The Westhoughton community came together yesterday this week to remember those who lost their lives in the Pretoria Pt Disaster.
It marked 112 years since a total of 344 people lost their lives at the Hulton Colliery on the border with Atherton, on December 21 on 1910 when an underground explosion took place on Dec
Of the 349 who went down, only four survived to be brought to the surface.
Cllr Andre Finney – who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor -went to remember her great uncle William Gore and everyone who lost their life.
She said: “It was extremely important to remember the 344 men and boys who sadly lost their lives this fateful day.
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“It has affected so many families in Westhoughton, and it is just so sad.
“I also remembered my great uncle William Gore.
“It’s nice that these men and boys are remembered on the anniversary of December 21.”
There were several services held including one at Ditchfield Gardens; St Bartholomew’s Church, with wreaths laid at the memorial in the church yard; Broadway service at the site of the disaster with the Deputy Mayor of Bolton Cllr Lind Thoma in attendance and then wreath laying.
Cllr Derek Bullock and Cllr Shafi Patel - who both represent Hulton - came to show their support as well.
Cllr Finney said: “I want to say a special thankyou to Tony Hogan for all his work and organising the services each year in remembrance of the men and boys who lost their lives.
“Tony has created the stones and the memorial and has lost his great grandfather
She added: “All the people who came to the 2pm service had lost a family member or came to pay their respects.”
During one of the services a poem called Where’s mi dad was written and read out by Cllr Finney, and other poems were also read out.
There were also songs sung by John Readett, accompanied by The Turnpike Band.
Prayers and blessings were read out by Rev. Lynne Readett.
If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.
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