Mines Rescue

Selby Mines Rescue Station

The Selby Coalfield was a key element of the 1974 Government’s “Plan for Coal”

With the development of the “Selby Super Pit”, a golden opportunity was presented to plan a new Mines Rescue Station, the first to be built in the UK since 1954, and was based in Osgodby.

The Selby Mines Rescue Station was architecturally designed to blend in with the rural nature of the site in Osgodby.

The station had two mock coal faces, one thick, and one thin seam; a mini shaft, and arched roadway.  An environmental chamber, stimulating the varying temperature conditions likely to be encountered by rescue teams in operation at depths of 300 to 1000 metres, completed the unique facilities offered. 

In May 1982, Eric Savage, the Station Superintendent was appointed to be housed on site to oversee the construction with close attention to the Control Room, Breathing Apparatus Maintenance area, and training galleries.

In 1983, an Assistant Superintendent, Peter Weighand was appointed and building commenced.

In June 1984, a second Assistant Superintendent, Albert Kelk was appointed, and Third Officer, Lyn Elias in October of the same year.

The Selby Mines Rescue Station was formally opened in October 1986 by J H Northard, CBE, Operations Director, British Coal.

The Station was called to a number of incidents over the succeeding years, notably at the following mines: Kellingley Stillingfleet, Prince of Wales, Grimethorpe, Rossington and Bentley to name but a few.

In 2002, it was announced by UK Coal that the Selby Coalfield would close in 2003/2004.  At the end of 2002, the Selby Mines Rescue Station was closed and moved to Kellingley.

In June 2005, Redrow Homes (Yorkshire Limited) received approval to build 38 dwellings on the land of the former Mines Rescue Station. 

With thanks to Albert Kelk for access to the booklet published by British Coal “The Mines Rescue Service Selby”, together with personal photographs and memorabilia