by Terry Bearpark
Way back in 1966 a quiet revolution began which was to change the way we cooked and heated our homes for ever.
The construction of the Easington Gas Terminal marked a defining moment in British energy history, the point where the nation first began to harness the power of the North Sea.
From those early days of exploration and infrastructure the site has evolved into one of the UK’s most important energy gateways, continuing to deliver natural gas fuelling homes and industry.
To commemorate the six decades since the small village of Easington became the focal point of the gas industry, local history group the Spurn, Kilnsea and Easington Area Local Studies group (SKEALS) has released a new book, The Gas Man Cometh.
Compiled by local historian Mike Welton, who was involved with the terminal from the early days for more than 30 years both onshore and offshore, the illustrated 92-page book details life on the site and offshore gas rigs and the growth of the village and surrounding area into an important energy gateway for the UK.
For those who were there in the early days, the book is a great reminder of life as Easington evolved, while for those who only know the village and terminal as it is now, the book extensively recounts the development.
The Gas Man Cometh was launched at a coffee morning at Easington Village Hall last Saturday and the book was certainly in demand by villagers.
There was also a display staged by Mr Welton of photographs and artefacts from his working days.
To order this book or copies of previous publications, and for more information about SKEALS activities and projects, visit skeals.co.uk or contact them by email at [email protected].
The book is also available at several shops in the area.