Pit Rescue Foiled

Just when it seemed that Thurcroft Colliery, near Rotherham, had closed for good, miners formed an ambitious co-operative to take it over, and it almost succeeded.
Thurcroft Colliery 4 Sep 1991Thurcroft Colliery 4 Sep 1991
Thurcroft Colliery 4 Sep 1991

Just before the First World War, Thurcroft Colliery was sunk at New Orchard, in the parish of Laughton, and coal was reached by 1913. The Rothervale Colliery Co leased the mineral rights in 1902 from land owned by Thomas Marrian of Thurcroft Hall. Sinking operations were undertaken by the Rothervale Mining Co, but geological faults were encountered.

From 1911 to 1920, the South Yorkshire coal industry was driving eastwards, and pits sunk at this time included Askern Main; Bullcroft Main; Hatfield Main; Maltby Main, Monckton Main Nos 3 and 4; Rossington Main; South Elmsall; Thurcroft Main; and Yorkshire Main.

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The bulk of the coal worked by the colliery during its lifetime was from the Barnsley Seam. Brick works and coke ovens were established on the surface and the area was quickly connected via the LMS & LNER Jnt Line to the national railway network.

Thurcroft colliery miners underground in the 1950sThurcroft colliery miners underground in the 1950s
Thurcroft colliery miners underground in the 1950s

In 1921 the Rothervale Mining Co was taken over by the United Steel Co and Thurcroft Colliery supplied the latter company’s steel works with coal and coke. Manpower at Thurcroft was at its peak in the 1930s at around 2,000 men and boys. They raised about 2,500 tons daily.

When nationalisation came in 1947 the Park Gate Seam was being worked. Production within the Barnsley Seam ceased about 1968 because of geological problems. The seam was largely abandoned owing to the fall in demand brought about by British Railways’ switch from steam to diesel electric engines.

Mining began in the Haigh Moor Seam in 1970 and continued until 1987.

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Thurcroft escaped any major disasters. A fire in the tailgate ripping section of the Haigh Moor seam at Thurcroft and Treeton collieries (now linked underground) in October 1970 was quickly brought under control, with no casualties.

Coal Queen 1969 Ellen Bower at Thurcoft collieryCoal Queen 1969 Ellen Bower at Thurcoft colliery
Coal Queen 1969 Ellen Bower at Thurcoft colliery

Over 40 Thurcroft miners escaped in a ‘Paddy train’ accident in 1973, although a number were taken to hospital. Then, in the early 1990s, a man-riding belt ran out of control, injuring workers.

The late 1970s saw considerable investment at the pit. A £7m push-button operated coal preparation plant was opened early in 1977 and later in the year Coal Board chief Sir Derek Ezra delivered a £3.2m package intended to ensure the safety of 790 jobs at the pit, earmarked to close in 1984 through a lack of coal reserves.

Investment was to be channelled into winning additional reserves in the Swallow Wood Seam – around 6.3 million tons of coal – to extend the pit’s life by up to 30 years.

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‘Life revolves around the pit,’ said colliery manager Ray Wilkins. ‘If it was forced to close, trade in the village would be seriously affected.’ A year later, the most powerful road heading machine ever used by the NCB and weighing 50 tons was installed to tackle the first part of a drive towards Swallow Wood Seam.

Thurcroft colliery salvaging operations in progress in  1992Thurcroft colliery salvaging operations in progress in  1992
Thurcroft colliery salvaging operations in progress in 1992

After the year-long strike of 1984/85, 95 per cent of Thurcroft colliery’s coal was sent by rail to British Steel coke ovens at Scunthorpe.

Alleged geological problems brought about the colliery’s closure in December 1991, making about 650 miners redundant. Then, in February 1992 a bold campaign was mooted for the re-opening of the pit. Redundant miners were to form a co-operative, Thurcroft 92 Ltd. Sheffield and Rotherham councillors and MPs lent support, lobbying Ministers and councils were to provide financial assistance where appropriate.

Campaigners were hoping to follow in the footsteps of Scottish miners at Monktonhall Colliery.

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Rotherham Council agreed to pay for professional advice for the cooperative. Council leader Sir Jack Leyden said: ‘The council will encourage and assist any organisation which will provide these much-needed jobs.’

Thurcroft Roadheading machine 4-11-1978Thurcroft Roadheading machine 4-11-1978
Thurcroft Roadheading machine 4-11-1978

The council also pledged a contribution to the wages bill for the first six months, up to a limit of around £47,500. Half of that cost would be met by the European Social Fund, added Sir Jack.

The co-operative was looking to attract over 200 ex-employees to put in shares of between £2,500 and £5,000 each. Within days, many former miners and two canteen ladies had bought them.

A feasibility study conducted by consultants in June 1992 estimated that £2.7m in investment would be needed to reopen the pit.

Ultimately, the whole scheme failed for a several reasons:

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British Coal wanted Thurcroft 92 Ltd to pay for colliery care and maintenance until a business plan was submitted. The estimated cost of maintenance was said to be about £30,000 a week. British Coal had continued ventilation, pumping and inspection after salvaging work had ended in March 1992.

The co-operative wanted a time limit putting on any maintenance agreement, or it would seriously wipe their finances. It appealed directly to Coal Minister Tim Eggar to intervene.

Thurcroft colliery miners underground in the 1950sThurcroft colliery miners underground in the 1950s
Thurcroft colliery miners underground in the 1950s

British Coal said a time limit was unworkable, and, as care and maintenance costs could not be met, the shafts were sealed. The company had rejected an offer from the co-operative to meet a third of the ongoing costs.

Thurcroft 92 Ltd spokesman Chris Mallender says: ‘It is easy to be wise after the event, but we did make certain mistakes along the way.”

The company could have been more successful if it had sought more widespread advice on the preparation of its plan for the pit, he said.

Thanks to Fred Gething for help with this piece.

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