What happened to Les Bausor's retirement lamp?

Les Bausor's retirement lamp was purchased, restored, and returned to his family by a passionate restorer.

Why were miners' lamps so important?

Miners' lamps were vital for lighting and detecting dangerous gases in the mines, signaling the need for immediate evacuation.

Where was the Bolsover Colliery lamp found?

The lamp dedicated to Les Bausor was purchased from an eBay seller in Bolsover, Derbyshire.

Home / Lifestyle / Miner's Lamp Rediscovered: A Heartwarming Family Reunion

Miner's Lamp Rediscovered: A Heartwarming Family Reunion

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A miner's retirement lamp was restored and returned to his family.
The lamp doubled as a vital tool for detecting dangerous gases.
Many lamps were discarded when collieries closed, highlighting a past injustice.

Miner's Lamp Rediscovered: A Heartwarming Family Reunion

A passionate restorer has successfully reunited a former miner's family with his treasured retirement lamp, choosing sentiment over potential profit. Kev Pattison purchased the lamp dedicated to Les Bausor, who worked at Bolsover Colliery in Derbyshire. After meticulously restoring the artifact, Mr. Pattison located Mr. Bausor's grandson and presented him with the lamp.

Mr. Pattison expressed his satisfaction in addressing what he views as an injustice, where many miners' lamps were unceremoniously discarded down shafts when pits closed. He highlighted the lamp's dual role, not only symbolizing a miner's career but also serving as a critical safety tool for detecting hazardous gases.