All four men that were trapped have been found. They did not survive.
My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends
The Gleision is just over a mile away from my house as the crow flies. The whole area is riddled with abandoned coal workings.
This is just some history, and a small tribute to all those who have lost their lives.
Gleision Colliery Cilybebyll nr Rhos South Wales | ||
This small pit works coal under a very steep hillside above the banks of the river Tawe in Cilybebyll near Rhos. When German mines photographer, Thomas Imgrund visited the area for the second time in 2001, he found Gleision to be one of just four examples Welsh small mines. Whereas in 1992 there were around 85 of these amazing pits operating, there were only nineteen by 1997 and into 2003. Only three of these mines - Gleision, Nant Hir, and Blaentillery No.2, have somehow managed to survive. | ||
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The Present Access is by two arch girder drifts. The main drift provides the rail connection, drainage, ventilation and access for the miners. The second is not rail connected and is at right angles to the main drift. It is used for emergency egress only. They utilise a 2' gauge rail system, powered by a diesel haulage engine. Hand tramming is also used to move trams from the drift mouth to the two tipplers. Surface installations consist of a generator, mess hut, and haulage engine house, stores, coal screen and loading bay, and several old caravans. | ||
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Here, another miner controls the conveyors' flow into a journey of drams. When a journey of six drams is full, it is hauled from the mine and the coal processed on the surface, and the drams let back down to be refilled. | ||
Manpower & Production In 2001, there were about seven men at Gleisoion, including the mine owner who himself worked underground. It is a safety lamp mine with sever water problems which require the use of a powerful sump pump. The combined problems of water and gas can cause disruption to production and development. Production was about 200 tonnes per week. Future | ||
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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14935428
The Price Of Coal
Working Man
The Price of Coal
As you sit before the grate and stare into the fire, Don't blame the miner for the price of coal, Of your complaints I tire. I shall tell you about the price of coal and the reason why You sit at home complaining the price of coal is high.
My homeland once so beautiful like a virgin in her prime, The mountains wild and rugged, undisturbed by the march of time. But now my homeland has been ravished and its resources drained. The price of coal was far too high, men crippled, killed and maimed.
The price of coal was far too high, from Wales they tore the heart. Deep within its stinking pits Wales was ripped apart, And all to line the pockets of coal owners far away. The price of coal was far too high But the Welsh were made to pay.Anthony Davies
Port Talbot ©
5 comments:
Thank you for this. I didn't know the history, despite being Welsh. My thoughts are in my home land today and my heart goes out to these men and their families - and to you, because I know what has happened affects you deeply. x
A lovely tribute it was such sad news to hear of the bodies.
Very interesting history too, thank you.
Thank you both for your comments.
It is a very sad valley tonight, I try and be thankful that not all seven were killed.
The price of coal has always been too high.
Sending prayers to the survivors and the families of those who didn't survive.
So much bravery and so much tragedy in the history of Wales.
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