 Large mining disasters attracted public subscriptions for the victims, their wives and dependants but nothing was forthcoming for the numerous single deaths that occurred regularly.To provide support for themselves and their families when they were unable to work, miners joined the friendly societies or permanent relief societies that were formed in Nothumberland and Durham in 1862, North Staffordshire in 1869, Lancashire and Cheshire in 1872 and The West Riding of Yorkshire in 1877.Members of the society paid a weekly subscription of between two and four pence and when they were unable to work were paid up to ten shillings per week.