1959 Derbyshire Miners Welfare Holiday Centre D.M.W.H.C Skegness Badge

A scarce original '1959 Derbyshire Miners' Welfare Holiday Centre at Skegnees gilt and enamel badge'; the reverse impressed with maker's details 'Jewellery Metal Co Dublin Empire'. Good condition, complete with original pin fittings, no damage to the enamel.
Size approx 23 x 19mm.

In 1937 the Derbyshire Miners' Association (DMA) negotiated with the Ministry of Labour for the introduction of a Holiday Savings Scheme, which would enable miners in Derbyshire to take holidays without a loss of earnings. The scheme began in 1938 and one of its aims was the building of a holiday centre in Skegness. The Derbyshire Miners' Welfare Holiday Centre was built with financial grants from the Miners' Welfare Fund and colliery owners. It opened on 20 May 1939 and was the first of its kind in the United Kingdom, described by Sir Frederick Sykes, Chairman of the Miners' Welfare Central Committee, as 'a pioneer venture'. The holiday centre could accommodate almost 1,000 visitors per week in wooden chalets, and was available to approximately 40,000 miners (and their families) then employed in Derbyshire collieries. It provided accommodation, meals and entertainment, and was also used by miners in other regions.

Code: 68841