A MyPTA.co.za selected video for you:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCTSaKznbis&fs=1&rel=0]
The Houghton Weavers – The Pretoria Pit Disaster
Taken from the vinyl record – Howfen Wakes from 1976.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
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This Brings me back to a time when I followed the group ?
remember well was a young groupie in the 70,s followed them everywhere xx ?
I was born probably three years before this song was written. It came about
when my dad first moved to Westhoughton and decided to do some research on
the local area. He came across the story of Pretoria and was struck by the
scale of the disaster, particularly of the story of a woman who lived in
Wingates (where I am currently sat) who lost her husband and all four sons.
Also, the story of a young lad who dug fifteen trapped miners out with his
bare hands before being killed himself. He then wrote the song to a
traditional folk melody (this is quite common in folk music).
I personally discovered this song when I was about 15 years old. I’ve yet
to get through it without bursting into tears. Even now. I don’t know
whether it’s because it’s my dad’s song, the fact that he wrote it and is
singing it or because of the actual story. I guess it’s probably a
combination of all of those things.
I asked my dad many times why he didn’t sing it on stage and the usual
answer was, he couldn’t get through it without breaking down as he did when
he first performed it at Westhoughton Cricket Club. He did talk a few times
of turning it into a poem set to some music for stage. He never did do it
though.?
love it
Maximum respect for all miners – then and now – thanks for posting.
Respect for all miners
thanks fore putting this on
Look at my channel.
@MorrisManDanceMan Care for a chippy supper?! Jennie. x.
we played on pretoria pit rucks as kids respect for all miners.
I’ve put awterations up for you.