JOSEPH [JOE] BLENKINSOP 1891-1956
Family Details
c.1891: Joe was born at Hilton, the son of George & Margaret Blenkinsop. The family lived at West View, Evenwood. His father was a cokeman, presumably employed at Randolph cokeworks, Evenwood. His siblings were Wilfred bc.1881 and Arnold bc.1888 at Summerhouse.
Military Details
Joseph Blenkinsop enlisted into the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) and was given the regimental number S/12112. He was wounded 14 July 1916 during the Battle of the Somme. The wound necessitated the amputation of his left arm. An account is given below. Private J. Blenkinsop was awarded the Silver War Badge.
Marriage
4 August 1918: Joe married Beatrice Towers
Occupation
Pre 1938: Joe Blenkinsop was the landlord of the White Swan. He was probably well suited to such an occupation as he was well known as an entertainer, particularly as a singer. An account is given below. My old friend, the late Norman Walker spoke highly of Joe’s singing talent and his eagerness to get up and offer a song in Evenwood Workingmens’ Club. It remains unknown how he managed to pull pints of beer with only one arm when many a bartender can still manage to pull a bad pint with 2.
Death
December 1956: Joe died aged 65.
REFERENCES:
- Evenwood Parish Magazines December1915 & September 1916
- Auckland Chronicle April 1917
Joe BLENKINSOP
Loses his arm
Joe BLENKINSOP: Entertains
PHOTOGRAPHS:
JOE BLENKINSOP
photo
THE WHITE SWAN PH
Note: Those photographed include Norman & Marjorie Robson landlords during the 1961- 78
The Gaunless Valley in World War 1 