Unique carvings unveiled Two unique wood carvings honouring Durham’s coalmining history have been unveiled in a former miners’ welfare hall. Retired mining engineer Jim Milburn has presented two wood carvings by Michael Doyle, to be displayed in Bowburn Community Centre. One of a coal miner and the other of a pit pony, they are similar in style to Doyle’s famous nativity carvings in Durham Cathedral. Members of Bowburn Banner Group welcomed Jim and Irene Milburn, both formerly of Bowburn, on Monday 19th January, when he unveiled the carvings. Mr Milburn paid tribute to Mrs Jeanne Currie, O.B.E., of Shincliffe Village, who had asked that the carvings be placed in a suitable mining heritage venue. Child psychologist and former head of service in County Durham, Mrs Currie died in November 2013. “She devoted her life to the children of Durham and had a great affection for the county’s mining communities”, said Mr Milburn. He had suggested to her sister that the carvings be given to the banner group for display in Bowburn Community Centre, originally Bowburn Colliery’s miners’ welfare hall, and she had welcomed this suggestion. The Centre already has three notable mining banners on permanent display, including Bowburn’s famous 1920 Edith Cavell banner. “These carvings are a superb tribute to Durham’s coal mining heritage”, said Dennis Morgan, chairman of Bowburn Banner Group. “Jim has been a wonderful friend to this village and we thank him, once again, for helping us to honour this tradition. Were also most grateful to Bowburn Community Association for helping to display these carvings in our local community centre.” Would like to thank Mike Syer Bowburn Banner Group for the story
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 07:20:41 +0000