SCHOOL CHILDREN across Barnsley will now be able to learn about the Oaks Colliery Disaster thanks to a new book and film.
Black Snow is a film which has been written and directed by Stephen Linstead and The Oaks Disaster 1866, A Living History has been written by former miner Paul Darlow as part of an educational project to make sure children in Barnsley know about the town’s mining history and about its worst mining tragedy.
The Oaks Colliery Disaster remains the worst coal mining disaster in English mining history and killed 361 Barnsley men and boys - some estimates are even higher.
Stephen said: “I learned so much about the community that I have lived in, on and off, all my life, and I think it was a massive learning experience for everyone on the project.
“We discovered so much about what makes Barnsley’s former mining communities still such wonderful communities to be a part of.”
The DVD is being sent to local schools for free, and schools outside the region can apply for a copy from NUM executive officer Paul Hardman.
It is also available for people to buy.
Barnsley MP Dan Jarvis said: “This is an informative and poignant film which tells the important story of the Oaks Colliery disaster of 1866.
“I would encourage anyone with either an interest in our mining and industrial heritage or more generally in England’s social history to watch the film and help ensure we never forget those who served and sacrificed underground in our coal mines.”
To buy a copy, email paul@num.org.uk
