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TV presenter and County Durham's own Matt Baker has this week unveiled a touching tribute to the long and rich mining history of a North East town. "George" - a miner's
head steel sculpture - was officially unveiled outside Bells Fish and Chips in Seaham on Thursday. The latest stunning piece by renowned North East sculptor Ray Lonsdale, 'George'
has been positioned outside the Seaham Harbour shop. The sculpture is Lonsdale’s newest addition to the seaside town and joins the Tommy statue on the seafront. It was commissioned by Graham
Kennedy, owner and chef proprietor of Bells Fish and Chips, to pay tribute to the town’s long and rich mining history and his own father and father-in-law who both spent their lives mining
coal in the local area. Speaking on the town's mining heritage, Graham said: "When we acquired this property we realised we were to be sited directly on the railway line which took
coal to the Harbour from the Londonderry Pits a few miles inland. Sitting in our restaurant, looking out towards the North Sea, the harbour still dominates the view. "Remembering my
dad and my father-in-law and all those who contributed to the coal mining community in the North East, I wanted to commission this statue for them and for the community today here in Seaham.
Coal mining is a huge part of my own family’s history and of the town of Seaham’s history, it’s in our blood. "If you’ve been to Bells at Seaham you’ll have noticed we have paid
tribute to this history throughout the restaurant but I wanted something outside as well for everyone to enjoy and to remember the sacrifices people made while mining coal." At the
grand unveiling event, crowds were also entertained by the Pittington Colliery band and pit banners, including those from Vane Tempest Colliery. Graham added: "We trust that George will
stand on this spot for many generations to come. When families visit and look into George’s face, may they respectfully remember all coal miners and their families. "Remember those who
died underground, as well as those who worked for years and lived on into retirement, with all the physical ailments, aches and pains the job caused. Coal miners are a dying breed. We may
never see their like again. This is our proud heritage." "Our thanks go to Ray Lonsdale and Sam Lonsdale for another wonderful creation for our region. We especially remember my
father in law George Lloyd, coal miner, of Herrington Colliery and my dad Alan Kennedy, coal miner, of Vane Tempest Colliery." JOIN OUR BREAKING NEWS AND TOP STORIES WHATSAPP COMMUNITY
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