It rained! and it rained! but this did not dampen our enthusiasm it was the 10th September 2005
the date of the official unveiling of the Calverton Colliery Memorial.
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Rev Pat Hemstock dedicates the Memorial with Mrs Atherley and Mr Lloyd
Mrs Joyce Atherley, widow of the late Dennis Atherley, stood with us to reflect on memories before finally pulling away the drape to reveal the colliery nameplate.
The dedication service was taken by the Reverend Pat Hemstock. The weather made it very difficult to say a great deal, so it was kept very brief. Even so, following the service a number of the spectators took time to admire the brass plates, which had been engraved by Focus Label Machinery Ltd. Feeling a little wet! We retreated across the road to the Top Club. Guests were welcomed by trustees Chris Peck and Bill Bowman.
Following a short speech by the Chairman of the Fund, Mick Lloyd, framed photographs were presented to Edward Turvey manager for Richard Tuxfords Exports, Alan Hudson, chairman of Calverton Working Mens Club and Susanne Haynes on behalf of Calverton Miners Welfare.
Mick Truman presented flowers to Joyce Atherley, Sheila Bennett and Pat Lloyd also I was presented with a glass commemorative tankard, which was very much appreciated.
We would like to thank the trustees and all the staff of the Top Club for financing the occasion. Wine, sherry, tea, coffee and assorted cakes were provided for the 150 guests who attended. Everything, including the setting out of the Thomas Hoyle suite was first class.
Once again we were able to set out an assortment of photo's and plans of former mine workings and Robert Bradley former area surveyor was on hand to explain any queries that people may have had. We were also able to establish some of the fatalities that had occurred at the colliery.
George Keig and Pat Lloyd were close on hand to take orders for the commemorative plates and mugs. Orders taken on the day exceeded 20 plates and 30 mugs. Speaking to a number of guests on the day and afterwards they all say how pleased they are with them.
Some former miners will remember former sinker of No 2 shaft, Bill Cross, now in his 90's. Bill is a local historian and wrote a book called Bill of Bulwell in which he describes his experiences through the War and at his time at Calverton Colliery. All of the ten books which were on sale, were sold.
The purpose of the day was to unveil part of the heritage of Calverton, a memorial to the former colliery and its workforce. At some point we would like to add an additional plaque in the memory of those killed in the colliery. Slowly we are researching the fatalities, but we are finding it very difficult, we will get there.
We also needed to say thank you to all those that have helped us to achieve our goal. So many people gave their time free of charge. The former colliery employees and residents of Calverton can be proud of what has been achieved, thanks to the inspiration of Dennis Atherley, the trustees, those who gave donations, the sponsors and all the helpers.
There is more work being carried out over the next month which will be finalised with the time capsule being sealed. We were hoping that all the work would be completed by the end of September 2005, but it is now looking unlikely and now looks to be at the end of October 2005.
We agreed that a fitting inscription would be, "From out of the darkness came light forth light" referring to coal being used to generate electricity.
We would like to thank George Richardson for coming forward with this idea, which has also been adopted for the commemorative plates and mugs.
Report by Mick Lloyd
