The National Coal Mining Museum for England is preparing to honour miners and their families at its annual Memorial Garden Commemoration Event this autumn.
Taking place on Saturday 10th October 2026, the private morning service welcomes everyone who has purchased a personalised Glass Check for loved ones over the last eleven years.
Set within the Miners’ Memorial Garden, the checks are held inside the ‘Lives Lived, Lives Lost’ art installation created by public artist Stephen Broadbent. The sweeping Corten steel sculpture stands nearly three metres high and holds hundreds of handcrafted glass checks made by artists Gary and Annette McMillan. Each check features fused layers of colourful glass with personal text embedded directly into the piece.
During the service, names on the most recently installed Glass Checks will be read aloud alongside poetry readings, live music, and moments of reflection. Proceeds from every check purchased go directly towards maintaining and improving the garden memorial.
“Our Memorial Garden holds a special place in the hearts of those whose family, loved ones and communities are celebrated here,” said Lynn Harper, CEO of the National Coal Mining Museum for England. “It’s a place for remembrance, reflection, and cherishing happy memories. At the National Coal Mining Museum for England, we aim to share the rich history of coal mining, which includes honouring the incredible individuals who worked underground and dedicated themselves to the industry.”
Details on how to order a Glass Check for future installations can be found online at ncm.org.uk/donate/miners-memorial-garden.
