Miners who lost their lives down a Derbyshire pit were remembered on Friday 4th December as the latest phase of an art project was unveiled in tribute Markham Vale.

Six new life-size steel figures were unveiled as part of the Walking Together memorial which will eventually feature 106 figures stretching between the village of Duckmanton, Chesterfield and the former pithead of Markham Colliery.

The walking trail symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and back home again and represents the 106 men who lost their lives in three accidents at the site.

Eighteen miners died and 11 others suffered serious injury when the mechanical brake on a lift carrying them to the coalface failed at Markham Colliery on 30 July, 1973.

It was the third disaster at the colliery, following accidents in 1937 and 1938 in which 77 miners lost their lives.

The new figures will join two existing ones which were placed on site in 2013 to mark the 40th anniversary of one of the county’s worst mining disasters.

The former colliery area has now been reclaimed and is home to our £88m Markham Vale regeneration scheme which is working to create 5,000 jobs on site for local people.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western said:

“Derbyshire’s mining history is close to a lot of people’s hearts as everybody who lives locally will have a family member, or know someone, who worked down one of the area’s many pits.

“Our collieries were places where strong friendships were formed and where in some cases generations of families worked.

“It’s important that we remember those lost and provide a place where families and friends can visit and come together as a community.

“Great strides have been made to regenerate Markham Vale and we’ve brought over 730 jobs to the area and have welcomed many new businesses − but we will never forget the importance of its past, or the sacrifice these men made.

Councillor Western added:

“We now have eight figures in total − each figure will carry a tag with the name of one of the miners, along with their age and job role and will be permanent reminders on site to those who lost their lives in the three Markham tragedies.”

Dancers from nine local secondary schools impressed a full house with over twenty performances at the Winding Wheel last week. The annual Secondary Dance Platform, which took place on Wednesday 2nd December, was organised by Chesterfield School Sport Partnership (SSP) and is the tenth year that local young people have been given an opportunity to show off their talents.

Performances encompassed a variety of styles and themes including one of three from Brookfield Community School, entitled ‘Lest We Forget’, which were dedicated to the British Legion and took on an emotional, World War Two theme. Another performance – from Springwell Community College’s GCSE dance class – carried an anti-bullying message.

There were also outstanding dances from groups at Hasland Hall Community School, Netherthorpe School, Outwood Academy Newbold, St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Anthony Gell School, Lady Manners School and Tupton Hall School.

Mark Tournier, Partnership Development Manager at the Chesterfield SSP, said: “Tonight was a fantastic celebration of dance and how dance can support the growth of young people. Already looking forward to next year!” 

Jasmine Bradshaw, of Hasland Hall, put on a fantastic solo-display entitled ‘The Lonely.’ She said: “I really enjoyed it. I like dancing on my own because there’s more open space to move into. Tonight’s been really good and a great experience. I’ve not been here before but it’s an experience everyone should try.”

There were also guest performances from the Derbyshire Youth Dance Company (Déda) and Crystal Cheer and Dance.

Clare Limb, Head of Dance Development and Learning at Déda, said: “The event was incredibly successful and we are delighted to be involved with this event. A real highlight of my year. I thought our performers were excellent and brought a new dimension to the evening, showing progression routes for young.”

Nine local schools are set to perform at the Secondary Dance Festival taking place on 2nd December at the Winding Wheel in Chesterfield.  Now in its tenth year, the 2015 event will give more students than ever the opportunity to take part in all types of dance – from contemporary to classical.  With the help of their dance teachers, the students have put together a show that would wow any audience.

Taking part are: Anthony Gell School, Brookfield Community School, Hasland Hall Community School, Lady Manners School, Netherthorpe School, Outwood Academy Newbold, Springwell Community College, St. Mary’s Catholic High School and Tupton Hall School.

Mark Tournier, Partnership and Development Manager at the Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, said: “The dance platform is organised by Chesterfield School Sport Partnership, bringing together a range of outstanding dance performances form across Chesterfield. It’s a celebration of dance and all the hard work and effort that goes into the performance. It’s not just about the talent on display, the performers show real courage and determination to make it happen.”

The performing schools will be joined by Déda Derby and Crystal Cheer and Dance who will showcase elements of Street Dance as well as professional choreography and storytelling.

Clare Limb, Head of Dance Development and Learning at Déda, said: “Déda is proud to be a partner organisation of Chesterfield SSP and is delighted to be involved in this event, which enables young people in the Chesterfield District and beyond to take part in an annual professional level performance.”

Mark Tournier added: “The event always has a great atmosphere and the performers leave the stage full of confidence. We are excited to be working with 9 schools and two community groups including the Derbyshire Youth Dance Company performing an inspired Dance–Theatre piece titled ‘Get in Line’.”

Tickets are available now priced at £5 for adults and £3 for juniors/concessions for family and friends of performers.  This year’s event is expected to be a sell-out, with tickets already selling quickly.  To book please contact the Chesterfield Visitor Centre on 01246 345777.