Youngsters learn about how their society was built as they remember the lives lost in Kearsley's worst mining disaster

A miner from the era visited St Saviour's CE Primary School in Ringley to tell youngsters how the society they live in today was built.

Peter Lax and Gary Brain from the Friends of Jubilee Colliery in Oldham have visited five primary schools taking part in the remembrance service as part of their learning of local history.

The young historians had a chance to handle artefacts and find out more about those people who worked down the mine.

Stephen Tonge, community officer for Churches on the Mount, who is helping to co-ordinate the service, said: "What we wanted is for young people to know the industrial heritage of their town and how it was built.

"I think we have done that.

"At St Saviour's CE School the two spoke to most of the children in an assembly and the children were really interested in what they had to say.

"They asked so many questions, about the pit ponies and where did the people go toilet.

"I have been with them at all the presentations at each school. I can say that "That the knowledge of the pupils on local coal mining has been amazing" "They are all a credit to their teachers and schools"

He added: "They found out what work children would do in the pits and were quite shocked that they had to work."

The school along with St Stephen’s CE, Kearsley, Spindle Point, Kearsley, St Peter’s CE, Farnworth and St Gregory’s RC, Kearsley have played a leading in remembering the 43 lives which were lost when an explosion ripped through Unity Brook Colliery on March 12, 1878.

A service will take place on Sunday at 2pm at St Stephen’s Church in Kearsley. Children will do readings as part of the services and Kearsley Youth Brass Band will perform.

Those gathered will sing among others The Miners Hymn and prayers will be said.

The whole community is invited to the service.

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