THE Miners Rescue Station on Maesgwyn Road in Wrexham, was purpose built to save lives.

More than 100 years later, it has a different purpose but for some it is still considered a life-saver.

As required by the Coal Mines Act 1911, it was built and officially opened in November 1913 as a training centre for mine rescue teams.

The men there played a crucial role following the devastating explosion at Gresford Colliery. Four rescuers lost their lives.

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It ran as the North East Wales Miners Rescue until 1986, and home to North Wales Fire Brigade from 1987-2008.

From 2009, the building was neglected, attacked and damaged but a huge campaign to save and restore it began in 2019.

Since then, Wrexham Miners Project has been working to preserve the building in memory of the brave people who trained there and to provide a cultural hub for the local community.

The Gresford Disaster memorial wall at the Wrexham Miners Project.

The Gresford Disaster memorial wall at the Wrexham Miners Project.

A team of volunteers continue to work on the restoration of the building and providing a vital resource for adults with learning difficulties, families who need support and to the wider local community. They host workshops for all age groups throughout the week, and are the base for Dragon Chat, a mental health support group.

It is also home to the Rescue Cafe, serving home-cooked meals and cakes, and the legendary traditional miners' breakfast, and is a popular pre-game destination for many Wrexham AFC fans.

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They're seasonal events have become a favourite, with their seriously spooky Halloween Spectacular next on the calendar.

The project features a memorial wall paying tribute to the 266 men and boys who lost their lives in the Gresford Colliery Disaster. The wall, made up of red bricks, contains the names, job titles and ages of those who died.

To this day, people continue to be the heart of the project.

Michael Jones, who has found support at the Wrexham Miners Project.

Michael Jones, who has found support at the Wrexham Miners Project.

Michael Jones, 77, first came to the centre after he lost his wife Sandra in November 2023.

Struggling with the loss and being in an empty home, his son suggested he visit the project.

Michael said: "I had heard about and my son said why didn't I go along.

"I first came in December and I've not looked back. It's been a life-saver. Everyone is so lovely, and they understand.

"Now I volunteer here on match days. I've never looked back."

This is a sentiment echoed by another regular face at the project.

Keith Hett during salvaging at Bersham Colliery.

Keith Hett during salvaging at Bersham Colliery.

Keith Hett, 87, was the last working miner to come up from the pit in Bersham, in March 1987, during salvaging.

He visits the centre four to five days a week, with his dog Milo by his side.

Keith, whose son does guided tours of the site, said: "The project has helped me a lot, it's a life-saving place.

"I'd be lost without it, it's my social life, like an extended family.

"Sharon and George [Powell, lead volunteers] are incredible, and I can't praise them enough.

"They're saving history and it's so important. They get all sorts involved and the children love it too."

• For more details about the Wrexham Miners Project, visit wrexhamminersproject.co.uk