The Derbyshire Times, Fri 29 Sept 1950
Thanks to Ian Gilbert for this information
Creswell Memorial
Memorial Service
While the pit-head wheel turned high above the Colliery yard late on Tuesday evening, a crowd of nearly 2.000 miners and relatives of the dead joined in a service of hymns and prayer led by the Vicar of Creswell (the Rev. C. S. Branson). "
On this tragic occasion we can do no more than to offer our thoughts to God. Let us in the silence of our hearts remember those who have so swiftly passed into eternal life today," the Vicar said when during the service he called for a brief minute of silent memory.
Children stood among this congregation of women, miners, officials, local councillors and rescue workers, many of them still in their pit clothes. Together they joined in the hymns, "0 God Our Help in Ages Past" and "Abide with Me." The lesson was taken from the 21st Chapter of the Book of Revelations.
Canon G. A. Lewis Lloyd (Rural Dean and Vicar of Bolsover), told the mourning people: "Those who have lost their lives in the service of the community in peace-time have laid down their lives for their country just as, much as those who fell in the War."
He went on to read a telegram received shortly before the service from the Bishop of Derby (Dr. A. E. J. Rawlinson). It stated: "Deeply distressed by news of disaster. My deepest sympathy and my prayers for the bereaved, The Bishop, said Canon Lloyd, hoped to join Creswell parishioners at their services on Sunday.
Of the visit to the pit-head that afternoon of the Provost of Derby (Bishop) R.S.M. O'Ferrall), Canon Lloyd said: "He was to have taken part in the evensong broadcast from Derby Cathedral this afternoon. When he heard the news from Creswell he knew that his place was amongst you here." Other clergy present included the Rev. John W. Jackson, Creswell Methodist Minister, who also spoke: the Rev. C. H. Page, Supt. Minister, Worksop; the Rev. W. S. C. Leach. Methodist Minister, Worksop; the Rev. R. B. Wright, Methodist Minister, Clowne; the Rev. W. E. C. Sternberg, Rector of Whitwell, and from the Salvation Army were: Capt. W. H. Smith. Clowne Div. Commander Senior Major G. Lancashire, Major Edith Banks (representing Div Commander Col. Selby).
Chief mining industry representatives were: Sir Hubert Houldsworth, who was accompanied by Lady Houldsworth, Mr. G. A. Inverarity (Creswell Colliery Manager). Mr. Arthur Horner (General Secretary N.U.M.), Ald. W. Bayliss (President Nottinghamshire branch N.U.M.), Mr. R. Ringham (Deputy Chairman East Midlands Division N.C.B.), Mr Norman Fricker (Marketing Director), and many other leading officials of the Board and the Division.
