Memorial service to Hapton Valley Pit disaster to be held later this month

The service will be held at 12 noon at the memorial stone in Burnley Cemetery, Rossendale Road, on Sunday, March 22nd, the day of the disaster which shocked the local community in 1962.

The terrible accident occurred on the morning of Thursday March 22nd, 1962, at 9-45am when an explosion ripped through the 140-yard long Number 2 Union seam at the colliery.

Sixteen men were killed instantly and a further three died later from their injuries. A further 22 men were hurt in the blast.

Former miner Bob Clark said: "Despite the advancing years we still get a really good turn-out at the service. Last year, despite the atrocious weather, we had around 100 people attending."

A new memorial stone was unveiled last year at Hapton recreation ground's Peace Garden.

Organised by the Hapton Heritage Group, and part funded by German energy group RWE Innogy, the stone was unveiled by Padiham town councillor Bob Clark, a trustee of the Hapton Valley Mining Disaster group.

For further information call Bob Clark on 01282 771694.