Council donation to commemorate Eckington children’s tragic deaths

On March 16, 1895, three friends – Percy Riley and Rebecca Godson, both nine, and Esther Ann Riley – died after falling through a frozen pond at Plumbley Colliery in Eckington Woods.

Alfred Williamson, 23, jumped into the pond to try and rescue them, but also perished in the icy water.

After learning of the moving story and how the children had no memorials, the council decided to donate £500 towards the cost of providing headstones.

A further £100 donation also paid for Ireland Colliery Brass Band to perform at a special service on March 15 at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Eckington, commemorating the lives of the three children and Alfred.

Coun Martin Thacker, North East Derbyshire Council leader, said: “This was a truly tragic accident, which was keenly felt by the community at the time.

“It’s only right that the children have permanent memorials to mark their short lives, and we are pleased that as a council we are able to give a donation towards this.”

Although Alfred had a headstone listing the names of the children, the youngsters lay in unmarked graves next to him.

It was only when Paul Burdett and Claire McLean of local history website Natural Eckington started researching the accident, that it was found the children didn’t have memorials of their own.

Eckington resident Stan Ryan bought three white crosses in 2007 and had them put in place, and Natural Eckington looked after them, but over the years they deteriorated.

Then in 2019, following talks with Natural Eckington, Margaret Fry and Eckington Town Team, Gary Daynes of Daynes Monumental in Killamarsh made headstones for the children.

Coun Thacker, added: “I would like to express appreciation to Paul and his team for all they have done.”

A gofundme page has been set up by Natural Eckington to help pay for the children’s headstones and clean up Alfred’s.

To donate, click here.