Not all that long ago a familiar face on the street scene was that of the coalman – the coal-dust-covered faces of the coalmen, who often wore a leather hood to shield their backs as they hauled the heavy bags of coal over their shoulder could be a daunting sight to a young child!

Dennis Barsby was the Deeping St James Coalman. He had been asked to run the village end of the family business, G.A. Charity, in 1967 by his brother-in-law, Gordon Charity. Long days would start at 6 o’clock when he weighed out his coal for the day’s deliveries. The scales were 5ft x 2ft, known as the Ironman, and it had two hooks to hold the sacks ready for filling. Then, having loaded up the lorry with large and half-sized bags of coal (known as riders and pups) and climbing up the steps or ‘dole’ he would tuck into a hearty breakfast provided by his wife, Maisie. Then off to deliver, collecting payment as he went, most customers having the right money for him and some, at his regular tea stops, would give him a cuppa too! Most customers had a cellar or coal bunker where the coal was tipped leaving the sacks for Dennis to use again. Some customers would stock up for the winter months when prices were cheaper in the summer. In November 1973 there was a national panic about the threat to the oil and electricity supply, as OPEC countries punished those countries who had supported Israel in the Seven Day War. Coal, however, was not affected and Maisie assured the local press ‘We can last until the end of January with coal, a little longer with smokeless fuel.’ At Christmas deliveries would be made to the needy, organised by Deeping St James United Charities and the council.