Quarterly Journal of the Shropshire Caving & Mining Club Spring Issue No: 2014.1

Sinkhole - the ‘IN’ word for 2014 The media seem to have discovered Caver Mark Noble provided the the word ‘Sinkhole’ this year, with photographs, but I think his wife almost every news report mentioning was taking a chance posing on the one opening up somewhere in collapsing edge in the one picture! Britain. While sinkholes are relatively rare in Broseley joined in with a hole The Broseley hole - covered with a Britain, they are regular occurrences opening up into old coal workings board. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) in the USA where horror stories under the main road between However, this hole is small abound of people disappearing down Ironbridge and Broseley at compared to some of the holes holes while they sleep! Christmas. The Club’s Christmas that have been opening up in walk around Jackfield took a slight places such as Hemel Hempstead, The National Corvette Museum detour to view the hole - but it was Rickmansworth, Ripon and even in in Kentucky has been the latest cunningly hidden under a wooden the central reservation of the M2. victim. A sinkhole opened up inside panel. However we were assured that the museum on the 12th February it was much bigger underground, so All of these have occurred in chalk swallowing 8 vintage Corvettes - the road has been closed until the or gypsum areas and are probably including the historic 1 millionth Coal Authority can sort it out. natural solution holes caused by Corvette and rare cars on loan from General Motors. This has had some consequences for the heavy rain in recent months - although the one on the M2 has been the Jackfield stabilisation project as Take a look at: all the main road traffic is now being linked to a Denehole (a Chalk mine). diverted past the area where they www.corvettemuseum.org wanted to put in the main compound The largest sinkhole to open up access road. recently (so far!) in this country is probably the one in the Peak District Tankerville Mine at Eyam Edge, which appeared just English Heritage is funding major before Christmas and is at least 30m repair work at Tankerville Mine to across. the reservoir and walls.

The void is near Slaters Engine Mine The owners; Shropshire Mines Trust shaft on the Hucklow Edge Vein. Ltd., have recently signed a contract The vein is currently being worked to allow the works to proceed. by the Milldam Mine, but the mine Accordingly, for safety reasons the owners say they are not working site will be closed to the public from anywhere near the collapse which 17th March 2014. it is thought might be due to long forgotten workings. It is expected that the works will be completed by mid-September, If you want to see the hole visit: however the exact end date is Neal Rushton explaining the geology entirely dependant upon the weather of the area, beside the Broseley hole, www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england- - it is not easy working with lime during the Club walk. derbyshire-25554549 mortar in torrential rain! (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings)

“Below” 2014.1 1 News Round-Up 1 Ivor Brown

Blists Hill Inclined Lift This is now fully operational. The dispute between the Mines’ and the Factories Inspectors has been settled – the responsibility is to be shared and the lift treated as an inclined “cable way”.

It differs from mine single track inclined direct haulage in that it has two haulage ropes powered from the engine at the top. There is no balance rope such as a lift might have but there is a communication cable which runs the length of the incline.

Other unusual features are that it is passenger-operated and that “the Cable-way incline at Blists Hill in use 2013. (I.J.Brown Collection) energy stored in the descending car drives the motor as a generator and During the early 1960s the writer detonator case key, pithead baths the ‘regen’ unit returns the electric was a deputy and carried his watch locker keys (clean and dirty side), power to the main supply”. in a small tin used for “Children’s piece of chalk, two pencil stubs, 2 Cough Pastilles” with other essential Aspro tablets and 2 plasters. “treasures” (see photo below right). The manufacturer was When underground the box would W.G.H.Transportation of Doncaster The watch had been given to him also have contained the writer’s who formerly were specialist narrow by his father for “passing exams” obligatory metal identification check gauge suppliers to British Coal (see but was past its best. It was a with number. There is also a further W.G.H. website via Google). wind-up type, the “second” finger key for the metal ring holding a pick- was missing and the glass heavily shaft, hammer and shovel which was A Mine-Deputy’s Pocket scratched. Soon the glass fell out and hidden in his District underground. Watch now, 50 years later, the face is pitted These were to lend to any worker One of these has been found in and it no longer works. who might find himself working Shropshire (see photo below left). outside his normal District in place The other “original” items carried Prior to the mid 1960s no-one other of an absentee. (At Kemberton Pit all in this tin include a twisted wire than mine deputies normally carried men had to supply their own tools). “key-ring” with 6-shot firing battery a watch underground in Shropshire These were the writer’s tools when a key, lamp relighter, morphia box key, pits because they would have been so “workman”! easily damaged when crawling and working. This watch seems to have been made especially to over-come this by enclosing it in a metal case with thick rubber seals. The watch was made by Ingersoll Ltd. in their “Triumph” range. (see page 18 for more on Miner’s watches)

Left: The deputy’s watch and case.

Above: IJB’s Deputy’s tin with essential ‘treasures’. NCB 1960-62, actual size 3½in by 2¼in.

(Pictures: I.J.Brown Collection)

2 “Below” 2014.1 Pitchcroft Reports & Lilleshall Well, December 2013 and January 2014, David Adams

One area adjacent to the curved wall dwellings dated back at least to the December 2013 Dig th Members on site were David Adams, of site 3 which revealed part of a early part of the 17 century, and was John Hendy with his digger, David hard surface was left open for later believed to a have played a part in Poyner & Alan Taylor. Peter was inspection. the Parliamentary siege of Lilleshall found ‘fishing’ with a rod, reel and Manor/Abbey. It had been until the th line in Dog Shaft, very amusing – The Well at Lilleshall early 19 century the village pub deep sea fishing is one thing but deep An enquiry had been received from called the Red Lion, but had been shaft fishing? Newport History Society concerning closed due to the temperance of the an investigation into a well at a Duchess of Sutherland who did not In fact he was re-measuring the house called ‘Laneside’, in Church favour drinking establishments in her depths of all three shafts with the Road, Lilleshall, the householders villages. line marked at 5 metre intervals with being concerned about a proposal a lead fishing weight. His results that it should be filled in. There were apparently extensive were, with the 1967 measurements in cellars in which no doubt beer brackets: David Adams went to investigate was kept and brewing took place, Dog Shaft 136 metres (137), and have discussions with the owner a likely source of water being Twin Dog Shaft 125 metres (136), Helen Gibson and her father on the well to which they may have Water Shaft 125 metres (127). Sunday 12th January. Apparently been connected. Even of greater interest was the knowledge that The depths of Dog and Water Shaft her neighbour had acquired part of her garden and wishing to build a the grandmother(?) of George are pretty close allowing for the Washington, first President of the passage of 46 years, but there is an garage on the spot had been advised 11-metre difference in Twin Dog that to ensure the security of the Shaft, which Peter measured twice, foundations the nearby well should this may indicate an obstruction or be filled, hence the necessity for the collapse of some kind. Alan is in investigation. the process of designing a water and pressure proof box to protect The well top near the back wall of miniature video cameras for when the house was a simple 2’ x 2’6” an attempt can be made to lower it to manhole cover, which was lifted to extreme depths in the shafts. show the interior of the well.

Steve aided by Peter attempted again This unexpectedly appeared most to deepen the pit at the spoil heap unusual, 8 to 10 feet in diameter, end of Site 2 finding a fairly heavy built in both brick and stone, being brick foundation, their attempts of irregular shape, with hollows in however were very limited by the the sides supported by brick pillars. lack of working space. As there was The remains of a timber platform little to be done on the previous could be seen about a foot below the water level. excavations without the removal of David Adams and Steve Holding large amounts of our own spoil and plumbing the depth of the ‘Laneside’ the services of a longer reach digger The house itself now split into two Well. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) John Hendy excavated long trenches from west to east, north of Site 2 and north to south, east of Site 3 without finding any signs of further structures, then backfilled them, thus leaving the northern area available for spoil dumping.

It was however noted that these trenches approx 1.5 metres deep showed only disturbed and previously filled ground with traces of mortar, ash and many broken bricks, the trench bottom was in places hardish clay, which may itself be part of later fill, no sign of any original ground level was found. View into the ‘Laneside’ Well, Lilleshall. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings)

“Below” 2014.1 3 Pitchcroft Reports & Lilleshall Well, December 2013 and January 2014, continued ...

The Well at Lilleshall 2 agreed that its position would be The six members moved to Lilleshall unlikely to affect the foundations of to meet Helen Gibson who removed his proposed nearby garage. the cover from the well. Peter set up his array of MineCam equipment Helen Gibson and her father were with which the locals including most grateful to the Club for their the neighbour, who had raised the assistance in investigating the well. question of the well, were duly impressed, particularly with the While returning to Pitchcroft the vision on screen and via several pairs members stopped briefly to study the of 3D glasses. work being carried out by Mr Gerrit Groenowold on the kilns, tramway, Steve Holding digging at the end of and tracks in the Limekiln Wood. It the curved ‘flue’. Kelvin slowly lowered the rotating (Kelvin Lake-I.A.Recordings) minecam into the well until it was was noted that much clearance work just under the water, providing a had been done in the woods and United States had lived or been born tracks since the previous visit. here, an intriguing connection since complete study of the visible parts. the Washington family came from Strong brick arches were seen, also County Durham. D.R.A. advised that the apparent entrance to a rough Back to the Dig it would be wrong to attempt to fill in stone blocked passage to the north On the return to Pitchcroft hand the well due to: west, away from the house. Kelvin excavation of the deep pit on Site 2 put forward the theory that it might was continued until dusk, the brick 1) The displacement of a not have been a well at all but an foundations seeming to be much too considerable amount of water. icehouse, now flooded, which would substantial for the simple footing of 2) Possible water contamination be appropriate as storage for a well the end of the brick culvert walls. from the type of fill used. used public house. 3) The obvious interest of the well Ideally the site needs to be opened It was plumbed by Dave Adams and as part of the heritage of the a little more with the aid of a longer Steve Holding using a short iron pipe property. reach digger. In addition to Lineal section as a weight suspended on Construction, Mr John Freeman of a long tape, the depths given were He offered the services of the Club Freemans of Telford Limited had 3.2 metres to water, 8.8 metres to with a survey by MineCam on the also offered the use of his medium bottom. The bottom being soft in Sunday following, the 19th. tracked digger and driver, which parts, no doubt due to silt, with some might be available on a Sunday if we hard projections. Much more will be th required it, price to be ascertained. 19 January 2014 noted when the minecam recordings As it had not been possible to get from the well are analysed. Peter Later it was found that David & a larger digger to the site in the being asked to provide copies for the George Poyner and Alan Taylor had intervening period there was some householder and the History Society. visited the site during our absence at doubt as to how to continue the dig. Lilleshall, apologies had been given, The neighbour and his family were but it would have been difficult to However Peter Eggleston having also present and fully appreciated have accommodated more people on devised a bucket and rope system for the significance of the well, it being the Lilleshall site. the removal of spoil from the deep pit at the end of Site 2 it was decided to continue hand digging to find the further extent of the heavy brick foundation at the end of the curved brick lined culvert. Members on site were Peter Eggleston, and Steve Holding, taking turns to dig, with Mike Moore and David Adams on the rope haulage and spoil dumping. They were joined by Kelvin Lake, and Ian Cooper. After the mid dig break it was decided to inspect the well at Lilleshall and the dig was adjourned until later. Clay tobacco pipe found in the dig on the 19th January. (Kelvin Lake-I.A.Recordings)

4 “Below” 2014.1 Pitchcroft Report, 16th February 2014 David Adams

The initial party consisted of Peter Visitors Alan Taylor joined the party and Eggleston, David Adams, Michael Peter Scales (an earlier Club attention then turned to a further Moore and John Hendy with his Member) who had lived nearby made excavation of the end of the curved digger, the latter’s presence being his first visit to the site for many culvert using the digger to widen just as well as the first job was to years. Mr & Mrs John Freeman of the access pit. This required further rescue D.A.’s vehicle which had Freemans of Telford whose larger excavation of the sloping trench to bogged down on the previously dry tracked digger had been booked the pit during which a short section turning circle beyond the wood. for the next dig also arrived to see of heavy but much battered walling the site. They were accompanied was found. This was carefully Work was first commenced on a by Peter Stoddart of the Ironbridge examined and photographed but possible building base near the field Gorge Museum, Bernie Jones, ending sharply did not appear to edge of the site but nothing was Chairman of the Shrewsbury & belong to a major building. found, however on the arrival of Newport Canals Trust, and Steve David Poyner another attempt to find Heise Leader of the Newport Group During the afternoon David Adams the original ground level by deep of the Trust. Having limited time and Peter Eggleston delivered a digging only revealed about 2 metres they were conducted around Site DVD copy of the Lilleshall well of soil with traces of crushed mortar One and the shafts by D.A. but were investigation to Mrs Helen Gibson fragments or limestone chips near the unable to stay longer to see the site and her father who made a donation bottom, this trench was backfilled. area in progress. of £10 to Club funds.

Curious Relics by Ivor Brown Considering the recent Club interest relics” consisting of “a basket, a but another article of the same time in recording the relics found in the skeleton dan, an axe and a gaun”. (January 17th 1863 - see Below Snailbeach Mine, the “Dans and 2005.1 p12.) talks of relics at a other Mining Relics” article in Sketches of what the items might nearby mine owned by Messrs. Below 2004.4, (p7) was revisited. have looked like have been drawn Gough & Evans. This describes by the writer (see below). He would a different type of carriage with The article refers to a Wellington be interested in hearing of any other wooden wheels on rails. Journal “Broseley News” (16th interpretations or comments. May 1863) article which describes the discovery in a mine of “curious No wheels or rails are mentioned, Note If you can’t find your printed copies of the issues of “Below” mentioned above, electronic versions are available on the Club website:

www.shropshirecmc.org.uk/ below.html

The 2 articles are also reproduced in the “What the Papers Said” section of the website too:

www.shropshirecmc.org.uk/ papers/index.html

- you will find them in the 1860 section, listed by date.

“Below” 2014.1 5 Aberdaron Barytes Mine(s) Mike Shaw

A chance to visit Aberdaron on the Lleyn Peninsula arose and given a combination of sunshine, low tide and a camera I finally managed to photograph the remains of the pier at Porth Simdde. The history of the mine it served is not wholly clear. Enquiries in the village a few years ago elicited little but a suggestion of quarrying but a chance find of a reference to Pompren mine provided more of a clue. That mine appears in various sources both mining and tourism related though usually as a lead mine and at least one on-line Fig. 1: A postcard of Aberdaron c1910 with Porth Simdde in the distance, site has registered the nearby Cwrt there are items on the beach which could be preparation for the construction (Court) Mine, but again as a lead of the pier. mine. latter fate (anon pers com). Nothing original pier. As noted above the is known of the amount of barytes location of the mine is not wholly The BGS reports (see below) contain exported from the pier nor if supplies clear but it was probably just at the no suggestion of lead and it seems came in via it. The sea on this coast top of the area of the 1:2,500 map very doubtful if either mine (if they can be difficult, again having to (fig. 3). Assuming this to be so, there are not one and the same) mined quote Benallt mine, only five ships are several locations which could be that ore, though J T Baily1 in 1835 managed to come alongside their pier mine workings, four photos (fig. 4-7) thought (hoped?) he may have found in the six months to January 1919 are included (only really usable if some. There is also a feeling abroad (Boyd 1981), the situation would not you are using the electronic version that the mine was at the seaward have been better at Porth Simdde. of Below!) which could shew heavily end of the valley of the Afon Saint This was a factor in the closure overgrown adit, shaft or stope. Fig. (SH16702630) and that the remains of Benallt and quite probably of 8 looks out down the length of the at SH16672645 are of quarrying, Pompren. pier and fig. 9 looks inland in line the BGS reports do not support this with it and shews the remnant of the view and the large scale OS maps The pier must have been about 90 mill and the degree of erosion which mark a quarry just to the east above metres long and about 4 metres wide. makes the building impossible to the stream’s small ravine which may The remains consist of c250mm interpret. be where the confusion began. The diameter timber piles projecting GR quoted on-line for Cwrt Mine is from the sand, eight at the seaward Pompren Mine for the farm of that name, there is no end, then 16 pairs and one odd According to North 1962 the mine reason to assume that that was the one over a (paced) length of about ran for 30 years from 1883 though mine’s location. 87 metres. The pier remains are other sources make it clear that The Remains and the Pier probably not much shorter than the men were employed at the time The pier was erected not long prior to the first world war, a postcard quoted as being from 1910 (fig.1) does not shew it though there are what could be preparations for its construction visible in the right place. It was present when the 1918 1:2,500 OS map was surveyed (fig. 3) and still there in c1921 (Wilson 1922) when the mine was idle, almost certainly permanently. A photograph exists which shews a crane at the seaward end. Whether the pier was destroyed by storms or dismantled for its timbers is not known, though a similar pier serving Fig. 2: A portion of a photograph of unknown provenance and date (though Benallt manganese mine at Rhiw obvious quality) shewing the pier with what looks like a crane near its just east along the coast suffered this seaward end.

6 “Below” 2014.1 Aberdaron Barytes Mine(s) Continued ...

transport by sea. The output is small, the quantity of mineral available being strictly limited. The works nominally employ two men’ The 1922 edition adds little but the note that the fault contains stringers rarely more than a foot in width and that the mine was idle but pier was still intact. Cwrt (Court) Mine Cwrt Farm was in Lord Newborough’s estate and contained a barytes mine. All that is at present known of it is from correspondence Fig. 3: An extract from the 1918 1:2,500 OS map shewing the pier and the principally to the Newborough Estate mill, and given that only the inland corner of the mill now stands, the extent of (with a few replies) in Gwynedd erosion. Archives at Caernarfon2 (of which the 1918 mineral statistics were slate included. The central part your author has only seen abstracts). collected. The 1883 date may is barytes, which is to some Cwrt Farm is about a kilometre from well be correct though the earliest extent intergrown with the Pompren (which could be part of that specific information I have found quartz near the contact. Where farm). A reference below to building is to Evan Evans working the mine this intergrowth takes place the a road to the shore could fit Pompren between 1905 and 1911, followed barytes is mostly of a pink colour, but could also fit a track to Porth by J Crighton in 1912, Lleyn Mines but the best part is a clean white Meuddwy the next cove south. Ltd 1913-4 and Colin McNeal 1918, massive mineral. The vein runs The first reference is a copy of these from the Mineral Statistics for approximately north and south, Articles of Agreement of February the appropriate years as recorded in with a slight underlie to the east. 2nd 1825 for Griffith Humphries to Wilkinson 2004. The 1918 statistics work a mine in a field called Gallt3 imply that the mine had not worked The barytes has been worked at Cwrt Farm and seven years later since 1914, though the BGS reports by open cuts in the bed of the J Pritchard requested a lease. In for 1915 and 1915 (Carruthers 1915, stream, from which several short August 1835 J T Baily wanted a 1916) report the mine as working. levels have been driven. take note having found barytes These reports give some indication and possibly lead, he received a of the geology and the method of The mill is situated immediately take note for 21 years and by the working. above high-water mark in the mouth of the valley and is following March he had written ‘The barytes occurs in a fault, worked by water power. The to his landlord with a sample and which brings Ordovician slates mineral is hand picked ground plans for development. He was against more ancient schists. The and screened through metal unable to afford these developments lode is about 10 feet in width, gauze; it is then put up in bags and before December 1836 had the outer margins consisting of ready for shipment. A small pier assigned his take note to Oswald quartz with a little brecciated has been erected to facilitate Airey and become Airey’s agent.

Figs. 4 & 5: Various overgrown holes in the ground on 22nd May 2013 each of which may be part of Pompren Mine.

“Below” 2014.1 7 Aberdaron Barytes Mine(s) Continued ...

Airey wrote to Newborough’s agent he wished. Two months later it is in mid December sending royalty Griffith Jones who is seeking to work payment and detailing production the mine. What happened is anyone’s and developments including a road to guess as the correspondence peters the shore and other works to provide out for nearly 20 years until in 1856 a landing place for vessels. John Jones was granted a take note. Then silence again for nearly 40 Despite the optimistic tone of (the years until Edward Williams sought abstract of) the early part of the letter to try his luck on 1st January 1892. AO was having problems as Baily This is the end of the correspondence had absconded to New York with £60 located, it would be nice to know of the men’s wages. By the end of where the mine was. the month he wrote again this time wishing to surrender the lease as, This article was to be a setting out of living away, he could not manage the the odd bits of published information mine in person. He seems to have to accompany photos of the remains hung on into the new year. On 6th but has rather grown. A January Edward Jones wrote stating visit to Caernarfon and that he and five partners wished to a winter gardening trip work the mine, the following day to Aberdaron may well Airey wrote that a Mr Carson wished clarify matters further. to work the mine and noted that he was aware of Jones’ interest. Mr Bibliography Carson confirmed his interest on Boyd J I C, Narrow gauge th the 10 but Jones and some of his Railways in North partners requested a take note on the Caernarvonshire, The th 30 . Three weeks later J B Carson Oakwood Press, 1981 informs that he will not want a lease Carruthers et al , Special on the mine, since the barytes is report on the Mineral discoloured. He also informs the Resources of GB Vol 2 Figs. 6 & 7: More overgrown holes which may be estate that he has heard that a group Barytes and Witherite, part of Pompren Mine. of people from Aberdaron were BGS, HMSO, 1915, Endnotes planning to grind the barytes on North F J, Mining for Metals in 1 In the abstracts below the name the spot.(presumably Ed Jones and Wales, National Museum of appears more commonly as Baily company). Wales, 1962, via Aditnow.co.uk but sometimes as Bailey. Wilson et al, Special report on the 2 References, some 16 items The spring of 1837 proved exciting Mineral Resources of GB Vol th between XD2 12919 and 19394 as on 6 March Samuel Taylor 2 Barytes and Witherite, BGS, 3 Regrettably the tithe entered the fray seeking permission HMSO, 1922 apportionment nor its map to work the mine, he was told that Wilkinson J, Wilkinson’s Gazetteer quote field names. It is possible that Grundy (who only appears in and Bibliography of the Mines that farm plans in Caernarfon this one letter) and Carson had found and Quarries of North Wales, Archives will provide the answer. that the barytes was discoloured, 2004 but that he may inspect the mine if

Fig. 9: Looking inland on the line of the pier with the vestigial remains of the mill at the top Fig. 8: The remains of the pier at low tide. of the steps.

8 “Below” 2014.1 Mine Candles in Shropshire Ivor Brown

Some doubts have recently been the 1960s). Candles were still being Most colliery companies went over voiced as to whether the building used for the above purpose at the to factory-manufactured candles in long described as a “candle factory” nearby Burgam Mine in the 1960s in the early 20th Century – it is likely on the Snailbeach Mine site was the writer’s experience. that Snailbeach did also, but I am really ever used in that way. Its sure that they would have continued present internal arrangement and As stated in the Foster extract the to use candles right up to the end, in outside impressions certainly do not common size used by the miners was the mid 1950s. Photographs taken give the right feel. 16 to the pound. (This was the case at both Hanwood Colliery and Rock at Burgam and Ketley Rock Mines in Colliery show candles in use as late However there is no real reason for the 1960s too). Where there was no as the 1930s and 1960s respectively. it not having been so used, candle draught a candle of this size would making there would probably have last up to two hours. Frank Turner The candle house used by the mines ceased before 1912 and it could of Madeley, who used to distribute and miners of the Madeley area has easily have had another use since. the candles each day at Blists Hill been removed from Madeley Park In the past candle making was only Pit in the 1940s has said that each Street to the Blists Hill Museum a cottage-industry and, considering miner was allowed a bunch of “8 site where it is still in production. some of the materials used, an size 16s” to last a day! Often miners It has been said that it’s original industrial site was probably the best would have two or more lit at one site amongst housing was not the place for it. time for safety and convenience. best choice particularly in the days A comparison of candle size to the of early candle making due to “the Some mining companies, such as the domestic candle is shown in photo 1. unpleasant aroma of the rancid suet Snailbeach Company took a great stored in quantity” and awaiting use. interest in the candles used at their mine as is shown by the following comments made by the local mines inspector in his book of 1894.

“At the Snailbeach Mine, in Shropshire, the manager stipulates that the wick should be made of 3 threads of cotton and 3 of linen; this is folded, and the candle therefore has a wick of six threads of cotton and six of linen”.

“The size of the candles is reckoned by that number that go to a pound, which varies from 20 to 6. Candles Domestic candle (1940s) and Mine candles. Left to right: Domestic of 16 to the pound are very candle (1940s), candle from Rock Mine, Ketley (white), North commonly used by the miners, while Wales Slate mine (green), Longrake Mine, Derbyshire (red), the agents who want an extra amount Wax candle, Alport, Derbyshire. (I.J.Brown Collection) of light for their examinations, find Model of Thomas Trevors Candle Factory, Madeley, 19th Century. it convenient to have ‘eights’ and (I.J.Brown Collection) occasionally ‘sixes’ (Ore and Stone Mining by Le Neve Foster, pub. 1894 p514)

Obviously the mine manager was concerned about the way the candles were made. The candles were not solely for illumination but also as an automatic check for bad air, for igniting fuses (they were safer than matches as matches often went out at inappropriate moments when firing rounds) and candles were also used as watches for telling the time. (As at smaller pits in Dawley area even in

“Below” 2014.1 9 Luxulyan Valley Andy Wood

The Luxulyan valley is a small There were two mines within the part of the Cornish Mining World valley. Prideaux Wood mine was Heritage site near St Austell. The near Carmears Rocks and a gated river Par runs down from the Goss adit, presumably connected with this moors through this steep sided and mine, can be found just above and well wooded defile to run out to the about halfway along the Carmears sea at the port of Par. It provides an leat. Lady Rashleigh mine is on excellent walk and much industrial the other side of the valley and my archaeology. informant told me that there are a great many artefacts to be seen inside In 1813 Joseph Treffry inherited as it was simply abandoned; one for the family estates including granite a future visit. quarries and mineral setts on the high ground. He then acquired the In the floor of the valley were two lease of the valley and its mineral more quarries served by another, rights. He also took over the Fowey lower tramway. Later, in the 1870s, a Consols copper mines comprising new steam railway was built through Wheals Treasure, Fortune, Chance, Granite sleepers on the Carmears the valley and across Cornwall to Polharmon and Lanescot. He incline. (Andy Wood) Newquay. Although not planned for developed this to be one of the as numerous surviving chairs and it, this became an important transport deepest, richest and most important occasional sets of points. The granite link for china clay and a number mines in Cornwall, worked by 6 sleepers of both the tramway and the of clay dries were later built in the steam engines and 17 waterwheels. incline are well preserved. valley. To power these water wheels he built the Fowey Consols leat across the A chance meeting with the person east side of the valley, bringing water responsible for care of the leats from much higher up near Luxulyan provided much local knowledge and village. Later, tramways were created he explained that the Carmears leat to bring granite from four estate was presently dry because of leakage quarries high on the hill to an incline issues yet to be resolved by Cornwall at Carmears to be lowered down to Council. The wheelpit itself is most the valley floor at Ponts Mill and impressive, even without water flow thence by a new canal to his port at and the core of a later 40ft diameter Par. wheel used for crushing china stone adjacent to the wheel is still in place. A new water supply, Carmears leat, was dug to provide more power for There are ruins of a smithy and a the mines but the take off point was checker’s cabin at the head of the at Cam Bridges on the west side incline. of the valley so he constructed a magnificent 100 ft high and 650 ft Adit above Carmears leat for long granite viaduct, incorporating Prideaux Wood mine? (Andy Wood) an aqueduct and a tramway. The leat fed water to a 34ft diameter water The leat system is still in use, the wheel, which lowered the granite water being used to drive a turbine trucks down the Carmears incline, generating electricity for sale to the then returned the water to the Fowey national grid. Consols leat. The scenic nature of Luxulyan valley Much evidence of this engineering attracted the 19th century landowners remains. Although the rails were to build a private carriage drive removed from the viaduct in 1940, it through it, including a bridge over is a most impressive structure giving the incline. The track became known great views and one can marvel at as the ‘Velvet Path’ owing to its the accuracy required to maintain the mossy nature. The area is still an water flow through the below deck environmentally important one and leat. The higher tramway still has well worth a visit. some sections of rail in place as well Fowey Consols leat looking north east. (Andy Wood)

10 “Below” 2014.1 Luxulyan Valley Continued ...

Waterwheel remains at the China Stone crushing mill. (Pictures: Andy Wood) For an excellent interactive map see: luxulyanvalley.co.uk/LuxuyanMap.html

Left: Checker’s hut at the top of the incline. Below: Granite sett with iron chair.

Clive Mine Graffiti - Letter to the Secretary Hi Andrew, Thanks for an excellent trip down Clive Mine on Saturday. I have found something which may (or may not be of interest to you). We saw some old graffiti (dated 1907) on the wall at the end of the passage which heads West just beyond the traverse over a winze (see photo). After a little research, I have identified one of the signatures; Edward Alexander Godson, Vicar of All Saints Church (from 1903 onwards). He is mentioned (amongst other places) in the Clive Directory: www.melocki.org.uk/salop/Clive.html This may make a little anecdote to point out to future visitors. Detail of the 1907 graffiti. (Mark Lovatt) Mark Lovatt, Secretary, CCPC

“Below” 2014.1 11 News Round-Up 2

MCRO Activity Lofthouse Memorial Copper Mine Murder MCRO have been involved in 2 A memorial to the 80 men who died A 33-year-old man from Redruth was incidents so far this year. On 20th at Lofthouse pit near Wakefield arrested in Newbury, Berkshire by January, members who have been over the years of its operation and Thames Valley Police on suspicion trained in Land Search were called seven men who were killed in an of murder over the death of David to help the Severn Area Search underground flood in 1973 has been Alderson, from Falmouth, whose Association (SARA) in a search for a unveiled at a country park. body was found in a disused copper missing person in the Forest of Dean. mine in Cornwall. Sadly the persons body was A steel memorial resembling a discovered a few days later several shaft of light has been unveiled at The body of Mr. Alderson, 72, was miles from the search area. Lofthouse Country Park, marking the found on 18th January at Wheal On 29th January Shropshire Fire & site of the former pit. Maid, near Carharrack. He was Rescue Service contacted the team wearing cycling gear when his body for advice about a “dog in a well” - There is a separate memorial to the was found and was last seen leaving however, the well was actually the 1973 disaster at Wrenthorpe. his home on Old Hill, Falmouth, in ventilation shaft for the Gitchfield his red Ford Fiesta, on the evening of Clay Mine. The FRS were advised The new steel memorial is at the 17th January. about potential problems and 4 team closest spot to the actual pit shaft members attended the scene, but the miners used to descend into the The area around the mine, which FRS had rescued the dog. mine. closed in the 19th Century, is popular with mountain bikers, though police Dive Rescue in Gautries The Wrenthorpe memorial is some have been unable to find his bike. Hole distance from the pit head and is The Derbyshire Cave Rescue above the site where the men were Initially his death was originally Organisation (DCRO) was called out killed when the seam they were thought to have been as a result of an after three very experienced cavers working flooded after they had cut accidental fall, before officers later failed to return from a trip into into an abandoned shaft, releasing concluded he had been murdered. Gautries Hole, north of Buxton on three million gallons of trapped His car was later found at his home. the 14th January. water. BBC News, 4th February 2014 Heavy rain had caused a section Former miners, families and of passage close to the entrance to descendants of all those who worked Diglake Protest become completely flooded, forcing or died in the pit during its working Villagers are campaigning against them to retreat back into a safe area lifetime gathered to march behind a UK Coal’s plans to carry out of the cave. brass band to the memorial. opencast mining in the area of the former Diglake Colliery because of DCRO took the decision to “dive A downloadable app that describes the sensitivity surrounding the site. them out” because the water level the former mine site to visitors as was not going down and more they walk though the park has also Eighty miners were killed at the heavy rain was forecast, meaning been developed. colliery following a flood in January they could have remained trapped BBC News, 30th November 2013 1895. The bodies of 77 men and boys for a long period. The incident was were never recovered. completed in about 3 hours. River Holme turns Bill Whitehouse (of DCRO) said it Families of the men and boys who Orange died held a memorial service in early was unusual for the cave to be totally The River Holme in Brockholes, flooded. February at the cemetery on Chapel West Yorkshire has turned orange Street, Bignall End where the names The media made a series of claims after iron deposits were washed out of the missing were read out. about the rescue including “A from a disused mine by rising water rescue team has used divers for the levels and heavy rain. UK Coal stressed that as a mining first time in 20 years to free people Locals claim they have never company they are sympathetic to the trapped inside a flooded cave using seen it so ‘orange’. However, the families concerns and the planning underwater breathing apparatus. Environment Agency said “it is application they are submitting to Staffordshire County Council has BBC News, 14th January 2014 natural and not harmful” and will soon disperse. been carefully thought through and Read more at: More: designed to ensure the disaster area www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england- www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england- is not disturbed. derbyshire-25729358 leeds-26224867 News Reports, 2nd February 2014

12 “Below” 2014.1 Ray Nickless – a Shropshire Mining Poet Ivor Brown Ray has just passed away aged 72. The publication the writer has Many pages are embellished with Ballads and poems were common in front of him is entitled “More small pictures and some poems are features of the local mining thoughts and memories of a written in local idiom of “Salop communities and Ray was one of Shropshire lad”, produced by Ray speak”. the most prolific writers. In his about 2007 in aid of the Severn retirements he produced about seven Hospice (all booklets were produced The example reprinted here was books/booklets, as well as some to benefit a local charity). This book illustrated with items from the loose sheets. Most were about life in contains 16 poems, two are wholly writers collection to whom Ray the old coalfield of Coalbrookdale concerning mining and take up about said, the two mining poems were where he was brought up and four of its 24 pages. dedicated. worked.

How the Coal was Won by Ray Nickless From More Thoughts and Memories, c1997

One hundred yards beneath the soil The Packers come next, to build up the walls Weary Miners work and toil To protect the Miners from dangerous falls To show you how the coal is won Then along come the Rippers with shovels and picks Let me explain how this is done To tear away the rock and the arches to fix

First the men on the cutting machine The coalface is now ready to start another day Make a slot below the seam The coal on the conveyor steadily makes it’s way Then the Borer with his drill From conveyor to conveyor it follows the road Place the holes with precision and skill To where the engine is waiting to load

The Shot Firer is the next on the scene Down the loco road then up the shaft First he ensures that the air is clean Another load of coal won by hard graft Then his explosives he must place The coal is now sent all over the land To blow the coal from off the face To cottage and mansion and castles so grand

Next comes the Collier on his knees The journey is over, the battle is won Cleans up the coal and sets the trees And back at the coalface another day has begun The Turn Over Men are next in line The Miners are ready to face a new day To reset the conveyor straight and fine Of sweat, toil and hardship to earn their pay

Final Note In addition to the men on the face The poem describes the getting of Sunday nights Cutters/boring as mentioned (71 in all) there coal at Kemberton Pit (where Ray shotholes, 10:30 – 6:00am, 12 would also be a deputy in charge of worked from 1955) in the peak NCB men approx. each shift with often an additional era from c1956 to mid-1960s. It was (Monday morning) Shotfirers shotfirer for secondary blasting work. a method called cyclic mining using blasting through, 2.00 – 9:30am, manually loaded longwall faces. At 4 men approx. Two of the shifts marked by brackets that time Kemberton Pit used three of (Monday morning) Coaling & ( ) were called split shifts because these, two loading on one shift with a Timbering, 7:00 – 2:30pm, 30 they overlapped two main shifts. third, and a further development face men approx. on another. Monday afternoon Turnover of At Kemberton the 2 faces on Day conveyor, 1:00 – 8:30pm, 4 men shift would swap with the other 2 Working commenced on Sunday approx. faces on the other coaling shifts on nights by “cutting” the coal and each Monday afternoon Packers and alternate weeks, so that they worked cycle was completed the following Rippers, 2:30 – 10.00pm, 21 men Days and Afternoons alternatively. evening by “packing” and “ripping” approx. At Granville the main shifts were as follows: Monday night – cycle repeats - the Days and Nights and these were swapped over in the same way.

“Below” 2014.1 13 What the Papers Said - The Engineer, Dec. 8, 1882 submitted by Steve Dewhirst

Stopping a Landslip in Shropshire The narrow gorge of the river Severn, about three kept of its rate of movement. The movement was miles in length, extending from Coalbrookdale to not continuous along the length of 190 yards, as the Coalport, has, from time immemorial, been the foundations of a timber bridge under the adjacent subject of landslips of greater of less extent, and of railway appear to have arrested it for a short distance, slow or rapid progress. The deep V-shaped valley and the movement was divided into two separate has been cut through the soft coal measures, and slips, one to the north and the other to the south the debris or talus from their subaerial degradation of the jackfield Pile Bridge, separated by a length to a large extent obscures the actual escarpment. of about 35 yards of stable ground. Six or seven slips are taking places at the present time within a distance of a mile and a-half. It is the “Our first effort was to ascertain the depth to which exception for the coal measures to break away en the movement was taking place, which was done masse, and the slips are for the most part the results by the sinking of a small shaft carefully bricked 16 of the downward movement of the surface talus over yards deep. Within a few days of its completion the scarped face of the coal measures. the forward movement of the top of the shaft to a depth of 10½ft. over the lower part of the shaft Such a slip has existed for many years a little to the in stable ground was apparent, and the rate of the south of the New Jackfield Church, and was much movement, registered by a self-acting scale designed increased by the formation of the embankments of for the purpose was found to average about 70in. a the Severn valley Railway. It caused the destruction year. Abandoning the idea of a line of continuous of several cottages, and has been a constant source of support, our endeavour was to break up the line of expense to the Great Western Railway Company in slip by inserting strong supports at intervals, which the maintenance of its line, as well as to the parish would prop the moving mass in its entirety, or and the neighbouring proprietors in the repair and divide it into sections too narrow to move forward renewal of roads. The landslip at this point has separately. gradually approached the river Severn both on the Jackfield and the Madeley banks, and its bed has The accompanying sections indicate the positions of thereby been contracted to less than half its original the supports, which consist of iron cylinders placed width. at intervals of 20ft., from 4ft. to 6ft. in diameter and from 12ft. to 20ft. in length, sunk from 7ft. to 12ft. A proposal was made about a year and a-half ago to into the solid ground below the line of movement, stop the landslips by means of a retaining wall, but and reaching to within a few feet of the surface; these this had to be abandoned on the grounds of expense. were filled with concrete, and the concrete brought As the approach to the New Benthall Encaustic Tile up to the ground level. The interspaces being but works was seriously endangered, Messrs. Maw about 15ft., it is obvious that separate sections of the slip a year ago experimented on a method of arresting 20ft. wide could not squeeze in between them, and the slips, and as this has now been carried out to that the arrest of the slips would depend on the a successful issue at a very small cost, and is of a collective stability of the supports. In the slips to the novel character, we give a description of Messrs. north of the railway bridge the four central columns Maw’s operations, which has been drawn up for us were first inserted as an experiment, and although by Mr. G.Maw. these only afforded actual support to 22 yards in the middle of the slip nearly 100 yards in length, their Mr. Maw writes:- “The landslip we had to deal with effect was to arrest the movement of the entire length extended for a distance of 190 yards on the side of of the slip. The total cost of our operations on the the valley between the river Severn and the Great two slips was under £280, including the cutting of Western Severn Valley Railway. The slope of the two deep drains and the sinking of the preliminary valley side at this point is about 20 deg. The depth trial shaft. The iron cylinders used for enclosing the of the slip was unknown, and no record has been concrete were old boiler shells.”

14 “Below” 2014.1 What the Papers Said - The Engineer, Dec. 8, 1882 Continued ...

A similar approach, although on a much larger and more There are 3 iron cylinders/boilers in the river at expensive scale is just about to start in Jackfield. This Jackfield, which are visible when the river level is will see a series of modern deep piles placed across the lower than it currently is. They appear to be filled hillside and tied together to prevent/reduce the land with concrete, it is likely that these are some of the movement. old boilers used for Mr. Maw’s stabilisation work, but which over time have slid into the river - there was a The modern scheme is planned to take 2 years and will large landslip at this point in the 1980s which wiped cost a fraction more than £280, it is currently estimated out the original Salthouse Road and resulted in the at several million pounds. construction of the ‘wooden’ road. Hopefully the boilers will be kept as ‘features’ when the modern works end.

“Below” 2014.1 15 The Club in 1974 – Forty Years Ago Ivor Brown

The Club started the year in good Council donated £50 “for services trips generally and more members health – thatching of the Club House rendered”. It was agreed to raise subs travelling abroad. There were was underway, the Journal for 1972/3 immediately (to £2.50 per year for however, just as many trips to had been published (80p plus 10p full members and £1 for associates). Derbyshire and Wales, but fewer to postage) and several members were South Shropshire. Digs continued at getting “engaged” (including the At the AGM 28th September 1974 Llanymynech and at Mossey Green, leader!). it was announced that funds had Ketley (see next page). improved tremendously, a further At the January meeting it was grant of £100 had been made Only one new account was published reported that a man had been killed available by Newport Council and during the year (No.11 on the in a sand quarry face at Shrewsbury the former District Council were not Coalbrookdale Coalfield by IJB), – he was trying to rescue his dog going to press for their “loan” to be but the Annual Journal and monthly who was stuck in a foxhole. Also returned. It seems that considerable newsletters were still going well. that Mrs. Purslow of the Waterwheel, profit had been made on the The Club library was transferred to Cliffdale had died aged 100. She thatching project! Newport Town Library (two boxes of knew a lot about local mining, her papers) on 6th September 1974. father was killed in the 1895 disaster. Twenty one members attended the AGM and dinner that followed Finally, at year end IJB wrote in In March the bill for thatching was (£2.50 per head). A talk was given on his notebook “younger members paid - £321.50 in all. Of this £222.50 gem polishing, but only one person are very active in their new posts came from grants, £30 from private was seen to dance at the Disco which – viz Chairman P.Scales, Secretary donors, £65 loan from the Council followed. M.Moore, Warden P.Rust and (repayment probably not needed Newsletter A.J.Lee, but older ones because they were about to be During the remaining meetings have become more domesticated”! reorganised) and only £4 from Club of the year thought was given to funds. the changes occurring in the Club; A fuller “review” of the year, written there were fewer social events, by Alan Taylor, can be found in the NCB miners were refurbishing the less use of the Barn, smaller group SMC Journal 1973-4. Tar Tunnel – putting in rails to try out a prototype Hunslet tractor to work with “Jubilee wagons”. As members of the NUM they came out on strike, the Club stepped in at weekends using their equipment to Spoil heaped up along the sides of the Tar open up side passages off the tunnel. Tunnel when it was first But a ground collapse occurred from discovered. an unknown construction shaft, in (I.J.Brown Collection) a garden above filling the tunnel beneath.

Club membership totalled 29 full and 20 associates. The Cilcain Barn was still in use but petrol shortages were making return home a nightmare. Despite this at least three members with “sundry delightful females” spent Easter at the barn with some trips to local slate mines.

In May the NCB sent some contractors to restart work on the Tar Tunnel. They found the fall of “over 100 tons” of clay blocking their route and blamed the NCB miners!

In June it was reported that easily accessible funds were running low (less than £1) and £65 was still owed to the Council. However the Newport The Tar Tunnel c1970s. (I.J.Brown Collection)

16 “Below” 2014.1 The Club in 1974 – Forty Years Ago Continued ...

What is this structure?

Kiln, shaft cap, icehouse?

“Below” 2014.1 17 Miner’s Watch Cases Kelvin Lake

On page 2 Ivor Brown reports on Photo 1. The the finding of a Shropshire Mine Shropshire Deputy’s pocket watch (photo 1.). Deputy’s watch Watch-cases like this were seen on and case found by Ivor Brown. display at Radstock Museum recently (I.J.Brown Collection) (Photo 2), so interested in learning more about miner’s watches, I Below, Photo 2. consulted Edwin Thorpe the Club Watch-cases in the Horologist. Radstock Museum mining display Edwin possesses 3 watches in area. (Kelvin Lake - protective cases (see photos 3 to 9), I.A.Recordings) at least 2 of which are believed to have been used by miners - these convex back, the have screw bezels holding the fatter ones were bevelled glass at the front, with a sometimes referred flattened ‘dome’ soldered (crudely to as ‘turnips’ - in many instances) on top to although this term accommodate the winder or pendant was also applied of the watch. to some pocket watches. An article in the Horological Journal (Nov. 2006) refers to this type of The screw front protective case being common in the of the watch- South Wales coalfield from about case had a thick 1890 to the 1950s. The cases would bevelled glass, be purchased separately and to suit though in some scraps of paper found inside the the size of watch a person owned. In of the later cases the lens was of cases are occasionally inscribed with the 1950s in the Aberpergwm and Perspex. The front of the case had the Miner’s name. Instead of going Llangennech area, it was possible the thread tapped on the inner side, to the expense of buying an Albert to purchase the cases in the colliery matching the thread on the outside of (the watch chain), some miners made canteen for about twelve shillings the bottom of the case. The thread is their own, simply attaching a length and sixpence. very fine (BSF), to give a good tight of cheap chain (i.e. bath plug chain) dust-proof fit, but it is quite easy to to the loop of the watch-case, with a The cases were made in a range of cross thread it! bar for attachment to a buttonhole. diameters, to accommodate all sizes of pocket watch. Case diameter A packing of paper, sponge or thin Brass watch-cases usually, but not was generally between 2 and 3 card to line the case and cushion invariably, had a number stamped on inches, and the thickness ranged the watch within, was often added the back, this denoting the size (see from over 1½ inches down to about - as Edwin has done, using a short photo 5). Cases came in at least eight ½ inch. With their thick glass and lengths of rope. Sometimes the different sizes but cases of different sizes often have identical diameters! The reason for this is that there was no standardisation, and different manufacturers apparently used different size numbers for cases of the same diameter.

Another later kind of miners’ watchcase was of chromed alloy with a lens of Perspex (examples of this type have been found in the Cumbrian Coalfield). One type is very simple, being round in shape, the two halves unthreaded and merely requiring a simple push to close and pull to open. There is a Photo 3. The 2 brass watch-cases complete with watches, owned hole in the top for the winder of the by Edwin Thorpe. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings)

18 “Below” 2014.1 Miner’s Watch Cases Continued ... watch to protrude (see photo 8) the idea being to plug the gap round the winder with cotton wool to keep the dust out. This, apparently, was never very successful! All-rubber watch-cases are also known. These would be shaped like the watch, turned inside out, then closed around the watch. The tension of the rubber forming the seal. However, it is understood that in practice, these rubber cases were not very satisfactory. In the December 2006, Horological Journal on the letters page (p451) a reader follows up the November article with details of several brass Photo 4. The smaller of Edwin’s Photo 5. The smaller case is 3 cases that he owns and which he brass cases, with his own Albert stamped on the back with 2 /4 purchased in a closing down sale complete with miniature safety lamp. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) at a Barnsley Jewellers. It appears (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) that such watch-cases were used Pickersgill. The watch of the latter References in the South Yorkshire coalfield. was still working - was it in a case? 1. Horological Journal, November Police Officers at the inquest into the 2006 “Miner’s watch-Cases”, Bill explosion at Morley Main Colliery3 Thanks Linnaard, pages 426-428 on the 7th October 1872, refer to To Edwin Thorpe for advice and 2. Horological Journal, December 2 of the deceased having watches information on the watch-cases, and 2006 ‘Letters’, page 451. on them - Noah Preston and James for allowing me to photograph them. 3. British Mining 87 “Coal Mining in Morley” p39, Jim Thorp, N.M.R.S. June 2009.

Photo 6. The larger of Edwin’s brass watch-cases opened up to show the rope packing. Below, Photo 7. All the components of the large watch- Edwin’s nickel-silver watch-case complete with case, including the watch. Photo 8. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) watch. Below, Photo 9. The nickel-silver watch-case opened, with tissue paper and felt packing. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings)

“Below” 2014.1 19 And the Winner IS ... Results of the 2013 Annual Dinner Awards

Peter Eggleston was the recipient of the “Archaeology Award” for his efforts at the Pitchcroft Dig.

Luckily he didn’t have an acceptance speech ready, so Neal Rushton was able to hand over the award to a startled Peter quite quickly.

The “Golden Nut Award” was picked up by Steve Holding (left), while Mike Davies (right) was the surprised winner of the “Hernia Award”.

Following the awards and sealed envelope raffle (which raised £133 for the Midlands Cave Rescue Organisation) Steve Holding went on to give a short talk about the developments at Cwmystwyth.

Not forgetting the traditional “Presidents Speech” from David Adams.

Thanks Thanks to all the staff at the Wroxeter Hotel who provided an excellent meal and helped make everything run smoothly.

Not forgetting Neal and Gareth Rushton for organising the evening.

3 Generations We had 3 generations of ‘Rushton’ at the dinner (left) with Ray, Neal and Gareth. Over the years there have been numerous Parent-Child combinations in the Club, but has there ever been 3 generations before?

20 “Below” 2014.1 Technology Update

Club members may remember Peter Eggleston’s “through rock” location device, used to pin-point locations Right: Peter Eggleston underground. using the original induction Based on an induction loop loop receiver to locate the end of the tramway tunnel at transmitter (placed underground) Coalbrookdale, 7th January and a receiver (moved about on the 1996. surface), working at a frequency (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings) of 3kHz, the system can fairly accurately relate underground positions to the surface by exploring for ‘nulls’ in the signal. The original device uses computer ribbon cable for the transmitter and receiver aerials. It has been successfully used at Clive (e.g. in The current device is over 24 years Although slightly heavier than the Renshaw’s garage and at several old now (!) and after it’s outing at old loop, it is much easier to use other points on the surface above Yew Tree, Peter thought it was time underground, being more compact shafts - including in a garden). to re-vamp it and make it waterproof and it also has a greater range. Recently at Yew Tree level it was at the same time. used to locate the end of the current If you want to know the full dig on the surface. Accordingly, after many hours of technical specs, you will need to Probably it’s most dramatic use work he has come up with “The wait for the write-up in a future issue was in the tramway tunnel at the Wand”. Doing away with the large of the CREG Journal (Cave Radio Old Wynd, Coalbrookdale, when loop of ribbon cable, it is designed Electronics Group) Eileen Bowen placed the transmitter to hang freely from a tripod, hand or underground and Peter marked it’s even from a flotation device! In the mean time, keep an eye location in the garden, only for the out for “The Wand” coming to an landowner, Mr. Boyce, to promptly Built around a series of ferrite cores, underground space near you . . . ! obtain a JCB from a neighbour it has an audible beep and flashing and excavate a new entrance to the LED so you know when it’s working. tunnel!

Peter Eggleston with the “Wand” during secret underground testing. (Kelvin Lake - I.A.Recordings)

“Below” 2014.1 21 News Round-Up 3

New Landie The Canadian mining firm Minco in getting the financial backing South and Mid-Wales Cave Rescue have been carrying out test drilling in for this Gold project. Some Team have recently taken delivery of their search for zinc deposits. minerals are in high demand at a brand new Land Rover. the moment, but unfortunately So far they have sunk five, 500m not gold. The new 5-door vehicle has been deep bore-holes over an area of about One project that does appear to converted to SMWCRT specs by 20 square miles and the initial results be happening is the Hemerdon North Wales Police. It was part- are looking “very promising”. Tungsten and Tin Project operated funded by an Awards for All National by Wolf Minerals at Hemerdon Lottery grant of £5,000. In addition, It is believed that there could be a near Plymouth this is scheduled to numerous cavers over several years world-class deposit of zinc in the start production this year, pending have been raising funds for it. It region with an expected yield of a approvals. It is anticipated that when replaces their previous 13-year old million tons a year. In addition the in production, the project will be one Land Rover. project could employ between 200 and 500 people. of the world’s largest, high margin tungsten mining operations. Devon CRO have also recently taken delivery of a vehicle. Obtained This would be a big boost for the Three years ago Tungsten was listed second-hand when another team Nenthead area, which has declined by the British Geological Survey, ‘upgraded’ theirs. considerably since mining finished there in 1961. as one of the top five strategically important metals. At present 60% of While Mountain Rescue England & The drilling is taking place in an global tungsten reserves are located Wales are paying the insurance for Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in the Peoples Republic of China, so team vehicles, there is considerable and should finish next year. If Minco development of the Hemerdon mine concern over new rules governing find sufficient reserves they have would mean the UK would be host to the driving of vehicles fitted with assured people that any mineshafts a major secure source of processed “Blue Lights” and the costs of driver they sink will be discreet and they tungsten. training. may use some of the existing mine entrances. Any disturbance to the Wolf considers that Hemerdon Bit of a Blow at Killhope landscape will be made good. offers exceptional large scale, low The recent storms have had an affect risk, long life production as well as on the woodland at Killhope Mining Minco has also been searching for providing exploration opportunity to Museum, causing a lot of the trees to zinc in Ireland. extend the project, with the extent of be blown down. mineralisation beneath the pit yet to Zinc is highly sort-after today, for be determined. There was some concern that the loss traditional uses, like galvanising, of the trees might have repercussions but also for use in computers and The mineralisation is characterised for the local red squirrel population. batteries. by sheeted greisen veining and stockworks containing wolframite However, in addition to clearing Searches for Minerals and cassiterite. The vein system is the fallen trees and planting Over the past few years there have hosted within a dyke-like granite replacements the museum is taking been a number of mining related body. It starts from the surface the opportunity to carry out further projects that were launched to great and is contained within the steeply forestry work. This involves fanfares: dipping granite body flanked by felling the trees near the buildings metamorphosed sediments. and sorting out the edges of the South Crofty - nobody seems to woodland. know quite what is happening The overall planned pit dimensions there. Is mining actually going to are 800m in length, 450m in width The timber taken from the woodland re-start? and 230m in depth. is going to be used in their biomass Parys Mountain - What has boiler (modern name for wood However, despite the prospects happened there? Development burner?) to heat the visitor centre. for this project it has been a long work took place there some years time coming. Planning approval for ago, with a new headframe and the mine was originally granted, Minco - Zinc underground drivages. But it has following a comprehensive public Over the hill from Killhope at been ‘mothballed’ for quite a long enquiry, in June 1986 and is valid Nenthead there are high hopes that time now. mining may re-start in the area. Not until 2021 - so only 7 potential years for lead this time, but for zinc. Cononish, Tyndrum - Scotgold of production! (Although it could be appears to have had problems extended).

22 “Below” 2014.1 Books and Videos

The Lead, Copper & Mine Claire Barytes Mines of Shropshire By Helene Morin-Hamon, 269 Profusely illustrated and well By Michael Shaw, Logaston press. pages, published 2013 (ISBN : 978 2 documented, including a full 912025 92 0) Glossary of Terms at the end, this While SCMC publications have often book demonstrates that far from carried articles about the various This book covers landscapes, and being a sideline, iron ore processing mines covered by this book, there the evidence of ancient ore dressing was a full-fledged industry, and a real has long been a need to try and pull across Europe and France. Also the source of innovation. everything together into a coherent workshops where hydraulic engines publication. In this aim Mike Shaw “patouillet” were used to transform Price: 45 €. Available from: has been very successful. iron ore into “MINE CLAIRE” w3.framespa.univ-tlse2.fr/boutique/ (clear ore). spip/spip.php?rubrique32 He has spent years researching records and books, talking to Drakelow surviving miners, members of their Wartime shadow factory to government nuclear bunker families, SCMC members and This recording was made before the tracking down documents and the Deep in the sandstone hill at scrapmen removed a lot of the metal sites of numerous mines - many of Drakelow near Kidderminster, 5km work and destruction of parts of the which only lasted a year or two! of tunnels were dug in 1942 to house a hidden factory. old Rover factory, not to mention The first few chapters cover the the attempted use of the site to grow early mining history of Shropshire, drugs! the products and processes, before It shows an exploration of the whole delving off into the different mining complex, starting in the Rover areas and covering the mines in more factory area with remains such detail, so it will have general appeal. as the original blast doors, time There are plenty of interesting office, an electric truck, the battery snippets and facts to keep room, a laboratory and the massive ‘enthusiasts’ engaged. This excellent ventilation fan. publication is a must for anyone One of the entrances to Drakelow. interested in Shropshire’s mining (taken from the video) history. The Rover Company was building ISBN: 978-906663-09-4 parts for radial aero engines and its Softback, 320 pages, over 200 b&w plants in Birmingham and Coventry photographs, drawings and plans. were very vulnerable to air raids. Price £12.95. Over 26,000 square metres of underground floor space housed Available from Mike Moore at Club machine tools, heat treatment gear, meetings, or online at laboratories, store rooms, offices, a Exploring one of the main tunnels. www.moorebooks.co.uk canteen, a dining room and games (taken from the video) rooms. The 1960s period is represented by In the 1960s the threat was a canteen, dormitories, offices and a different - the cold war. Drakelow BBC studio. was refurbished as a Regional The 1980s-90s relics include shower Seat of Government - a nuclear rooms, the generator hall and the bunker designed to help control the fallout decontamination facility, population of the Midlands in the together with another BBC studio aftermath of holocaust. and a kitchen with its stainless steel It had its own independent water equipment virtually unused. supply, generator, air conditioning Written by Kelvin Lake, based on the and air filters. There were male and book “Drakelow Unearthed” by Paul female dormitories, a sick bay with Stokes. operating theatre, offices and BBC Price: £13.45 radio studios. This role lasted in Running time: 28 mins. various forms until 1993, when the site was removed from the secret list full details available at: and sold off. www.iarecordings.org

“Below” 2014.1 23 Club Officers Diary Dates

President: David Adams Membership, BCA Rep & 16th-22nd March: 16th Insurance: Mike Davies International Symposium on Vulcanospeleology, Galápogos Islands, Ecuador.

Chair: Neal Rushton 20th April: Columns Open Day, Tackle: Andy Harris Ogof Ffynnon Ddu. 30th April: Friends of the IGMT Talk - “Tankerville Lead Mine” by Vice Chair: Vacant Fiona Deaton (winner of Milestone Training Officer: Society prize for her work on the Andrew Wood Shropshire Lead Mines), The Glass Classroom, Coalbrookdale, 7.30pm. Secretary: Andrew Wood 24th -26th May: Overground [email protected] Underground Festival, Ingleton. First Aid Officer: 24th -30th May: Bradford PC Alan Moseley Gaping Gill winch meet. 13th-15th June: BCA Party Treasurer: Marian Boston Weekend, Dalesbridge Centre. 27th-29th June: 5th Forest Caving Bat Officer: Mike Worsfold Symposium, Dean Field Studies Centre, Parkend. Places are limited, Conservation: David Poyner so if you want to attend visit their website asap: www.forest2014symposium.co.uk/ ‘Below’ Editor, Publications: 25th -27th July: NAMHO Kelvin Lake Conference 2014, Bangor University, e-mail: [email protected] NAMHO Rep: Steve Holding Gwynedd. 26th -28th September: Hidden Earth 2014, National Caving Conference, Leek.

The Perils of Flooded Passages . . . 105

Deep section next - shame you’ll get wet !! Where’s the water gone?

I fell over!

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

24 “Below” 2014.1