Worksop: Former miner Ken Wain becomes an author

A man who spent 38 years working as a miner in Worksop and across South Yorkshire has become an author.

Ken Wain who is 73-years-old, has written a book called “The Coal Mining Industry of Barnsley, Rotherham and Worksop.”

The former miner grew up in Killamarsh and began his training as a miner at NBC Bolsover, before working at many collieries including ones in the Worksop area.

Ken said: “ As a young child, I was always fascinated by the stories my grandfather would tell me about working in the mines across Sheffield and South Yorkshire.”

“So fascinated that I began to write everything he said down.”

Over the years Ken began to gain a big collection of stories people would tell him about their experiences of the mining industry and use some of his own memories.

He said: “The idea to write the book came out of the blue.”

“ My family and friends kept telling me that I had so much information that I could write a book about the mining industry in South Yorkshire, so I did.”

It took Ken over 40 years to complete the book.

“At first, I found it difficult to start writing and the research and sourcing pictures were also hard.”

“ Since the book has been published, it has been really well received by everyone.”

After a lengthy career, Ken retired in 1994 so he could have more time with his family and to focus on his writing.

The book covers old mines across North Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire which include: Maltby Main Colliery, Harworth Colliery, Shireoaks and Kiveton Park Colliery.

The book also tells of heartfelt stories of the disasters which happened whilst working in the mines and the living and working conditions for miners.

Ken now lives at his home in Gleadless, Sheffield, and plans to keep on writing.

His book is available to buy in shops and on Amazon.