Lyn Tomlinson, the last National Coal Queen in 1983.
Rose McLachlan, the first National Coal Queen in 1969.
Margaret Dominiak, National Coal Queen 1972, and Catherine Wilkinson, National Coal Queen 1973.
1972 National Coal Queen competitors at Doncaster station on their way to the national competition.
17th May – 26th September
The little-known world of the coal queens is showcased in our summer 2010 exhibition. Using oral history interviews with former winners, photographs, clothing and accessories, this exhibition seeks to uncover a different side to the mining industry. At a time when King Coal reigned we look at the “Memories of the Coal Queens”.
Starting at a small, local colliery level, the coal queen competitions grew in popularity and size. Between 1969 and 1983 a National Coal Queen was chosen. The national winner won a wide range of prizes, and represented the National Coal Board for the year at events such as the Ideal Home Show.
“I knew then that I would have to support the Coal Board, and do some promotion work, which was fantastic because I’d never done anything like that before. And so I started up and down the country, doing little jobs for the Coal Board, which strengthened my ability to promote the coal industry, and also gave me more confidence” Margaret Dominiak, Yorkshire & National Coal Queen, 1972.
The coal queen competition gave new opportunities to girls and women from ordinary mining families. In this exhibition we discover their stories and share their memories.
“Because I’d won something I felt that I’d really achieved something … it made me feel a better person.” Lynn Derricott, Creswell Colliery Coal Queen, 1966 & 1967.
With a chance to see clothing and accessories worn by former winners, a specially recorded coal queen film, and coal king and queen dressing-up activities for children, this free exhibition has something for everyone.
Family activities will also be held throughout the summer holidays. Please contact the Museum on 01924 848806 or click here.