Interesting Bernard.

I don't know about last accident but the last fatality, my son was on the same shift and helped try to release the man who was crushed. I too attended a fatal accident at my pit for that matter.

Once my lad had left the pit, I felt I could add mining songs to the repertoire and this was one of the first I learned. Other than a reference to a "tunnel" which has never been a word I ever heard used, although an audience wouldn't understand "gate" I suppose, it is an excellent song.

Hearing Gary and Vera sing it again reminds me of their place as the very last act we booked at Worksop Folk Club at The Boundary. Must have been 33 years ago......