Bill Marley

It is with deep regret that we announce the death of centenarian and former Burradon Colliery blacksmith Bill Marley who would have celebrated his 101st birthday in December. Bill was a well respected member of the community and in particular he was regarded as a man of great integrity and honesty by his “marras” at Burradon pit. Our enduring memory of Bill was his involvement in the commemoration of the 150th Anniversary of the mining disaster and together with Steven Byers MP he unveiled the montage dedicated to the memory of the victims. Although Bill was a private man, he really seemed to enjoy being the centre of attention and his presence reminded people that Burradon was a great village with a strong sense of community and populated by men and women with similar values and we will never see the likes of them again. Our condolences have been conveyed to Bill’s family on behalf of the community.