50th Bevin Boys Reunion at Florence Colliery

From 1950 to 1964 there was a £7 million modernisation scheme.
The photograph was taken in October 1990 showing the modernised Florence Colliery just before the merger with Hem Heath was complete.

Good afternoon,

I am trying to find old photographs of my father with his mining friends and aim to give any found to him as a Christmas present – his name was Dennis Alfred Bates and he worked at Florence as a face worker/ charge hand. I think he started around 1978 and worked there until pit closure. I am only in contact with one of his other mining friends – Geoff Hammersley who worked closely with him and who lost his leg in a roof collapse.

I wonder whether you have any photos/ other information of my father at work or alternatively, whether you could tell me where to look?

I will be able to gather together some more information if necessary.

Thanks for your help

Karen Pointon
(formerly Bates)

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