IRECENTLY had a request for information on miners' checks, or tallies, issued at the various local collieries.

Though it is 30 years since I worked at the pit and East Lancashire's last colliery, Hapton Valley, closed down nearly 20 years ago in 1982, I recall, that one check was kept on the person all the time -- it served as a pay check when you went for your wage and as an identity tally in the event of a disaster.

The other check, if I remember correctly, was kept in the colliery lamp-room on a board. When you got your lamp before going underground, you gave your check number and the check was taken off the board and placed on another one. In this way management also knew just who was underground.

The checks were made of brass, and included your pit number. At Hapton Valley, the pay checks were round and the lamp room check was octagonal -- I think!

I have also seen triangular checks for Burnley pits, and square checks, but I don't know what these were used for. can any of the ex-miners clarify just what these or other checks were used for, or indeed if I have got my facts right?

I have just started collecting miners' checks as part of my interest in the history of local coal mining. If anyone has any to donate, I'd be most grateful.

I would dearly like to obtain checks from the smaller local collieries such as Copy, Salterford, Fir Trees, or any of the Fence Drift mines, but those of any pits would be appreciated.

Another query was whether colliery firemen have a separate check for collecting explosives at the pits. Thanking all in anticipation for any help.

JACK NADIN, 20 Willow Street, Burnley, BB12 ORE. Tel. 01282 454927. Email: jack@nadin50.freeserve. co.uk