Good Afternoon I hope you can help. I am trying to trace info on a mining accident at Blidworth pit, possibly in the 1930-1940's. A relative of mine (William Smart), died in an accident, family folklore suggests that this was something to do with barrels and that William was crushed to death. I can't seem to find anything on this incident. I believe that he was the only person involved in this accident.

Blidworth Pit

Would the pit have been able to "not report" an incident involving only one person? or if he died later of his injuries (i.e. at home rather than immediately in the pit itself), would the death not be reportable to the authorities?

I have some pictures of this man, which I would be prepared to publish should anyone want them.

Having traced the family tree I am trying to "flesh out" a few characters. Any tips on how to gain information, or whether my assumptions about the recording of the death are correct, would be very gratefully received.

Best of luck with the new knee, my Dad has had two and its really not as bad as you think, I am sure you will be up and about in no time!

Many Thanks
Cheryl Barlow

From: Alan Beales
Sent: 14 April 2008 19:52

Accident double fatality detail below

Frank William Renshaw of New Lane Blidworth
Aged 40, died 13 June 1950. Reported Mansfield Police Station,
Cause of death - Run over by tubs at Blidworth Pit.

William Smart of 33, Appleton Road Blidworth
Aged 44, died 13 June 1950. Reported Mansfield Police Station
Cause of death - Run over by tubs at Blidworth Pit.

Cheers A B

First of let me say your site as proved of immense interest as an ex-miner albeit one of the so-called necessary evils (an electrician).

I note the photo on your history of mining alongside the article for the building of the Erewash canal which could imply a connection.

The photo is I believe from ‘The history of Denby written by Mark Fryer who was the manager of Denby Drury-Lowe colliery around 1890. The photo is of men loading coals into carts (mules) for transport to the Little Eaton gangway to the Derby canal. The cart on the right is a normal one going for local distribution whereas the left one is for the canal by rail. The gangway was laid down as an extension to the canal from Little Eaton to the Denby pits and the Denby ironworks by Benjamin Outram around 1810. The mule as they were known was a wooden frame fitted to a set of wheels. These ran on Outrams edge railway (forerunner to the flanged rail) and at the end of the track simply ran on the highway. When the carts arrived at the wharf at Little Eaton the frame was lifted off by an arm crane straight into the barges. Containerisation I believe? Most of the photos in the book were taken at the time of the Last gang’ being taken by rail to Little Eaton in 1908. see attached photos.

Trust this is of some value

Best regard
Des

Hi
I have only just found this site which I find most interesting. I spent 33 years in the coal mining industry starting my career in 1958 as a student apprentice in Leicestershire (East Midlands Area No7 NCB) I progressed through all the grades working handfilling on the face, through to shotfirer, deputy, overman, backshift undermanager, deputy manager, manager, area ventilation engineer and finished as headquarters environmental engineer mainly responsible for fighting underground fires throughout the country. I also did consultancy work in Australia, New Zealand and Spain.

In due course I would like to add to this facility if this would be acceptable.

I have one immediate comment on the word "Emico" which is a type of mobile bucket loader. It was essentially a German designed machine and should be properly described as "Eimco" Regards Mike Herbert

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