08/12/2024
It has been a sad week at the Last Pit. On Wednesday, John Shepherd, grandfather of Alastair and father of Kevin, present day managers at Ayle Colliery, passed away.
As the second generation of the family to manage the pit and the first to own it, John not only brought the business into profit but also, through hard work and good management, left the pit in such good condition that it survives to this day.
By investing for the long term in the roadways and other infrastructure, and mechanizing to an extent far beyond other similar mines, he made Ayle Colliery the best pit to work at in the area and ensured that it had a future beyond his own tenure.
From his family, those who have worked for him and with him, and from us, the last coal miners, thank you John.
