25th March, 1pm, at the Red Shed, Wakefield Labour Club, Vicarage Street, Wakefield WF1 1QX.
Fifty years ago, on 21 March, 1973 there was an inrush of water at Lofthouse Colliery, Outwood in which seven mine workers died. A new coalface had been excavated too close to an abandoned, flooded 19th century mine shaft, the NCB having neglected to check all the survey records. Seven mine workers were trapped 450ft (230m) below ground, but a six-day rescue operation succeeded in recovering just one body.
To mark the 50th anniversary this meeting will cover the miners’ historic contribution to workplace safety. Facing so many dangers as they did, coal miners’ struggles over the years were instrumental in winning changes to UK law and workplace practice which benefited all of us and saved many live
The speakers will be Tony Banks, who was underground on the day as part of the rescue attempt,
and Eddie Downes who has written an authoritative history of Yorkshire coal mining since nationalisation. Ken Rowley will talk on aspects of mining legislation.
All are welcome, as are donations, but attendance is free and nibbles will be served. If you are on Facebook, you can join their group page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/542669395814652