EPW043814 ENGLAND (1934). High Spen village and the Garesfield and Chopwell Railway, High Spen, from the south-east, 1934

The Park Pavilion, High Spen, was historically referred to as "The White Elephant". The nickname was applied because the pavilion was rarely used at a time when there were numerous other meeting places available in the area.

Long Row West, High Spen, had been known as “The Old Row” – now merely a footpath going up to the old Methodist Chapel and the Park Pavilion. The Park Pavilion was historically referred to as "The White Elephant". The nickname was applied because the pavilion was rarely used at a time when there were numerous other meeting places available in the area.

The opening of the High Spen Methodist Chapel at East Street, took place on Good Friday, 3rd April 1885. The Chapel was to hold 320 persons, the vestry 30, the architect was Mr Southern. In 1896 James Lee, the Chapel Steward, was paid 30 shillings per year for opening and closing the Chapel and vestry and attending to the oil lamps. Electric lights were installed in 1904 at a cost of £21. Easter Weekend was celebrated as the time of the Chapel Anniversary and the 'Blaydon Courier' of Saturday 21st April 1906 read: " The Primitive Methodists of High Spen have experienced a most successful weekend. The Eastertide gatherings have attracted extraordinary companies. Upward of 800 people attended a tea on Good Friday, the sum of £20 was realised. Prior to the tea a service was addressed by Mr T. J. Barker of Victoria Garesfield. In the afternoon the Chapel was crowded while a concert was given by the young men. There was another concert on the Saturday night and on Sunday special sermons were preached and a musical service was given by the young men, Mr R. Emmerson conducting and the organist being Mr Jos Emmerson Jun." That was then and this is now. Sadly, the congregation were informed late last year that their Chapel was to close in the Spring of 2003. Therefore, the last services to be held in the Chapel will be over the Easter Weekend. The final service was very well attended and many tears were shed for all of those who had been part of the congregation over the years.

Watson Street, High Spen.

Ashtree

Brick Works

Garesfield Colliery (Bute Pit)

The Bute arms

The Road End Club/Pawston Road