Sinking Feeling

A Memory of South Kirkby.

My grandad used to work at South Kirkby pit for many years, so growing up I was forever hearing stories of his days down the mine. Being a very inquisitive child I would spend hours exploring, even though my grandad used to tell me how dangerous it could be round the colliery. He used to also live on the Northfield estate, which was also known as Little Wigan. I am told this is because of the miners that moved from that area. I was staying at my grandad's this one day waiting for my tea. I'd been in all day as it was raining heavy, so when the rain stopped I couldn't wait to get out. My grandad said 'don't be long' and I was on my way. I walked over towards the pit to see how I could amuse myself for an hour before tea. I didn't notice at first but I'd ended walking straight into a slurry pond. For people that don't know what this is, it is just like a big area of mud and water that you sink into, a bit like quicksand. By the time I realised what was happening I'd sunk all the way up to my midriff. Obviously at this time I was starting to panic, but the more I did the more I seemed to be sinking. Just by luck there was a log nearby so I grabbed that and hoped someone would walk by. 30 minutes went by but still no one did. As time was going by I was sinking more and more and starting to panic, so I started shouting for help. Lucky for me a stranger was walking his dog and heard my cries for help. He came over and pulled me out. This is just one of many memories that I have of many pleasurable hours spent exploring at the pit, this one was however one I would prefer to forget.


Added 28 March 2008

#221173

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