Christmas is rapidly approaching and probably you still don’t have that special gift for your nearest and dearest. But this year you needn’t worry because life membership of the Barony A Frame Trust could be perfect for someone you know. The membership scheme, which launched last November has been very popular with local people and now has around 70 members thanks to the unceasing work of retired miner and Trust board member, Arthur Burley.

‘A number of local folk wanted to be able to commemorate their association with the Barony Colliery so, after some thought the ‘Friends of the Barony A Frame Trust’ was set up last year. We’ve had a great response so far but we need even more members and Christmas is just the time to buy the membership as present for someone.’

Anyone can become a ‘Friend of the Barony A Frame’ – it costs just £10 and members receive a pack containing a badge, cards of original artwork by  local artist Jim Menham, newsletters and invites to events at the A Frame site.

For those who wanted a permanent symbol of their membership the Trustees agreed to install the ‘Token Board’ based on the tokens carried by miners working at the colliery.

‘Tokens cost £50, we’ll get a suitable message inscribed on it and have it put on the board alongside the others,’ says Arthur who is keen to see all the spaces filled up.

In addition to the token purchasers get lifetime membership of ‘Friends of the Barony A Frame Trust’ and invitations to events run by the Trust. Funds raised by the membership scheme will be used to maintain the Barony A Frame site and support the ongoing work of the Trust. If you or someone you know would like to become a Friend of the Barony A Frame Trust you can purchase a membership via the Trust’s website at www.baronyaframe.org or by calling Audrey on 0784 5655244.