“Put your tokens in. You did your stint.”

Everyone at the DMA is saddened to learn of the passing of Tot Holyoak. Among the longest lived of Durham miners, Tot passed away aged 101 years old.

Albert Holyoak – affectionally known at ‘Tot’ – worked at Wearmouth Colliery from the age of 14 in 1938 until 1983. He attended the Durham Miners Gala every year across nine decades, his last being in 2024 aged 100.

DMA Secretary Alan Mardghum knew Tot for the last half century and served with him on the DMA’s Wearmouth Lodge Committee.

Alan said: “Tot was proud of his heritage and loved talking about meeting people like Clement Attlee, Nye Bevan, Harold Wilson, and many other prominent labour and trade union leaders. We’ve lost a true legend and he will sadly be missed by all who knew him. Our condolences go to his family. Rest in eternal peace marra. Put your tokens in. You did your stint.”

Alan will represent the DMA at Tot’s funeral on Tuesday 22 July 10am at St Hilda’s RC Church, Beaumont Street, Southwick, Sunderland. Then at Sunderland Crematorium at 11.30am. 
 

Albert ‘Tot’ Holyoak 1924 – 2025.