A memorial to 43 men and boys who died in Kearsley’s worst mining disaster has been restored.
A replica coal tub was placed on land off Manchester Road in tribute to those who lost their lives in the Unity Brook Colliery tragedy on March 12, 1878.
Poignantly the coal tub bears the image of a pocket watch clock face showing the time as 1.07pm — the time the explosion ripped through the pit – and now the memorial has undergone work to get it back to high standards.
The Kearsley Festival Group has said a big thank you to Stephen Shaw for providing his invaluable time refurbishing and repairing the memorial coal tub due to the elements of the weather.
Unveiling of tribute to those who died in Kearsley's worst mining disaster
The group says it also appreciates the donation Heightvale Ltd, the company Steve works for.
The 43 men and boys who died in Unity Brook mining disaster remembered
The company donated all the materials for the repair work and Harry Morton for his continued support for ensuring the upkeep of the memorial.
The coal tub was created and unveiled on June 17, 2018.
The memorial replica coal tub and plaque displayed with names of all those who lost their lives is situated on Manchester Road near to the junction of Moss Lane behind the giant Kearsley in Bloom picture frame.
This spot was the location of The Unicorn Pub which was nearby to the entrance of the mining pit and was well used by the miners.
Cllr Tracey Wilkinson said: “We've needed some repair work doing on the coal tub for a while due to the weather.
“The wonderful Stephen Shaw recently offered his services.
“Last week in the pouring rain you may have seen him hidden under the gazebo and wonder what was happening.
“Thank you, Stephen, and Heightvale Ltd for the material donations.
“A thank you to Harry Morton too for the running around you've done and sorting of the additional gazebo repair.
“We have so many wonderful people in our community that makes things happen without most people knowing but I just wanted to make sure our appreciation was shown to Stephen for his time and expertise/skills. Thank you!”
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In March on the anniversary of the disaster, the group and residents hold a short service supported by the local churches and schools Spindle Point and St Stephen's to remember the 43.
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