A MEMORIAL to the 43 men and boys who died in a Kearsley mining disaster has been unveiled close to the site of the colliery.

About 200 people turned out yesterday to witness the reveal of a replica coal tub on land off Manchester Road, in tribute to those who lost their lives in the Unity Brook Colliery tragedy on March 12, 1878.

The coal tub, which stands 50 metres from where the colliery used to be, bears the image of a pocket watch clock face showing the time as 1.07pm — the time the explosion ripped through the pit.

It was officially unveiled at that exact time yesterday by blacksmith Darren Block, who created it, and Bernie Lomax, whose great grandfather, John Tickle Lomax, was one of those who died in the tragedy.

Stephen Tonge, community officer for Churches on the Mount, who helped to organise the memorial, said: “It is extremely important that we recognise the industrial heritage we have in Kearsley, and to teach the younger generations the foundations this community was built on - hard work and sacrifice.

“The turnout is brilliant and shows people still care.

“It’s fitting, too, because it’s Father’s Day and fathers and sons got killed down there together.”

An old-style Miner’s Union banner was also unveiled, as well as a.memorial plaque bearing information about the disaster and the names of those who died.

Speeches were given by Mr Tonge, Ms Lomax, the Reverend Kim Lafferty, and Billy Kelly, secretary from the National Union of Mineworkers.

A song — Lament to the 43 — based on a poem written about the disaster, was then performed by folk singer and songwriter Chris Ward.

Piper Darren Green rounded off the ceremony by performing a lament.

Earlier this year, a special service of remembrance was held at St Stephen’s Church in Kearsley remembering those who died on the 140th anniversary of the disaster.