Miners’ Remembrance and Thanksgiving Service at All Saints’, Harworth & Bircotes
All Saints’ Church, Harworth and Bircotes, together with the communities of Styrrup and Hesley, gathered on Sunday 25 January for the Miners’ Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the community’s rich mining heritage and remembering those who lost their lives in the industry. The annual service continues to offer a space for remembrance, thanksgiving and hope for future generations.
The church was full and this year’s service was held beneath the Miners’ Window, installed in January 2018, funded by its local people and dedicated by Bishop Paul. Bishop Paul also led Sunday’s service, as it marked 20 years since the closure of Harworth Colliery.
During the service, the congregation remembered the 82 miners who died while working at Harworth Colliery. Memories of the colliery were shared through images displayed on screen, followed by miners and family representatives bringing their lamps to the front.
In his sermon, Bishop Paul recognised the miners’ bravery and steadfastness in difficult circumstances. The prayers, readings and reflections throughout the service focused on the theme of light and enlightenment in times of darkness.
Reflection on the anniversary of the pit’s closure was offered by Councillor Dave Challinor. Wilfred Owen’s ‘Miner’s’ poem was read by Kerrie Clowes, Co-Head of the Church of England Academy. Children from Harworth Church of England School and St Patrick’s Catholic School led the congregation in song with ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’.
At the close of the service, Councillor Challinor presented Bishop Paul with a miner’s lamp and also presented a lamp to the Chairman of Bassetlaw, Tony Eaton, whose father had been a Bevin Boy. The church received a piece of coal taken on the final day of production and from the last coal train to leave Harworth Colliery. Flowers were also presented to Rita Bowman, who worked with the welfare and union during her 25 and a half years in the coal industry.
