I am Mrs. Sarah Hodson (Sally) I was born in Thornley at my Grandmother's house were I lived till I was 9 month's old. Then we moved to a new house in East View Wheatley Hill. I have lived in Wheatley Hill all of my life.

As my dad was a local miner Mr. James Alderton, he was allowed to buy the house in East View on a scheme from the colliery. My mothers name was Ann Alderton.

I remember my first day at Wheatley Hill Infants School, my mother took me there and I was happy to start, but the bell rang for play-time and I thought it was time to go home, so that's exactly what I did. I walked all the way back home myself much to the surprise of my mother, I was taken straight back it was quite a long way. There were no school meals like we have today so I had to walk this distance three times a day. I enjoyed school.

Also once a year there was a special day it was held in the Recreation Grounds where we all joined in games and prizes were given and every child in the village were given a bag of fruit, sweets, etc. as the miners paid a sum of money each week to cover the cost. A very pleasant day for all the miners' families.
I left school at 14 years of age and went to work. At the age of 18 years I had to go and train to be a fitter at Newcastle as this was when the war broke out. Eligible men and women were called up to join the forces or factories, which produced bombs.

When the war finished I met my husband, as he had also been away in the Royal Navy for 5 years. A year later we were married at the Methodist Chapel where I attended regular in my younger days. I have 2 Daughters and 5 Grandchildren, 3 Granddaughters, and 2 Grandsons, with whom I've had lots of pleasure. Both my daughters are schoolteachers
My Husband died sadly 14 years ago so I was on my own I had plenty of time on my hands so I decided to join various community classes. I have learned quite a few skills Flower-arranging, Pottery, watercolour painting, de-couparge, and at present I am learning Patch Work Quilting.

I am also a member of the Wheatley Hill Mothers Club, which I have found to be one of the best clubs in the area. There are so many things going on it is a very friendly club the other members are always willing to help each other when need.
Having said this I am also very interested in what is going on in the community of the village EG. The crime and safety group which I am a member.