A new Blue Plaque and information lectern recognising Blyth’s mining heritage have been officially unveiled at North Farm Miners’ Memorial Garden.
The special event took place on Thursday 1 October 2026, with the Mayor of Blyth, Councillor Mark Peart, joined by councillors, residents and members of the local mining community.
The Blue Plaque recognises the generations of miners who lived in the North Farm area and travelled along the pathway to and from Bates Colliery. The plaque remembers those who worked at the colliery, many of whom lost their lives or suffered illnesses as a result of their work underground.
The new information lectern provides further information about the history of the memorial garden and its importance to the local community. The memorial garden itself was initiated by the North Farm Residents and Community Association, established in 2001, with the Association subsequently raising funds for the design, commissioning and installation of the Pit Lad and Pony statue.
The garden remains a lasting reminder of the generations of miners who lived and worked in the area and the important role mining played in Blyth’s history.
Mayor of Blyth, Councillor Mark Peart, said at the unveiling event:
“It has been a real privilege to unveil this Blue Plaque and information lectern today and to recognise the miners who travelled this route to and from Bates Colliery.
“This memorial garden is a fantastic example of the importance of community action in preserving our heritage. The Blue Plaque and information lectern add to that legacy and will help residents and visitors understand the history of this special place for years to come.
“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the creation and preservation of the memorial garden, and everyone who joined us to mark this occasion.”
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Denise Nicholson, also spoke at the unveiling, sharing further information about the history of the memorial garden and how the North Farm Residents and Community Association came together to involve young people in a gardening club to restore the area, led by her late mother, Isobel Foster.
The Blue Plaque and information lectern will now provide a permanent point of information and remembrance for residents and visitors to North Farm Miners’ Memorial Garden.
The Council’s original decision was to recognise the mining heritage of the site through a Blue Plaque and inclusion in the Blyth Heritage Trail, alongside an information installation to help preserve and share the history of the memorial garden.
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