Queen Coal - January 17th 2011
From Saturday, 15 January, there will be an opportunity for visitors to Woodhorn to find out about a different side to the mining industry. The world of the coal queen will be revealed in “Memories of the Coal Queen”, a touring exhibition from the National Coal Mining Museum for England.
Competitions to find a pretty girl to represent mining communities began at a local level well over 50 years ago with collieries selecting their own lovely lady, but the competitions grew in popularity and size and between 1969 and 1983, a national coal queen was chosen. Although substantial prizes were very much appreciated by the girls, the winners were particularly proud to carry out duties representing the Coal Board, the mining industry and their own communities. For many, it was a wonderful way to develop confidence.
“I knew then that I would have to support the Coal Board, and do some promotion work, which was fantastic because I’d never done anything like that before. And so I started up and down the country, doing little jobs for the Coal Board, which strengthened my ability to promote the coal industry, and also gave me more confidence.”
Margaret Dominiak, Yorkshire & National Coal Queen, 1972.
The coal queen competition gave new opportunities to girls and women from ordinary mining families.
“Because I’d won something I felt that I’d really achieved something … it made me feel a better person.”
Lynn Derricott, Creswell Colliery Coal Queen, 1966 & 1967.
Memories of the Coal Queens features oral history interviews with former winners, photographs, clothing and accessories. There’s also a specially recorded coal queen film.
Woodhorn’s own marketing officer, Deborah Tate has played her part in the history of this event and indeed the exhibition. She represented Northumberland in the 1982 national competition. “My father had worked 47 years underground, starting at Woodhorn at the age of just 14, so I was very proud to represent him and the whole community,” said Deborah. “You had to have a mining connection – father, brother, husband, or work for the Coal Board yourself – to enter the competition. It’s strange now to be so closely involved with the mining heritage of the area, but I feel very privileged. I’m really looking forward to seeing how our visitors enjoy the exhibition and finding out what they think about the competitions.”
There will be a series of activities to accompany the exhibition including Queen for a Day treats for mums on Mothering Sunday weekend and crafty activities for children. Full details will be available on the website.
The exhibition runs until 10 April.
Pictured launching the exhibition is Jackie Grey (1983 - the last Northumberland Coal Queen), Marie Dane (1977 Northumberland and National Coal Queen), and Deborah Tate (1982).