The Thringstone Web Founders...
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'Thringstone On Line' was launched in May 1999 by three friends accustomed to casually meet up at the Queen's Head, Thringstone. At that time 'the net' was still relatively new and only a minority of people in this neck of the woods had PCs.
James Ryce and Mark Redfern were particularly interested in the whole web design thing, and probably wouldn't have been too fussy about the subject matter, but Steve Badcock - a life-long lover of local history - saw an ideal opportunity to combine efforts and produce a history site for Thringstone in time for the Millennium.
James initially got the mechanics of the site together, and Mark spent lots of time cleaning up and scanning old photographs, while Steve had the job of providing the text.
Special mention should also be made of Ron Goacher of Thringstone, who has been a tremendous help in lending old photographs from his collection and supplying information he has unearthed from old issues of the Coalville Times. In particular, we are grateful to him for agreeing to undertake the Workmen's Roll of Honour, which is a remarkable piece of work.
Toward the end of 1999, Gayle Atkinson arrived in the village from Sydney, Australia and lived with James in the village for four years - the two having met 'on line'. Gayle was fascinated by the local history aspect, and as a talented web designer, was welcomed into the team.
James and Gayle moved to live in Australia in 2003 and plan to marry out there later this year - 2004.
Mark and Steve still live in the Coalville area, and indeed their families have lived hereabouts for generations. James is a native of Scotland, having come to live in the village as a small child at the time of northern colliery transfers.
I must also say a big 'thank you' to my eldest daughter Hannah Louisa (aged twelve), who is the fastest typist in the West!
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