Rtn. Andrew Brown

The outstanding heroism of his father following one of the worst coal mining disasters in Scotland’s history, 67 years ago, was graphically recalled by Past President Andrew Brown in a talk to members at Faenol Fawr. The newly-opened Knockminnoch Castle pit in Ayrshire was considered among the safest in the country when disaster struck on September 7, 1950, trapping 129 miners hundreds of feet underground. It followed several days of torrential rain that caused the saturated field of peat and moss to sink dramatically, leaving a massive crater of mud and slush. So dire was the situation that at one time it was thought unlikely that any rescue operation had much hope of success, but William Brown and others comprising the 200-strong volunteer rescue teams, were unwavering in their determination to defy the daunting odds. And although 13 men died in the disaster, the teams’ selfless courage and disregard for their own perilous situation, was rewarded by bringing 116 entombed miners to miraculous safety. For his notable contribution to the operation William Brown, who is still alive and a popular 97 years old resident at a Rhyl residential home, received a Royal Humane Society award, much to the enduringly justified pride of his son. The warm thanks of the club were expressed to the speaker for his touching depiction of such a harrowing event, by President Keith. The next full meeting will be held at Faenol Fawr on Tuesday December 19, at 7pm, when wives, friends and guests will join members for the club’s annual Christmas Dinner at which the Vicar of Rhyl, Rev. Andy Grimwood will deliver a seasonal message, together with musical contributions from St Bridget’s School Choir.