The Shrine

Most times when I chose a cycling route that goes East I end up passing this monument / sculpture. I wasn't sure what it was so finally I stopped for a closer look. 

It is a memorial to the coal miners of the area and is actually situated on the site of an old air shaft. The site was given the nickname "the Shrine" by the miners who would meet there to place bets with the local bookie.

I was glad I stopped as I never knew coal mining happened here.

The angle and positioning of the photo didn't show this memorial at its finest but I was meant to be cycling so it was just a blip and dash after all.