Over forty former Somerset Colliery employees were reunited on Monday, 6th September for a long overdue catch-up over tea and cake for the Annual Miners’ Reunion held at Radstock Musuem.

The men, who used to work in the local mines, were invited by Radstock Museum to their Annual Miners’ Reunion.

For many of the miners, Monday’s reunion was one of the first times they had socialised since the pandemic – and, having missed last year’s event after making the heart-breaking decision to postpone, they had a lot to catch up on.

Tony ‘AJ’ Charlton, whose Grandfather founded Charlton’s Timber Store in 1903, was one of those attending the reunion as an honorary member. The business, which Tony was later to become Chief Executive of, was originally formed to supply timber pit props to the coal mines around Norton Radstock, transported by horse and cart to the pit head.

Tony, who will be 92 in October, told The Journal: “I have been coming [to the reunion] for years. I missed last year, when it was not able to be put on, so it is nice to be able to come this year, catch up with old faces and talk about the past.”

Talking to Peter Chand and Arthur Avis, who used to work for Tony in the fifties, Tony said: “We did work hard back then. We used to transport all of the coal timber on the horse and carts and supply it to the local mines.”

The miners spent their time reminiscing about their old working days and catching up with others they had not seen in years.

Event Organiser, Julie Dexter, spoke about the event: “I really had no idea how many former Somerset colliery employees would turn up this year

following a break last year due to Covid.

“I was delighted that we welcomed well over forty miners on the day, and each received a free ticket for life to the museum, along with refreshments provided by the Somerset and District Miners’ Welfare Trust.”

As a token of appreciation, Radstock Museum announced this year that they would be offering a ‘Ticket for Life’ to the miners, which will allow them, and a guest, access to the museum for free.

Musuem Publicity and Education Volunteer, Lucy Tudor, was among some of those helping with the event. She told The Journal: “What a lovely atmosphere we enjoyed at this year’s reunion.

“Julie and I were joined by, and would like to thank, Sue Sullivan, Clare Hein and Marian Alsbury, who helped us serve the miners’ their refreshments.”

Bryn Hawkins, former colliery employee and Chairman of the Somerset & District Miners’ Welfare Trust, said: “What a great afternoon at the Miners’ Reunion.

“Over forty ex-NCB employees sat and chatted about days gone by in the coal mines over a beer or two, with tea and cakes put on by the museum.

“The new Somerset Miners’ Welfare Trust Secretary, Julie Dexter, organised the event, backed by the rest of the Trustees.

“SMWT President, Michael Eavis, turned up as usual – the miners love talking to him about days working at New Rock Colliery, aged just nineteen.

“The next event for the miners is on October 26th at Midsomer Norton Railway Station – there will be train rides and a lunch funded by the Somerset Miners’ Welfare Trust.”