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Death of Bernard Jennings is announced - co author of "A History of Lead Mining in the Pennines" 1965 Sep 03, 2017, 18:30 The Guardian newspaper - Catherine Staite Wednesday 16 August 2017 15.53 BST Last modified on Thursday 17 August 2017 17.02 BST My father, Bernard Jennings, who has died aged 89, was a prominent figure in adult education from the 1950s onwards, in particular with the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) but also at the universities of Leeds and Hull. Born in Nelson in Lancashire to James, an electrician, and Margaret (nee Doyle), a cotton mill worker, Bernard went to St Mary’s college in Blackburn and then took a degree in history in 1949 at the College of St Mark and St John in London, where he met Jean Hutton, a fellow student. They married in 1950. He completed his national service in 1949 in the Royal Army Education Corps, rising to the rank of captain, and in 1951 became an organising tutor for the WEA, travelling the Yorkshire Dales in his ancient Austin Ruby, always accompanied in the winter by a shovel to dig the car out of snow. It was then that he nurtured his interest in Yorkshire history and adult education, subjects on which he published 17 books, three written with tutorial groups of adult students. He continued to be actively engaged in the WEA throughout his career, serving as its national president for a number of years in the 1980s and 90s and representing the organisation at conferences around the world. Committed to Liberal politics, he became a county councillor for Richmond in North Yorkshire in 1954, at the age of 25. He later stood for parliament in the 1964 election for Huddersfield East, and though he was not successful he enjoyed the experience hugely. Having taken a master’s degree at Leeds University in 1958, in 1961 he became a lecturer, later senior lecturer, in adult education at Leeds. In 1973 he was appointed chair of adult education at Hull University, where he formed a lasting friendship with the poet Philip Larkin. He served as pro-vice chancellor for Hull from 1987 to 1989. In 1993 he stood down as chair of adult education and was appointed to a personal chair in regional and local history until his retirement in 1995. However, he didn’t really recognise the concept of retirement and continued to write and publish until just before his death. A kind and witty man, he devoted his life to enhancing the lives of others through education. He is survived by Jean, his brother Joe, me and my three siblings, Patrick, Helen and Gerard, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. |
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THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF MINING AND QUARRYING IN ENGLAND Oct 22, 2016, 23:50 The launch event for the publication of the results of the Research Framework was held in Cheshire in April 2016. The published Research Framework can now be downloaded in two parts from this website. It is available on the Research Framework page. |
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NAMHO ON FACEBOOK Oct 22, 2016, 19:34 NAMHO is now on Facebook where you can read news and leave comments. The link to Facebook is on the home page and forum page. If you are reading this on our news page, you can click HERE. |
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AVOCA MINES NEED YOUR HELP Oct 22, 2016, 14:45 Many of you will be aware of the extensive mining heritage of the Avoca Mine site in County Wicklow, Ireland, and its international importance as a major copper and pyrite producer. The extant remains constitute the best historic mining landscape in Ireland, but this is under threat from so called 'remediation' works and removal of statutory protection. The first draft of the Wicklow County Development Plan 2016-2022 excluded the spoil heaps and disturbed ground that surround the surviving buildings. Following representation from the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland and the local community, a change (Amendment 99) to the Plan was proposed to include these features which are an integral part of the Avoca mining landscape which is valued by the local community, film directors, the Irish Diaspora and industrial archaeologists. These are a vital part of the Avoca mining landscape and their physical removal will severely devalue the integrity of this historic mining landscape. However, the final draft of the plan now calls again for the removal of the land surrounding the buildings from the record of protected structures which could allow a developer to severely degrade the integrity of this historic mining landscape, and adversely affect the future economic and social benefits it could bring to the local community and the wider county. The local heritage group at Avoca have started a petition, aimed at Wicklow County Council and the councillors, to maintain the protection of all of the mining landscape features at Avoca. This could be the last chance to save this internationally important mining landscape and we are hoping that our mining history friends will support this campaign. |
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NORTH PENNINES MINE WATER TREATMENT SCHEMES Oct 21, 2016, 14:47 The Environment Agency have updated the documents about mine water treatment schemes and proposals specifically for Nentsberry Haggs Mine. Two public meetings are planned.Link here |
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MINING REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE Aug 01, 2016, 15:38 Information about the law, regulations and guidance provided by the Health and Safety Executive is available at HSE Anyone using a mine will be aware of this information. Useful to read this material in conjunction with the NAMHO Guidelines on the Leisure Use of Mines The NAMHO Guidelines are in need of a review...volunteers to work on the review are required. Have a word with the secretary if you are interested. email is secretary(at)namho.org |
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ORESOME NORTH PENNINES Aug 01, 2016, 15:14 VOLUNTEERS WANTED TO PROTECT AT-RISK HERITAGE OREsome North Pennines is a two-year project to aid better understanding and improved management of eight ‘at-risk’ structures relating to the area’s mining heritage. The sites are classified Scheduled Monuments by Historic England. The project will run from 2016 to 2018. The project, made possible thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will train volunteers to survey and monitor the archaeological, ecological and geological interest on an annual basis, so that any management problems can be detected before they become critical. Uniquely, the project will provide an opportunity to look at these sites in an integrated way. So any future management of the sites will have due regard to archaeological, ecological and geological features. In addition to surveying and monitoring, the project will explore prehistoric and Roman mining activity in the North Pennines, about which very little is known. There will also be a programme of events and interpretation material, such as self-guided trails, so that the findings of the project can be shared as widely as possible. Volunteers are crucial to this project and all are welcome. No previous experience is needed as full training will be given, but anyone with a specialism in geology, archaeology or ecology would be valued. There will also be opportunities for transference of knowledge and skills between these three disciplines. All volunteers will be required to sign up for at least one year, to attend a training workshop and then undertake survey work as part of a team on an allocated site. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to attend a launch, and end of year review workshop. Support from the OREsome North Pennines Project Officer will be available throughout. The basic requirements for volunteers are the ability to walk over rough terrain, and enthusiasm to help conserve the heritage of the North Pennines mining industry for future generations. The training will begin in autumn 2016. To become an OREsome volunteer please contact Sarah Tooze (sarah@northpenninesaonb.org.uk or call on 01388 528801). |
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Mining History Organisations - Achievements and Challenges Jul 12, 2016, 17:17 NAMHO CONFERENCE 2017 WCMS are very keen to provide a full set of good lectures over two days of the 2017 Conference, 24th and 25th June, based at Godstone, Surrey. They would like to encourage all mining history organisations to take this opportunity to showcase a project of which they are rightly proud, whether in progress, completed recently, or finished many years ago. Remember that future projects are not excluded either, so they would be very grateful if you would consider your options and let Peter Burgess know if your society would like to take one of the lecture slots. It is envisaged that any presentation should last between 40 and 60 minutes, including a provision for a short question session at the end. WCMS would like to hear about the challenges that your organisation had to overcome, and the nature of any issues and benefits derived from working with third parties, such as landowners, agencies of various kinds, or other bodies like yours. WCMS are not necessarily expecting any particular style or manner of presentation, so please don’t feel constrained to an academic approach. They would like the event to be reasonably informal, inclusive, and above all, enjoyable. If you would like to contribute, please let Peter Burgess know, including in your reply the subject matter, the length of time you think you need, and a brief summary. If you would like to contribute, but are not yet certain of the details, then just reply accordingly. Peter Burgess, Lecture Organiser, NAMHO Conference 2017, Surrey. Peter.burgess@wcms.org.uk |
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GOLD MINES IN WALES Apr 26, 2016, 15:01 I have been asked to help with contacting people who have worked in the gold mines in Wales. This request comes from a TV programme company who would like to arrange filming of Penelope Keith interviewing a miner or miners who have worked in the Dolgellau field. (I have assumed that there is unlikely to be anyone available from the South Wales mines). If you are willing to be be in such a programme or know anyone who might be willing, please send me a message via secretary@namho.org. Thanks. Pete Jackson, Secretary, National Association of Mining History Organisations. www.namho.org. |
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NAMHO handbook on-line Mar 09, 2016, 14:41 The facility has been available for some time to print a copy of the handbook from the website. As this appears to be little used, I have uploaded a PDF copy of the handbook to the library (available under the research tab). This version can be read or downloaded and will be updated periodically. |
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European Quarry Landscapes Mar 09, 2016, 14:23 Ian Thomas, of the National Stone Centre, presented a paper in October 2014 to a conference on European Quarry Landscapes. It made the case for establishing in England a system of designating 'Heritage Quarries' - ie quarry sites which possessed a measure of historical associations. NAMHO Council will be discussing this proposal at the meeting to be held on 19th March 2016. The document includes Ian's presentation to the Conference. The document can be viewed and downloaded from the NAMHO library, a new feature of the website. |
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NAMHO CONFERENCE - 17-19th June 2016 at Dublin City University Jan 29, 2016, 19:34 Call for papers Mining and social change Abstracts for papers (300 words) are sought on the theme of Mining and Social Change which could include the following topics: * Regional identities * Migration * Urbanisation * Industrial housing * Education * Gender and the mining industry * Self-improvement societies / social philanthropy * Sport and leisure * industrial action * Mines and quarries during periods of conflict * Changing attitudes in favour or against mining. The deadline for abstracts is Friday 26 February 2016. Please send these to Sharron Schwartz: sschwartz@era.ie www.mhti.com |
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Nenthead Public meeting (formerly 21st January 2016) Jan 05, 2016, 09:19 Nenthead Public meeting 21st January 2016 This meeting has been postponed. The new date is not yet known. Further information is available from the Secretary of NAMHO, Peter Jackson. |
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Nellie Kirkham archive Dec 31, 2015, 10:36 In the last 3 months PDMHS has taken in the mining history archives (courtesy of Jenny Potts and Mary Wilde at the British Caving Library) belonging to Doug Nash of Op. Mole and Eyam. Doug was the literary executor of Nellie Kirkham and came into possession of some 60 boxes of Nellie's field notes and other archive material. It was immediately obvious that this material was unique and needed to be lodged in the County Record Office at Matlock to ensure its survival in a proper environment. Accordingly, David Williams has, over the last few weeks, been transferring this material to Matlock, and the last part of the collection was delivered just before Christmas. This has been celebrated in a blog from Mark Smith at the Record Office - https://recordoffice.wordpress.com/2015/12/30/nellie-kirkham-archives-of-busy-local-historian/ As mentioned in the blog a catalogue can be found at - http://calmview.derbyshire.gov.uk/calmview/overview.aspx?src=calmview.catalog&q=refno:D5675* Some of the material had previously been scanned and this can be seen at - http://www.pdmhs.com/resources/kirkham As Mark says in the blog this material is roughly sorted but needs a great deal of work to make it more understandable. It has to be said that Nellie's handwriting does not make this easy. David is hoping to make this a project for Winter 2016/17! |
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NAMHO newsletter - December 2015 Nov 30, 2015, 21:59 The latest newsletter is now on line. You will not need a username or password to gain access to it. Thanks are due to Roy Meldrum who regularly produces NAMHO's information-rich newsletter. |
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Campaign to save Hatfield main Colliery Headstocks Nov 27, 2015, 09:44 With the closure of Hatfield Main Colliery in June 2015, the Hatfield Main Community Heritage Association (HMCHA) started a campaign to save the No1 shaft headstocks as a memorial to the devastated Doncaster coalfield and a fitting national monument to the coal mining industry. Once the Coal Authority completed shaft filling and capping the site became the responsibility of Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council (DMBC), who had concerns over site safety and 'reported' poor condition of the headstocks. During meetings with the Council, HMCHA were told that demolition would begin in November, but would be managed way giving the HMCHA the opportunity to put forward to make the headstock safe and secure. The day before the No2 headstocks were scheduled for demolition, the campaign was given an unexpected boost, with both No1 and No2 headstocks being given Grade II listing by Historic England on 10th November 2015. Whilst this is undoubtably good news the HMCHA are aware that the future of these iconic structures isn't totally secured. The HMCHA are continuing discussions with DMBC, and have put forward proposals to make the headstocks safe and secure. They have an active Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/shmhg2015/) and have an ongoing on-line petition (https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/105550). |
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DMM Product Recall Notice 14th September 2015 Sep 28, 2015, 22:10 Certain DMM carabiners have been found to be faulty and DMM have issued a recall notice. In their words: "In a small percentage of carabiners the interaction between the internal coil spring (which gives the gate its closing action) and the gate pusher (the component that holds the spring against the carabiner body) may cause the gate pusher to displace, potentially preventing the gate from closing or the mechanism from locking completely." This notice has been circulated by regional caving and cave rescue organisations. If you want a copy of the full details, please contact the webmaster. |
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11th International Mining History Congress, Linares, Spain - September 2016 Sep 27, 2015, 21:32 Details of the next International Mining History Congress (IMHC) to be held in Linares, Spain from 11-16 September 2016, are now available on the Web at http://www.mining2016linares.com/. The organisers are going to include a Paypal option which will make payment cheaper for delegates than the extra bank charges they would pay by using the electronic transfer method. From what has been seen of the programme, this promises to be an excellent venue - but it is up to delegates to provide presentations which will make it a truly international event. |
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Tributes paid to Clearwell Caves Founder Sep 28, 2015, 21:30 Tributes have been paid to Ray Wright who passed away in August 2015 aged 85. The visitor attraction near to Coleford in the Forest of Dean was reopened as a working museum in 1968 after being closed as a working mine in 1945. A report on the BBC news can be read here (available when accessed: 28/9/2015). |
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NAMHO Conference 2016 Sep 28, 2015, 21:38 The 2016 NAMHO Conference is being hosted by the Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland on the 17th-19th June 2016. The meeting will be based at Dublin City University, which is handy for the airport in the north of the city. On the Saturday there will be lectures with the theme "Mining and Social change". The following day there will be fieldtrips to the copper and lead mines of County Wicklow, where recent research and survey work has made major new discoveries. On Monday 20th there may be visits organised to working mines, but there will be a very limited number of spaces available. The organisers are looking for presentations on the theme "Mining and Social change" covering matters like regional identities, migration, urbanisation, industrial housing, education, gender issues, self-improvement, societies, industrial action, mines and quarries during the Troubles, and changing attitudes in favour or against mining. For more information about the conference, please contact Alastair Lings on 01896 757861 / 07763 850087 or e-mail alastairlings@yahoo.co.uk Accommodation will be available at Dublin City University. Mining Heritage Trust of Ireland Ltd |
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NAMHO Conference 2015 at Nenthead Sep 27, 2015, 21:26 The conference in May was a great success and special thanks must go to the organisers and to Nenthead village for putting up with us. Many other people were also involved leading trips and making the conference run so smoothly and thanks must go to them as well. A conference report will be published in due course. The 2016 conference is being planned to be held in Ireland. Watch this space. |
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Friends of Snibston Discovery Museum Apr 09, 2015, 16:19 Save our History - Save our Museum An Open Public Meeting on Snibston is to be held on Thursday 16th April 2015 at7pm at James Street Church, Coalville, LE67 3BX Snibston Museum site includes the mine buildings of Snibston Colliery. |
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Website changes Dec 01, 2014, 17:35 As a result of much abuse by search engines, I have introduced a system of permissions for certain areas of the website such as the bibliography. To log in, representatives can use their email address as a username and password. You will find a log in button on every page header. Others with specific additional permissions will be informed by the webmaster. Guest reader permission can also be granted to the bibliography, on request. |
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NAMHO and the CRoW review Aug 19, 2014, 17:56 NAMHO Officers are reviewing the situation with regard to CRoW (The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) following a meeting of the British Caving Association Conservation & Access Committee. The meeting discussed at length the impact of CRoW on cave and mine exploration. The draft minutes can be read on the BCA website by following {this link}. Member organisations are welcome to send comments to the NAMHO Secretary by 30 September 2014. |
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Clipstone Colliery headgear under threat Aug 15, 2014, 15:08 I am told that there is a threat to demolish the headgear at Clipstone colliery (Nottinghamshire). There is information about the colliery in Wikipedia at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clipstone_Colliery. The correspondent has given a link to a government on-line petition and anyone interested can follow this link to {the petition website}. |
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NAMHO AGM Mar 18, 2014, 12:59 The AGM was held on 15th March. Additional time was allowed for useful discussion of future conferences and other topics. The only change in the committee is that Peter Jackson has taken over the role of Secretary from Nigel Dibben. |
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Stainless Steel Anchors Underground Oct 11, 2013, 16:39 In response to reports of failures of fixed anchors used for rock climbing, especially on sea cliffs, the Britsh Caving Association have published notes ({http://british-caving.org.uk/equipment/CSCC%20v2%20130909.docx}) on a report by the British Stainless Steel Association entitled Chloride stress corrosion cracking in austenitic stainless steel. The notes discuss the choice of stainless steel used for permanent anchors for SRT and ladder pitches underground. The notes are too long to reproduce here but the key recommendation appears to be that where there is potential for elevated chloride ion concentrations in underground water, as may be found in mines, 316 stainless steel should be used for permanent anchors. |
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New Bulk Minerals research assessment Aug 28, 2013, 15:44 A new version of the 81-page assessment is now available on the {Research page} on this website. |
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Nenthead Bunk House reopened Aug 13, 2013, 16:16 In order to raise funds for conservation work Nenthead Mines Conservation Society has reopened the Assay House Bunkhouse on the Nenthead mine site to BCA members and their guests. The bunk house sleeps 12 people in 2 rooms, it has central heating and all usual amenities. |
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Historical Metallurgy Society - Research in Progress Meeting Jul 27, 2013, 15:26 Thursday the 10th October, 2013 ::
Department of Archaeology, University of Exeter.
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23000 Coal Mines on Google Maps Jul 17, 2013, 10:20 Mike Gill has recently informed us that: |
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Forgotten State of Industry - Irish Industrial Landscapes in a Global Context Jun 14, 2013, 17:41 Featuring a presentation keynote speech by leading industrial archaeologist, Professor Marilyn Palmer, this exciting two day international conference brings together an exceptional group of speakers from across Ireland, Europe and beyond, providing an opportunity to share experiences of conserving, managing and presenting our historical industrial landscapes, many of which in Ireland are poorly understood and vulnerable. Largely funded with the support of the InterReg 4A (Ireland-Wales) Metal Links: Forging Communities Together project, with additional support from the Heritage Council, Wicklow County Council and the Gathering Fund, the conference is being organised by community group, Glens of Lead, a partner in the Metal Links project. |
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International Mining History Conference, Queensland, 2014 Jun 03, 2013, 14:33 The web-site for the International Mining History Congress 2014 in Charters Towers, Australia, is NOW up and running. As yet it is fairly basic but keep checking for updates. The link is: {http://www.ct2014miningcongress.com/index.html} |
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King Edward Mine gets Engineering Heritage Award May 27, 2013, 15:31 The Mill (tin concentration plant) at {King Edward Mine} (KEM) has been recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers by being granted their prestigious Engineering Heritage Award. For those not familiar the award, it was established in 1984 to celebrate excellence in mechanical engineering. It is the Institution's premier award for sites of significance to mechanical engineering heritage - past, present and future. Have a look on the web under Engineering Heritage Award. Eighty five sites have been recognised to date. They include the SS Great Britain, Quarry Bank Mill, the Channel Tunnel, Ffestiniog Railway and the Boulton & Watt Engine at Crofton. At KEM we are delighted to be included alongside such sites and it is a real achievement for the dedicated band of volunteers who have, over the past 25 years, restored the mill to working condition. (Extracted from item by Tony Brooks on mining-history.org) |
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Cambrian Mines Trust acquires Cwmystwyth Mines site May 23, 2013, 18:36 In March 2012 Cambrian Mines Trust was registered as a private company limited by guarantee with no share capital and Objects of Association drawn in compliance with Charity Commission guidelines for a Trust. |
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NAMHO Bibliography now on-line Apr 19, 2013, 15:35 A bibliography of mining-related articles, books and theses has now been made available from the Research page on this site. The bibliography contains nearly 8000 items and can be sorted or searched by various criteria. Further search options can be added on request. To use the bibliography, go to the Research page and select NAMHO bibliogrpahy from the menu line or click {here}. |
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The Archaeology of Mining and Quarrying in England Jan 22, 2013, 13:40 At the steering group meeting on 10 January the research project team made the decision to postpone the one day conference planned for 18 May 2013 at NCMME, Caphouse Colliery. The amount of work and time required to process and edit the vast amount of information for the Research Framework for the Archaeology of the Extractive Industries in England means that we are very unlikely to have the Resource Assessment and Research Agenda ready for publication in May. We have therefore decided to delay the launch until Autumn 2013. Watch the news on this site for the new date or contact the project organisers direct. |
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NAMHO Conference 2013 update Jan 22, 2013, 11:44 The {conference website} is now up and running and bookings can be made through it. |
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Guidelines Nov 25, 2011, 17:52 See our Guidelines page for NAMHO's recommendations for 'best practice' in mine exploration, mineral collecting, and archival research |
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Printed on: 25/09/2017