"It's Like New Wine To See You Again Lass"

 

A Book By John Church

November the 20th 1931 was one of the darkest days in the history of Bentley, as it was on this day that 45 men and boys lost their lives in an explosion at Bentley Colliery.

Every year since then a Memorial Service has been held at Arksey cemetery where many of the victims were laid to rest, and a stone memorial honours their memory.

This year (2020) is the first year the service was unable to go ahead because of restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. Not wanting to let the anniversary pass unmarked, I was asked if I could assist in the publishing of a book about the disaster written by John Church in 1991. I was only too happy to offer to post images of the book on this blog, so anyone can freely read it. 

What follows is an introduction written by John, and then scans of every page in his book "It's Like New Wine To See You Again Lass."

A Few Words From John

As many of you may be aware, this year due to Covid19 restrictions, the NUM Memorial Service at Arksey will not be taking place. As a way of commemorating the Memorial, and of remembering the victims of the 1931 and 1978 disasters, I have decided to release my book which outlines the 1931 tragedy. This is free to anyone who wishes to read it and I hope that it helps the reader reflect on the lives of those who perished, not just the miners of Bentley but those in all collieries.

I hope that this offers some comfort to the families of these men knowing that the sacrifices their loved ones made was and still is valued, remembered and honoured.

We will never forget. 

John Church 

"It's Like New Wine To See You Again Lass"

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Bentley Pit Disaster Memorial Service 1981

The Memorial, Arksey Cemetery.
Photo courtesy of Janet Roberts

Many thanks to John Church and Marion Richardson.

Alison Vainlo 2020