Wrexham University to mark 90 years since Gresford Mining Disaster
Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Staff and students at Wrexham University will be joining the local community to mark the 90th anniversary of the Gresford Mining Disaster by organising a number of commemorative events to remember those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
On Sunday, September 22, it will be 90 years since a violent explosion ripped through a shaft at the Colliery, starting a fire while up to 500 men worked the night shift. A total of 266 men and boys tragically lost their lives in the disaster.
To commemorate the anniversary, NEW Sinfonia is collaborating with Wrexham Miners Project, Wrexham AFC and other organisations and artists across Wrexham, to host remembrance events, entitled ‘Remembering Gresford’.
The University is also involved in the commemoration events, taking place around the city from September 16-22.
In what is hoped to be an impactful – yet poignant tribute – to those who lost their lives on that fateful day – the University building will be brought to light on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21, when a heartfelt tribute will be projected onto the front entrance of the Plas Coch campus in Wrexham.
The University’s Civic Mission team is also working with local primary schools across Wrexham to deliver a workshop on the disaster, to support the engagement of young people with local history. Pupils will learn about the disaster, the lives lost, and the impact on the wider Wrexham community.
They will then produce a piece of artwork based on the disaster, using materials such as charcoal and copies of newspapers from the time, which will then be displayed as part of an exhibition in Ty Pawb in Wrexham from September 18 until October 17.
The University will also be hosting an exhibition on campus in Wrexham, featuring images and experiences that staff and students may have about the disaster.
Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham University, said: “The Gresford Mining Disaster is a devastating part of Wrexham’s history – and one of the worst coal-mining disasters in British history. It impacted the community across Wrexham, with every village in the area losing someone.
“I also know that many colleagues have loved ones who were impacted by the disaster, which is why we feel it important to take time to remember those men and boys who lost their lives.”
Nina Ruddle, Head of Public Policy Engagement at Wrexham University, who heads up the institution’s Civic Mission, added: “As a university, it is vitally important that we stop and pay our respects to those who lost their lives in the disaster, as well as those impacted by it.
“Our Civic Mission team will be working with local primary school age children across Wrexham to deliver this commemorative workshop, in order for them to connect with, as well as understand and commemorate this tragic event, which forms part of our local history.”
A full list of the events happening to commemorate the 90th anniversary can be found on the NEW Sinfonia website here.