A mural to commemorate former miners and hospital workers is being created on the site of the former hospital in Castleford, thanks to the efforts of a UNISON rep.
The artwork, which has been commissioned to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strikes, is on the side of a property built on the former site of Castleford, Normanton & District Hospital, off Lumley Street in the town.
Around three quarters of miners in the country went on strike to oppose pit closures, including at sites in Yorkshire.
The mural in Castleford was commissioned by Stella Smales, convenor for UNISON Leeds local government branch.
She said: “The history of miners in the town holds a special significance for me, as my father was a part of that community.
“It’s probably where my deep rooted values come from, going on those marches as a 15 year old with my dad. My mum was a nurse and fully supported my dad taking action, becoming the family’s primary breadwinner. We all proudly walked behind the pit banner the day they went back to work.
“There was a good relationship between miners and hospital workers, and they’re both an important part of the history of Castleford, so it felt important to do something to mark that.
“My house is built on the old site of the hospital, so it felt like a great way to pay tribute to both the mining community, and the former NHS staff.
“What’s more, we still receive some of my father’s pension from his career as a miner since he’s passed away. That’s helping to fund this, so it feels like a real full circle moment.
“It feels a really fitting way to mark the 40th anniversary of the strikes.”
