One of the 33 Chilean miners visits Notts

Survivors of local pit disasters and other members of the community will have a chance to meet one of the 33 rescued Chilean miners this month when Jose Henriques tells his amazing story at East Kirkby Miner’s Welfare, Lowmoor Road Kirkby-in-Ashfield at 12.30pm on Friday 28th January 2011 ( FOR PHOTO OPP SEE BELOW).

On 5th August 2010, 33 Chilean men were trapped 700 metres underground, not knowing when or if they would ever emerge from the darkness. Millions watched their dramatic rescue on television. When they finally came to the surface some of them claimed that a mysterious 34th man had been with them in the mine and shared their ordeal.

Organiser of the event, the Revd Canon Dr Richard Kellett, Area Dean of Newstead and Vicar of Skegby with Teversal, said: “I’m excited that we’ve managed to get one of the 33 Chilean miners coming to speak here in the former coalfields area. Many families around here know of the dangers down the pits and their hearts and prayers went out to those trapped underground. It will be great to hear how they managed first hand and how they discovered Jesus alongside them deep underground.”

The special event in Kirkby will welcome former miners and their families from around the area who also remember some of the county’s own pit disasters of the past, including the 1957 disaster.

Only a few people in the UK have heard a first-hand account of this amazing story. Now people from Nottinghamshire have a unique opportunity to hear the story direct from Jose Henriquez, one of the rescued Chilean miners, known as the "pastor" of the group. Accompanying him and translating for him will be Alf Cooper, chaplain to the President of Chile and a Church Mission Society mission partner, who led the nation of Chile's prayers during the miners' incredible ordeal.

Alf Cooper was at the pithead during the rescue operations and said: “Joy rang out all over Chile when the message came up saying, ‘we are alive and well’. We believe this is a miracle that will speak to the world of the love of God.”

The visit to Kirby is just one a series of visits during January and February to cities and towns across the country, particularly in former mining communities.