THIS year sees the 25th anniversary of the 1984-85 miners’ strike and the 75th anniversary of the Gresford Colliery Disaster, the worst accident in the history of the North Wales coalfield.
To mark these, Bersham Heritage Centre in Wrexham is staging the first exhibition on the history of the North Wales coalfield.
It features memorabilia from the North Wales coal mining past, including an embroidered poem marking the 1889 Brynmallly Colliery Disaster, along with mining equipment and tools.
Local miners assisted museum staff in the development of the exhibition.
Alongside the historic objects, it reveals what it was like to work down a mine in the 19th Century and the history behind the Mold Riots and the Gresford Colliery Disaster.
Visitors will also be able to see how mining changed during the centuries and enjoy a series of films.
Cllr Bob Dutton, lead member for communities and performance, said the exhibition is not one to miss.
He said: “Coal mining played a significant role in shaping our communities and the environment in which we live, yet many children today have never seen a piece of coal.
“It is particularly appropriate that we mount a special exhibition this year.”
The exhibition is on show until October 31. Admission is free.
