The Wrexham Miners Rescue Station was purpose-built, as required by the Coal Mines Act 1911, and officially opened in November 1913 as a training centre for mine rescue teams. Prior to de-industrialisation in the 20th century, Wrexham and its surrounding areas were a hub of coal and lead mining, iron, steel and leather production, and brewing.
Disaster Strikes
Disaster struck at Gresford Colliery on 22nd September 1934, when one of the UK’s worst coal mining disasters claimed the lives of 266 men. The Mine Rescue Team were deployed and put their training into action. However, three of the rescuers lost their lives.
When coal production in Wrexham ceased in 1986, the building was commissioned as a training facility for the fire service until 2008. Local businessman George Powell purchased the building in 2014 and handed over a 50-year lease to the charity board in 2021. George and his wife Sharon have been instrumental in the regeneration of the Rescue Station. They have created an art studio, community café and impressive memorial wall, which has a brick to remember every one of the 266 men who lost their lives at Gresford.
The centre holds a candlelit vigil on each anniversary of the Gresford disaster.
A Vision
The Wrexham Miners Project Charity trustees board have a vision to restore, regenerate and revive the building and serve the community once again while at the same time remembering the brave people who trained here. The centre has thriving arts and crafts classes, mini art buds, teen arts and arts for all. They also have their ever-popular Fairy Village experience.
They deliver several events at Halloween, Christmas and Easter while also hosting various support groups for children and adults with additional needs, mental health and dementia support. The Declan Swans support their popular musical and poetry evenings.
The centre works with several community groups, schools and businesses, sharing the history, heritage and culture of the coal mining industry, including educational booklets and tours of the station. They are very proud of their highly successful community café, which provides a safe space for people to come together and enjoy the social atmosphere of the centre.
Humphrey Ker
Humphrey Ker, Executive Director of Wrexham Football Club, stepped in to support the project in 2022 and became patron in 2024. Mr Ker will be running the Manchester marathon on 27th April, when he will attempt to raise £250,000 for the Wrexham Miners Project. Wrexham AFC Chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have also pledged £26,200 each.
The project has received valuable support from individuals, local businesses and government-funded bodies, and they are also the official charity of Wrexham AFC for the 2024/25 season. However, there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done, and they need your help.
Please get in touch if you would like to purchase any merchandise, make a financial donation or volunteer your time. Visit their social media pages and share their story. Together, they can make a difference, enhancing communities and preserving history while also leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Contact Details
Address: Miners Rescue Station, 3 Maesgwyn Road, LL11 2AP; email: info@wrexhamminersproject.co.uk; wrexhamminersproject.co.uk; social media: Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn.
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