Agecroft Colliery ceased production in 1990 and was the last pit in the Irwell Valley. Over the last year there have been timely events to commemorate those who worked, were injured or died at the Salford colliery.
Last July hundreds of people attended the unveiling of a monument in an emotional ceremony (see previous Salford Star article – click here), while in September there was a week long exhibition at St Augustine's Church, aka the Miners' Cathedral, together with films, oral histories and the launch of The Last Pit In The Valley book by former miner Paul Kelly (see here and see here).
April 26th will see the dedication of a Memorial Garden at the base of the monument which will be blessed by Canon Wyatt from Salford, with traditional mining music by the North Ashton Prize Band from Wigan and the Salford MAPAS Community Choir.
A plaque will be also be unveiled, revealing the names of all those who died at Agecroft Colliery in pursuit of the nation's coal, and there will be a ceremonial planting of two rose bushes in memory those who died whilst working at the mine.
Later in the evening, a reunion of Agecroft miners is being held at the Swinton Royal British Legion and all former Colliery employees, their families and friends are invited to attend.
Saturday April 26th
Agecroft Garden Dedication, Agecroft Road, Pendlebury
The event commences at noon on and all attending are requested to assemble from 11:30 am at the roundabout close to the former Colliery entrance.
Agecroft Miners' Reunion, Swinton Royal British Legion, Cheetham Road, Swinton, M27 4UQ.
For further information please contact Anthony Haslam or Alex Channon
Anthony_haslam@sky.com phone 01942 201571
alexchannon81@gmail.com 0161 794 2828