Shirebrook Colliery was one of the biggest coal mines in the country with the twin shafts being sunk between 1895 and 1896. Mining would continue at the site in April 1993. The memorial is a lasting monument for those men who lost their lives while working in the pits.
Designed by sculptor Peter Walker, the statue commemorates the area’s mining history. According to Peter’s website: “The concept of the piece shows the miner as though he is carving from the rock face, as if sculpting out the future of his family. The mother and child are emerging above the coal face as though the family are at one with the land and the coal. The piece is created to show the miner below ground with the future above ground, as the mother and child look out into the distance beyond.”
The official opening ceremony included a march featuring Shirebrook Miners Welfare brass band, along with a series of speeches from organisers, and a grand unveiling of the art work. Along with the official unveiling, a three-course meal was held at Shirebrook Welfare, on Central Drive, to thank organisers, supporters, and committee members from across the community.
Ricky Holland, Regional Operations Director, said: “Being part of the mining community for so long this was especially meaningful for myself, my family and those whom I worked alongside during that time. I would like to say a big thanks to Cygnet for the contribution they made in helping to fund this important memorial to our community’s past.”