BEYOND all expectations was how Silkstone vicar Maureen Browell described her village’s tribute to a 19th century mining tragedy in which 26 children died.

Rev Browell said the Huskar 180 commemorations had created a real foundation for future such events, uniting the community and descendants of families hit by the disaster in 1838.

“The way people came together to deliver and experience this project was tremendous,” she said. “Far more than we anticipated.

“Looking ahead, we have a real foundation for the future and it is important that we build on this.

“The number of descendants of bereaved families who came together and found they are related to more than one Huskar family was revelatory.

“Huskar is important to local people. Some ask why we keep it going. It is because people don’t want to forget.”

Rev Browell praised the ‘great turnout’ and response to memorial services. The five days of tribute had also created new and re-energised relationships with schools and local organisations.

“Community interest and involvement gathered momentum as the occasion neared,” she said. “And there was excellent feedback from visitors and participants alike.”

The vicar picked out some special moments: 26 children laying pieces of coal bearing names of the lost youngsters at the Huskar memorial in Knabbs Wood, where a lethal flood struck; moving performances of re-enactment dramas; Cawthorne singer/songwriter Kate Rusby performing a song she wrote especially for the occasion; the appearance of the NUM banner at the memorial service in the wood.

“There was also the full church for the service on Sunday with Old Silkstone Band playing, attended by many descendants, local people and civic dignitaries,” she said.

“Not to mention donating £175 each from concert ticket sales to Silkstone School and Silkstone Common School, and over £400 collected at the service to the charity Kimbilio which works with street children in Congo.

“Working with such a diverse team of individuals, each of whom delivered absolutely what was required, was also very special.”

In the aftermath of the tribute, Silkstone Primary School has chosen Kimbilio to be its international charity for 2018/2019.

The Labyrinth garden created at Silkstone School and Victorian vegetable garden will continue to be tended and developed by residents and schoolchildren. Some of the

vegetables grown will be taken into schools.

Heritage Silkstone are planning to put together a package of information about the Huskar pit disaster as a resource for schools.