Every Wrexham Bean Co. coffee bag features a unique print of a local landmark to showcase our city’s history and culture. For our Calon coffee blend, named after the Welsh word for “heart”, we chose a custom illustration of the original lift shaft from the 1934 Gresford Colliery Disaster.
About the Gresford Colliery Disaster
On 22nd September 1934, an explosion and fire tore through the Dennis section of the Gresford mine, claiming 266 lives and trapping hundreds more. It remains one of Wrexham’s greatest tragedies, leaving 200 women widowed, 800 children fatherless, and 1,600 people out of work.
After the mine’s closure, the colliery wheel was knocked down and now forms part of the Gresford Colliery Memorial in Pandy, Gwersyllt.
Image courtesy of Wrexham.com
Why did we want to pay tribute to the Gresford Colliery Disaster on our Calon coffee bags?
The Gresford Colliery Disaster is a tragic but important part of Wrexham’s history. When we launched Calon in 2024 - 90 years after the tragedy - we wanted to mark the anniversary with something meaningful.
Calon, which means “heart” in Welsh, is our quiet tribute to the 266 lives lost, and to the families and community forever changed. The green and red design features a custom print of the mine’s original lift shaft, a powerful symbol of remembrance and resilience.
