Why is the Gresford disaster conflated with WAFC?

[Wrexy]

Love this thread - learning so much.

My Grandad Trevor Gittens worked at Gresford all his working life. My most prized possession is his NCB meritorious certificate dated 1974 "in recognition and appreciation of 45 years loyal and efficient service to the industry and the country." It is framed on the wall of my office and I look at it every day. Keeps me grounded.

My other prized possession is his redundancy letter dated 14 September 1973 signed by C. Goulding the Colliery General Manager. The wording on it is extraordinary, here's the first line:

"I have to tell you that the NCB have decided that Gresford Colliery is to be closed on the 10th November 1973.

I regret that there is little likelihood of suitable alternative employment being available...I would like to thank you for your loyal service to the Industry, and particularly at Gresford Colliery."

The letter also refers to the terms of his notice and redundancy terms. My Nan lived to the ripe old age of 99 1/2 years and milked that miner's pension for all it was worth. Bizarrely 20 years ago I worked for the company in the City that managed all the mineworkers pension schemes.

In her final years she lived in the home in Gresford opposite Colliers Park. Just seemed right for her to be there and to die there. My family was absolutely decimated by Gresford. Brothers, uncles, cousins, work mates all gone.

It does mean a lot that the club reference Gresford. I have to say I was disappointed that none of this season's shirts had 1934 on them although I do have the hat with it on the back - one that I wear and one that is on display.

[Prodigal Dragon]

It will be the 110th anniversary of the Miners Rescue Station becoming operational on 1st November. It was actually the Mines Rescue Station but became more personal with time. The building needs a lot of TLC after the ravages of time and a bulldozer.

The charity will be holding a fund-raising gig on 22nd September in Gresford featuring some well-known local artists. More details to follow.

[weper red]

Originally Posted by Wrexy

Love this thread - learning so much.

My Grandad Trevor Gittens worked at Gresford all his working life. My most prized possession is his NCB meritorious certificate dated 1974 "in recognition and appreciation of 45 years loyal and efficient service to the industry and the country." It is framed on the wall of my office and I look at it every day. Keeps me grounded.

My other prized possession is his redundancy letter dated 14 September 1973 signed by C. Goulding the Colliery General Manager. The wording on it is extraordinary, here's the first line:

"I have to tell you that the NCB have decided that Gresford Colliery is to be closed on the 10th November 1973.

I regret that there is little likelihood of suitable alternative employment being available...I would like to thank you for your loyal service to the Industry, and particularly at Gresford Colliery."

The letter also refers to the terms of his notice and redundancy terms. My Nan lived to the ripe old age of 99 1/2 years and milked that miner's pension for all it was worth. Bizarrely 20 years ago I worked for the company in the City that managed all the mineworkers pension schemes.

In her final years she lived in the home in Gresford opposite Colliers Park. Just seemed right for her to be there and to die there. My family was absolutely decimated by Gresford. Brothers, uncles, cousins, work mates all gone.

It does mean a lot that the club reference Gresford. I have to say I was disappointed that none of this season's shirts had 1934 on them although I do have the hat with it on the back - one that I wear and one that is on display.

Great post

[Lord Derfyl Cadarn]

Originally Posted by techender

The pit head was just in front of the warehouse in Benders factory.

There is also a small concrete monument that stands there which people did still lay wreaths at on the anniversary.

If anyone would like to see it then PM me and I shall see what I can do.

[skipperstu]

Originally Posted by Lord Derfyl Cadarn

If anyone would like to see it then PM me and I shall see what I can do.

Will do
Stu

[Prodigal Dragon]

There will be a small gig at the Gresford Colliery Club on 22 Sep 23 which will be hosted by Luke Gallagher and featuring The Declan Swans and Fly-52.

All proceeds go to the Wrexham Miners Project to help restore the Miners Rescue Station (MRS) on Maesgwyn Road. This is where the Miners Rescue Teams were trained from 1913 to 1986.

Tickets are £10 from the MRS or £15 on the night -- if there are any left!

Only about 90 tickets left, so if interested, please contact the MRS asap or even visit for a tea and bacon sarnie.

Your support is much appreciated.