Local volunteers are supporting the trustees of The Eden Miners Centre who are in the process of renovating the former Eden Miners Hall in Leadgate, and in their own words are hoping to ‘provide a venue for activities and events that educate, inform and entertain a broad range of age groups living in Leadgate and the surrounding area.’
Now registered as a charity and anxious to get started – while waiting for responses from grant applications – they raised £800.00 themselves by selling sports equipment left over from the closed youth club.
Working together in 2019 they emptied, cleaned and painted and refurbished the neglected building in preparation for an grand opening afternoon tea celebration, inviting local miners and families who had worked at The Eden Pit. This was just the start. The local history society were now able to house their history books and artefacts and hold meetings there. With many ideas for community projects but still low on funds, the trustees and volunteers arranged a social evening in November incorporating a talk by local miner Jimmy Edwards entitled ‘Eden Colliery – Leadgate and It’s Development’. Jimmy who worked at Eden Colliery from 1962 until 1976 entertained the packed room with stories and photos of his time in the pit and the appreciative audience were happy to contribute to the centre to help the hub of ideas turn into a reality.
The group are now busy planning photography workshops for young people as well as arranging visits from local school children to experience their families history by viewing books, photographs, mining archives and memorabilia which tell of the past.
Many people remember the building being a hive of activity with reading rooms, billiard and snooker tables, an upstairs dance hall which was also used as a function room for weddings and celebrations. It’s hoped with the help of community backing and funds the building will be restored to its former glory.
If you feel able to help, volunteer or attend the proposed workshops please contact The Eden Miners Centre on Facebook or email edenminerscentre@hotmail.com
Anyone interested in The Bill Stockdale Leadgate and District Historical Society can contact:
Martin Boyle 07803048522
martinboyle137@gmail.com
or visit Leadgate Village on Facebook
