THE PRINCE of Wales has sent a letter to the Wrexham Miners Project team after his recent visit to the city.
William, Prince of Wales took a tour of four sites across the city on St David's Day to celebrate Welsh culture and the city’s vibrant community spirit.
He paid a visit to the Turf, where he pulled his very own pint and met Rob McElhenney, and also stopped by at the STok Cae Ras and All Saint's School.
But, the Prince's final stop saw him visit a place which holds great and poignant historical value to the area; the Gresford Colliery Memorial.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of what was one of the most serious disasters in British coal mining history.
More than 500 men were trapped underground following the explosion in the early hours of the morning, with the number of workers on site much larger than usual as many had doubled their shifts so they could watch a Wrexham football match later that day.
During the visit, The Prince met relatives of those who were killed in the disaster and heard from committee members who have been key in setting up the memorial and preserving the history of the colliery.
Among them was Ruby McBurney, a surviving child of one of the Gresford Disaster victims.
His Royal Highness also met members from the Wrexham Miners Rescue Station which opened in 1913 to train rescuers on various techniques on how to save miners.
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The team has since shared a picture of a letter which they received from the Prince following his visit to Wrexham.
In the letter sent from Kensington Palace, the Prince says he was 'impressed' by the display on the day.
The letter, addressed to the Rescue's George Powell, reads: "His Royal Highness really enjoyed meeting Ruby and all the other wonderful volunteers. The Prince of Wales was also impressed with the number of items you had on display.
"His Royal Highness knows how much hard works goes into planning a visit like this and would have me send his warmest thanks to you for all that you did to make it such a success."
The Miners Rescue Station was purpose built, as required by the Coal Mines Act 1911, and was officially opened in November 1913 as a training centre for mine rescue teams.
The Wrexham Miners Project is now working to preserve the building in memory of the brave people who trained here and to provide a cultural hub for the local community.
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