Trapped miners

[Mike Morgan]

The mine referred to is just above Ponty which many of you will know.  As a mate said earlier, it brings this sort of thing home to you when you know one / some of them, albeit at a little distance.

I might agree with Elvis C's sentiments about tramping down the dirt, but when this happens it makes me wonder how much the romantic notion of Welsh miners spending a hard day down the pit and coming up singing hymns has coloured peoples memories.

In case you're wondering, a drift mine is basically one that is accessed by walking down a slope rather than being lowered in a cage.  Fingers crossed for them.


http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/BREAKING-NEWS-Rescuers-contact-trapped-miners/story-13337016-detail/story.html

[Rob W]

Yes, fingers crossed. I had one ear to the news, and paid attention when I heard Pontardawe mentioned. Then so sorry to hear this.

I agree Mike, how some awful things can be romanticised.

[Peter Steventon]

My deepest Condolences to the Families of this tragedy as an Ex Yorkshire miner for 22 years  I know what the Community is going through, looked on the site Mike M Posted but no mention of a collection does anyone know of one?

[Tel]

Pete

There's an appeal web site being set up today according to BBC New this morning.

Tel

[Peter Steventon]

Cheers Tel will look on Monday

[Mike Morgan]

The link for the appeal is shown in this article.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-14958647

Strange to say, I knew one of them, but only found out his 'real' surname as a result of this accident.  Maybe it's a Welsh thing where people are known by names such as Doug the milk or Haydn Butch(er) and rarely are they recognised by their real names.

[Colin Jouxson]

I can not put into words how upset and sad this made me... can only feel for the families and their lost loved ones.

[Pete T]

-ditto-.
It's possible one of them was stood next to us at the Pontadawe gigs..

[George Jones]

A devastating loss.......

[Mike Morgan]

Lovely gesture by Chelsea.  They've got a bucket collection before the Swans game today and Chelsea have said they'll match it.

[Pete T]

..that's admirable, could almost get to like them..

[Mike Morgan]

Pete, perhaps more poignant for you than some other boarders

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-15083044

[Peter Steventon]

Thanks Mike
Been watching on Sky News another terrible day for a mining family...., went down Kellingley in the 90s for a look round on Union business......