South Normanton Colliery Disaster Memorial

Memorial Plaque and Signage Honouring the South Normanton Colliery Disaster Finds Permanent Home at The Post Mill Centre

We are proud to announce that the memorial plaque and signage board commemorating the tragic South Normanton Colliery Disaster of 1937 has found a permanent home within The Post Mill Centre in South Normanton. This important piece of local history was previously on display at the McArthur Glen East Midlands Designer Outlet but has now been relocated to the heart of the village, where the memory of those who lost their lives will be honoured and preserved for generations to come.

The unveiling ceremony, held recently, was attended by several notable figures. Local author and historian Roger West, whose research and writings have played a key role in ensuring the disaster is remembered, was present, alongside historian Graham Hunt, who contributed historical photographs to the display. Also in attendance were Margo Richards and Martin Wilson, representing The Post Mill Centre and South Normanton CIC.

The display board features an article written by Roger West about the disaster, which was originally published in the March 2021 edition of Derbyshire Life magazine. The article, highlighting the significance of the event in the region’s mining heritage, was previously part of a window display at the East Midlands Designer Outlet. Now, it has a lasting home inside The Post Mill Centre, where visitors can learn more about this pivotal moment in local history.

The original plaque and memorial came about when Mr. West contacted former Bolsover & South Normanton Parish Councillor Andrew Joesbury, to explore ways to commemorate this tragic, yet crucial part of the area’s mining past. Mr. Joesbury, recognising the importance of the disaster and its connection to the site of the McArthur Glen East Midlands Designer Outlet, reached out to then-outlet manager David Jackson. Together, they helped bring this tribute to life, acknowledging the loss of eight local men and the profound impact it had on the community.

We invite everyone to visit The Post Mill Centre to view the memorial plaque, read the display board, and reflect on the sacrifices of the local men who lost their lives in the disaster. It is a chance to honour their memory and better understand the rich mining heritage of South Normanton.