Allerton Silkstone Branch of the Yorkshire Area of the National Union of Mineworkers
This branch organised workers at Allerton Bywater Colliery, in the village of the same name, north of Castleford, West Yorkshire. Over 800 jobs went when the pit closed on 27th March 1992. During the 117 years of operation, 91 men and boys lost their life at this pit.
The banner was made by Community Art Service (CAS) for Aldwarke Main Branch of the Yorkshire Area, sometime before 1954, when CAS closed. The name can be seen under the words of Allerton Silkstone. The original production probably involved silk screen printing, a common method used by Community Art Service. Aldwarke Main pit closed in 1961 so it is assumed that the branch acquired it during or after 1961.
At the same time another larger and arguably more prestigious Aldwarke Main banner was purchased and overpainted. This one was found in severely deteriorated condition in March 1992 during the clear out of the union office and now no longer exists. A third banner is on display in the reception area at Leeds Civic Hall.
Thanks to David Hagan, Branch Official and Delegate and Clive Cowell, the last Branch Secretary for information. Northern College are also to be thanked for enabling us to photograph the banner.
Thanks to the Yorkshire Area of the National Union of Mineworkers for permission to photograph and reproduce this banner. Image copyright NUM.
If you have any information about this or any other banner please tell NUM or Past Pixels.
There are still men, sacked and blacklisted by the then NCB, who have never drawn a wage since March 1984.
National Justice for Mineworkers Campaign
2 Hilden Street
Leigh
WN7 4LG
www.njfm.org.uk
01942 606 828
Produced to support NJMC
Photography by John Harris / Report Digital. Digital retouching by Adrian Hayes.
Photography, design and print by unionised labour.
www.reportdigital.co.uk www.kavitagraphics.co.uk www.rapspiderweb.co.uk