A special service will honor the miners lost in North Staffordshire’s tragic pit disaster of 1918
Halmer End: A special service is happening this Sunday to remember the miners who lost their lives in the Minnie Pit disaster. This tragic event took place on January 12, 1918, and it’s a day that still weighs heavily on the community.
On that snowy Saturday morning, about 250 miners headed down into the pit. Meanwhile, the women in the village were busy getting ready for a party at the Primitive Methodist Chapel. But things took a heartbreaking turn.
Just hours later, the chapel, which was meant for celebration, turned into a makeshift mortuary. The first bodies were brought in, and it was a devastating sight. In total, 156 men and boys lost their lives, including one brave rescuer.
The Minnie Pit was part of the Podmore Colliery, which had another shaft and an old drift mine. The name “Minnie” came from the daughter of a former owner. The colliery worked the rich coal seams in the area.
The service will kick off at 3 PM and will have the mayor and mayoress of Newcastle-under-Lyme in attendance. Plus, any funds raised will support the church and the Minnie Pit Heritage Site.
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