Story of the Oaks Colliery Disaster

News: Barnsley news distributed around Yorkshire May 18, 2016 10:42:35 AM

The Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership (DVLP), supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), is delivering a series of free guided walks around important locations related to the 1866 Oaks Colliery Disaster.

2016 marks the 150th anniversary of the disaster at Hoyle Mill, Barnsley, the worst mining disaster in English history. The DVLP is co-ordinating commemorative events for the disaster and has worked with a team of volunteers to reveal the death toll for the disaster was higher than previously thought.

Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership community officer Stephen Miller said: “The walks are a great chance to highlight the important buildings and memorials related to the disaster. There will also be an opportunity to reveal hidden locations, lost to modern developments and the passage of time.”

The three walks will take people around Hoyle Mill, Barnsley Cemetery and between the Oaks Disaster Memorial at Christ Church, Ardsley, and the better known memorial to the rescuers at Kendray.

Cllr Roy Miller, Cabinet spokesperson for Place, said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for people to get out and about and learn more about this important event in Barnsley’s history. It’s part of a series of commemorative events the DVLP are working on with Barnsley Museums and Archives.”

The walks are on Tuesday’s, 31 May, 7 and 14 June, all starting at 6.30pm from different locations. Places on the walks are free but must be booked in advance. For more details please visit www.discoverdearne.org.uk or contact the DVLP on 01226 772139 or DVLP@barnsley.gov.uk.

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