Many things will be written about the 266 men who died at Gresford in 1934, more so due to the media attention the owners Rob and Ryan have given us. The spotlight on the disaster and the links to Wrexham Football Club ensure the memorial will be remembered. I could write about the way the families were treated back then. How the pay was cut because they didn't finish their last shift. How many men who died had their wages in their pockets, and that money will still be buried in the pit some 90 years later. I could have talked about the help given by others to the widows. How Chester football club contributed to the fund. How the town come together, but I want to talk about here and now. How 90 years on, there are positives emerging from the disaster.
I've written several times about how I became a trustee. Scoot and his wife Wendy were having meetings before the massive King of Leons gig that the Declan Swans were opening at. Since then, I've found myself embroiled in a world of community. Of caring. Of friendship. I heard a volunteer speak at the AGM mentioning that the Miners Rescue Project had given them a purpose in life after being 'let go' by her employees after an illness, and I realised, I feel the same way. Helping run the social media side of things has given me a purpose, and with that, I wanted to point at some of the activities the Miners help with, some official and some unofficially.
One of the first voices I heard today was Margaret and Alan, who dedicate so much time and effort collecting, displaying and researching the history of coal mining in the area. Only today did I find out of a small coal mine only half a mile from my house. I always assumed it was mined from Gresford, but Alan explained that the Wrexham and Acton colliery was separate. This is the knowledge this pair have. They have a display in our newly refurbished Gresford room. It's well worth a visit.
Alan had given a lift to an American girl who has fallen in love with our town and its people.Cassie had travelled over for the Crawley game. Shes a musician, so while in town she'd been asked to go on a radio show. David Wilberforce is a volunteer at the Wrexham Miners Project, as well as having a radio show of Calon FM. Scoot and myself rib him because I have close ties to Premier Radio, and I've threatened to do a rival show to his at 6 till 7 on a Thursday. He's constantly asking me to promote his show so here goes. Please listen to David Wilberforce on Calon FM. He's the second best DJ at the Miners. David was another who spoke passionately at the AGM. He spoke about what the centre means to him.
After I entered the cafe I was greeted by fellow trustee Wendy. She was sitting with Kia, who had offered to read a poem at the 90th Anniversary of the Gresford Disaster. She seemed to understand the ethics of the project. She'd had the poem written out in braille so blind people could join in, and had videoed a signer to include the deaf. This symbolises the beliefs the centre has. Inclusion. We discussed the running order for Saturday, or rather lack of running order. We tend to be fluid, and things work out as we go. It's a relaxed evening we have planned. The main event is the lighting of the 266 candles.
Although Kia had filmed her friend signing, it seems they had wasted their time, as she realised Emma, her friend was performing in the evening with Signing Sensations just before her. We laughed. We also discussed our mutual friend Cai, who had officially left Signing Sensations to go to college, but has rejoined them after finding out they are performing with the Declan Swans. His favourite band. He will leave them again on Sunday. He's very fickle.
Next on my agenda is a launch video to announce a 90th Memorial logo. This has been designed by Liam Stokes-Massey who is a local artist who has helped Wrexham with its mural resurgence. He was commissioned by an American friend who was interested in helping us raise money for our education department. For various reasons, some of which might become clear by the time you read this, the launch video couldn't be arranged until last minute. I, with the help of Wendy, put together some shots and videos that I'd hopefully make into a presentable video.
I was just about to leave when I saw someone drive past that I recognised. It was Micky Thomas with his old mate Joey Jones. As the media man, I was going nowhere. I stayed and chatted with the legends and Scoot gave them a tour, as i took loads of photos. I must say, Micky is an inquisitive man, and asked Scoot lots of questions. Its great to see these legends coming and finding out about our project.
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But my day wasn't over. I popped home and began editing the video, and I'm not one to brag myself up........but it's a good one. With the video boxed off, when visiting Tŷ Pawb yesterday, I saw some local schools had made a display, so I popped there to take some videos and photos, and then on to Wingetts. Now, only I could go to the auctioneers who are doing a massive auction for us in October on the only day they aren't having viewings. I take some shots of the window though. Loads of Wrexham afc lots will be available that day. I'm looking forward to it.
So for the 90th Gresford Disaster Memorial we have.
Fri. A concert in the Parish church.
Sat. We have lots of events on and visitors booked in. We are also having a bucket collection at the game. Please bring some spare cash. In the evening 6pm till 8pm we have the candle lighting, with various groups, poets, choirs etc
We will be staying on site until 2.08am. The approximate time of the explosion where we will extinguish the candles.
Sunday. 11am. A service at the Gresford Disaster Memorial.
Sunday pm. Church service.
