A new memorial statue dedicated to the many miners who worked in the area has been unveiled today at Gedling Country Park.
The artwork has been created by local artist, Richard Janes, who was appointed by the charity group following a selection process where his designs were reviewed by the group, councillors and members of the public.
The stainless steel, 3.5 metre tall statue has been inspired by a picture of the underground Palm Tree junction on the former colliery site and symbolises the origin of coal and the flames reflect that coal was used to create fire and heat homes. The tree also symbolises the future of this site as a country park and the tradition of lighting a candle to remember a loved one.
In April, the Friends of Gedling Country Park won £18,425 of funding from Nottinghamshire County Council to create a permanent piece of art in the new memorial garden at Gedling Country Park. The group applied for money from the County Council which provides over £500,000 per year in funding awards to support projects that are beneficial to the local community.
