Derbyshire council funds graves for Eckington children who died in tragic accident 125 years ago

On March 16, 1895, friends Esther Ann Riley, aged 11, and nine-year-olds Percy Riley and Rebecca Godson died after falling through a frozen pond at Plumbley colliery, in Eckington Woods.

Hearing the children’s screams, engine worker Alfred Williamson, 23, jumped into the icy water to try and rescue them, but also died.

After learning of this poignant piece of local history, and how the children had never been given headstones, North East Derbyshire District Council stepped in.

Coun Martin Thacker, council leader, said: “This was a truly tragic accident, which was keenly felt by the community at the time.

“It’s only right that the children have permanent memorials to mark their short lives, and we are pleased that as a council we are able to give a donation towards this.”

Paul Burdett and Claire McLean, of local history website Natural Eckington, were the first to bring the situation to the council’s attention.

In 2007, resident Stan Ryan put three white crosses by the unmarked graves, next to that of Alfred at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, and Natural Eckington had maintained them since.

However, the crosses deteriorated and so Paul and Claire teamed up with Margaret Fry and Eckington Town Team to find a permanent solution.

The council put £500 towards the project, plus £100 for the Ireland Colliery brass band to perform at a special service.

Paul said: "It doesn't get any better than what the council has done for us. We can't thank them enough.

“To have such a contribution, along with the brass band and the commemorative service booklets Coun Thacker had made, makes it an extra special event.”

The stones were made by Gary Daynes, of Daynes Monumental, Killamarsh, who gave his labour for free.

A crowdfunding appeal is ongoing to complete the project and clean Alfred’s grave. To make a donation, go to https://bit.ly/396Nq9N