Memorial services remember Lofthouse Disaster victims

Churches in Outwood and Alverthorpe are holding special services today in remembrance of victims of the Lofthouse Colliery Disaster.

It is 40 years since seven miners died after the pit they were working in became flooded in a sudden rush of water.

The disaster in the West Yorkshire mine triggered a rescue operation but after six days, only one body was recovered.

A memorial service is taking place today at Outwood Parish church followed by a reunion for mineworkers and their families at the Ledger Lane Working Men's Club. The occasion is being joined by the Lofthouse 2000B brass band.

On Sunday, the Bishops of Wakefield and Pontefract will join a short service in the Lofthouse Memorial Garden, followed by a community service at St Paul's church, Alverthorpe.

News
Cautious welcome as 15 men sentenced over Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings
Cautious welcome as 15 men sentenced over Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings

Christian groups welcomed the convictions but say questions remain about who was involved.

Catholicism in France has 'collapsed'
Catholicism in France has 'collapsed'

A new report on Catholicism in France comes days ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit.

Edinburgh University ends divinity programmes as theology faces a changing future
Edinburgh University ends divinity programmes as theology faces a changing future

It marks a significant change for an institution whose history has been closely intertwined with theological education for centuries.

Lib Dems to investigate treatment of the faithful as Campanale case rumbles on
Lib Dems to investigate treatment of the faithful as Campanale case rumbles on

The Liberal Democrats have begun a review into how it treats people of faith within the party.