Posted: Fri 25th May 2018

MP backs plans to create mining display at Wrexham mosque

Wrexham.com for people living in or visiting the Wrexham area
This article is old - Published: Friday, May 25th, 2018

Wrexham’s MP is helping out with plans to install a display about Wrexham’s mining heritage in a mosque.

Ian Lucas MP has chaired a meeting at Wrexham Islamic Cultural Centre on Grosvenor Road, where it is hoped something can be erected in the foyer area to reflect the building’s past as a mine workers’ institute.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the mosque itself, and also Alan and Margaret Jones of the North Wales Miners Association Trust (NWMAT).

Now the search is on to find funding while both parties consider exactly what should be in the display.

Mr Lucas said: “This project is a coming together of faith and history, and it’s something I support fully and am pleased to be involved in.

“The idea for the display came from the people at the mosque. They’re conscious of the building’s heritage and are keen to see this remembered and reflected in a display which can be enjoyed by all visitors to the mosque.

“We’re now looking for funding and I’d urge any organisations who might be able to help out to get in touch.”

There are several ideas for how the display might look. NWMAT have several artefacts which could be loaned to the mosque, including helmets, picks and snap tins that miners used for carrying their lunch. They also have a 7ft metal sign from the original building which could be restored and hung from a wall.

Funding is being sought for educational posters or artworks which could be hung alongside the artefacts.

The miners’ institute closed in 2008 due to a drop in members. Two years later, the Muslim Association of Wrexham bought the building, which is used for Friday prayers and also as a centre for educational and cultural studies.

NWMAT was set up in 2009 with the aim of preserving the region’s coal and metal mining heritage. The trust promotes the preservation of mining artefacts and has a mobile museum which goes out to schools and other organisations.

Anyone able to assist with funding can contact the office of Ian Lucas MP by calling 01978 355743 or emailing [email protected]

Top pic: Ian Lucas MP (second left) outside the former mine workers’ institute in Wrexham with Dr Ikram Shah, Arfana Ali and Dr Farookh Jishi from the Wrexham Islamic Cultural Centre, and Alan and Margaret Jones from North Wales Miners Association Trust.



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