A NEW temporary exhibition at the Museum of Wigan Life will commemorate the lives lost in one of the country’s worst mining disasters.
This December marks 100 years since 344 men and boys died following an explosion at Pretoria Pit on the border of Westhoughton and Atherton.
The explosion on 21 December 1910, which could be heard for miles around, devastated families and communities. Many of those killed were from the same families.
On 3 December 2010 a four month exhibition will open at the Museum of Wigan Life, Library Street, focusing on a history of mining safety with a special commemorative reflection on the Pretoria Pit disaster.
“Don’t Go Down The Mine” will explore the dangerous and difficult working conditions faced by miners – many of which paid the ultimate price as they sweated out a living underground.
It has already generated huge interest in Wigan and Leigh with people sending in accounts and stories which will now play a major part in the displays.
Lisa Keys is the Exhibition and Display Officer for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. She said: “We’ve already had a lot of interest in this exhibition.
“It’s tugged at the heart strings of a lot of people in our borough and their memories and thoughts will be included within the exhibition. The coal mine was a dangerous place and many safety precautions were put in place over the years including the implementation of several pieces of legislation which culminated in the twentieth century Health and Safety Act 1974.
“This borough has had its share of horrific coal mining accidents – most notably the Maypole Colliery disaster in 1908 and the Pretoria Pit disaster in 1910.
We’re hoping relatives of those affected by mining disasters will visit and record their memories and thoughts for future generations.”
“Don’t Go Down The Mine” opens on 3 December 2010 and runs until 22 March 2011.
The exhibition will highlight people’s stories coupled with museum and archive collections to interpret safety in coal mines.
It will feature ex-miners, their friends and families telling their story of safety, including accident prevention, superstitions and safety equipment.
Atherton Library will also mark the centenary of the Pretoria Pit disaster. On Friday 3 December at 2pm Edward Wise dale will hold a talk about the DVD he has produced about the disaster.
On Saturday 4 December, Local Family History Officer, Hannah Turner will also be holding a talk about the Pretoria Pit disaster at the library starting at 11am.
