Members of Northwest Miners Heritage Association have unveiled a new 11ft by 6ft banner for Sutton Manor Colliery and were joined by children from Willow Tree Primary School and Sutton Manor Primary School have also designed their own version of the banner.
Three decades on from the colliery’s closure in 1991, the banner was unveiled at Dream today where a procession to the statue was accompanied by a brass band and Cllr Sue Murphy, the Mayor of St Helens.
Jim Housley was among the organisers and he says: “The reveal went very well – we were a little windswept but the rain stayed away. It was a pleasure to welcome the mayor on her first official engagement, as well as the children from the two schools who had designed their own banners.
Golborne ex-miners visited with their banner and many other ex-miners attended with their families. A good day was had by everyone.”
Bold Labour Councillors Stuart Barton and Lisa Preston say: “It was great event and our thanks go to all the organisers including Jim, Anita Shaw-Hancock, Paul Gerrard and the many others involved. Our heritage matters and it’s especially good to see children involved – we need to keep the memories alive of the industry and people who built our communities.”
It is hoped that the banner will be on display at Lancashire Mining Museum in Astley with opportunities available for schools and other museums and exhibitions to borrow it in the future.
Find out more about the Northwest Miners Heritage Association: https://www.facebook.com/groups/243349922992795
