I, like many of the members of our industry, attended the rededication service of the Rose Garden and Black Gold memorial, which stands in Hazlehead Park and serves as a lasting reminder to the 167 men who lost their lives on July, 6 1988.
I had the honour of selecting representatives of the workforce to do the roll call of those who sadly lost their lives whilst doing their job 25 years ago.
Each of them was selected as a result of their commitment to making our industry safer, either through their participation in industry forums like Step Change, or individual contributions within their own organisations, and in many cases both.
The level of commitment shown by these individuals regardless of the level on the career ladder they’ve reached is incredible.
Listening as they read aloud the names inscribed in granite beneath Sue Jane Taylor’s memorial, I was overcome with emotion. But more importantly our collective resolve was once again hardened to ensure we continue to work together to make our industry safer.
In the coming weeks I will return to the gardens when it’s quieter and the roses are in bloom to reflect privately.
I will also give thanks for the five exceptional workforce representatives I had the honour of standing beside at the memorial.
There are hundreds if not thousands more, who could have been chosen to play their part on Saturday, which of course, for all of us, is the only acceptable position to be in.