THE rock that wouldn’t roll proved no match for the skills of Forest of Dean developer and businessman Keith Bell. With “brilliant efficiency and without drama” the three ton boulder was moved to its final resting place above the shaft of the New Fancy Colliery, near Parkend, last week.

Now a plaque is being prepared detailing the history of the pit from its opening in 1827 until its closure in 1944. The colliery produced coal for longer than any other in the Forest and at the peak employed over 400 men.

The commemorative stone was given to the Forest of Dean Local History Society by Jon Tainton, of Mine Train Quarry, near Cannop. But its positioning above the shaft was hampered by bad weather and left the society with a problem…how to move it just 50 metres to its final resting place?

The answer was provided by Keith Bell. He turned up with a machine provided free of charge by David Dennis Ltd, of Newent, and two skilled operators in driver Brian Fennell and banksman Wayne Morgan.

Society chairman Si­mon Moore said: “Inside an hour it was all done and dusted with brilliant efficiency and without drama. We owe heartfelt thanks to Keith Bell for his assistance in what has turned into a community venture.

“Keith has a real interest in Forest mining history. After leaving school he worked at Northern United and his father and grandfather were both miners and worked at New Fancy.”

The plaque is being provided by M E Damsell, Masons, and, once fitted, there will be a formal opening later this year.

Mr Moore said thanks were also due to society members Ron Beard and Keith Walker for their enthusiasm, determination and hard work to keep the project going forward, as well as to the Forestry Commission for their support and allowing it to happen.

• An informative guide to the New Fancy site has been produced by Keith Walker bringing together its history and modern-day use. It will be available shortly on the Forest of Dean Local History Society website.