Bevin Boys.

[Lampman]

Has anyone any information about the late great Eric Morcambe's time serving locally in the mines as a Bevin Boy?

[Lampman]

The reason I ask the question is that years ago, whilst working at the Lancashire Evening Telegraph,I heared a tale:
One of the old timers was always regailing the rest of his crew with how he had worked with Eric Morecambe 'down the Pit'.This was of course met with the usual derisery remarks that were the norm;until one day......
In those days the Telegraph ran the popular Cross the Ball competion,winners had the prize presented by famous celebrities who visited the Telegraph offices,passing through the Pressroom.
Enter Morcambe and Wise,passing through the room Eric's gaze fell upon one particular worker,he walked up to him and gave the Wa Hey Hey!shout. 'Smithy you old B****** how the hell are you?
As you could imagine aforementioned ex miner's street cred soared from that day onward.
That is the tale I was told.
I think it may have been Hapton/Huncoat where Eric worked though I don't really know.