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Kames Muirkirk - 19 Nov 1957Kames Disaster
Kames Disaster, 19 Nov 1957, Bench in New Muirkirk New Cemetery, Glasgow Road, Muirkirk, East Ayrshire

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Before the 1930's, it was common practice for the miners to drill holes of 4 feet (1.2m) to pack with dynamite and seal with coal dust (this was illegal, but sand was not provided). In a new coal face they drilled 12 holes at the bottom, 3 in the middle (the breast) and 3 at the top. As the coal was dug away, the men had to cut and position the props to support the walls and ceiling of the tunnels.

After the 1957 disaster, the job of using explosives was passed to the shot firers. Later, a mechanical coal cutter was used to cut into a wall of coal 6 inches from the floor to a depth of 4 feet and the coal was shovelled onto the conveyor belt. The work was dangerous and there were numerous accidents from roof falls, explosions and machinery.

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The high grade coal from Kames was the best in Britain and it was particularly useful for steam locomotives. At first the miners had to wash at home after their shift in a tin bath in front of the fire. If there were several miners in the family, it was not unknown for bath water to be used twice before being changed. Conditions improved in 1933 when showers were installed at the pit head, subsidised soap, towels, boots, skins and knee pads could be bought and a canteen was opened.

There were stables underground for the horses to pull the hutches - mainly on the 6 foot level. The pit blacksmith was responsible for keeping them shod. When the 2 week summer holidays arrived, the horses legs were tied together while they were brought to the surface slung below the cage. The were also brought up during the 1926 General Strike. By about 1930 horses were no longer used, although they were brought back for a brief time in 1950.

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Kames was regarded as a safe pit - it was extremely unusual for methane gas (or firedamp as it was commonly called) to be found and the men were allowed to smoke at the coal face. Although the firemen checked the tunnels as usual on Tuesday 19th November 1957, firedamp had built up in some side passages and there was an explosion which claimed the lives of 17 men. After that there were random searches of men before they went below. Sacking was the price paid for carrying matches.

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Kames Colliery finally closed in 1968. A plaque at the western entrance to Muirkirk shows where the main gate once stood.

See Kames Disaster Page

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Auchinleck Memorials

Auchinleck
Auchinleck Memorial Garden and Walkway

Auchinleck Rd
Auchinleck Mining Heritage Monument, Roundabout (A76) Mauchline Road, Auchinleck
“Dedicated to all Auchinleck Miners and their Families who Served the Industry and their Community"

Auchinleck Path
Auchinleck Path

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Patna - William Fullarton

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Patna Info

THE HERITAGE OF PATNA

William Fullarton was born in India in 1774, the son of an army officer serving in the city of Patna which stands on the banks of the river Ganges in India. He is credited with creating the village of Patna. A plaque erected by the inhabitants in 1830 in the first school, is now on the wall of the new campus. This highlights some of his endeavours which benefitted the village. In 1801 he purchased the Skeldon Estate which extended south to the Carskeock farm. He built the first house actually in the village for his house manager, with offices attached. This was situated opposite where the memorial, which was erected to honour him, now stands. This house was known as Patna House. He provided much needed work for the local men in the lime kilns and coal mines. He also constructed two rows of houses for the miners, these were called Colliers Rows, but were demolished in the 1920s. He built the first school and arranged for a supply of water from Craignessie well to the village. However his greatest lasting gift to Patna was his involvement in the construction of the old bridge in 1805, the architect was Gilbert Macadam who was commissioned by him.

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