13th November 2022 – National Miners’ Memorial site at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas
Due to the success of the Remembrance Day Service in 2021, it was decided that this would become an annual event to honour the men women and children who worked and those UK coal miners who lost their lives in the UK minefields. The service also remembers those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars.
The service was taken by Lay Minister Wendy Pitt who spoke of the importance of remembering individuals who had worked in the UK coal mines and/or served in conflict for their country.
Numbers attending had grown from 2021 and the service was well attended by former miners; by some who had donated plaques on the memorial; by visitors to and staff of the NMA and by Chase Arts for Public Spaces committee members. Members of Lea Hall and Brereton Collieries Memorial Society attended in their numbers, bringing with them three banners whilst Friends of Littleton Colliery came along with their brand new, striking banner. In addition, three former members of the Corps of Royal Engineers [to commemorate the tunnelling units that operated in WW1] attended and brought with them their flag.
The event was enhanced by the pipes being played by Andy DeComyn – a lament introduced the time of silence and his playing accompanied the laying of wreaths. Andy designed and sculpted the 25 bronze plaques on the memorial.
The service was again very well received and ensured the courage and suffering of those who had lost their lives in UK coal mines as well as those who had given their lives in conflict would not be forgotten.
A Remembrance Service is planned at 2.30pm on 12th November 2023 and on Remembrance day each year going forward.