Local Stone Mason Supports Mining Cause

A new group has been set up to help preserve the memory of the miners killed in the biggest disaster in north Wales.

The ‘Friends of the Gresford Colliery Disaster Memorial’ intends to ensure that the annual service of remembrance is perpetuated for all time.

A key member of the group is Ruby McBurney, daughter of William Crump who was killed in the disaster. Ruby ran a successful campaign to raise funds to pay for the plaque at the memorial containing the names of the 266 men who were killed.

Support has already been forthcoming from a generous Wrexham businessman. John Burton of JB stonemasonry based on Wrexham Industrial Estate has very kindly agreed to make a special flower planter at the site of the memorial wheel in Gresford.

John said: “I am local and understand how the disaster affected so many families and communities in Wrexham and the surrounding villages. It will be an honour to contribute to the lasting memory of these brave men.”

Ruby added: “I can now rest happy as people have always wanted to show their respect by placing flowers at the site and now they can do this properly.”

The piece will be hand made from local Cefn sandstone and will be in place by the 22nd September in time for the memorial service at the Gresford wheel.