Video: The statue has been erected in Gedling Country Park
A former mining pit in Gedling where more than 100 people died has been commemorated with a new sculpture.
Gedling Country Park sits on top of an old colliery and local sculptor Richard Janes created a piece to remember those who died and to represent the regeneration of the area.
Richard said: “The inspiration comes from the colliery, so there are flames coming from the coal along with the regeneration.
“The designs on the side of the statue are inspired by the colliery so we have miners’ heads, we have pit ponies.
“The leaves and the butterflies are all native to the park and are things which you will here at the park.
“The design of those and the way they fit down the plate is reminiscent of the lace industry so there’s that kind of feel to it.”
The statue was funded by the Nottinghamshire County Council as part of an effort to improve local communities.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council and Labour councillor John Clarke said: “It’s so important to remember people and the efforts that went in.
“Some of those lives lost were in the construction and some were throughout the life of the pit.
“The families are still around and families have come from all over the world to come to this site.”
Chairman of Friends of Gedling Country Park Terry Lock said: “The funding allowed us to go out to a local artist and to local schools and commission a considerable pitch for a piece of artwork.
“It’s to commemorate the miners who died beneath our feet.
“The Memorial Garden is a place for everyone to come and remember and take quiet remembrance and reflection.”
