Photo-a-Day  (Saturday, 11th February, 2012)

Good photo Mick. A poignant reminder of "what was "

Good one Mike.

I'm from Wigan still mining coal at Hatfield Colliery in Yorkshire,Dangerouus job still.
Respect to our Pioneers.

I come from at least 4 generations of coal miners,Mick,but have never been down a coalmine myself.Your photo gives lots to think about including my Dad working in the pit aged just 13,thanks for this photo.

My uncle, Frank Gormley, worked at Golorne but I am ashamed to say I don't know where the colliery was. Can someone tell me please?

I worked with Frank Gormley in the loco shed at pit bottom. The collery was on the left hand side as you go through Golborne about half a mile from the East Lancs Road.

It's been turned into an industrial park off the main road (High Street) in Golborne. It's opposite the old railway station

A coal mines a tunnel that runs under ground
It has black dusty walls,and ominous sounds.
Mourning and creaking and seeming to move, but the darkness and stillness are worst of all.It has no windows or ornate doors,and there are thick clouds of dust that menace the throat. The light is so poor the ceiling so low, you pity the men who work here bellow. Now the miner himself has hopes and fears, and pounders the plight of those he loves dear. If that the dreads , as all miners must . When the floor meets the ceiling with a sickening thud .crushing like beetles the body's of men. Battered and bleeding unaware of time .No clean sheets or a parsons pray,not the benefit of family there.
And when the corpse is brought to the top, cries of shame from every sphere " the lad only in his thirty first year", but the unions there to see justice done. A weekly pension and lump sum.but what price of life of a man who knew fear,who had hopes and dreams, but is no longer here . T. W.

Nice tribute

I WENT DOWN A COAL MINE AROUND BEECH HILL IN 1956 ON A SCHOOL TRIP,THEY WERE AFTER SCHOOL LEAVES BUTT THANK GOD I CHOSE NOT TO,

A very fitting tribute, but as well as this memorial, there is also a stained glass window in Golborne St Thomas Parish Church, dedicated to the 10 men that died as a result of the explosion that occured on 18th March 1979 - a very sad day.

Worked at Golborne pit (Kid Glove)after they shut Bold Colliery and was in attendance when the stone was presented to the lads and families of those who worked there. Was a great pit, knew a lot of lads before starting there but made more during my time ast the pit. Hope the stone stays there for ever and that the memories dont fade.

Does anyone know where I can get a colour photograph of the stained glass memorial window at Golborne Parish Church? Tom - very poignant words.

I just read ste stonehouses comment february 2012. i to worked at golborne and bold colliery .i think stes dad was ernie stonehouse .happy memories

Hello Adrea, Ive asked Brian to pass my email address on to you. I think I can get you that photograph if you're still looking for one.

My wife, Margaret, and I went to the Memorial service yesterday. Tom Walsh read out the poem 'A coal miners tunnel' It was Very moving'. The daughter of Bernard Trumble asked if she could get a copy to remember the occasion. I was able to find it hear and will send her a copy. the the service and turnout was amazing and much appreciated by all present.

Well done to all who attended and deservedly so.

Hello Tuddy - do you mean my uncle Brian? I didn't get the email but I can ask his daughter to follow up. I am still looking for a photo. It would be fantastic if I could get hold of a copy. Thank you so much

Hello Andrea, Sorry for the delay,but I've only just seen your reply. I meant Brian the administrator of this site. If you contact him he can give you my email address.

I was born in Golborne, Royal Hotel, a good friend of mine died in that mining tragedy, John Macenna, brother of Eddie of Bryn Estate.