Hundreds of people attend memorial service at Maypole Gardens

On Sunday 17 August over 600 people arrived at Maypole Gardens in Abram, to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the biggest mining disaster in the history of the Lancashire coal mining.

The memorial service was held to mark the 100th anniversary of the disaster, which happened at 5pm on 18 August 1908. A commemorative memorial has been erected close to the site of the Maypole Pit in honour of the 72 men who lost their lives in the disaster. Following the unveiling of the memorial, the procession made its way to Abram Parish Church, supported by Tyldesley Brass Band, for a short service. The service was highlighted by a performance from a local male voice choir.

Supported by the local community, the National Union of Mineworkers, Bloor Homes and The Mayor of Wigan, the event included an exhibition depicting Abram over the last 100 years. The site of the old coal mine is now a development of new houses, built by Bloor Homes.

Christine Kynaston, Sales Director of Bloor Homes, says: “When we found out about the plans by the local community to hold a memorial service I just couldn't help but lend our support.

“I had the pleasure of meeting the descendants of the men who lost their lives in this disaster, and it really strikes home how such disasters have an ongoing affect on the families for many years and generations. It was an honour to meet everyone, to pay our respects and to unveil the memorial, which will be there a permanent reminder at Maypole Gardens.”