WHEN Hucknall Colliery team celebrated their victory in the Board's Civil Defence competition at Falfield, Gloucestershire, they revealed their secret weapon - a five-leaf clover!

It was found by Mr. Bernard Shaw, 38, a member of the team. A foreman saddler, he told Coal News: “I found it at the bottom of my garden the day before we left for the 'competition.

“I knew then we'd win. Everyone's heard of four-leaf clovers, but the chances of coming across one with five leaves must be millions to one.”

Just to make sure the good luck charm played its part, Bernard rubbed it on the winner's shield before the competition started.

We photographed Bernard with seven-year-old daughter Stephanie as they made their wish, over the five-leaf clover.
At the victory dinner Mr. Noel Smith, South Notts Area director, presented the winner's shield to team captain Mr. Sid Dowsing, 58, pit safety officer, and the cup for CD officer of the winning team to Mr. Harold Jennings. Awards went to Mr. Gran Pepperday, assistant CD officer, and team instructors Mr. Ken Winfield and Mr. Gran Burton.

A special presentation went to NCB CD organiser Mr. Arthur Beaton —his last official engagement before he retired.