(Forgotten pits of the Barnsley Area of the NCB where I worked)

In a simpler near-off age

We won the coal to earn a wage;

The seams were thin where coal had lain

For centuries at Darfield Main;

The work was hard, the money good

At Denby Grange and Bullcliffe Wood;

Black-eyed pandas left each shift

From Dodworth, Gawber, Royston Drift;

Coal Prep Plants built brand spanking new

South Kirky, Grimethorpe, Woolley too;

Which took black gold from Ferrymoor,

Dearne Valley, Park Mill, Emley Moor;

Oblivious to history’s signs

Which heralded the end of mines.

We will not see their like again.

Kinsley, Barrow, Houghton Main –

Wentworth Silkstone, Barley Hall

Now country parks, one and all.