From: Teena Gardiner Sent: 17 January 2011 Subject: Geordie Gardiner, Worked in Coatbridge Mines Rescue From 1961 to 1973

My late father Geordie (nick name – the lum) came from Larkhall (passed away on 16th May 2009 due to throat cancer) worked in Coatbridge Mines Rescue from 1961 to November 1973.  He worked with the following Rescuers.

Barrie Nelson John Norris (deceased) Adam McLean Walter Todd (deceased) Roger McBride Alan Bridges Bill Gladstone (deceased) Jimmy Simpson (deceased) Charlie Sharkey

Eric Savage Hughie Campbell Kenny Twaddle (deceased) Johnny Scott (deceased) John Armour (deceased) Bobby Campbell (deceased) Jimmy Holmes Davy McHarg (deceased).

My father attended the Michael Pit Disaster and was missing for a short while.  Another team were sent in to find his team, however, the smoke was so thick that they walked past each other.  My father was able to lead his team which consisted of him and two part time rescuers to safety.  My father only got out by following the rails and the others held on to the belt of the man in front.  He never forgot the men who lost their lives especially the men whose remains they could not recover. 

My father also worked in Bedley Colliery until it closed, and took early retirement from Bogside Mine.  He later helped Guthrey Hutton (author) with information for his book Lanarkshire’s Mining Legacy.

The picture of the miner in full apparatus bears a striking resemblance to my father.

Christina(Teena)Gardiner

	From: Lynn Sent: 8 March 2009 Subject: Looking For Pictures of Coatbridge Mines Rescue Station

Hi
My dad Victor Carr was in Bedley pit for 30 years, and also worked in the mine rescue at Coatbridge from 1976 to 1985, if any one out there has any photos of the mine rescue centre my dad would love to see them.

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Scotsman - 1915 Nov 25
Coatbridge First Call Out

 A fall from the roof of No 1 Bedley Pit, near Glenboig owned by Messrs Wm. Baird & Co, closed up the airway yesterday, with the results that there followed an accumulation of gas and four men, including Mr Murray, the manager, were gassed and rendered unconscious. The brigade motored from the Lanarkshire Mine Owners Rescue Station, Coatbridge, and carried with them all the necessary apparatus for mine rescue work.

John Hunter, Bedley, formerly of Airdrie, died from the effects of the gas. Artificial restoratives were applied for more than 2 hours underground and three of the men eventually regained consciousness. John Cranley's condition was considered somewhat critical, and he was removed to the Alexander Hospital, Coatbridge. In the evening, however, his condition had greatly improved.

This was the first call upon the brigade since it was established 7 months ago.