Hi All,
Last night I was with a party in Smallcleugh Mine, where we proceeded as far
as Middlecleugh 2nd Sun Vein, just beyond Carrs X Vein intersection.
At this point there is a break in the arching (1 fm) , revealing an unstable
shale dome, which in the last 4 weeks has just shed a load more shale into
the level, nearly blocking it, and with it the connection to Caplecleugh
Mine.
If anyone is interested in forming a workmeet to a) clear out to the sole of
the level and b) put in permanent shoring, please email me know off-list.
The affected area is a long way from the portal, so even casual visitors
could help by bringing in materials in small quantities to an agreed area
nearby.
This is a serious proposition, the idea of this message is not to have people
raiding skips and depositing their contents about the mine willy-nilly, but
to gradually stockpile useable materials in an accessible, convienient and
sensible way.
Your thoughts on this are welcome
MARK PINKNEY Treasurer, Durham Dales Mining Society
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