MEMORIAL.
Coal has figured prominently in the development of Whitehaven for several centuries and because of it's importance, the story should never be forgotten. It has been costly in human lives over that period and those who worked and died in the local pits should likewise never ever be forgotten.
It was no surprise to anyone ,therefore, that hundreds turned out for the William Pit memorial service last Sunday (AUG.12th.2007) to remember the 147 men who lost their lives there 60 years ago. Since much has been written in the press regarding the event and it's significance , let me just share the scenes with you as it unfolded.
Although bad weather threatened in the morning , the crowds which began to take up their seats very early on , were blessed with a wonderfully bright day.
As 3 pm approached a young lad entertained us all with some clog dancing .His dancing feet were invisible to most of us but the sound of his clogs could be clearly heard .
By this time the church must have been robbed of every available seat and still there were not enough as the spectators spilled over into the nearby gardens. The crowds parted for the procession and all joined in the hymns. The Rev.John Bannister, Rector of Whitehaven began the proceedings by welcoming everyone and was followed by readings from Father Matthew Carney O.S.B ,Michael Owen former manager of Haig Pit and the Rev Father Bede Moore O.S.B.
Following these the Whitehaven male Voice Choir and members of the musical "Clog Dance " performed several songs and prayers were offered by Mrs M Railton.
The service concluded with a blessing from the Rev J. Bannister and the crowds began to prepare for the procession to the pit top. In the breeze, members of the Rugby League club struggled with the miners banner but won through as the parade assembled on Lowther Street.
The procession moved towards the harbour side and then around the Tesco store towards the track to the pit .
The lengthy procession then followed the very same route that thousands of miners had walked over the years as they approached the site of both William and Henry Pit memorial garden. Here the crowds assembled and the final blessing was given by the Rev Bannister and wreaths were laid just as they had previously been laid at the miners memorial mosaic in St Nicholas |Church grounds.
