A Biography of Tom Leonard

Born at Charltons, a small mining village, in 1922, Tom was educated at the neighbouring village of Boosbeck, before starting work in the South Skelton Mines offices. He continued his education at evening classes, and developed an interest in writing.

Tom served in the Royal Air Force, and on his return to civilian life he took up his old job at the mine offices. He also started writing articles and covering sporting events for the now defunct Cleveland Standard.

He was offered a job with the Evening Gazette, and until his illness he wrote as a district Reporter covering all aspects of life in the area.

Picture: Tom amongst the collection in the early days

Outside his work Tom was involved in local football; a trophy for sportsmanship being named after him. He was also an active member of the Lifeboat Committee.

His relationship with The Green Howards, who were based locally during the 1950's, took him all over the World. In honour of his friendship over 25 years the 1st Battalion Green Howards annually present two Shields bearing his name.

The Regiment also provided the pall-bearers and sounded the last post at his funeral in 1981, a great honour for a man who had never actually served with the regiment.

The Tom Leonard Mining Museum was established by his family and friends as a memorial to the late newspaper reporter whose dream it was to see the setting up of a Museum devoted to the memory of the Cleveland ironstone miners and their industry. Elsie Leonard, his wife, is still involved in the Museum as a member on the Board of Trustees.