1973 – Chapman, Harry (Henry)

Source: Derbyshire Times

1973 – HARRY (HENRY) CHAPMAN, Deputy, 48

Harry Chapman of 2, Whiteleas Avenue, North Wingfield had worked in Derbyshire mines since he left school and moved to Markham after the shut-down of Morton Colliery.  He began his mining career at Grassmoor.  His wife, Mary, said “I knew nothing about the accident until my son came home from work and told me of the disaster.  I just expected him home at 3 o’clock as usual….”.  Harry’s main hobby was gardening and he was well-known in the area for his chrysanthemums.  He was a member of Holmgate Horticultural Society.  He left his widow Mary and two children, Peter, seventeen and Lynn, twenty.  He was buried at North Wingfield.

Harry was commemorated on 10 December 2020. The location of the artwork can be found in zone 7 on the trail map which can be downloaded here.

You can watch a short commemorative film here.

 

Derbyshire Times 3rd August 1973

Pit Deputy, Mr. Harry Chapman, of 2, Whiteleas Avenue, North Wingfield had spent Sunday at the colliery on safety work-part of his duties as a pit official. Mr. Chapman who was 48 had worked in Derbyshire mines since he left school and moved to Markham after the shut-down of Morton Colliery. He began his mining career at Grassmoor. His wife, Mary, said “I knew nothing about the accident until my son came home from work and told me of the disaster. I just expected him home at 3 o’clock as usual ….” Mr. Chapman’s main hobby was gardening and he was a well-known in the area for his growing of chrysanthemums. He was a member of Holmgate Horticultural Society. He is survived by his wife (Mary) and two children, Peter (17) and Lynn (20). His son and daughter both work for Clay Cross firms.

 

Further Information

Markham Colliery 1973 disaster

List of miners killed in the 1973 disaster.

 

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