Norman James Bowyer worked underground at Bedwas Colliery for many years as a borer (ie. at the coal face). He never shared details of his wages with his wife, Florence, and these two were found when some work was done on their house many years after he died. They date from 1926. He worked at the pit for many years but later left because of his ill health. He eventually died in 1947 of silicosis, leaving a widow and six children.