AWARDS/LETTERS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: january 2018 :: RMTnews 29 W igan Heritage and Mining Museum (WHAMM) is appealing to the labour movement to help fund a statue, modelled on the one in the picture, to be erected in Wigan Town Centre to commemorate those affected by the mining Industry, from loss of life, health conditions and the collapse of the Industry. The cost of the statue is an estimated £110,000 and £85,000 has already been raised through the campaign group. Wigan has a proud tradition of mining made a huge contribution to the Industrial revolution. Wigan miners shifted over 750 million tons of coal over the years and boasted over a thousand pits over three centuries making it, per square mile, the most populated town in Lancashire for working mines. Wigan also suffered two of the county’s biggest mining disasters in 1908 when seventy five lives were lost at Maypole Pit due to an underground explosion. Two years later 345 workers lost their lives at Pretoria Pit near Westhoughton. Wigan and NEC member Steve Shaw said that the statue was of great importance to the people of Wigan where the carnage left behind from Thatcher’s assault on the mining Industry will never be forgotten. “It destroyed families and communities in the process, something this town will always despise her for. “Your union has already donated to this worthy cause but I would appeal to branches and regional councils to donate generously towards this monument and help us reach the target. Please donate through the following link http://www.justgiving.com/wigan- heritage. ACROSS 1 Apparently (10) 8 Fill (7) 9 Name (5) 10 Express (5) 11 Incompetent (6) 12 First light of day (6) 14 Paradise (6) 16 Decoration (7) 17 Heron (5) 19 Striver (5) 20 Serious (7) 21 Indignation (10) DOWN 1 Getting worse (13) 2 Dish (5) 3 Regretful (6) 4 Ask (7) 5 Correct (6,7) 6 Small land mass (4) 7 Japanese hostess (6) 12 Expose to fresh air (6) 13 Pensioner (7) 15 Spurn (6) 17 Lofty nest (5) 18 Ballet wear (4) £50 PRIZE CROSSWORD The winner of last month’s prize crossword Winner R Stone, Andover. Send entries to Prize Crossword, RMT, Unity House, 39 Chalton Street, London NWI IJD by January 15 with your name and address. Winner and solution in next issue. Last month’s solution... Crossword sponsored by UIA WIGAN STATUE APPEAL