all over the region to represent every pit. He was endlessly interested in and emotionally connected to the region's history.
He was a well known figure in Westy. He grew up in Estelville and spent his later life living in Holmesville. He supported the early development of the museum at the high school. West Wallsend Community and High School Museum’s records show that he made early donations to their collection. He passed away in 1990. Further groups of donations were made in his name after his death.
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