Quarterly Journal of the Shropshire Caving & Mining Club Summer Issue No: 2017.2 Dr. Ivor Brown Obituary, by David Adams, Club President Ivor like his father before him was in the process of closing, asked the a coal miner, living in Shifnal and Club if we would like to take some working in the Madeley Wood Pit, of the remaining mine artefacts for when he joined our Club in January preservation. These included an early 1964 (although he had been involved 20th century Siskol Coal Cutter, as early as 1962). electric motor and drills which had been left down his mine some From the beginning he was a great eighteen years before. The cutter asset with his fund of knowledge was said to be within easy reach of on the subject of mining, writing the foot of a 30-metre mineshaft. numerous papers, articles and On inspection carbon dioxide gas books over the years on mining and Sad News was found not only in the shaft quarrying. He was also a life-long It is with great sadness that I have to but overfl owing the shaft collar, a member of the Methodist Church report the passing of Ivor Brown, one daunting prospect. of SCMC’s longest serving members and had other main interests in and one of the most infl uential in gardening, steam engines and brass However Mr Jones assured us that the club’s development. Ivor was bands. when the barometric pressure was responsible for researching and high, the gas would be forced back He was married to Iris for 54 years documenting mining at home and down the shaft and into the workings and they had two daughters, Anita abroad and wrote prolifi cally on beyond, also that this could be aided and Julia and now four grandchildren the subject to the very great benefi t by lowering a fi re bucket to induce and a much loved dog (Denver). of the SCMC. Ivor’s considerable draught in a neighbouring shaft; knowledge and guidance will be a He became a Certifi cated Mine there had never been any problem great loss to the club and to many Safety Offi cer and his experience with fi redamp. We obviously had other organisations including several became very useful when in 1965 Mr to rely on Ivor’s knowledge, he in Shropshire. Isaiah Jones the owner of the Rock visited the mine on a number of Andy Wood Fireclay Mine at Ketley, which was occasions, fi nally announcing that Continued on page 2 ... Thank You Left: Ivor, with his Iris and family wish to thank cousin Tommy Price the members of the SCMC and (right) and Gareth the Shropshire Mines Trust for Rushton talking the lovely cards, messages, about the site of emails and donations sent in Barnyard Colliery memory of Ivor (to the World during his Club walk Wildlife Trust - for Elephants, around Granville and Sandal Methodist Church). Country Park in 2009. Thank you to all who attended the funeral in Wakefi eld and to Kelvin who spoke about Ivor’s mining interests and career.

“Below” 2017.2 1 Dr. Ivor Brown Obituary, by David Adams, Club President, continued ... the gas had retreated far enough Club and the Museum Trust it was into the workings for us to have felt that we should attempt to give a go at retrieving the cutter. Ivor him a really good send off. Stuart descended fi rst, the job of fi nding Smith the Deputy Director of the and hauling the stuff out was tricky Museum asked me for ideas. Having but eventually successful just in the just read a book on the life of Brunel nick of time. Ivor was the last man I remembered that the Brunels held out by which time the gas was up a banquet in the Thames Tunnel in to his knees, we were very lucky to 1828. “How about a dinner in the Shropshire Caving and Mining Club have him! Unfortunately the drills Tar Tunnel?” I suggested somewhat banquet in honour of IJB leaving for were later lost in Shrewsbury but the tongue in cheek. Yorkshire in the Tar Tunnel, Coalport cutter is now in the possession of the - December 1976. It was therefore to my surprise that a Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. (Ivor Brown Collection) few weeks later I got an invitation to After the closure of the Madeley Ivor’s going away party – yes, in the Wood Colliery he also took up Tar Tunnel. When I saw Stuart again lecturing on mining and later was he told me that he had checked and employed by Telford Development it was possible in the wider passing Corporation as a mining consultant place some distance in, welcoming to check and make safe all the mine sherry could be drunk in the cellar shafts believed to exist beneath the before the entrance, guests would New Town area, I believe he dealt then walk in and the hot food could with around 2,000 of them. He had be delivered in insulated rail tubs Ivor Brown giving a speech on the to work from mine record maps using the still existing track. The use of candles underground at the 1976 banquet in the Tar Tunnel. often of dubious accuracy. Once only problem was how the guests (Ivor Brown Collection) his men had to work in wet weather could be entertained, or entertain which got bawdier as the wine went in a particularly muddy fi eld and themselves when unable to leave round. Eventually we ran out of wine were being somewhat defi ant that the tables in the narrow space. “I and resorted to emptying a large tank no shaft could exist there, but Ivor have a suggestion” he said, “you of beer, we were quite merry. Now stuck to his guns. The weekend came be the toastmaster, there will be we found, what I had thought for and work stopped, but when it was several offi cial speeches, thereafter some time, drunk underground, beer resumed on the Monday the men you will invite everyone in turn has the opposite effect to what one were shocked to fi nd that their rig around the tables to make their own would expect, and we all sobered up had fallen down the missing shaft. complimentary speeches, it should be to go home. interesting.” While working in the Ironbridge area he became aware of the supposed On the evening of the dinner a Ivor’s move to Yorkshire obviously existence of the Tar Tunnel at large party collected their drinks meant that we would see less of him Coalport which by enquiry the in the cellar and proceeded into but he still did his best to come down entrance he found was accessible the tunnel, Ivor and I brought up to Club meetings whenever he could. from a cellar near the foot of the the rear and were last to sit at the He also made many trips abroad to Coalport Incline. Thus he was able well laid out table. We went into study mining practise in a wide range to be the fi rst in modern times to deep conversation only to fi nd that of countries. He took great interest explore the tunnel and its offshoots, suddenly looking up our noses in the designation and running of the which he then surveyed with the help were about level with our plates, Caphouse Colliery Museum until of the Club. From then on Ivor also apparently the last two chairs only a few days before his death. did considerable work to aid the then brought in had different pattern legs new Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and we had slowly sunk into the The very large contribution he made with his advice and lectures. He fl oor! from his records and researches as became an Honorary Consultant and printed in our newsletter ‘Below’ Trustee for many years. After the fi rst course we could hear has added much to the prestige of the main meal being brought in on our Club and our knowledge of His work for the Corporation was the tubs rumbling towards us down mining in our local area. We shall nearing its end so he applied and got the long tunnel. After an excellent miss him greatly. It is rather sad that the job of Mining and Geological meal it was time for the speeches and after several of our early members Consultant to West Yorkshire County for me to do my bit as toastmaster. have proposed an annual meeting of Council, this occasioned a move Everyone made an effort but got veterans to renew old acquaintances, to his fi nal address at Sandal near more and more lost for something to having enthusiastically supported the Wakefi eld. After all his work for the say, resorting to poetry and songs, idea he has not lived to see it happen.

2 “Below” 2017.2 Ivor John Brown, April 20th 1937 to April 4th 2017 His Mining & Quarrying Interests, Kelvin Lake

To try and sum up Ivor’s working or Diploma. All life and mining interests in a was dependant few words is a tricky task. Just on behaviour and listing his mining qualifi cations, success in annual publications and the groups he was assessments and involved with would probably fi ll exams and the the space available. To say Ivor was completion of passionate about mining would be an a programme understatement! of practical employment He grew up in Madeley, a small 19th in all aspects Century Shropshire town surrounded of colliery by abandoned coal and ironstone pits operations. – although one pit and one ironworks Ivor starting his mining career in the garden at Cuckoo Oak, Madeley, aged 3. (Ivor Brown Collection) survived and provided employment At the end of this for about 1,000 of its inhabitants. the NCB would expect two years’ obtain his Teaching Certifi cate in service at least as an under offi cial (if 1963, No. 10520. (His account of Ivor’s father was the chief clerk suitable) and then, the taking of the a “Geological Expedition” to the at the surviving pit which also colliery managers certifi cate exam at Lake District, which he lead for the employed his grandfather, three about the age of 25. College appeared in the Club’s 1963 uncles, a couple of cousins (or their Yearbook). husbands) and occasionally his Ivor’s fi rst year was spent in the mother, too who used to help out in electricians shop on the colliery Over the next few years he the canteen at holiday times. surface. Employment underground worked at colleges in Lancashire, was not possible until age 16 Nottinghamshire, Doncaster and Ivor didn’t take the 11 plus exam for although underground training days Grantham, designing and teaching grammar school entry, he considered were permitted. As an apprentice he general mining courses and ones the 13 plus scholarship to the local was often assigned special duties, specifi cally for ironstone mining and technical college pre-apprenticeship such as supervising the installation quarrying. course to be much more suitable. of underground water sprays, and He became a Chartered Engineer In 1952, following the course and borehole drilling near Shifnal (in (Mining) in 1966, and a Fellow of aged 15, against his mother’s wishes 1954-55) probing the depth and the Institution of Materials, Minerals he became “pit-fodder”, joining his extent of the coal measures. father and other relatives in the pit by and Mining and of the Institute of signing up for the NCB Ladder plan. He obtained his Diploma in Quarrying. Mining Engineering from North His involvement with the Royal This 7 year course involved one day Staffordshire Technical College School of Mines at this time lead to per week, day release for four years (now University) in 1959, followed a 1974 trip to Bahrain which wanted at college followed by a three year in 1962 by his Colliery Managers an independent expert to check the “six-monthly sandwich” course at Certifi cate (No. 8435, 1962), source and handling of quarried a higher college leading to an HNC successfully materials that had been used for local completing the buildings prior to Independence Ladder Plan, only and which were now suffering from to be told that as building faults. the Shropshire pits were closing, A change of jobs in 1972, saw vacancies would him returning to Shropshire where be fi lled by he joined Telford Development managers from Corporation (TDC) as Senior other pits! Engineer overseeing their land reclamation programme and opencast Deciding to put sites (being worked by A.F.Budge his experience in Construction of Retford, who were mining to good just branching into mining), laying use, he became a the foundations, so to speak of mining lecturer Telford New Town. and enrolled at Bolton Technical Over 4,000 old shafts, large areas of Ivor on the ‘main haulage’ at Burgam Mine c1959. Teachers Training spoil heaps, shallow workings and (Ivor Brown Collection) College to iron and brickwork sites had to be

“Below” 2017.2 3 Ivor John Brown, April 20th 1937 to April 4th 2017 His Mining & Quarrying Interests, Continued ... treated. He used this work with the Closer to home he had been an In the 1970s he was responsible for TDC as the basis for his Doctorate industrial archaeological consultant re-discovering and re-opening the from Leicester University in since 1968 with the Ironbridge Tar Tunnel at Coalport. So it was “Aspects of Engineering Geology in Gorge Museum Trust (IGMT) and only fi tting that he was guest of Land Reclamation” awarded in 1974. since 1980 Caphouse Colliery, now Honour at a banquet in the tunnel the National Coal Mining Museum at Christmas 1976, to mark the A change again in 1977, took him for England, and involved in the completion of the tunnel’s re-opening into mineral and waste disposal development of heritage projects and Ivor’s impending move to take planning, leading teams in West at Minera (North Wales), Aberfan up his mineral and waste disposal Yorkshire, Leeds, and Staffordshire (South Wales) and the Shropshire planning post in Yorkshire. Minerals Planning Authorities, Lead Mines. drawing up policies at a local, In 2012 when the Club undertook a regional and national level. For a You would have thought with such a “Condition Survey” of the tunnel for time he also became Chair of the busy professional life he would have the museum, Ivor eagerly joined us Yorkshire Quarrying Association. had enough of mines, and would for the day keen to explore the tunnel want to relax on a beach somewhere once again and share his experiences. When nearing retirement in 1990 – not Ivor! His passion extended into he offered his services to “British his personal life too! In addition to the Tar Tunnel and Executive Services Overseas” as a Blists Hill, he worked as a voluntary volunteer executive to developing He’d had an interest in abandoned organiser for mining interpretation countries. This resulted in trips to mines in Shropshire since at least projects at the Peak District Indonesia and Borneo to examine 1950 and during the 1950s and Mining Museum, and on fund potential coal concessions. 60s spent a lot of time visiting raising committees for a number of Shropshire’s small pits, like the Rock organisations. From 1993 for the next 12 years Fireclay mine, several private coal of his “retirement” he acted as an mines, plus metal mines such as He helped found the National independent consultant in the UK Snailbeach and Burgam. There is a Association of Mining History and abroad, advising on mining and 1959 picture which he liked a lot, of Organisations (NAMHO) and was museum projects in India, Germany him on the main haulage at Burgam it’s Chair for 8 years. (Bochum), Spain (Mercury Mines), Mine - the haulage is a wheelbarrow. Poland (Coal Mines) and Sardinia. He was a former director of the Peak When Ivor and Iris were “courting” District Mines Historical Society In recent years he acted as a in the early 1960s, they would go Ltd. (including the museum, Magpie consultant with international for drives in the country. Ivor would and Temple show mines) and had consultants such as Wardell frequently stop the car to disappear numerous papers published in the Armstrong, Ove Arup, R.M.L. into the bushes – of course he was PDMHS Bulletin), he was also a (Wales) and R.S.K. (Scotland) on checking up on a mine that might be trustee of the Ironbridge Gorge projects such as the re-appraisal of there, Iris just thought he had a weak Museum Trust. Visiting lecturer for mineral development policies for bladder! specialist lectures at Birmingham Scotland, codes for stability in the and Leeds Universities, the Royal development of mined and quarried Ivor’s interest in Shropshire mines School of Mines and several other sites, the regeneration of former led him to the Shropshire Caving educational establishments. industrial sites, the reclamation & Mining Club in 1962. A Club he of derelict land and the industrial has been actively involved with for He was involved with the Friends archaeological assessment of sites the past 55 years, serving on the of St. Aidens BE1150 Walking for E.I.A. purposes. committee, leading and arranging Dragline from the beginning, helping trips, and contributing numerous in the preservation of “Oddball” the articles and papers for Club Walking Dragline and serving on the publications. He was very committee. good at raising funds, when He was a regular speaker at Welsh he was Club treasurer in the Mines Society, Friends of the IGMT 1970s, against all the odds, he events, and NAMHO Conferences. successfully obtained a grant, For the International Mining History to re-thatch the then Club Association Conferences he travelled house! In October 2000 his to Germany, the USA, Mexico and contributions to the success Greece to deliver papers. Sadly he of the Club and his years of wasn’t up to travelling to Spain last service were recognised when year for the IMHA Conference in The newly thatched Club cottage in 1974. he was elected an “Honorary Linares (Spain), which he would (Ivor Brown Collection) Member” of the Club. have thoroughly enjoyed.

4 “Below” 2017.2 Ivor John Brown, April 20th 1937 to April 4th 2017 His Mining & Quarrying Interests, Continued ...

Ivor Brown talking to museum staff and retired miners Ivor Brown (with David Anstice) leading a mining during the commemorations of 30 years since the closure tour at Blists Hill for retired miners during the of Granville Colliery at the Forest Glen Tea Rooms, Blists commemorations of 30 years since the closure of Hill Open Air Museum, Madeley. (Kelvin Lake-I.A.Recordings) Granville Colliery. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) His love of mines certainly led to cracking trips to working mines, him travelling widely. In the late quarries, and brickworks, where 1980s he was awarded the Churchill we were able to climb into working Fellowship and the Cook Travelling draglines and other machinery. All Scholarship for extensive study places that would normally be very tours abroad on the preservation of diffi cult to visit. historic mining sites and artefacts in Australia, and USA. He put his Ivor’s organisational skills, knowledge to good use back at knowledge, help and advice are Caphouse in the development of the going to be sorely missed by all in museum. the mining history community, but he has left an amazing legacy in Over the years he has been an active both his published material and the researcher in the fi elds of engineering material that he’s inspired others to and industrial archaeology with write. fi ve books, several smaller guides Right: Ivor during a mining talk to and over three hundred published the IGMT Friends in November 2010 technical papers to his credit. But if - including a replica pit cage into which anyone ever needed any help with 6 SCMC members climbed during the talk! Ivor Brown - a Tribute their own work Ivor was always Below: Group picture of the team by Paul Teather willing to help. supporting the Council survey during Ivor was a very knowledgeable the condition survey of the Tar Tunnel and helpful guy, and although we The contacts he made in his for the IGMT in 2012. professional life came in very handy never met, we corresponded in the for all the Clubs and Societies with L to R: Ian Cooper, Gareth Rushton, Ivor last couple of years. My last letter Brown, Mike, Moore, Council surveyor, from him was in February after I which he was involved. Over the Steve Holding, Peter Eggleston, Andy years he was able to arrange some Wood, Neal Rushton sent him the outcome of my latest researches in Shropshire Archives where I located a sketch map of part of the Botfi eld tramway system and deposited plans showing the system alongside the proposed Coalport branch. He had asked if I could combine all together as a map - something I had not fi nished, not being a competent cartographer, but I will complete, if only in his memory. I had also gone through the Botfi eld accounts for 1802-3 in Manchester which pushed back the recorded tramway era a couple of decades which pleased him, as usual he had a series of questions! A fi ne man, he will be missed.

“Below” 2017.2 5 More Sad News

This year has been a sad one for John Lister 1953-2017 Kenneth Mersey Brown the mining and caving community. John passed away on 21st April after Regarded as one of the top experts While the Club has lost long standing losing his battle with pancreatic on engine houses and stationary member Ivor Brown, the news of the cancer, and our thoughts are with steam engines used for mining, death of Dr. Trevor Ford of the Peak Tess (his wife) and daughters Ken grew up in Exeter, where he District Mines Historical Society was Hannah and Angharad. developed his interest in steam announced in February (see below). railways. After leaving school he John was one of the longest standing went to Cornwall on an engineering We have also lost mining historians members of the South & Mid-Wales course where he became fascinated Ken Brown and Bryan Earl and Cave Rescue - having served as a by the three large beam engines then from caving circles John Lister and warden and on their committee. still working at East Pool and South Clive Edwards. Our thoughts and Although he was a ‘Northerner’ he Crofty mines. condolences go to all their families. opted to study mining at Cardiff In 1960 he joined the editorial Dr. Trevor Ford O.B.E University to be close to caves. Upon staff of Engineering. He took graduating he started his working early retirement in 1988 to pursue 19th Aug. 1925 - 22nd Feb. 2017 career at Mount Wellington and Dr. Trevor Ford, one of the founder his researches into Cornish beam Wheal Jane in Cornwall. In recent engines. He has written numerous members of PDMHS, and a well years he was involved in infi lling respected caving and mining articles on steam engines, the work at Dudley (Wrens Nest) and the conservation of engine houses historian, sadly passed away on huge project at Combe Down, Bath Wednesday 22nd February. and the interpretation on mining to stop Bath sinking! remains. Most Club members will A Senior Lecturer in the Geology He had a cheeky sense of humour, have probably heard of him from his Department of the University and a huge wealth of knowledge, writings - he was a co-author of the of Leicester, and also Associate especially in the fi eld of mines and highly popular “Exploring Cornish Dean of Science. He was not only mining, plus loads of stories! Mines” series with Bob Acton. an acknowledged expert on the lead mines, caves, geology, and John’s funeral took place in Beulah He was a volunteer driver at Kew mineralisation of Derbyshire, but has Church (Eglwys Oen Duw) on Bridge Steam Museum from when it also recorded evidence of the earliest Saturday 6th May. Donations to the opened in 1975. forms of life in fossils at sites as far Macmillan Renton Unit, Hereford In 1996 he was invited into the apart as Leicestershire and the Grand Hospital or the SMWCRT. Gorsedd Kernow (Cornish Gorsedd) Canyon. He made a detailed study of Bryan Earl, 1926-2017 in recognition of his work on Cornish Precambrian rocks and fossils, and Born in Edinburgh in 1926, Bryan engines and engine houses and was instrumental in the recognition worked for fi ve years in coal mines adopted the bardic name of Covathor of the Precambrian fossil Charnia prior to training as a mining engineer Jynnys (Recorder of Engines). masoni, discovered in Charnwood at the Camborne School of Mines. Forest by Roger Mason. Sadly, Ken had a stroke before He subsequently mined copper in Christmas and passed away on 4th His interest in caving goes back Africa and then joined the Imperial January, aged 91. to the 1940s when he was a guide Chemical Industries, Nobel Division, at Speedwell Cavern in Castleton, Clive Edwards working on the use of explosives for where he was involved in major Clive passed away on the 5th mining, quarrying and prospecting. discoveries there and in Peak Cavern. April and his funeral was held in In 1968 he wrote the book, “Cornish Shrewsbury on the 26th April. He wrote numerous books and Mining: The Techniques of Metal papers on the mines and caves in Mining in the West of England, Past Older Club members may know or Derbyshire, edited the PDMHS and Present” and in 1978 “Cornish know of Clive, particularly those Bulletin for a number of years, wrote Explosives”. He had a considerable members involved with cave rescue. several popular introductions to Peak interest in the archaeology of mining District geology, a defi nitive study and smelting, including the aerial He started caving in the early 1990s of the local fl uorite Blue John and photography of mining areas. when the Mid-Wales Caving Club served as editor of the Transactions was formed - although most of his of the BCRA, renamed Cave Science In 1998 Bryan was received into activity was in mines. He became (later Cave & Karst Science), from the Gorsedd of Cornwall, taking the involved in cave rescue when the 1973 until 1993. Bardic Name, Whythrer Defnyth MWCC affi liated to the South Tardha (Researcher of Explosives). Trevor was awarded an OBE in 1997 Wales Cave Rescue Organisation for services to geology and cave He was, until his death, the President and he hosted the Mid-Wales rescue science. of Trevithick Society. equipment trailer for many years.

6 “Below” 2017.2 Time for Some Good News

Congratulations to Club Vice Chair Gareth Rushton! Gareth was nominated by the University of Wolverhampton to receive the Institution of Civil Engineers, West Midlands (ICE) Technicians Award for his excellent performance in the fi nal year of his Civil Engineering Higher National Certifi cate.

This award is given to ‘high-fl ying’ young engineers, who demonstrate superb communication skills, dedication and commitment to their studies, and made a signifi cant contribution to their profession. Above: Gareth receiving his award Angie Astley, Telford & Wrekin at the ICE (West Midlands) Awards Council’s assistant director for Ceremony during a black-tie dinner at Neighbourhood and Customer the International Convention Centre Services said: “Gareth fully deserves in Birmingham attended by over 300 this recognition because of how guests on the 17th May. hard he has worked, both on the (Neal Rushton) qualifi cation and in his day job. Right: Gareth’s Technicians’ Award. (Neal Rushton) “He is a shining example of what can be achieved by hard work and The Jackfi eld Stabilisation Project dedication and other young people now goes through as the regional seeking a career in engineering could entry for the ICE People’s Choice do a lot worse than follow his lead. I national award to be judged by am very proud of him.” public vote in November 2017.

In his day job for Telford & Wrekin The entries were judged by a panel Council, Gareth is responsible for of chartered civil engineers, chaired “By stabilising this hillside which a number of projects including the by former ICE West Midlands Chair, has been moving for hundreds management of the Stoneyhill closed Mark Downes. of years, not only has the local landfi ll site near Jiggers Bank island Mr Downes said of the Jackfi eld community been protected, but and borough-wide management of Stabilisation Project: “This is an also the works helped to protect Telford’s colliery spoil mounds. outstanding solution to a problem of Ironbridge Gorge, part of the Also historic slope instability with great UNESCO World Heritage Site, for geotechnical complexity. future generations.” Congratulations to Below: The Telford & Wrekin Jackfi eld Stabilisation team - including Telford & Wrekin Club Chair Neal Rushton (right) and Gareth Rushton (second from right) Council Their Jackfi eld stabilisation project won the top ICE Award - the Geotechnical award category and was also declared overall winner out of 26 projects across the West Midlands, as well as projects from as far afi eld as New Zealand and Turkey. The £17.6m project has successfully stabilised the south bank of the River Severn in Jackfi eld, protecting the area from potential landslips in the future.

“Below” 2017.2 7 News Round-Up

Anstice to Re-open The ballroom at the historic Anstice Memorial Hall, in Madeley, which was closed to the public four months ago after the heating system broke down will re-open on June 4.

It will resume activities to co-incide with its inaugural fi lm festival and a food and craft fair in the nearby square on the same date.

Regular centre users had to be relocated while the work, which included the installation of a new boiler and electrical repairs were The Anstice Memorial Hall, Madeley a former workmens club and institute carried out. founded by local miners. Grade II listed building. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) Parkandillick Engine and Engine House The Trevithick Society recently The engine has the sole, surviving visited the Parkandillick engine and working example of a St. Austell engine house, in the Parkandillick governor – a ratchet device Calciner works, St. Dennis. which may be seen in the middle chamber. Its purpose is to sense The engine was built in 1852 by the length of the engine stroke and Sandys, Vivian & Co. (Copperhouse then adjust the throttle valve to Foundry, Hayle) for Wheal Kitty admit more or less steam to keep at St. Agnes where it stood on Old the stroke constant. This was not a Sump Shaft. It has a 50” diameter normal fi tment on a mine pumping cylinder and a beam of unequal engine but was used in the clay length giving strokes of 10ft. for the district to enable the engine driver piston and 9ft. for the pump. to leave the engine to operate a Parkandillick Engine House, St Dennis. Stopped work 1955. Grade II* listed. The pump was a 17” diameter steam hoist, supplied from the English Heritage Building ID: 71287. plunger situated 240ft. down the same boiler. The invention of the shaft at the end of the wooden pump St. Austell governor is credited local adaptation. The engine is a twin rod. The engine worked at about to local engineer, ‘Jackie’ Menire. simple with cylinders of 12” bore six strokes per minute and lifted Other features include the use of and 14” stroke. It is of the ‘colonial’ 125 gallons of slurry at each stroke. hardwood pins in the valve gear to type, which splits down into units, Slurry from the pit gravitated to the make it work more quietly, and the suitable for conveyance by pack pump via an inclined tunnel. reverse imprint of a dog’s paw on animals into remote areas. one side of the beam. The present cylinder is a replacement Exhaust steam was led to a heat made by Bartle’s Foundry, Carn Next door is a small twin cylinder exchanger in the Cornish engine’s Brea, when the engine was moved winding engine which hauled rail- cataract chamber to preheat the feed here in 1913; it lacks a steam jacket. mounted skips up two inclines to water to the boiler and thence to Steam was supplied by a Lancashire form the conical waste ‘sky tips’ of atmosphere. the type once typical of the area. It boiler which remains in situ. A number of artefacts can be found did this by means of two winding around the site. Until recently the engine was drums, individually dog clutched to demonstrated under air pressure the drive shaft. Either drum could The Trevithick Society is trying to of 4.1psi, supplied by a two stage hoist a loaded skip, which ran back arrange better access to the site to centrifugal fan, delivering 700 cu. empty into the pit under gravity, enable urgent repairs to be carried ft. of air per minute. To provide a controlled by the drum brake. Chain out on the Grade II listed engine load for the engine to operate, the driven dials, known as ‘miniatures’, house and to maintain the engine and top section of the pump rod and part indicated the skip positions. hopefully, the winders next door. of the next were retained when the pitwork was dismantled, making the The engine and drums were not Trevithick Society Facebook site, nose of the beam about 1 ton heavy. designed as a unit, the drive being a May 2017

8 “Below” 2017.2 SCMC Trip Reports, February 2017 Steve Holding

Wednesday 1st - Snailbeach, At Fron Goch, a walkway had been descent to 40 Yard Level by Steve put over one of the fl ooded chambers Holding, Andy Kennelly, Lara and there was a boat for the second Sproson-Jones, Rob Saunders and fl ooded section (crossed by Alan & Andy Wood. Vicky after much reinfl ation). The main Engine Shaft has been re- Saturday 4th – Clive Mine visit, accessed via a signifi cant dig. It had primarily to remove ropes but taking been hoped to do some digging on some visitors. SCMC members the 14 Fathom Level – the crawl was involved were Ian Cooper, Andy squeezed through by John and Steve Harris, Steve Holding, Evan Kinsley but we had simply run out of time for and Andy Wood. John Bowden digging. attended, ‘joining’ the club on the day. There were three other visitors. Sunday 19th - Pitchcroft Dig. Present: David Adams, David Wednesday 8th - Snailbeach Poyner, Peter Eggleston, Peter descent to 40 Yard Level. This was Scales, Andy Harris, Mike Moore, 18th Feb. John Bowden in Engine the fi rst descent to the 40 Yard Level Edwin Thorpe and Kelvin Lake. for Olly Hughes and Steve Millar, Shaft, Fron Goch. (Ian Cooper) with Stuart Cowper, Steve Holding, Andy Harris and Peter Scales did Holding, Jerry Hughes (Shropshire Andy Kennelly, Rob Saunders and some work on moving fallen trees Mines Trust), Nick Southwick and Andy Wood. that had not quite reached the Mike Worsfold. ground! While Peter Eggleston made use of a generator provided by Andy The group visited Perkins Beach Harris to try and pump out the iron and the surrounding area. Having tank by the shaft, however the pump previously obtained permission, kept getting clogged by fi ne twigs Eileen and Mike drove up the valley and grit allowing the water to build to just inspect a couple of open mine up again. levels for bats while Peter, Kelvin and Nick walked up the valley to Wednesday 22nd – Huglith Mine join them – Steve and Jerry drove – a descent to the Main Tramming to Burgam Corner and walked over Level from Badger Level. Those on the ridge to join up with the others the trip included Andy Kennelly, (fi ghting a strong head wind!). 8th Feb. Olly Hughes descending the Steve Holding, Lara Sproson-Jones, ‘Handline Stope’. (Steve Holding) Rob Saunders and Andy Wood. After the underground inspection, Eileen and Mike departed while the Wednesday 15th - Snailbeach rest looked at other mine workings descent to 40 Yard Level – Steve low in the valley. Finally, Kelvin Holding and Evan Kinsley were and Nick returned directly to the sorting out rope on the White Stope, Stiperstones Inn while Peter, Steve later also involving Andy Wood and Jerry continued over the ridge while Mike Worsfold took Rob and returned via Mytton Dingle (it Saunders a bit further than he had was almost possible to lean over been previously. Richard Silk also horizontally at times the wind was so descending most of the way. strong!). Saturday 18th – Trip initially to Temple Mine (near Devil’s Bridge) followed by a visit to Fron Goch. Present were John Bowden, Ian Cooper, Steve Holding and Alan & Vicky Robinson. Access to Temple Mine requires a 22nd Feb. Lara Sproson-Jones at CAL permit which Alan organised – the top of the pitch from the Main this is a short but very scenic trip. It Tramming Level. (Andy Kennelly) was found that an SRT rope had been installed to access a higher level but Saturday 25th – Perkins Beach 25th Feb. Entrance to the lower of we were not carrying SRT gear on walk. Present were Eileen Bowen, the 2 adits in Parkes’ fi eld, Perkins this trip. Peter Eggleston, Kelvin Lake, Steve Beach. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings)

“Below” 2017.2 9 SCMC Trip Reports, March & April 2017 Steve Holding

March 2017 towards Black Tom area) and the and improving the fl oor area at the Wednesday 1st - Snailbeach initial traverse. Andy Wood looked fi rst clay band. after Steve Millar who was only on descent to 40 Yard Level by Mike 13th to 22nd April – Members Davies, Kelvin Lake, Evan Kinsey his second descent to the 40 Yard Level. of SCMC joined members of other and Steve Holding. Mike and Steve mine exploration clubs in another fi nished off replacing the rope on the Wednesday 29th – Work carried week of underground activity in the White Stope while Kelvin and Evan out in Snailbeach Roberts Level Nenthead mines. These trips will be had a general look around. (treat as joint with SMT). Kelvin summarised in a separate report. Lake and Peter Eggleston replaced Note that the rope access to the the battery for the ‘stope lite’ in the Sunday 23rd - Pitchcroft dig. Only ‘White Stope’ – bottom part of the big chamber (and later the battery Peter Eggleston and David Adams ‘Scenic Route’ has now changed – for the shaft light in Day Level). were available to be present on this the ladder at the bottom has been Andy Harris brought the bridge mesh occasion. So small scale excavations removed. The bottom of the access for fi nal checking before fi nishing were carried out (see page 15). is now closer to the trucks/workshop off while Steve Holding helped and Photo 1: (Steve Holding) – up a short pitch, then traversing carried out general clearance of rocks around to regain the rope up the from the level fl oor. ‘White Stope’ – the rope in place is now M1 65m x 11mm Mammut (2005) – old but in good condition. April 2017 Sunday 2nd - Cwmystwyth - Wednesday 8th – Snailbeach Alan & Vicky Robinson and Steve descent to 40 Yard Level for Joe Holding helped Roy Fellows with North, Rob Saunders, Andy Wood work to construct a metal frame and Mike Worsfold. that will eventually replace inner plastic tube in Level Fawr at Photo 2: (Vicky Robinson) Wednesday 15th – Snailbeach Cwmystwyth. It was an unusual day – Mike Davies and Steve Holding for Cwmystwyth – Vicky went out to replaced ropes on the Classic Route avoid the on-set of hypothermia but while Andy Harris carried out was in danger of heat stroke sunning measurements for bridge mesh and herself outside (yes the sun was Andy Wood showed around Alex shining at Cwmystwyth!). Thurston who was a Wealdon Cave Photo 1 shows the building materials & Mine Society member visiting the before going underground; Photo 2 area. shows Alan disappearing through the plastic tube to be replaced and Photo Sunday 19th - Pitchcroft dig. This 3 shows Roy Fellows examining the Photo 3: (Steve Holding) months session took place in David outer metal frame of the replacement Adams’ back garden recording and structure – much more work to be sorting the metal artefacts (see report carried out yet! on page 15). Wednesday 5th - Roberts Level, Wednesday 22nd – Mike Davies Snailbeach – Andy Harris, Peter and Steve Holding descended to 40 Eggleston, Kelvin Lake, Andy Yard Level and replaced maillons Wood and Steve Holding carried out on ‘White Stope alternative lower various maintenance items, including route’, the rails over the stope (going installation of the mesh on the bridge

Left: Andy Harris checking measurements of the new mesh in Roberts’ level.

Right: Parts of a pump and assorted bolts from Pitchcroft.

10 “Below” 2017.2 News Round-Up 2

‘Surprise’ Discovery Ice Age Art: Europe’s fi rst cave dwelling fi sh 30,000 Year Old Pink, scaleless and with declining The divers have now observed about Jewellery Discovered vision, the cave loach is the fi rst ever 150 of the fi sh in their journeys to Prehistoric ornaments and jewellery, example of a fi sh found living in a the cave and fi ve have been brought as well as evidence of the earliest cave in Europe. back for studying in the laboratory. known cave art have been found in Not an easy task as no more than 30 The cave loach was spotted by diver Indonesia. Researchers believe the divers have ever reached the place fi nd may show that “ice age” humans Joachim Kreiselmaier in 2015. When where the fi sh have been found. Due he was exploring in the Danube- weren’t as culturally underdeveloped to the usually bad visibility, strong as previously thought. Aach cave system on southern current, cold temperature, and a Germany. Dr Jasminca Behrmann- labyrinth at the entrance, most divers Archaeologists digging on the Godel, an expert in fi sh evolution do not come back again for diving. Indonesian island of Sulawesi at the University of Konstanz, discovered disc-shaped beads made south-west Germany, believes that While only a small portion of the from the teeth of a tusked pig native these loaches are the most northerly 250 sq km underground home of the to the island, pendants made from species of cave fi sh ever discovered. cave loach can be explored by divers, bone alongside tools were also found While the cave system formed the researchers believe there may be providing further evidence of cave some 400-500,000 years ago, it is thousands of more of these pale, pink art production. The items date from only since the last glacial period creatures living undisturbed in the between 30,000 to 22,000 years ago. region. some 20,000 years ago that saw The earliest known cave art on the opening of the Aach spring by Sulawesi, discovered in 2014, dates There are some 200 species of cave the retreating Alpine glacier which from at least 40,000 years ago and it fi sh living in various parts of the allowed the fi rst colonisation of the is believed to be the world’s oldest. cave system with fi sh. world, but none had been found in Europe until now. In total there are it is speculated that as humans made Genetic analysis suggests the cave some 400 different cave-dwelling the journey through Wallacea, a dwellers are closely related to stone creatures in the Western Balkans, group of islands mainly in Indonesia, loaches found in the nearby rivers, including the famous olm, a blind they were prompted into new ways the Danube and the Radolfzeller salamander. of thinking about the natural world Aach. However the scientists are because of their encounters with new unsure if they can be classed as a BBC News Reports 4th April 2017 types of animals and plants. distinct species. Pink Star Diamond - World Record Price A rare diamond known as the Pink of two years, began at $56m. The May 2015: An unnamed buyer Star has been sold in Hong Kong buyer was Hong Kong jewellery made history after purchasing the by Sotheby’s for more than $71m retailer Chow Tai Fook Jewellery. Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat “pigeon (£57m), setting a new world record blood” coloured gemstone, for $30m for any gemstone at auction. (£19.1m). Making it the world’s most Previous records expensive precious stone other than It is the largest polished pink - set in stone a diamond. diamond ever found and the largest May 2016: The 14.62-carat in its class to go under the hammer. Oppenheimer Blue sold for $50.6m November 2013: The “largest vivid (£34.7m at the exchange rate then orange diamond in the world”, The oval-shaped 59.6 carat stone was current) after 20 minutes of phone according to Christie’s, attracted the sold for $83m in Geneva in 2013, but bidding at Christie’s in Geneva. The highest price paid per carat for any the buyer later defaulted. In the latest buyer’s identity is unknown. diamond at auction, selling for $35m auction it was bought after just fi ve (£22m), or $2.4m (£1.5m) per carat. minutes’ bidding. November 2015: The Blue Moon, a 12.03-carat ring-mounted cushion- November 2010: The Graff Pink, The record until now was held by the shaped blue diamond, was bought by a 24.78-carat “fancy intense pink” Oppenheimer Blue, which sold for Hong Kong tycoon Joseph Lau, for diamond was auctioned for $46.2m $50m in May 2016. $48.4m (£31.7m). He gave it to his (£29m). It was sold to the British seven-year-old daughter, renaming it dealer Laurence Graff. Bidding for the gem, which was the “Blue Moon of Josephine” after News Reports, 4th April 2017 found by De Beers at a mine in her. Africa in 1999 and cut over a period

“Below” 2017.2 11 Blaenau Ffestiniog Weekend: Wrysgan & Rhiwbach Slate Quarries, 11-13th November, Alan Robinson

Steve Holding had organised the weekend with the option of accommodation at a climbers’ hut in Tanygrisiau belonging to the Lancashire Climbing and Caving club. The hut, an old quarryman’s house just down from the Cwmorthin car park made an ideal base for the weekend.

On Saturday morning, before setting off to Wrysgan, Andy Wood joined Steve, Vicky and I for breakfast at the Lakeside Café. To make the trip it a bit more interesting we decided to walk to the quarry up the main incline (constructed in 1872) on the western side of Moelwyn Mawr.

This climbs up almost 600 feet from Entrance to the underground workings at the top of the Wrysgan incline. the lake before disappearing into a (Vicky Robinson) short (steep) tunnel that exits at the main dressing fl oor horizon. The quarry appears to be worked We found a short climb (rope useful) underground on 6 levels and can down onto a descending path to go be easily accessed from 4 different down two levels. From here an insitu adits. Additional surface inclines led rope and ladder followed the line up and down to these horizons from of an internal incline. Exploration the mill area to enable the slate to be from the bottom of the incline inbye processed before sending down the showed further major collapses big incline to the Ffestiniog railway. within chambers, but we did fi nd a Originally, all the slate had been manway with a bolted traverse and taken down to Cwmorthin carried by possible SRT connection down to the packhorse. lowest level.

Initially we entered close to the top Heading outbye led us to a blocked of the higher incline, which is the adit entrance, before re-tracing and second level down. In this area the fi nding a manageable path to the chambers were cut out to surface bottom level. From here a short and seemed to have substantially walk brought us back to surface well collapsed. Picking our way across below the mill area and with views boulders we reached a large chamber over to Cwmorthin. Alan Robinson, Steve Holding and that was obviously connected to Andy Wood ‘climbing’ the Wrysgan incline. (Vicky Robinson) levels above and below. Returning to this level we followed it in as far as we could to a chamber Andy Wood in that brought us below the traverse the tunnel on and another near vertical fi xed rope the Wrysgan heading up to an uncertain belay. incline. Perhaps for another day...

(Vicky Robinson) We retraced our path back to the top of the incline and explored out along the adjacent chambers heading out. This brought us to another bolted traverse, which we all decided was too iffy without a rope. Steve had memories of this being rigged on a previous visit and that it led to another exit.

12 “Below” 2017.2 Blaenau Ffestiniog Weekend: Wrysgan & Rhiwbach Slate Quarries, 11-13th November, Continued ...

the incline past the lower entrances and on towards Cwmorthin. A short detour into one entrance confi rmed Steve’s memory of where the outgoing traverse ended up.

Sunday - Rhiwbach On Sunday our group swelled to eight (Julian Bromhead, Ian Cooper, Chris Andrews and a little later Joe North) as we met up by the entrance of Manod/Cwt-y-Bugail working quarry. We had arranged a permit, plus the padlock combination through Cave Access Limited to do a trip through Rhiwbach. After a little discussion it was decided we would walk all the way round to the drainage level entrance and come back up the internal incline.

This made for an interesting surface walk through the Rhiwbach mill and ‘village’, then through the forestry to overlook the quarries around Cwm Penmachno.

There was a slight sigh of relief (by me) when the entrance gate to the lower adit combination padlock worked, as it was a long walk back uphill. The drainage level (driven in Heading up once more from the chambers we reached the end of the 1890s) runs for about 600m into chamber above the incline we the workings. From the penultimate the hillside before it intercepts the continued through gaps in a massive chamber we were able to climb down slate. boulder collapse. This led to the another steep incline. Moving inbye highest level of the quarry. one chamber, then allowed us to The underground section of the descended one fi nal chamber before quarry covered 8 separate levels, Once again the fi rst few chambers we called it a day (We were trying to were untopped to daylight, but but the lowest two are below the avoid coming off the mountain in the drainage horizon. Our plan was this time progress along the level dark). was fairly easy and after 7 or 8 to explore each level successively A few small upwards before fi nally exiting artefacts such (through another locked gate) into as pulleys and an open pit close to the Rhiwbach hooks could be dressing mill. found in this section, which Unlike Wrysgan, the chambers and is in contrast to levels were nearly all open, although the remainder of there were some interesting traverses the mine. After around fl ooded sections of the lowest making our accessible level (Floor 2 or 3?). The way back to the site is popular with outdoor centres top, we fi nally and adventure companies, so there exited at the are several insitu ropes and even a top adit before large dinghy in place. We didn’t go descending for the boat ride as an easy detour was available. Pulleys and hook in Wrysgan. (Vicky Robinson) beside the line of

“Below” 2017.2 13 Blaenau Ffestiniog Weekend: Wrysgan & Rhiwbach Slate Quarries, 11-13th November, Continued ...

Above: Views of the mill remains and ‘village’ on the surface at Rhiwbach. (All pictures this page: Vicky Robinson) Left: The incline drum and drum house above Cwm Penmachno.

Having just completed a circuit of this fl oor, we bumped into Joe who had arrived late and decided to enter from one of the top entrances. As we started on up, a second group had made their way up the adit. There is a blockage in the adit where it meets the incline, probably from rubbish that has washed down the slope. Fortunately on his way down, Joe had found the bypass at the back of a chamber up to the next level. Once the incline is regained a streamway coming down it is met, which gives the whole passage way a cave-like feel. As we ascended the various levels branch off the incline to give access to a considerable number of chambers. There were a few collections of artifacts positioned in chambers on the different levels, along with a couple of trucks and one chamber with 4 or 5 sets of chains still in position on the worked face. After about 3 hours or so we fi nally emerged back at surface to discover the clouds had descended and the buildings and inclines of Rhiwbach had disappeared in a cloak of thick mist. Thankfully, navigation was easy once the chimney for the incline engine was found, as the incline led to a tramway that led us all the way back to the cars. The weekend turned out to be a good success, both with the accommodation and the choice of two quarries that were new to most of us. We would be quite keen to organise another weekend in Blaenau for Spring of next year, so let us know if you are interested.

Left, upper: The large dingy in the lowest fl ooded section in Rhiwbach.

Left, lower: Remains of one of the slate trucks, Rhiwbach.

14 “Below” 2017.2 Pitchcroft Reports - February to May 2017 David Adams

19th February 2017 still room for further investigation Members present: Peter Eggleston, here, but whether it is worth the time Andy Harris, Peter Scales, Mike and effort is beginning to become Moore, David Adams, David Poyner, debateable. Kelvin Lake and Edwin Thorpe. It has been decided that the iron A rather better day this month, objects found on the site, once although the fi eld track was still a recorded and photographed should little damp for vehicles. It having be reburied in the apse area in the pit been decided that the movement of once the pit is fi lled. the fallen tree was a safety priority both Andy Harris and Peter Scales 19th March 2017 turned up with full equipment and As only David Adams, Peter removed its trunk, although the Eggleston and Kelvin Lake were root had to be left until a digger available it was decided to retire was available to move it. Another to David’s back garden and sort partly fallen tree was cut down by Above: Peter Eggleston’s new and photograph the various metal Andy Harris and the timber removed signage for the pit with the iron tank artefacts that have been recovered from the site. There was a slight by the Pitchcroft pumping shaft. from the two sites. While some items concern about this as we are there from site 1 (the winding engine as archaeologists, not woodland house) have already been reburied management, and it is not our wood, on that site it is planned to bury the on the other hand leaving it there remaining artefacts in the pumping would only have induced others to engine house area. trespass on the site.

Laid brickwork beneath the root of 23rd April 2017 The Dig was delayed for one week fi rst tree was carefully examined by due to the Easter break, but only David Poyner and seemed almost Peter Eggleston and David Adams certainly to be part of another were available to be present. building, possibly the missing boiler house. This will need to With no digger available real be investigated when the root is progress was impossible. Peter did removed. some work trowelling around the foot of a brick wall near the root The main object of the day was again of the fallen tree mentioned in the to attempt to pump out and bottom February report, unfortunately David the iron tank, this time with a stiffer Above: Peter Scales fi nishes cutting up the fallen trees during the 19th due to leg and back problems was hose. However although this was February Pitchcroft session. unable to provide much assistance. more successful than the previous Peter photographed his progress with time sludge lower down eventually the wall, which did appear to be part defeated the pump and the tank of a building rather than another was not bottomed, moreover it was pillar and the dig ended early. noticed that as soon as a level was reached water seemed to be bubbling At the April meeting, nothing being up from the bottom to refi ll. This led urgent it was suggested that the Kelvin to suggest that perhaps the fi lling in of the great pit should be tank was being fed by a spring, and left until the Autumn and Mr. Don thus being self fi lling might been Murray who had provided a quote a fortuitous fi nd by the ‘old men’ has been informed of this, it must enabling them to use the tank as a however be borne in mind that the self fi lling reservoir for the engine. reburial of the iron objects back on the site must be done on a date in At the end of the day part of the tank advance of the refi lling day. top was covered for easier access John Hendy’s digger is again and safety, with planks provided by unlikely to be available, the Andy Harris as was the generator Above: Andy Harris checking on the vegetation is growing and it remains for the submersible pump. There is pumping progress in the iron tank. for members to decide what useful

“Below” 2017.2 15 Pitchcroft Reports - February to May 2017 Continued ... work, can be done on the site in May be hired for John to drive. This of The summer foliage is rapidly dig before leaving the site for the course would be a matter for the spreading across the site which will Summer. Club to decide. be checked periodically during the summer, vegetation permitting. 21st May 2017 We have not as yet proved the Peter Eggleston, Steve Holding, existence of the foundations of the David Adams and Kelvin Lake boiler house, or houses, which must Below: The wall excavated by the turned out for this last dig of have powered this mighty engine. fallen tree. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) the 2016-17 season once again concentrating on the hand excavation of the brick wall under and near the tree root. Other than proving that this was part of a wall and not another pillar little could really be achieved without a mini digger.

Steve, David, and Kelvin spent their time lowering the bank of soil above this presumed building and cascading it into the pit. Further photographs were taken by Peter and Kelvin.

Mike Moore who was not present has suggested that if John Hendy’s digger were not available in the Autumn, a similar digger might

Some of the metal artefacts excavated from the Pitchcroft digs.

16 “Below” 2017.2 Locomotives at Alveley Colliery David Poyner

About three years ago, I wrote an Once at the sidings, the engine being carried. The payment issues article for Below on the locomotives was used to shunt loaded wagons were settled the next month, but operated by the Highley Mining between that location and Highley questions periodically arose about Company. Somewhat belatedly, I Sidings, where there was amply the operation of the service; in want to conclude this by considering storage at the landsale yard. August 1958 the committee agreed to locomotives and stock that worked at observe operations before requesting Alveley Colliery. The locomotive crew came from a change of times. The manriders Baggeridge. At the end of the strike, were simple roofl ess carriages; the Alveley was opened by the Highley the locomotive was returned1. seats were wooden benches arranged Mining Company, but initially relied ASLEF were not best pleased with cross-ways and all facing the same on rope haulage, both above and what had happened and in July wrote way (“toast rack” seating). At least below ground. The colliery sidings to the Highley Branch of the NUM some of the seats were made in the were alongside the Severn Valley asking for information about what carpenters’ workshop at Alveley4. railway and no locomotives were had happened2. needed to shunt wagons as this Underground locomotive could all be done by the engines The identity of the locomotive is not haulage of the Great Western Railway and known. However, Baggeridge had As part of the new development then British Railways which worked taken delivery of two new Hunslet at Alveley, it was agreed in 1956 the coal trains along the branch. Austerity 0-6-0ST locomotives in to replace rope haulage with However, from the 1950s a number 1952/3, works numbers 3776 and locomotive operation5. The shaft was of railway engines did work at the 3777 (8 and 9 at Baggeridge). deepened to allow the construction of colliery. a 2.5 mile road on the level to reach These were the standard NCB workings beyond the Romsley Fault. The 1955 Railway Strike shunters and would have been quite The track was of 2’6” gauge, wider On May 28th 1955, the Associated capable of moving the loaded coal than the previous 1’9” at Alveley. Society of Locomotive Engineers trains between Alveley sidings and Firemen (ASLEF) called a and Highley. My guess is that one To work the new line, two four national strike, which lasted until of these two were sent. Both have wheeled battery-electric fl ame-proof June 14th. This was suffi ciently survived into preservation; 3776 locomotives were ordered from serious for a national state of at the Embassy and Bolton Abbey English Electric in June 19596 and emergency to be declared on May Railway and 3777 at the Churnet delivered in 1960; a year later a third 30th. Valley Railway. Interestingly 3776 was added; details are in table 1. had a spell at Granville after the 3 No coal could be moved by rail. closure of Baggeridge . The locomotives were constructed by Even worse for Alveley was Baguley-Drewry, subcontractors to that without the help of a British The Manrider English Electric for the mechanical Railways engine, the wagons at the Although not strictly a locomotive, it parts of the locomotives. They were screens could not be shunted and the is worth mentioning the introduction EM4A1 type locomotives, each mine would very quickly become of a rope-hauled manriding train weighing 13 ton 5 cwt with a centre clogged with coal that could not be underground at Alveley, to save cab. English Electric initially made sorted. the men a walk of getting on for EM1 battery electric locomotives two miles to the face. In October with a single cab at just one end. The NCB found a solution in 1955, the prospect of a “train” was bringing a spare engine from fi rst noted at the Pit Committee. In In response to new legislation that Baggeridge Colliery to Alveley March 1956 the local NUM branch banned single cab engines weighing sidings. The coupling rods were discussed the “opening” of the over 13 tons the EM2 was introduced removed from the engine and it manrider at their monthly committee with cabs at both ends. The 69hp was dragged via Stourbridge and meeting. At the next month’s (sometimes quoted as 60hp) Kidderminster to the Severn Valley meeting, the committee raised the centre-cab machine was a further branch and then to Alveley sidings. question of payment for engine development, introduced in 1960. drivers and guards on the manriders The examples at Alveley came from To keep within weight limits over and also what would happen if no the fi rst batch produced for the NCB; Victoria Bridge, a number of barrier drivers were available. another nine 3’ gauge engines went wagons were attached between the to Scottish collieries at the same Baggeridge engine and the British My best guess is that the “engine date7. Railways’ locomotive that was drivers” were the individuals pulling it, to ensure that both were responsible for working the When the locomotives arrived, they not on the bridge at the same time. haulage motors when men were were split in two to be lowered

“Below” 2017.2 17 Locomotives at Alveley Colliery Continued ... down the shaft. The drivers were Table 1 Underground locomotives trained at Granville where two EM2 locomotives had been working since Works Number Number ex-works Fate 1957, with the new system starting at Alveley after the August bank holiday in Bg 3547 / EE 2842 1 19/7/1960 to West Cannock Colliery 19608. Bg 3548 / EE 2843 2 18/7/1960 scrapped on site The locomotives hauled mine cars, Bg 3574 / EE 3162 3 31/7/1961 scrapped on site each with a capacity of 2.6 tons of coal9 as well as man riders. The lamp book only records one accident to Granville, but if this is true, it plan was for the mine cars to be involving a lamp on a manrider, in never happened. The engines were assembled into trains of 35 wagons10. February 1957. However, between scrapped at Alveley. October 1960 and March 1964, there Two types of carriages were used for were 13 accidents to lamps involving The Stores Compound man riders, depending on whether manriders or “shunters” (presumably Locomotives they had roofs. Both were 4-wheeled the locomotives), as detailed in table Alveley Colliery had a large stores coaches, set up with 3 compartments, 13 2 . compound, which held essential each having 2 x 2 seats facing each supplies for the colliery. This other. Thus a single coach could hold The spate of accidents in 1962 seem were served by an oval of track, 12 men. There were brake vans for to have been brought to an end connected to the shaft. To improve a guard at the rear of each train of by action from Geoff Wood, the operations, a four wheeled LBT-type carriages11. The man-riding trains manager, who asked for a report in diesel mechanical locomotive was ran at 8mph. Other stock included a November of that year. Apart from purchased from Ruston Hornsby. variety of supplies trolleys and vans, mishaps to the lamps, one driver, to take material to the face. Ernie Hart, was seriously injured in This locomotive, No 506491 was a shunting accident and in February delivered to the NCB on the 26th The pattern of working seems to 1967 a mine car and supply trolley March 196415. The 4 ton, 2’6” gauge have been that at the start of the became stuck at the pit bottom, machine had an air-cooled two- shift, the carriages were used to resulting in the men being forced to cylinder Ruston 2YDAL engine take the men to the end of the line. 14 come up the air shaft at Highley . capable of 31.5 hp. The drive went Once the new shift had been taken through a 2-speed gearbox with inbye and the old shift taken to the At closure, EE 2842 was salvaged hydraulic engagement of the cone pit bottom, for the remainder of the and sent to West Cannock Colliery. clutches. shift the mine cars were taken back I have been told by a former and forth (or supplies moved if it overmanager at Alveley that This combination of locomotive was a non-coaling shift). The mine there was a plan that the other and engine was fi rst introduced by cars were loaded automatically by two locomotives would be sent a chute at the end of a conveyor. At Table 2 Accidents to lamps on manriders and locomotives the pit bottom, movement of mine cars in and out of the cages was by hydraulic rams and a creeper and Vehicle Date Notes retarder rather than locomotive. At Manrider 06 09/12/1960 Front bezel dented and container slightly crushed the surface a similar system of rams Manrider 07 08/02/1961 Battery crushed and a creeper and retarder moved the mine cars to and from the tippler; Shunter rear lamp 07/04/1962 from there, the coal was taken by Shunter rear lamp 11/05/1962 aerial ropeway to the screens. Manrider 22/05/1962 The locomotives were kept in a Shunter rear lamp 08/06/1962 garage close to the shaft at the “TH Shunter rear lamp 24/07/1962 junction”; here there were battery Shunter rear lamp 18/08/1962 charging facilities and also basic maintenance could take place12. Shunter rear lamp 29/09/1962 Shunter rear lamp 07/11/1962 Note from manager, “How did this occur?” It seems it took some time for Shunter rear lamp 06/03/1964 Cable the men in charge of the new locomotives to get used to handling Shunter rear lamp 13/03/1964 Headpiece their new steeds. Prior to 1960, the Shunter rear lamp 16/03/1964 George Anderson

18 “Below” 2017.2 Locomotives at Alveley Colliery Continued ...

3. Industrial Locomotive Society Pocket Book A, Staffordshire, pg 33; B. Yate, The railway locomotives of the Lilleshall Company, Irwell Press, 2008, pg. 112; https://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/List_of_preserved_Hunslet_ Austerity_0-6-0ST_locomotives

4. George Poyner

5. The National Archives (NA), COAL 77/5355, Minutes 12-11-56

6. NA COAL 77/5355, 15-6-59

7. Information from Paul Teather, based on Industrial Locomotive Society Pocket Book A; Mining Journal, Volume 256, 1961, pg 219 (cites 69hp); Colliery Guardian Overseas, 1960, pg 89 (cites 60hp); http://bowesrailway.uk/ Figure 1: 506491 at the Amerton Railway, June 2016. The green personnel/2207-456/ livery may have been worn at Alveley as it was a standard Ruston fi nish. 8. NA COAL 77/5355, 9-3-60; Yate, op. Ruston in 1959 and replaced earlier 1965. Unfortunately the IRS give no cit., pg. 118 versions of the LBT which had a source for their information and there water-cooled VSH engine (with is no other evidence for the existence 9. NA COAL 77/5355, 9-7-58 attendant problems of freezing). The of this engine at Alveley. One clue 10. Bridgnorth Journal, 10-6-1960 LBT design itself dated from 1952 might be in a note in stockyard and, with the LAT, were aimed at audit fi les for the colliery20. These 11. I.J. Brown, The East Shropshire narrow gauge systems where a small record how on 16th Oct 1963, it was Coalfi eld, Tempus, 1999, pp. 118-9. locomotive would suffi ce16. 506491 decided that a stockyard locomotive The locomotive drivers shared turns had an uneventful life at Alveley; on was to be purchased immediately and as guards on the man-riding trains. closure it was removed by the NCB not in 1964 as originally planned. for further use and was not retired Perhaps this was the Lister, rather 12. George Poyner until April 1994. It was purchased for than the Ruston. It surely could not 13. Records of damage to safety lamps, preservation from Littleton Colliery, have been used once the Ruston was Alveley Colliery, 1957-1969 regauged to 2’ at the Talyllyn commissioned, giving it a working (Collection of John Lee). Railway workshops and delivered to life of about six months. the Amerton Railway in 1997, where 14. Highley Area NUM minutes it remains in use (Fig 1)17. Acknowledgements 15. Paul Teather/ Industrial Locomotive I would like to thank Paul Teather The Industrial Railway Society Society Pocket Book NCB Surface (Industrial Railway Society), George (IRS) records another stockyard Systems, 1967-9 Poyner, John Lee and the late George locomotive at Alveley18. This was Davies for information and access to 16. http://www.oldengine.org/members/ a four wheeled Lister, No 5434 of documents. ruston/Production5.htm 1934. This was probably a Lister Rail-Truck, a development of 17. http://www.amertonrailway.co.uk/ Lister’s Autotruck, a three-wheeled References amertonlocolittletonruston.htm road vehicle. They were fi tted with petrol engines and were popular for 1. Information from George Poyner. 18. Paul Teather/Industrial Railway use on light track, as they weighed He was sent from his place of Society, Amendment List to the very little. A number were later work in the carpenters shop by Mr Cheshire/Shropshire Handbook, re-engined with diesel units, but Chesworth, the colliery engineer, to March 2000. even with this, 5434 would have had drop the fi re in the locomotive on one 19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lister_ barely a quarter of the horsepower of occasion during its stay. The reasons for this are now lost in time. Auto-Truck the Ruston19. 2. Highley Area NUM minutes 20. NA, COAL 77/3945 (Highley According to the IRS record, Colliery audit, 1961-8) disposal of the locomotive was about

“Below” 2017.2 19 Pontesford Colliery 1784 Engine House Mike Shaw

The stabilisation work undertaken by the Stiperstones and Cordon Hill Landscape Partnership Scheme with funding from Historic England and carried out on site by Splitlath Building Conservation of Hay on Wye has now fi nished with the scaffolding being removed on 18th April. This has allowed Martin Cook, the archaeologist to have the external ground levels lowered around the south corner of the engine house both to establish the nature of the surface and to look for possible extensions which the tithe map suggests could have existed. The top surface was taken off with gentle care by the digger and driver on the south-east side revealing bricks, clearly not An extract from the 1842 tithe map, the engine house is in the centre in fi eld random which were presumed to be 1188. (Shropshire Archives P200) paving. The next scrape revealed what looked like the lowest course of a wall. A scrape on the south-west side also revealed the lowest portion of a wall. Work then continued with a trowel. The paving/fl oor proved to incorporate reused material including portions of fi rebrick. The wall to the south-east was uncovered as far as a corner, the extension being about a metre square (precise measurements had not been made by the time I left) it could possibly have housed a privy, though perhaps the two-seater seat The two-seater privy seat which may have come from, what might have been, which survives as a lintel in the a privy adjoining the south-west wall of the engine house, 25th August 2016. lean-to would not have fi tted in. The (M.Shaw)

The wall and fl oor of the possible privy and adjoining The north wall of the extension to the west of the engine paving showing brick and fi rebrick, taken immediately house prior to fi nal excavation on 20th April 2017. following excavation on 20th April 2017. (M.Shaw) (M.Shaw)

20 “Below” 2017.2 Pontesford Colliery 1784 Engine House Continued ... extension to the south-west which Watt 1779 engine from Bog Mine, A little more of the history of the may have wrapped around the corner which was sold to a local colliery in building has emerged though it was of the engine house at some stage is 1782, could have come to this site at described at the tithe apportionment not so clear but somewhat larger. this time. That was a 30 inch, 19.1 of 1842 as an engine house which h.p. 8 stroke per minute engine with suggests that even if was not still in The shaft-top brickwork has been an unequal beam. As will be seen in use it was not at that date a dwelling. repaired and the shaft topped with a the photograph the engine bed has grill. been cut into two pieces at some The archaeologist is preparing a stage and subsequently held together report and more information will Engine Bed by two wrought iron clamps/dogs emerge in due course. The surviving engine bed gives encased in lead. clues as to the size of the last engine present, it and the beam length have The engine bed now been accurately measured. following the The holding down bolts are at stabilisation works. 1.1m (43.3in) centres which may (Martin Cook) be enough to establish the cylinder diameter. The beam was asymmetrical being 3.005m (10ft.) from the cylinder centre to the pivot centre and 3.635 (12ft.) from the pivot to the centre line of the shaft, though as this is not quite circular (2.4 x 2.28m) this dimension could be slightly out. After completion of the work a series of photographs were taken from a drone, reproduced below, courtesy of Nathan Dimbylow, Splitlath. The nature of the loading under the bed and the fact that the retaining wall forming the west side of the pit does not look to be tied into the external walls suggest that more than one engine has occupied the house. One possibility is that initially a Newcomen type engine was installed perhaps with a boiler set deep in the fl oor under the cylinder or with a separately housed boiler and that this was replaced with a less ineffi cient engine later. This all rather dents the previously suggested idea that the Boulton and

“Below” 2017.2 21 News Round-Up 3

Underground Access to Clive Cobalt The Tredegar Company: Snailbeach - Reminder Following a visit to Clive by One of the South Wales Shropshire Mines Trust are looking Richard Shaw last year, he took Coalfi eld’s “Big Three” to have improved control of access some samples of rock from Clive for By Leslie M. Shore. to the underground tourist parts analysis. Hardback, 208 pp, 275x215mm. of Snailbeach mine and anybody Preliminary SEM analysis of the Printed on gloss art paper with visiting is asked to give information sample of black spotted stuff from colour laminated board covers. in advance by sending an email to: Clive shows that the black spots are The Tredegar Company earned its [email protected] barite rich with a trace of cobalt so it wealth from iron and coal. In the seem to confi rm the theory that the nineteenth century the ‘Great’ South It will be helpful if the email ‘pepper and salt’ like rock at the far Wales Tredegar iron works operated includes brief description of when end of Clive contains cobalt. at the head of the Sirhowy Valley on (date, time and expected duration) land owned by the Morgan family and intended location – this should Small bits of green mineral that were thought might to possibly be of Tredegar House, near the city of help avoid groups getting in one Newport. During the Railway Age, another’s way. Chrysocola (copper silicate) when analysed were found to be malachite. the works supplied iron rail to the Steve Holding world. Isambard Kingdom Brunel Eardington - The Return (51 years later) selected ‘Tredegar coal’ to power his During the spring months several On the 8th April a small group of pioneering steam ship Great Western visits have been made to the forge members were allowed to make and after 1840 the company’s sale of sites at Upper and Lower Eardington the trip from Lower Forge through steam coal boomed. (south of Bridgnorth). the canal tunnel - 51 years after the In 1873, the Tredegar Iron & Coal last Club trip, but this time without Company acquired the assets of the A series of culverts have been found boats! We walked/ran across the Tredegar Iron Company. Charles and explored at Lower Forge (a fuller gloopy silt in the 750 yard tunnel. report will appear in the next Below). McLaren, 1st Lord Aberconway, Club Trip: 13th February 1966 Same place on 8th April 2017 and Sir Arthur Markham became the company’s most infl uential directors. From 1898, coal mined at the company’s McLaren Colliery became valued by navies worldwide. During Alfred S. Tallis’s period of general management, the company not only opened Oakdale Navigation Collieries (1907-1911), Markham Colliery (1910-1913), and Wyllie RAF Chilmark Raid Colliery (1924-1926) but built Three men have been charged Wiltshire Police had to wait for model villages to house the families with slavery offences after police the 3 suspects to leave the bunker of offi cials and miners. The toil of discovered a cannabis plants before they could gain access by generations of miners produced worth more than a million pounds detaining them and using their keys many millions of tons of coal as in a nuclear bunker in Wiltshire, to gain entry. Once inside, offi cers fuel for steam ships and railway following a midnight raid on the found three people, believed to be locomotives. former Ministry of Defence RGHQ operating as gardeners, along with In a climate of industrial confl ict and Chilmark on 22nd February. several thousand cannabis plants at political change the company became various stages of growth. There are 20 rooms in the building, one of the ‘Big Three’ of the South Wales Coalfi eld. Leslie Shore offers split over two fl oors, each 200ft. long The three found inside the bunker, a history of the Tredegar Company and 70ft. wide, almost every one had aged 15, 19, and 37, all of no fi xed with an account of the fate of the been converted for the wholesale abode, were arrested on suspicion of company’s collieries under National production of cannabis plants. Police cannabis production. Those detained Coal Board control. This history is a believe it is “one of the largest crops outside of the bunker, aged 27, 30 sequel to his Peerless Powell Duffryn ever discovered” in the country. and 45, all from Somerset, were of the South Wales Coalfi eld. The bunker was built in the 1980s arrested on suspicion of cannabis to protect local dignitaries and production and human traffi cking. £25.00 + P&P. government offi cials in the event of a Available from Mike Moore or nuclear attack. News Reports, February 2017 www.moorebooks.co.uk

22 “Below” 2017.2 News Round-Up 4

End of Welsh Coal at Adam Heslop and the Mine Pumping Engines Aberthaw William Pit Winding in Eighteenth Century Aberthaw power station in the Vale Engine of 1806 Cornwall of Glamorgan has been taking Welsh The Newcomen Society have started by Rick Stewart coal for decades but in February the making video recordings of some Softback, 176pp, Trevithick Society last coal trains carrying coal from of their lectures and making them £17.50 the south Wales valleys arrived at the available online. A lecture by David power station. The published history of mine Hulse and Mike Potts on the study pumping in Cornwall is extensive of Adam Heslop’s Engines and the but to date has largely concentrated Aberthaw and its boilers were built practical making of models of early specifi cally to burn the Welsh coal, on the use of steam in the nineteenth steam engines has been posted on century; the story of the eighteenth which is “low volatile” (meaning it YouTube by the Newcomen Society. is harder to burn). Since 2008, it has century and its pioneers has received considerably less attention. relied exclusively on supplies from You can watch the talk at: opencast and drift mines, including Mine pumping engines in eighteenth Tower Colliery’s surface business. https://youtu.be/RuR0m8CbSpg century Cornwall opens with a discussion of adit drainage and the Due to a tightening of environmental Concern over tourists use of waterpower including the regulations on emissions and the taking crystals from pioneering water engines developed decision to only generate at peak by the Coster family. The history of times, easier to burn coal with fewer Iceland mine the Newcomen engine in Cornwall emissions from Russia and Australia A historic Helgustadanama mine in from the fi rst tentative steps in the is being imported. Iceland may have to be closed to the 1710s to a point when over “three public because visitors keep pinching score” atmospheric engines were The government has committed its crystals, environmental offi cials in use in the county is covered in to the closure of all coal fi red have warned. detail. The work of Boulton and power stations by 2025, relying on Watt in Cornwall is examined as is renewables and new nuclear power The mine which operated from their sometimes highly acrimonious stations to fi ll the gap. the 17th century until the 1920s is relationship with Cornish mine famous for Icelandic spar, a type of adventurers. Aberthaw Background transparent calcite which was once * Aberthaw ‘B’ opened in 1971 at a used in scientifi c equipment. Tourist The book’s closing chapters cover cost of more than £50m, alongside guides note that the area is protected the work of Jonathan Hornblower the older, smaller Aberthaw A and removing any spar is forbidden, and Edward Bull both of whom power station. but that message doesn’t seem to be challenged Boulton and Watt’s near * It employs a core of about 235 getting through to everyone - some monopoly on engine construction. people but with contractors that visitors turn up with tools to chip Appendices outline the numerous number can more than double. away bits of spar! engineers who erected engines in the * It has a 1,500MW capacity, with county and a technical discussion of the plant running 24 hours a day Some locals are unhappy that funds pumps and pump technology during and workers covering four shifts. have been spent improving access to the eighteenth century. the mine, including car parking and * It used 3.5m tonnes of coal in This publication has, in part, been toilet facilities, but not on security 2013 but that amount has reduced made possible by generous assistance measures to protect the site. by 80%. from the Cornwall and West Devon * Its coal was brought by rail, Mining Landscape World Heritage Iceland is trying to manage a huge mostly from opencast mines in Site Offi ce. south and west Wales. It is now growth in tourist numbers: last importing high volatile coal from year it saw 1.8 million visitors, a Russia and Australia, which 39% increase on 2015. Although comes in through Cardiff and the Icelandic Tourism Minister has Avonmouth docks. said that the country doesn’t want * It is one of eight remaining coal- to increase the number of foreign fi red power stations in the UK, travellers any further, and that owned by six different companies. one measure under consideration is limiting the number of people Compiled from accessing a site at any one time. News Reports, February 2017 News Reports, March 2017

“Below” 2017.2 23 Equipment for Caving & Mine Exploration - A Personal View Part 1, Steve Holding

There are frequent questions asking When exploring underground, The Camp Rockstar is a reasonable “what are the best items of clothing it is important that the helmet is cheaper alternative helmet – again and equipment for underground comfortable and a good fi t – if web cradle design. This helmet has exploration”, however, this involves carrying out vertical exploration, some side fi ttings but they are not a lot of personal choice and there it is also important that the helmet really to be relied upon in hard use. are no simple ‘one-fi t’ items for has a comfortable and easily usable all persons and uses. Having noted chin-strap. Centurion Miners helmets can still these limitations, I feel that it might be purchased with brackets for be of value to give my personal A builder’s helmet might be adequate traditional lamps but these helmets view on various aspects of kit. My for simple trips but of the helmets are a bit crude and it might be comments will primarily relate to designed for sports use, including diffi cult to buy with a chin strap but my experience exploring Shropshire underground exploration, the they are cheap. mines, that are largely vertical in current bench-marks are probably nature and require use of vertical the Petzl Elios (or Elia for use with Caving/Mine techniques, but I do spend a lot of long hair!) or the Petzl Vertex. The time exploring a wide range of mines Elios (and Elia) has a foam interior Exploration Lamps and even some caves. support, whereas the Vertex has the A couple of years ago, I wrote more traditional cradle-web interior an item describing the choice of support – both types are available lamps then available but this is Helmets & Lamps a rapidly changing area and it is Having appropriate helmets and with closable vent-holes and have quick size adjustment. probably better to simply make a few lamps are probably the most general comments and give limited important items for underground examples. exploration and logically should be These helmets all have side fi ttings to secure lamps with elasticated covered fi rst. For many years, cavers and mine bands. The Petzl Spelios is basically explorers either made use of mass an Elios helmet already fi tted with As for many other items, Petzl produced mining lamp packages or a Petzl Duo lamp (see later) and the have gained a central position in lamps that used calcium carbide to Petzl Trios is an Elios already fi tted the supply of helmets (and to a give acetylene for fl ame lamps. lesser extent caving lamps) and with a Petzl Ultra Vario lamp (again have become a sort of bench-mark see later). The Petzl Ultra Vario and Although carbide lamps can still be to compare against although there Petzl Pixa lamps will also fi t directly acquired, they are banned from use are other suppliers who should be to the Vertex helmet with purpose in many places (avoiding deposits of considered. made slots. spent carbide being dumped in caves and mines) and few now want the The Petzl Ecrin was a very popular Helmets weight of traditional lead acid battery helmet and many are still in use or pack. Most now use lamps with LED Helmets are normally considered to available second-hand – these have be an item of ‘personal protective bulbs and small (mainly lithium ion) effectively been replaced by the Petzl battery packs. equipment’ (PPE) and have to fulfi l Vertex. external specifi cations, however, we Whatever lamp is being used, often void PPE considerations early The Petzl Alveo is similar in remember that this is a critical item on by drilling holes for fi tting lights appearance to the Vertex but with and it is sensible to always carry a etc.. longer vent holes and a foam interior spare light source. Many attach a support (rather than webbing cradle) small torch to the side of the helmet That helmets are PPE items is worth – this helmet is particularly light. but this is likely to give low light and noting in that they are important but have limited capacity – consider also we are normally using them outside The DMM Ascent and Climbing carrying a lamp with elasticated head of their specifi cations and this should Technologies Galaxy helmets are band as a back-up. only be a guide to acceptable quality. similar to the Petzl Elios and there Helmets are not now routinely are other manufacturers helmet Those with older (fi lament) lamps supplied with front brackets for variations with similar features. can easily upgrade to LED bulbs lights – so for many lamp types The Edelrid Ultralight is another which should be brighter and burn you will need to drill holes for sound choice for a helmet – this for a longer period of time. Similarly, attachment, however, quite a few is the latest offering of a well- older lead acid battery packs can helmet types come with side clips for established line of helmets. Sound be replaced with much smaller and lights with elasticated band fi ttings in design and comfort but with no lighter NiMH or lithium ion battery and it is also possible to buy some ‘extras’ – drilling holes for lamps is packs. The battery packs have helmets already fi tted with lights. inevitable. become small enough that the ‘norm’

24 “Below” 2017.2 Equipment for Caving & Mine Exploration - A Personal View Part 1, Continued ...

Above: Roy Fellows ‘Linx’ Above: Modifi ed ‘Oldham’ Lamp on Petzl Elios Helmet Headlamp on Petzl Vertex Helmet

Left: Coleman CXS 250+ Light on an old Petzl Ecrin Helmet. Note the clips holding the elasticated band. is now to use helmet mounted battery bulb options. The Petzl Ultra Vario also depend on the sharpness of the packs (rather than having them slung can also fi t to purpose made slots in light beam etc. from a belt) but there is a multitude the Petzl Vertex helmets. of options available. Some prefer to have a tight light There are lamps where the battery beam that penetrates into the distance The most commonly used lamps pack is incorporated into the while others prefer a wider beam are probably powerful light options headlamp unit – these are generally illuminating more that is close to (‘bat-burners’) available from more powerful than the original you. Even if opting for a tight beam, companies like Scurion, ledcaplamps miner’s lamps but less powerful it is desirable to have some light (Roy Fellows) and Earthworm than those described above and will spilling to illuminate the area around (Bernies Café) but these usually generally have shorter duration. your feet without the necessity of require bolting of specifi c brackets pointing the light down. to the helmets – alternatively, many These lamps can be good for short cavers/mine explorers make up their trips or to carry as back-ups. The Lamps using a belt mounted battery own based on Chinese cycle lamps Petzl Pixa series are of this type and pack are becoming less common etc. Note that a lamp requiring a can be on elasticated bands or fi tted although some prefer to have the dedicated bracket usually prevents directly on to Petzl Vertex helmets weight of the battery pack on a belt, easy interchange with another lamp – note that the Pixa 3 is reported to or in a pocket, rather than fi xed to the but does usually have the advantage give about 100 lumens – the Pixa 1 back of the helmet. and Pixa 2 are less powerful. The of being able to swivel the light up I am sure that the lamps available or down. Coleman CXS 250+ (shown above) uses 3 x AAA batteries but on full will continue to vary a lot in the The Petzl Ultra Vario and Petzl beam only has a duration of about 3 near future and it is not sensible to Duo lamps have separate battery hours when on 250 lumens. make specifi c recommendations. packs and headlights that, can be Using the powerful ‘bat-burners’ purchased with elasticated bands to As a crude guide, I would can show up items not previously fi t any helmet (not very good without recommend lamps giving at least 100 obvious in caves and mines but they the fi ttings) but they can also be lumens for routine use but claims can be a pain for anybody with you permanently bolted to helmets or of light output need treating with – remember to keep the light output purchased as supplied with the Petzl caution. Lumens are a measure of modest for general use – most ‘bat- Elios helmets (see above) – the Duo the light output and lamps described burners’ are perfectly adequate for has a battery pack suited to 4 x AA above will vary from 20 to 5,000 normal use using their lowest light batteries and comes with many light- lumens, however, the usefulness will output and the duration can then be really impressive.

“Below” 2017.2 25 New Books

Review by Mike Shaw: great deal of work in archives and historic records Andy got to know The Snailbeach District many of the older residents of the area who told him much about how Railways the railway worked and ran in its by Andy Cuckson. later years. ISBN 978 0 906294 901 Many photographs have never been published before and many of This is a very fi ne book both in the maps and drawings have been content and form. The author has specially commissioned. This is untangled several complex stories the fullest account possible of the about the railway and the mine it was Snailbeach District Railways and built to serve. will become the standard work on the line. He has provided excellent context including material on the pre- Yorkshire Collieries SDR railways at Snailbeach Mine, 1947 - 1994 appropriate contemporary railway Snailbeach District Railways by Eddie Downes technology, the other concerns who by Andy Cuckson A4, Sb, 675pp, £25.00 + P&P used or considered using the railway Think Pit Publications (Dec. 2016) Hardback (size 27.5 x 21.5) with full ISBN: 978-0995570900 and other relevant railways and colour dust wrapper. £30.00 railway schemes which affected or This traces in some considerable could have affected the SDR, many Publishers Review: detail the full history of the 123 of which were never built. The Snailbeach District Railways Yorkshire collieries nationalised was one of Britain’s lesser known in 1947 and the further 13 pits His family history skills are evident public narrow gauge railways. Never developed by the NCB. It is the from the chapter on the people at all carrying passengers, its history and product of 9 years of detailed levels who were involved with the workings have never before been research in the full range of archive line. The collection of photographs fully explored but after many years sources by Eddie Downes (who has is superb, much hard work has gone research Andy Cuckson is able to worked in the coal industry for 23 into sourcing them and no doubt in reveal a fascinating story, not just years before moving into contracting preparing them for publication, for about the railway but also about specialising in pumping clay, cement, such a short railway a surprising the mines and minerals the line slurry etc. underground). number have been located. supported and the people who built I expect this will become the and worked it, including Henry standard reference for the modern The author has not only been on Dennis, the entrepreneurial civil Yorkshire Coalfi eld. Very highly site and worked in various archives engineer and mine manager. recommended and I expect it will but has talked to many residents join a select band of books by the who had memories of the line and The book tells of the early railways fi replace for late evening browsing or often had relations working thereon. in the area and the many plans research. Very few tricks have been missed to bring rail access to this part of though I would have liked to have Shropshire, and of the development I got hold of copies of this seen a contents list of maps and and impact of the mines. Of the publication and wow!!! illustrations, and fi gure numbers railway all aspects are described; a Mike Moore on these would have assisted cross variety of steam locomotives, rolling referencing. stock, engineering, operation and people. The rundown of the mines This will remain the defi nitive brought problems but despite all, history of this short, quite the line survived fi nding a new role unimportant but fascinating railway. hauling roadstone, and became part of the Colonel Stephens light railway It is a very worthy addition to the empire. libraries of railway enthusiasts, After all the steam locomotives were mining historians and local condemned an agricultural tractor historians. kept traffi c moving. After 82 years, Available from Mike Moore at Club from 1877, the line fi nally closed in meetings, or online at 1959 but, surprisingly, the company www.moorebooks.co.uk still exists, on paper. As well as a

26 “Below” 2017.2 Books and Videos

Rope and Chain Haulage HISTORIC MINES OF SPAIN VOL.2 COMPILATION NO.53 by Colin E Mountford Exploring the mines of Sierra Minera and Mazarrón Hardback, 240mm x 175mm, 384pp In April 2008, the Shropshire Caving Mazarrón west of Cartagena is an 300 photos, 65 drawings and maps and Mining Club visited the Sierra ochre-red zone of rich lead and £29.95 Minera region of Murcia in Spain to silver, mined before the Romans. see some of the vast range of ancient The hill is cut by open stopes and This book and modern mines which survive so dotted with open shafts; many came highly well in the area. At scores of sites, with headframes of stone, wood or recommended fl at-rope winders stand beside intact steel. Under a wooden building, a it includes steel or wooden headframes over steam winder still has its fl at ropes all sorts of extremely deep open shafts! connected to a wooden headframe. stationary engines and First we visit Las Matildes mining Thanks to Andy Wood for organising inclines used museum near La Unión, where the the visit and to our Spanish friends in mining Fundación Sierra Minera preserves Ana Christina Contreras and and slate and exhibits a wide variety of Paco Fernández Antolinos of the quarrying, mines, buildings and equipment. Fundación Sierra Minera; Reme there many colour and B&W photos Later we see the huge Corta Brunita Pagán Martí, Profesor Jose Ignacio and plans. This exceptionally opencast zinc mine followed by the Manteca and the Parque Minero de la interesting book on the use of ropes picturesque ruins in the Rambla del Unión; and Portman Golf SA for site and chain haulage to move trucks Avenque. At El Laberinto a tunnel access. Thanks also to participants up and down inclines, from the very takes us to Mina Obdulia and we including the Friends of La Union earliest days of railways up to the then travel to Portman to see a jetty Mines; and to Rob Vernon for his present day. completely cut off from the sea by excellent research and guidance at mining waste fi lling the bay, and we and around Mazarrón. The coverage of both the explore part of the large elaborate technicalities and the railways/ This recording is a compilation - it processing mill Lavadero Roberto. inclines themselves is very detailed, has no commentary and it is not fully and both ‘main-line’ and industrial We go underground to see the work edited or dubbed. Incidental dialogue use, in a plethora of gauges, is being done to make Agrupa Vicenta is in Spanish and English. included. The bulk of the systems into the show mine of the Parque Running time: 1 hour 42 minutes considered are British, but a number Minero de la Unión. Following Price: £14. 40 of other inclines, in India, Australia, the “33 Road” mine track over the (full HD Blu-ray £18.00) New Zealand, Brazil and Rumania mountain takes us through Roman Discounted price for Club members: are described. and later mining remains including £10, £14 for Blu-ray Mike Moore manganese kilns overlooking (if you collect e.g. at Club Meetings) Notes on an Old Colliery Portman Bay. At Corta Emilia we Pumping Engine (1791) were given permission to examine a unique donkey gin. by William Thompson Anderson, (Edited by Steve Grudgings) Cabezo Rajado - the “Riven Hill” has been mined for hundreds of years Softback, Foolscap, 83pp. £15.00 and still has plenty to show: 450m The work is based on the Pentrich deep shafts, ornate steel headframes, Engine using original drawings and a fl at rope winder and a large mill photographs (the latter enlarged containing 40 wooden fl otation cells for better detail) what is here is a and a ball mill. Back at ground level, fascinating study of a Newcomen The winder at Mina Ocasión has both Engine brought together by Steve its fl at ropes still in good condition. Grudgings anyone with an interest At El Lirio, levels with wooden in these Engines will fi nd it an pit props lead to fascinating invaluable work . underground stables. In the sidings The paper was originally read before leading to the railway tunnel Jose the Manchester Geological & Mining Maestre are many rail tipping cars Society, by Anderson in 1917. and two locomotives. La Parreta Available from Mike Moore at Club is an impressive collection of mill buildings including Lavadero San meetings, or online at more details at: www.moorebooks.co.uk Ignacio. www.iarecordings.org

“Below” 2017.2 27 Club Offi cers Diary Dates 2017

President: David Adams Membership, BCA Rep & 27th May - 2nd June: Bradford Insurance: Mike Davies PC Gaping Gill winch meet.

9th-11th June: BCA Party Weekend, Rotary Centre, Castleton. Chair: Neal Rushton Tackle: Andy Harris 11th June: BCA AGM, 10:30am, Rotary Centre, Castleton.

16th-18th June: BCRC Cave Vice Chair: Gareth Rushton Rescue Conference, SWCC HQ, Training Offi cer: Penwylt, South Wales. More details Andrew Wood and booking link on: www.caverescue.org.uk/ Secretary: Andrew Wood bcrc-conference-2017/ [email protected] 24th-25th June: NAMHO First Aid Offi cer: Conference, Godstone, Surrey. Plus Alan Moseley events the following week. Plans are well advanced and the booking Treasurer: Marian Boston system should open early in the New Year. Bat Offi cer: Mike Worsfold 23rd-30th July: 17th International Congress of Speleology, Penrith, Western Sydney, Australia. Conservation: David Poyner If you want to attend you will need to apply for a business visa. ‘Below’ Editor, Publications: www.speleo2017.com Kelvin Lake 29th Sept. - 1st Oct.: Hidden NAMHO Rep: Alan Robinson e-mail: [email protected] Earth, National Caving Conference at the Churchill Academy, Churchill, Somerset. More details will be released on their web site soon: hidden-earth.org.uk/

The Joys of Club Archaeological Digs ...

I want this to be a Ok, methodical dig. Careful ! no problem! Wheee !

Don’t worry ..

We’ve fi tted a ... Let it ‘rip’ ! spoon & brush to the digger bucket

Catch us on the World Wide Web. Club activities & the labyrinth: www.shropshirecmc.org.uk

28 “Below” 2017.2