Conisbrough pupils go back in time with pit project

School pupils stepped into the past as part of a themed week about the area’s mining heritage and the 1912 Cadeby Colliery Disaster.

Youngsters at Conisbrough’s Station Road School displayed artwork, enjoyed visits from ex-miners and looked at mining memorabilia as part of Cadeby Week.

Jim Beachill, secretary of the Cadeby Colliery Memorial Group—which is preparing for a commemoration day of the disaster on July 8—hosted a special assembly and told the children about the events being planned to mark the 100th anniversary of the tragedy.

Mr Beachill said: “The children thoroughly enjoyed finding out about mining and asked many questions.

“Each of the primary school’s classes researched topics including events surrounding the disaster, mining and uses of coal.”

His visit was followed by question and answer sessions with former miners and fellow group members Peter Davies and Barry Moore, who talked to pupils about life working in a mine.

The week ended with work from 150 school children being displayed in a special assembly where guests included members of the Cadeby Colliery Memorial Group and the De Warenne Academy, where a similar event is being planned.