Onlookers gathered at Pendleton Church (St Thomas) on Saturday to witness the much anticipated unveiling and blessing of a memorial bench paying tribute to those who tragically lost their lives whilst toiling at former pits located in Pendleton, all five of which were once highly visible on the eye-line from the location of the church grounds. The pits operated between 1828 and 1939 before they were closed.
Along with the bench, two memorial plaques carrying the names of the fallen miners were unveiled which will be installed within the church itself.
Former pit man turned local mining historian, Paul Kelly, addressed the crowds giving thanks to those involved with the project before handing over to two fellow former miners from the former Agecroft pit, Bill Pemberton (now in his 90s) and Ivor Kelly, both tasked with doing the honours of unveiling the bench.
We were especially delighted to see former miner Alex Channon in attendance, and in good health following his recent battle with Covid.
Visitors to the church will now be able to rest on the bench which overlooks where the pits once stood.
