Choppington "A" Colliery drew its last coals during the weekend of July 15th - 16th, 1966, and with it the oldest miners lodge in the country went out of existence, which was formed in 1801.
The lodge was the oldest and also had some of the greatest names in the history of mining on its books at one time or another. Thomas Burt was one of the first miners' representatives to enter the House of Commons as an M.P. was secretary. Sir William Lawther's father was a secretary of the Choppington Branch and his uncle was a chairman.
Two other former Members of Parliament were connected with the branch Mr J. Cairns and Mr C. Fenwick. Mr J. Fenwick, who was once manager of Choppington "A" Pit, and left to manage Bedlington "A" Pit, was the grandson of Mr C. Fenwick.
As the lodge closed, Mr George Jamieson, chairman, and other men, held a "get together" in Scotland Gate Club on Friday, July 15th, 1966. Mr Tom Holliday, president of the Northumberland Area of the National Union of Mineworkers, presented gifts to officials. Wallets of money were given to Mr Jamieson, Mr E. Suthers, secretary, Mr H. Watson, financial secretary, and seven other committee members.
There had been few redundancies at Choppington "A" Pit, and the miners were transferred to other local collieries.