Service of Remembrance to mark 83rd anniversary of Gresford Mining Disaster

A Memorial Service to mark the 83rd anniversary of the Gresford Mining Disaster and honour the 265 men who lost their lives, will take place next week.

The annual service will take place on Friday 22nd September at 11.00am at the Gresford Disaster Memorial, Bluebell Lane, Pandy.

A memorial service has taken place on this date and time, officiated by the Reverend Canon David Griffiths since the memorial was first unveiled in 1982 by HRH Prince Charles and HRH Princess Diana of Wales.

This year, as last year, Reverend Griffiths will be aided by Reverend Huw Butler, vicar of St. Martin’s Church, Llay. The world famous miner’s hymn ‘Gresford’ written by Robert Saint will also be played by Llay Miner’s Welfare Band.

Family and friends waited for 48 years for somewhere to lay their flowers and wreathes for the victims of North Wales biggest mining disaster. In September 1934, 265 miners lost their lives due to a massive explosion in the Dennis section of Gresford Colliery. 253 bodies remain entombed where they died in an enormous explosion which took place at 2.00am on Saturday 22nd September 1934.

Money was raised for the restoration of the memorial and plinth at the 80th anniversary. When the work was finished, Year 11 school children from Ysgol Rhosnesni planted the garden, aided by Wrexham County Borough Council Parks Department.

Gwersyllt Community Council donated a memorial bench in the garden earlier this year.

All are welcome to attend this service in memory of the victims of the Gresford Colliery disaster.