I can add some information (and a few photos) to the notes sent in by John Davison, let's hope that my musings may stimulate the memories of other folks who were on the hills in those days.
Bill Piggins was the warden at Once Brewed after the 2nd World War and before Jack ? (I can't remember his name). Bill came from the Consett/ Blackhill area of County Durham and during the war was one of three young men compulsorily billeted on my parents at Walkerdene, Newcastle upon Tyne. These were men not fit enough for active service in the armed forces who were drafted to work in the shipyards. A keen cyclist and youth hosteller, Bill was appointed Warden at Once Brewed when the Hostel reopened after the war. His appointment changed my young life; I was allowed, at thirteen, to catch the bus to Bardon Mill and walk up the hill to the hostel by myself - my parents were confident I would be safe at Once Brewed.
There I met and made friends with other walkers and cyclists and discovered the pleasure of walking through the wide countryside around Hadrian's Wall, eventually visiting all the hostels in Northumberland. Wooler became the favourite hostel in the winters with the start of the Northumbrian Ski Club, and led to my meeting with Michael.
Bill Piggins emigrated to Australia, married and died there (can anyone else add to the Piggins story?).
I too have memories of the crowd who met up on Sunday evenings at the Central Station Café, a splendid place with beautiful tiled walls and ornate pillars.
The photos of Once Brewed and Rothley Sheil are fairly self-explanatory, great memories from those far-off days.
Please get in touch if you remember me from those days, click here to make contact with Trevor, he can supply my contact details.Back to first page of this website
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