>basically NAMHO had succeeded
>in what it had set out to do and became moribund.
Adrian,
Maybe NAMHO has carried into effect the early aims of the association but
the work does not end there. Perhaps BCRA could continue the work as you
outlined but the real focus of mining history has moved on from mine
exploration. Now don't get me wrong, some elements within mine exploration
have done sterling work in gaining access to and identifying significant
features which have complimented the work of archival researchers. But if we
look to the future the real work will not be to maintain access but to
record and protect those features.
Along with a small group of archaeologists involved in British mining, I've
just been to the annual conference of the association of French mining /
metallurgical archaeologists. We were certainly impressed with the standard
of the work presented. About 60 delegates, including the Brits., a similar
number to those attending the NAMHO conference in Bradford and just as
enthusiastic but much younger.
The point is that their work underground was not just a matter of
exploration and mapping but fulfilled an effective scientific role,
providing information which is valid for mining at more than a local level.
Work of that quality is carried out in the UK, generally on prehistoric
mines, but it is not really on NAMHO's current agenda.
NAMHO has established its credentials with the HSE, it now needs to do the
same with the Environment Agency, English Heritage / Cadw / Historic
Scotland, as well as promoting work of a high standard on the documented
history of mining.
Peter
_____________________________________________
Peter Claughton, Blaenpant Morfil, Rosebush, Clynderwen,
Pembrokeshire, Wales SA66 7RE.
Tel. 01437 532578; Fax. 01437 532921; Mobile 0831 427599
University of Exeter, Dept. of History
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Co-owner mining=history e-mail discussion list
see http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/mining-history/ for details
Mining History Pages - http://www.exeter.ac.uk/~pfclaugh/mhinf/
_____________________________________________
|