The Cross Keys

Many thanks to Martin Tomkinson for the following information about one of Gornal's lost pubs: My dad was licensee of the Cross Keys around 1958-9, having taken the place over from my Grandmother. Dad was John Tomkinson- wife Marjorie Grandma was Susan Martin/Watkins (I don't know when she remarried). I was 8 years of age at this time, and the old pub was a spooky place at times, especially the cellar. My brother was born in the front bedroom of the pub. I attended Robert Street County Primary (I have my old school cap badge still) over this time. We used to have a blind chap in on Friday nights to play the piano and the bloke with the tray of cockels, mussels etc hawked his wares. I've been back to Gornal in 1989 and 1999. Guess what I do now? My wife and I own the Royal Hotel in Sofala in New South Wales in the colonies. Drop in one day! * * * 10/12/04 - Thanks to Phil Ball for the following: I live in Adelaide Australia but attended Robert St. Junior School and later used to drink in the Cross Keys and play the organ on week ends. This was when Ken Smith had it. My brothers also drank there (Trevor, Mick and Tony). I loved me Banks' Mild there! Please help to fill this page with your memories of the Cross Keys, its licensees, and its regulars. Email us at admin@yampy.co.uk.