MP Frank McNally Addresses Auchengeich Mining Disaster Anniversary Service
Coatbridge & Bellshill MP, Frank McNally, honoured the 47 men who lost their lives in the Auchengeich mining disaster 65 years ago. In a solemn ceremony at the Auchengeich Miners’ Welfare Club in Moodiesburn, former miners, trade unionists, local schools, religious leaders, and community members gathered to pay their respects. The annual memorial service, organized by the Auchengeich Miners Memorial Committee, serves as a reminder of the tragic event that impacted the community.
Each September, the committee holds a memorial service to commemorate the victims of the mining disaster. This year’s service, chaired by Willie Doolan, included speeches from Frank McNally MP, trade union representatives, and local clergy. A joint choir from Glenmanor and St Michael’s primary schools, along with the Parkhead Salvation Army Band, provided hymns to honor the memory of the miners.
During the service, Mr McNally spoke about the vital role that coal mining played in the development of communities like Moodiesburn, as well as in the prosperity of Lanarkshire and Scotland as a whole. He expressed his gratitude to the community for their unwavering commitment to commemorating the tragic event year after year.
Following the memorial, Mr McNally emphasized the importance of addressing historical injustices, such as the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme and the repercussions of the 1984-5 Miners Strike. He highlighted his efforts in Parliament to push for reforms and justice for those affected by past injustices in the mining industry.
Mr McNally also submitted an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons to mark the anniversary of the Auchengeich mining disaster. Additionally, he joined the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Coalfield Communities to advocate for the economic, social, and cultural development of former coalfield communities in the UK.
The memorial service was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by miners in the pursuit of powering the nation and driving prosperity. The community’s steadfast commitment to honoring the memory of the fallen miners underscores the resilience and strength of the local community in Moodiesburn.