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In recent years I have become curious not only about my more immediate ancestors but the area in which we, my family and I, have chosen to live. I have included the results of a little research which such curiosity provoked, although the product is merely a few hundred words somewhat enhanced by the addition of material supplied by Gordon Stridiron. Perhaps on reflection, a local  web site such as this should not only seek  to show and explain 'how things used to be' but 'how things are today' This I will strive to do and I hope at the very least, that surfers may be mildly diverted and entertained. I have endeavoured to combine accuracy and objectively in my own meanderings, but the latter is especially difficult and perhaps more so where I describe some aspects of what is left of our industrial heritage ravaged so completely in recent years. The coal mine owners who made their money from the blood and sweat of the Wardley miners are long gone, as are most of the legacies
 of the collieries. What little remains, are a reminder perhaps of the day to day struggle of the miners and their families to live a decent and honourable life, whilst largely ignored but forever used and abused by the the most wealthy and powerful people in the country. The opinions expressed here are of course my own and I offer no evidence that they are either widely held by others or popular.
I have divided the main part of the site broadly into four segments, The History, The Collieries, The Community and The People,  although this initial quartet may be greatly amended in time. Wherever it has seemed natural (and possible) to do so, I have inserted a recent photograph adjacent to an image from the past. For comparison and for fun.
 have divided the site broadly into four segments, The History, The Collieries, The Community and The People, although this initial quartet may be greatly amended in time. Wherever it has seemed natural (and possible) to do so, I have inserted a recent photograph adjacent to an image from the past. For comparison and for fun.
As to names, I have endeavoured to credit all who have contributed to these pages,. initially so,  Gordon Stridiron of Wardley for allowing me access to his manuscripts, photographs and St Mary's Church records. And the following people for allowing me to use their photographs and  Wardley memorabilia.
Margaret O'Neill, Peter O'Neill, Vera Robinson, Allison Lee, Ann Bednarczyk, Bob Dixon, Jan Younger, Chris Tweddell,  Llyn Green,  Norma Sturman, Anne Wandless,   Ann Broom,  John Lumsdon and Barrie Prett.