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Thank you very much to the MEN ... 

for the amazing article on the project and Memorial, which has recently installed on the Etihad site (former site of Bradford Colliery). Some lovely interviews from former miners Mick Doherty and Arthur Court and my Nanna Jean Evans on their memories of the pit. We hope to formally unveil the memorial later in the year :)

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Bradford Pit memorial standing proudly in place ...

The Bradford Pit memorial is open to the public, however due to current restrictions, we are unable to officially unveil at this time. 

When we can, we plan to have an unveiling event for the public later in the year and have the celebration we have always envisaged!! 

Until that time, please go take a look! 

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Beautiful write up and images of the finalised memorial by designers Broadbent Studio. Broadbent have worked in kind with the project for many years before being formally commissioned for the piece and have an in depth knowledge of the the project and people involved. 

Their works respond to people and place and they have delivered other coal mining memorials such as The National Coal Mining Museums ‘Lives Lived Lives Lost’ and ‘Walking Together’ memorial to Markham Colliery. 

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Big thanks to the Working Class Movement Library for hosting the project talk as part of their Invisible Histories series and to the brilliant turn out and feed back from attendees! 

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Our lovely Michael Doherty, having a peek at the memorial over weekend!

Big thumbs up from Mike on the progress - a Bradford Miner and a true blue Further updates to follow shortly...

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Installation works continue!!! 

Work continuing on site today on the the installation of the inscription stone around the memorial base  looking really beautiful! The site is still currently fenced off whilst work on the pathway and landscaping is completed. Further progress updates to follow over the next few weeks on when the memorial can be fully accessed by the public and unveiled!

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PROJECT UPDATE: MEMORIAL INSTALLATION COMMENCES

To all those who have supported the Bradford Pit Project over the years - 

Following the formal announcement earlier this year to progress with the creation of a permanent memorial to Bradford Colliery and the people who worked there, I am beyond thrilled to inform you of the fantastic and long awaited news that work on the memorial installation has commenced this week! 

Set up in 2013, the project has been on a long journey in order to realise the memorial by delivering an extensive community engagement programme and archive project, over the period of 2014 -2017, in order to evidence the need to permanently mark the area’s rich heritage. Following this, a successful proposal to develop a memorial was then put forward to Manchester City Council. A period of concept design development has since taken place.

Long standing supporters of the project, Broadbent Studio, were put forward as the designers of the memorial. Having worked with the project, in kind for many years, they have gained a detailed understanding of it’s background and built relationships with the people involved. The concept design for the memorial they have developed, has been informed by the project’s community engagement period and consultation with ex-miners.

Work will continue on the remaining elements of the memorial and landscape over the next few weeks and under current restriction and limitations, plans are being reviewed for an official small scale unveiling event for the miners and families. 

What a wonderful moment to see this permanent marker for Bradford Pit and it's people put in place today. Made all the better by miner Michael Doherty and his daughter pulling up on his way past to see it!

Many thanks to all for your continued interest and support. 

Lauren Murphy 

Bradford Pit Project Lead 

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BBC Article formally announcing the memorial plans a few months back. Exciting updates on progress to follow this week! 

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Press release on project update a couple of months back, formally announcing the memorial is to be installed. Exciting updates on progression to follow this week! 

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Listen to some clips of our oral history interviews here or follow the link on this page to our 25 full length interviews of memories of Bradford Pit, from miners, their wives and former residents of the area. 

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‘Courage’ 

Worn piece made in response to conversations with Bradford Pit miners as part of my research for 3D Design degree in 2013. 

Red ribbon used to signify courage of the miners. 

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‘Loyalty’ 

Worn piece made as part of my 3D Design degree in 2013 in response to beginning the Bradford Pit Project and conversations with the miners.  

Blue ribbon used to signify loyalty and coal dust in miners veins. Piece based on medals in commemoration of the miners of Bradford Pit. 

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Project update- 

Since the projects exhibition in June as part of Manchester Histories Festival, we have been working hard on making our plans for a permanent commemoration to Bradford Pit and the history of the area into a reality. Last month we hosted a community consultation session at Mary D's beamish bar discussing concept ideas with miners and others worked up by artists Broadbent Studio. The session aimed to update people on the projects progress with permissions for the commemoration and to gain feedback on initial design ideas. A big thank you to the staff at Mary D's for all the help and also to Tony's Stadium chippy for donating food for the group. We also had a lot of interest from residents and regulars who brought their own photographs and memories of the bar and area.   Exciting progress being made and thank you to all who have helped along the way - further updates to follow soon ..

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A big thank you to MCFC for donating this signed TShirt to the Bradford Pit Project: 

Our lovely miner Michael Doherty was warmly welcomed when he picked the shirt up which has been signed by players from his favourite football generation 1972; Tony Book, Francis Lee, Joe Corrgan, Alex Williams, Peter Barnes,  Mike Summerbee,  and Colin Bell.

We hope to mark and commemorate the former colliery Bradford Pit, which once occupied the site where the Etihad Stadium Stands today. 

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Billy Doherty (brother of Michael) proudly wearing his Bradford Pit Project TShirt at the City Match. 

Ex- miner Michael Doherty has had these T-Shirts specially made to commemorate Bradford Colliey which used to stand on the site of MCFC Etihad Stadium- Mike’s favourite football team. 

We hope to spread the word amongst match goers of the project and what lies beneath the stadium. 

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UNITY - PROGRESS - STRENGTH

EXHIBITION DOCUMENTING THE BRADFORD PIT PROJECT’S 3 YEAR JOURNEY TO MARK AND COMMEMORATE BRADFORD COLLIERY IS STILL ON AT BESWICK LIBRARY.

THE EXHIBITION WILL END IN LATE AUGUST.PLEASE GO AND TAKE A LOOK WHILE YOU CAN.

Photographs by Max Bamber