Remembrance Day Services have been held annually since 2021, and each year more have attended, including now representatives from the NUM. It is an event to honour the men, women and children who worked in and those 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.
Word of the service had continued to spread and over 90 attended this year’s service. We were again honoured to have with us former miners; members of Lea Hall and Brereton Collieries Memorial Society bringing with them their banners; former members of the Corps of Royal Engineers [to commemorate the tunnelling units that operated in WW1] with their flag and artist Andy DeComyn who played a lament on the pipes.
Nicky Wilson, President of the National Union of Mineworkers travelled from Scotland with colleagues. He spoke movingly of the risks miners have faced throughout history, reminding us “Whether it was hundreds of years ago or in modern times, the inherent dangers faced by miners as they toil in the bowels of the earth have never changed”. He laid a wreath on behalf of the NUM.
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. The occasion provides an opportunity not only to remember but to meet with past friends and colleagues.
A Remembrance Service is planned at 2.30pm on 9th November 2025 and on Remembrance Sunday each year going forward.