Flintshire Memories: Ysceifiog artist Mike Owens' Bettisfield Bob sculpture unveiled on All Wales Coastal Path at Bagillt

By Flintshire Chronicle on Jul 10, 09 10:52 AM in 2000 onwards

A STUNNING sculpture depicting Flintshire's mining heritage will take pride of place along the All Wales Coastal Path.

The new path passes the former Bettisfield Colliery site on Bagillt Cob.

Recently completed signage work prompted Flintshire County Council's senior coastal ranger Mike Taylor to look for ways to inspire locals walking along the route.

Creating a community perspective with positive perceptions is crucial says Mike.

He said: "I want to install locally made works of art which reflect something about the community and make us think of our surroundings.

"The path is a wonderful addition to Bagillt and something for the community to take pride in.

"Therefore we should encourage local artists to promote their work instead of commissioning a £20,000 piece from elsewhere."

He added: "The embankment overlooking the old colliery is an ideal place for Ysceifiog artist Mike Owens to install his 6ft sculpture.

"It's a subtle sculpture of a miner complete with pick, flat cap and grandad shirt.

"Mike's grandfather, a timber merchant from Whitford, supplied the pit props at Bettisfield all those years ago."

Forestry worker Mike relished the chance to see another of his sculptures gracing the path.

Mike said: "In this case, it's a poignant link with my family history and I'm delighted to have the chance to contribute.

"I have another sculpture at Greenfield of a child looking out to sea.

"To leave a permanent mark on our landscape is an honour for every artist. The piece of Corsican wood is from a forest probably planted by my grandfather's men.

"I hope the sculptures impress people."

The picture shows Mike Owens, right, taking a break from installing his sculpture, Bettisfield Bob, outside Bettisfield Colliery, Bagillt, with senior coastal ranger Mike Taylor and his dog Izzy.