YOUR recent article on the centenary of Markham village (May 6) was interesting and informative, but there are a couple of historical points I would like to add that were omitted. Before Markham Colliery was officially opened around 1912/13, it was involved in a part of mining history that has been overlooked by historians.
On May 18, 1912, during the sinking of the colliery, an explosion occurred that killed five sinkers. The subsequent inquiry held in June 1912 reported that it was the first instance of artificial breathing equipment being used in a UK colliery for the rescue of miners. In its early years, Markham Colliery was at the forefront of mining technology when it became one of the first collieries in the South Wales Coalfield to use electrical winding gear. The modernity of the colliery attracted a visit from Prince Albert in the early 1920s. Markham village also produced famous sportspeople, most notably David Nash, Welsh rugby international and first national coach of the Wales rugby international team 1967/68. However, the village’s most famous climb to fame was through its brass band which played at the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. So, for a little village, Markham has produced its own unique history.
Wayne Thomas, Monmouth Walk, Markham
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