Hi
My Uncle Francis (Frank) Gibson was a Bevin Boy, his last pit was Hem Heath in Longton, North Staffordshire. He is still alive and approximately 80 years old. He retired at 65.

My Grandmother's first husband Leonard Caton was killed in the Birchenwood pit disaster in 1925 a week before his Daughter Gladys was born. Gladys is now married to Francis Gibson the above Bevin Boy. My Mums Uncle Harry Wakefield was one of the first St John's Ambulancemen on the scene. My Grandfather Thomas Stanyer worked as a miner in the Jamage Pit in Talke Pits. Unfortunately he passed away in the late 80's

My Father Geoffrey Stanyer worked as a miner in Wolstanton colliery, Newcastle Staffs & then when it was closed down moved to Florence Colliery in Lightoaks, Staffordshire which had merged with Hem Heath to become a super pit. His Lamp number is 1001. He retired when Florence was closed due to ill health. He suffered some horrific injuries from roof falls etc during his years in the pits.

My Uncle Barry Wakefield Also worked in Wolstanton Colliery. His Uncle was Harry Wakefield one of the first on the scene at the Birchenwood Colliery disaster.

I am a miners daughter and would never have been allowed down a mine to work, however, I do help to make & repair control units for deep mining equipment in my job. Doesn't sound like hard graft but if we get it wrong many people could lose their lives.

I am proud of all my family members who have put their lives at risk on a daily basis to get the coal to keep this country going. I also remember the last Miners strike - even through young eyes it was a horrible time for us all.

Tue 10/07/2007

Thanks Fionn

The site is fantastic and without Steve Austin contacting my Mum last week I would never have seen it. Steve is my Grandmothers nephew who I knew nothing about until a week ago.

I am amazed at how small this world seems to be.

I am proud of our mining heritage. We now have one of the Local Collieries in Chesterton as a mining museum. Apedale was where my friends Grandfather worked and I am keen to get over there and have a look at this new museum but I want Dad to come with me as he will be good at explaining everything in the language I understand because he talks with his hands.

Regards
Tina

Hi,
I am researching my Beddis family tree, and came across your web site during my research.
I have enclosed some details which may be useful:-

List of Deaths at Talke Explosion 1866

1. John, 25 years old, son of William and Harriet BEDDIS, Late of Dean Forest, Gloucestershire.

2. Thomas, 20 years old, son of George and Marcy Griffiths, of the same place.

They lost their lives in the Talk-o-the-Hill Explosion, 13 Dec 1866

Regards
Roy Beddis