Shame about the end of those great drinking establishments over there. Big changes have occurred over the past thirty years with the demise of the mines. I can remember frequently going into the Portland direct from the pit training centre at Ashington Colliery. Massive building. What's it used for now? I can't remember the last time I was at that end of town
My first bottle was a George Young Ginger Beer - "Chantry Well, Morpeth, Est. 1872" that establishment date was exactly 100 years earlier than the year I found it -1972 - so I can never forget when I started bottle collecting if I keep that one.
