NORTH WALES MINERS
ASSOCIATION TRUST LTD
Miners' Re-union
Marking 25 years since closure
of the last Colliery in the
Denbighshire Coalfield
1986 - 2011
BERSHAM
COLLIERY
Quoted by Margaret Jones. ( NWMAT secretary )
Raymond Lloyd, Keith Evans & Alan Jones spoke on live Radio Wales for the Good Morning Wales programme & Dennis Owens was photographed for the People's Collection after talking to Aled on the phone last week, as well as being interviewed in Cymraeg for the BBC (could be BBC 2) & our Chairman was interviewed as well.
Sun rises on Bersham colliery Headgear
The headgear casting a shadow on the winding house.
The headgear has stood the test of time and it is full of rich memories for all the miners.
Its also stands for how many areas were built on industries.
Bersham headgear before the snow arrived!
Frank and Keith " tattoo"
A meeting of friends.
A meeting of friends.
The lads get ready for their photo shoot.
Nearly ready!
The press photo shoot.
Dennis with Raymond having a quick photo break!
Dennis with the Bersham headgear in the background
Dennis on another press photo shoot.
Mr Dennis Owens, who is now 87 years old, began work at the colliery in 1948, when he was aged 26 and then spent the rest of his entire working life as a mechanical and structural engineer. Dennis was responsible for maintenance of the pit and the vital headgear.
Dennis chuckling at all of the camera attention he's getting!
Thank you to Wrexham County Borough Council for kindly putting on the refreshments - a selection of the lovely cakes shown above with tea, coffee & hot chocolate.
The refreshments were enjoyed by all!
Wood carvings and paintings by former miners.
A slide show of the site’s history and an art exhibition was also shown. John Wilture had a display and lastly a mixed selection of Bersham Colliery photos by me Dawn Field.
( Apologies if anyone's display was not mentioned.)
Keith's display of tattoo designs
The Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress with Ted McKay.
Margaret Jones of NWMAT chatting to Dennis and other visitors.
Visitors at the event.
Everyone assembling for the 11.00 a.m. service
Coverage of the event was filmed.
Guests at the ceremony included the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, Cllr Ian Roberts and his wife, Hilary; Susan Elan Jones, MP for Clwyd South; Assembly Member Aled Roberts, and Wrexham councillors Bob Dutton and Phil Wynn.
A time full of memories for many attending.
Christmas carols sung at the ceremony were Come all ye Faithful and Hark the Herald Angels Sing, with a small showering of festive snow.
The Reverend Gary Windom & Reverend Matthew Burns both of Rhostyllen took the service at 11.00am at the Pit Head. ( Quoted by Margaret Jones.)
Morag, after working 25 years at Bersham Colliery, is sadly leaving. NWMAT would like to wish her well and thank Morag for handing over one of her most prized possessions, which was her collection of news paper articles that she had collected over the years and treasured. A truly emotional time for her.
Alan being interviewed with Keith his bodyguard close by!
Frank and Dennis enjoying a chat.
Raymond reading past newspaper clippings about Bersham Colliery.
NWMAT would like to say a big thank you to all who attended the Bersham Colliery event and made it such a memorable day.We had 70 + people sign a guest book to record that they were there on this special occasion.
For info on
North Wales Miners Trust
( NWMAT )
North Wales Miners Trust
( NWMAT )
Lastly I'd like to thank Mrs J Fletcher my LSA at University for coming, it meant a lot to me for her to meet everyone.
Excellent photography Dawn as always. Many thanks from your friends at North Wales Miners Association Trust where you are a much valued member.
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