Caroline Flint MP and local councillors joined local NUM members this week for the unveiling of the Edlington NUM banner, which is to be put on permanent display at the Martinwells Centre.

Said Caroline: “People in Edlington know what this banner represents – and the journeys it has made.  I met men and women today who found the ceremony very moving and want the history of the NUM Edlington Branch and the Yorkshire Main colliery to be remember.  This historic banner’s new home at the Martinwells Centre will remain a living reminder of the history of this community.”

Said Frank Arrowsmith, Chair of the Yorkshire Main Commemorative Trust:  “It was a brilliant event and the Victoria pupils’ poetry was fantastic.  It was great to meet some old friends from as far afield as Blyth in the North East and Nottingham.  It was quite an emotional occasion.  The banner followed the life of the Branch at galas, demonstrations and funerals.  It is part of Edlington’s industrial heritage and now it has a new home in the heart of the village.

“It was great that Caroline Flint could come and spend so much time with us.  MPs are very busy people, but it raised the profile of the event and people really appreciated it.”

The Edlington NUM Branch banner was placed in the trust of Doncaster Museum Service some years ago, and was recovered by Frank Arrowsmith and Jimmy Kelly from a dusty Doncaster Council archive.  The Martinwells Centre will now be its permanent home.

PICTURE ABOVE: Phil Cole, Caroline Flint, Frank Arrowsmith and Cllr Bob Johnson in front of the NUM banner.

 
PICTURE: Edlington Victoria pupils, with Caroline Flint, Frank Arrowsmith and Cllr Bob Johnson.  The pupils read a poem dedicated to the Edlington miners.

Read the poem written and performed by Edlington Victoria School pupils.