Subject: Consett Choir Calamity
From:
*#1 PEASANT*
Date: 15 Apr 02 - 11:24 AM
Consett Choir Calamity A scripture tells us very plain to Think not of to-morrowBecause our happiness and joys may quickly turn to sorrow
How many cases have we known up to the present time
Where Death has called away young men and women in their prime.
Some we knew that sufered long in bed, both night and day,
And others, in the best of health were suddenly called away,
When the appointed time haas come, to Death we cannot say;
I'm not prepared to go just yet, call back some future day. Death will take no bribery, or one thing would be sure,
The Rich would live, and Death would only call upon the poor.
We know there's danger everywhere, no mattere where we go,
Look at the sad calamity—going to Prudhoe Show.
A happy band of Vocalists from Consett went away,
To join a Singing Competition which was held that day.
The vehicle which they'd engaged at Consett did arrive,
The weather was both fine and fair, and pleasant for a drive. The vehicle with its passengers which numbered twenty-eight,
Delayed no time at Consett, lest they should be too late;
A pleasant smile was on each face, all hearty so gay,
They all joined in with one accord, to sing while on their way;
They sang with voices loud and sweet, in praise of God on high;
But little thought that afternoon that some of them would die.
Death was riding with them, but little did they know,
That not a one amongst the lot would see the Prudhoe Show. When they arrived at Medomsley, five passengers were there,
Waiting for to join their friends, their pleasures for to share;
The vehicle stopped and took them in, they each one took their seat,
The moved away, but never thought of danger, or the troubles they would meet.
All went well until they reached a bank both steep and long,
On going down it could be seen that there was something wrong;
The vehicle ran much faster than what it ought to go;
The danger that their lives were in not one of them did know. The driver did his very best, the vehicle for to guide,
Thinking of the passengers that he had got inside;
The brake refused to do its work, none of the company knew,
The driver sat and did his best to bring them safely through;
There was no chance of jumping out 'twas uselss for to try,
They had no other chance but sit, which made their end so nigh;
And when he had lost all control- exausted as could be-
The vehicle and its passengers ran smash into a tree. As soon as the disaster, the news was quickly spread
That twenty-five were injured, and nine were lying dead;
The ambulance and doctors too, were soon upon the ground
With stimulands and bandages to dress up each one's wound.
One young man named Pearson, was injured so that day,
On going to the Infirmary, he died upon the way.
Owe hope those Ten have landed save into the Home above,
Where all is Happiness, and Peace, and Everlasting love. One Good Source:Polisses & Candymen, The Complete Works of Tommy Armstrong, The Pitman Poet, ed. Ross Forbes, TommyArmstrong Memorial Trust, 1987.
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