This documentary is dedicated to the memory of the 57 men and boys who lost their lives on New Year’s Day, 1942. The explosion at Sneyd is put into the context of wartime, explained by experts at Apedale Heritage Centre and discussed by historians. There are interviews with many local people involved in the accidents, family members and friends of the men lost – and tributes to the rescue team. Film, photographs and memorabilia – and a memorial service at Hamil Road Methodist Chapel – give insight into this fateful tragedy on a day traditionally a holiday for miners. Most moving are the personal memories of people who witnessed the events of January 1st unfolding. The video ends with suggestions for a memorial to the disaster - and the memorial was unveiled in 2007 thanks to the fund-raising efforts of Keith Meeson. It stand opposite the entrance to the Queens Theatre in Market Place, Burslem. The Diglake Pit disaster of January 1895 and Minnie Pit disaster of January 1918 are also commemorated by Staffordshire Film Archive. Donations from proceeds on these documentaries are forwarded to the local communities involved. £10.00+£3.00p&p
