26 men who died in Great Barr mine fire remembered in ceremony
A ceremony has been held to remember men who lost their lives in a devastating mine fire more than a century ago.
People gathered and wreaths were laid at the monument that honours the 25 miners and a brave rescuer who died at the Hamstead Colliery Mine in Great Barr in March 1908.
The Hamstead Colliery Miners Memorial Trust chairman Tony Ward and Sandwell Mayor Ann Jaron were among those at the memorial.
Councillor Jaron said: "It was pretty cold so there weren't many people, in the past there have been quite a few more, but a few more people came to the Tanhouse Centre afterwards.
"Tony Ward did an introduction and then the chaplain said a few words and read a poem and gave a little blessing.
"I made a little speech at the centre afterwards.
"It's a nice memorial to remind people that there is a colliery under their feet.
"It's important to remember this country is built on coal, and countless thousands of people sacrificed an awful lot including their health and many people died.
"It's important to remember that although mining was a terrible job it helped build the economy and people gave an awful lot and we should be grateful."
At the time the 1908 Hamstead Colliery Disaster filled the pages of national newspapers and more than 8,000 people surrounded the pit for days, waiting for news from the two teams of rescuers, who were trying to reach the men trapped down the mine.
During the rescue attempt John Welsby, a member of Altoft Mine Rescue team died after being overcome by the fumes and smoke that killed the other miners.
