A couple of Gornal characters of the time who are mentioned on the Gornal postcard, Cogger and Pokey Mon [Man].

Cogger.

Cogger nickname originated from his job building cogs in the local mines, his real name was Billy Stevens and he was well known for his expertise in building 'cogs' down the local pits.
A 'cog' -a mining term for a man-made roof support, and Cogger was celebrated for his sturdy cogs in the local mines.

Cogger was also well known for his practical jokes, he was one of the twelve children of Herbert and Rachel Stevens (nee Hickman).
It was Herbert who discovered the "Gornal Monstrosity", the likes of which have never been seen before or since, a multi-legged rat-like creature with many abnormalities and deformities. This grotesque creature was discovered in a cesspit he had been cleaning out.
Herbert kept the vile creature as a talking point for many years at his home in New Street, as to whether this was another 'joke' or not is still open, but nevertheless another bit of Gornal folklore.
Later, the Stevens' became well known for their chippy at 49 New Street, which was fabricated in the 'brew us' [Brew House] out the back.

Archie Williams once described Cogger as "..a tall gangling man, his hands invariably buried deep in his trouser pockets cut on the cross, with a short clay pipe nearly always upside down in his mouth, a Billycock [Bowler Hat] stuck at an angle upon his head and a disarming grin across his face."

The Pokey Mon.

Another well known character was Thomas Malpass, he was so named 'Pokey Mon' or just 'Pokey' after he had lost his hand in an accident.
A steel hook replaced his hand which he used to good effect in any argument.

Thomas Malpass was landlord of the Red Lion Inn in Abbey Road in the early part of the 20th Century.