Miners' Memorial

Written by Gedling Libdems on Thu 8th Oct 2009

This is the idea of Graham Tavner, an ex-miner, who lives in Gedling. He wants to commemorate the 129 miners who died in the mine between 1902 and 1991 He intended that it would be a full - size miner's cart filled with flowers on the land opposite the War Memorial.

The local Lib-Dem Councillors donated £500 from their Members' money allocated for use in their ward, as it seemed a fitting tribute. He also applied for money from the Building Better Communities fund at the County Council .The large amount that he was promised meant that the project grew as the money needed to be spent

A meeting was held in the Memorial Hall in Gedling where local people were asked for their comments on a variety of ideas and to say which of the alternatives suggested they preferred. Although hundreds of leaflets explaining what was proposed had been distributed in the area too many people felt that they did not know enough about the plans. Others considered that the proposed scheme was not appropriate as the cart was too big. It was also felt that there could be a better location.

A wider consultation took place with a choice of three smaller designs and other locations. The result of this is that the memorial should be in the shape of a Davy Lamp and placed on the original site opposite the War Memorial. It will be on a plinth and brass panels inscribed with the names of the dead miners will be attached to this. The area around the memorial will be paved and landscaped. Any County funds remaining will be used to cut back the shrubbery which has grown up over the years around the War Memorial.

We will let you know when the new memorial is in place.