READERS have shared their memories of Parsonage Colliery in Leigh after we published historic images of the now-closed pit.
The former Parsonage Colliery is still, for many in Leigh and the surrounding areas, a symbol of the town’s rich mining heritage.
Following our article about remarkable photographs of the pit, readers took to social media to celebrate, share stories, and remember lost loved ones in what felt like a digital reunion for families whose lives revolved around coal mining.
Parsonage Colliery officially closed in 1992, marking the closure of a century-old chapter not just for Leigh, but also for thousands of families shaped by the physical and cultural landscape of coal mining.
Even as early as 1911, official reports documented employment for 5,782 men and about 200 women in Leigh's mining sector, durable proof of just how interconnected mining and Leigh communities have always been.
Dozens of heartfelt comments poured in from readers.
Many paid tribute to late fathers, grandfathers and other relatives who spent their lives underground or in supporting roles at the pit.
"My Dad worked at Parsonage," said Janet Erlam.
"From coal face to Deputy, NUM to NACODS.
"He was a safety inspector went down in his own to make sure it was safe and test for gas."
Two memorable trips her father gave her into the mine sparked vivid memories.
"He showed me the winding gear and shafts, and then at 15 he took me down for the first time," she said.
"My memories are vivid.
"Margaret Thatcher ended his mining career.
"He had to take early retirement to keep the mines open, allowing the younger men with families to work."
For Janet, as for many others, these childhood experiences connected generations.
"Those trips down Parsonage were a real adventure to me.
"I had been with dad all my life to the top of the colliery, so when he took me down I was astounded," she said.
"We probably did things that we would not be allowed to do today, like riding the coal belt out, which did result in a funny story."
The mine holds a special place in Janet's heart.
"I will never forget those memories," she said.
"I lost my Dad five years ago, and it's very hard because he was what a man should be; his job kept him fit."
Other readers also described distinct family legacies at Parsonage, from scent memory to heavy shifts and danger hard-worn on covered collars.
"My lovely dad worked there, John Hyland," Mary Elizabeth Hyland posted, while Margaret Lewis marked her late husband’s commitment: "My husband Rob Lewis worked there on the ventilation, he started about 1963 after leaving school."
Some comments gave curious nods to local tradition, with tales of assigned shifts, winders, safety teams and kitchen ‘legends’ like Jo Sweeney’s mother: "My mum worked in the canteen at the pit for many years... her name was Ronnie Howcroft or Veronica to be accurate.
"Not with us anymore."
Names echoed through the community: Stan Fisher, Terry Stone, Keith Kendrick, Eric Halliwell, and so many others marked by proud descendants, spanning British industry and local resilience.
Mark Hampson perhaps summed up the scale most impressively: "I worked at this pit along with my dad, grandad, and uncle, who worked there over 90 years between us."
Responses like "brilliant," "absolutely marvellous," and "almost all Leigh worked there," typified community sentiment and summed up immense pride.
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