This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Piper Alpha tragedy, an offshore oil rig disaster that claimed 167 lives and that continues to devastate the industry to this day. Although decades have passed, the memories live on and hold as much importance today as they did 30 years ago.
Oil and Gas Vision in collaboration with the 167 Souls charity has initiated a fundraising project to create a special edition Oil and Gas Monopoly board, with all proceeds going to the Piper Alpha memorial gardens. The memorial gardens in Aberdeen’s Hazlehead Park still attracts a large number of visitors but relies on funding for upkeep. Without the maintenance costs people would not have a place to pay their respects and remember those they have lost.
With the support of other companies on the board including Control Valve Solutions, OPITO and Bristow’s, Oil and Gas Vision are on target to raise £69,000 for the Pound for Piper charity, a contribution which will make a significant difference. The Oil and Gas themed Monopoly board allows businesses to sponsor a space on the board and feature on a customised chance or community chest card which have been re-invented as drilling and completion cards. The board provides unique sponsorship opportunities and is sponsored by a range of companies, including energy giant Shell, who have substituted four train station squares with the Brent platforms.
The idea for the Monopoly board began at the end of 2017 and has progressed to the point of approaching the manufacture date. As an industry related publication, Oil and Gas Vision has come in to contact with many people directly affected by Piper Alpha and felt the need to help. Graeme Webster is the ambassador for 167 Souls and a supporting partner for the Monopoly board. As a police detective at the time of the tragedy, he holds the Pound for Piper charity close to his heart and has been fundraising for several years.
In addition, to making a donation, the aim is to increase awareness for Piper Alpha. Throughout the entire process, the project has received overwhelming encouragement from relatives of the victims. Teresa Conor, the daughter of one of the 167 souls that passed away comment’s, ‘Having lost my dad in the Piper Alpha disaster I am very impressed by the support from various companies around the UK who have taken up the offer to bring a fabulous limited-edition monopoly board to life. This opportunity shows me that people still care even after 30 years have passed and shows to me how this affected the UK as a whole.’
To purchase a board and donate to the fund please visit the JustGiving page leaving your name and £34.99: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/167souls
