Magicman is proud to share a recent restoration project completed for Gateshead Council — the careful restoration of two historic war memorial plaques at Emma Colliery Memorial Hall in West Ryton, near Crawcrook. The work not only returned the plaques to their original condition but ensured this important community memorial continues to be preserved for future generations.
Background & Significance
The Emma Colliery Memorial Hall was erected in 1923 on land donated by the Stella Coal Company, designed by W. Dixon & Son (Newcastle/Riding Mill) and built by Charlton & Sons of Crawcrook, at a cost of around £3,300 — a significant investment at the time. It was unveiled on 22 March 1924 by Colonel F. R. Simpson and dedicated by Rev. C. B. R. Hunter.
The main tablet bears a moving inscription:
“A tribute of affection to the men of Emma Colliery who gave their lives in the Great War 1914–1918.
Their Name Liveth for Evermore.
Memory Lingers Here.”
Flanked by two bronze angel figures, the left carries a miner’s lamp with the word “HOPE” and the right a miner’s pick with the word “DUTY.” Additional smaller plaques commemorate those who fell in the Second World War. These memorials symbolise the strength and values of a close-knit mining community whose men left the pits to serve their country.
The Challenge
Although the original plaques were bronze, they were later replaced with fibreglass replicas to preserve their appearance and withstand outdoor exposure. Over time, however, these replacements had suffered from weathering, surface deterioration, and general fading. The once-vivid finish had dulled, and fine cracks had appeared. There were also cement residues on the rear of the plaques from previous installations.
Recognising the plaques’ importance, Gateshead Council commissioned Magicman to restore them in time for Remembrance commemorations. The project was managed by Mark Dromey, who coordinated the works alongside his sales duties, ensuring clear communication between the Council, technician, and site teams throughout.
The Restoration Process
The works were completed over two site visits by Dean Robertson, one of Magicman’s experienced surface repair technicians, with project management and client liaison overseen by Mark Dromey.
Wednesday 22nd Oct 2025 – Initial Repairs at Gateshead Council HQ
The first stage took place at the Council’s headquarters, where the plaques had been removed for safe restoration. Dean began by thoroughly cleaning both plaques, removing cement residues from the back and cleaning the front surfaces to expose the full extent of the damage. Using Magicman’s proprietary resins and fillers, he repaired all visible cracks and holes in the fibreglass. To strengthen the structure and prevent future stress fractures, washers were bonded to the rear using fibreglass matting for reinforcement.
Once stabilised, both plaques were sprayed black to provide a consistent base colour. Due to the degree of fading and uneven tones caused by weathering, the original colour could no longer be matched exactly, so a new, sympathetic finish was selected to restore uniformity and depth.
Monday 27th Oct 2025 – On-site Refinishing at Emma Colliery Memorial Hall
After the plaques were safely returned to their home at Emma Colliery Memorial Hall, Crawcrook, Ryton (NE40 3TR), Dean carried out final colour matching and detailing on-site. This included subtle adjustments to the surface tone to achieve a naturally aged appearance that blended perfectly with the surrounding bronze features and stonework.
Dean also took care to conceal chrome fixings used in the reinstallation, ensuring they did not distract from the memorial’s period character. The finishing touches included colour-matching the hooks for wreaths to maintain a uniform, sympathetic appearance across all visible components.
Results
The completed restoration transformed the plaques, reviving their presence and dignity. The once-faded fibreglass now displays a rich, even tone that closely mirrors the look of aged bronze. Cracks and imperfections have been fully repaired, and the reinforced backing ensures long-term stability.
Phil from Gateshead Council shared his satisfaction with the project:
“Yes, the repairs and colouring of the two fibreglass plaques went very well and you wouldn’t think there was any difference between the bronze and fibreglass materials. The works have also been very well received by the local community, so a big thanks to Dean for undertaking the works.”
— Phil, Gateshead Council
Teamwork & Dedication
This project is an excellent example of Magicman’s collaborative approach. Dean Robertson’s skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail on site, combined with Mark Dromey’s effective project management and client coordination, ensured the work was completed efficiently and to the highest standard within a short timeframe.
Mark’s dual role in overseeing logistics while managing client relations exemplifies Magicman’s commitment to service quality and clear communication at every stage of a project.
Why It Matters
Many of Magicman’s technicians and senior management come from Armed Forces backgrounds, so projects like this carry a special significance. Restoring memorials that commemorate those who served — especially from working communities such as the miners of Emma Colliery — aligns closely with our company’s values of respect, heritage, and precision.
For our team, it is never simply about surface repair; it is about preserving history and honouring sacrifice. To contribute to maintaining a memorial that has stood for over a century is both a privilege and a responsibility we take to heart.
Project at a Glance
- Client: Gateshead Council
- Location: Emma Colliery Memorial Hall, West Ryton (near Crawcrook)
- Scope: External restoration of two fibreglass war memorial plaques
- Duration: Two sessions — 22nd & 27th November
- Technician: Dean Robertson
- Project Manager: Mark Dromey
- Methods: Specialist cleaning; proprietary resin/filler repairs; fibreglass reinforcement; sprayed base coat; hand-adjusted weathered finish; colour-matched fixings and wreath hooks
Stewardship & Aftercare
Magicman repairs are engineered, not improvised. Each repair is carried out by technicians trained at our in-house academy to the highest standards. For warranties to remain valid, our aftercare and maintenance guidance must be followed. Poor care or neglect may void warranty coverage. We specialise in surface repair, not mechanical or structural works.
The MA Group Support
Earlier this year, Magicman joined the MA Group, a move that has already strengthened our foundations and expanded our capabilities. With greater investment, broader operational support, and an expanded national reach, we are now able to offer more services in more areas than ever before. This partnership positions Magicman to move into 2026 stronger than at any point in our history, with continued growth and long-term stability underpinning everything we do.
Ongoing Partnership with Gateshead Council
The success of this restoration has already led to further work secured with Gateshead Council. Impressed by the quality of the repairs, attention to detail, and professionalism throughout the project, the Council has since approached Magicman to assist with additional surface restoration works across its estate. This ongoing collaboration reflects the Council’s confidence in Magicman’s expertise and reinforces our reputation as the trusted partner for specialist restoration and repair services in the region.
Repair Examples
