Mining for history: New Waterford children learn about
coal mines;
Cape Breton Post 06-09-2003
Publication: Cape Breton Post
Edition: Final
Section: Glace Bay/New Waterford
Page: B2
Date: 06-09-2003
By: Greg McNeil
Story Type: News
NEW WATERFORD-- Some New Waterford children were given the unique
opportunity to learn about nature and their history.
Former coal miner Pleman Woodland took the V.J. McGillivray Kids Care Club
and their leader Jackie Pembroke to the Colliery Lands Park in New Waterford
for a special tour Saturday. He helped the children plant flowers in the
park and a tree to honour the memory of all miners who lost their lives in
the coal industry.
"We planted flowers in the Colliery Lands Park for all the men that were
killed in the coal mines, all the men killed in the explosions -- not only
down here, but the men killed in Springhill, Westray, No. 26, and other
mines."
He also gave his audience a history lesson on Bill Davis who fought for the
rights of coal miners before he was killed in a protest in the midst of a
long strike in 1925. Tuesday marks the 78th anniversary of the tragic events
leading
to the death of Davis following months of tension between Cape Breton miners
and the Empire Steel Corporation.
"It is very important to keep this history alive and in the minds of
children," said Woodland, who also spoke to the children about the many
hardships endured by other coal miners.
He said 429 miners lost their lives in the coal mines in Spring Hill alone.
Closer to home, many families have lived through similar disasters and
explosions at other collieries.
Besides being a former miner, Woodland is also a member of the New Waterford
Nature Hikers.
"We love nature and continue to plant trees and flowers along trails."
The trail the kids planted on Saturday has special meaning to Woodland and
all former miners.
"It is a beautiful nature trail to walk and one of the trails Bill Davis
walked with all the miners and their families when he was fighting for the
coal industry."
Woodland believes his speeches on nature and mining reached his audience.
"The kids said they would come back to take care of what they planted every
year to make sure it is growing."
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2003 Cape Breton Post
Start Page: B2
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Date: 06-09-2003
THANKS TO CAROL MACLEAN FOR THIS