With reference to Kelvins comments on hand windlasses we can add a nice
metal roll and supports is in the process of rescue and refurbishment in
N,W. Worcestershire.This comes from a shallow shaft,part of the Hunthouse
sett(1924-1973).Not far from that shaft, on private land,is an unusual A-
frame
used to support a motorised winch on the Anderson Crane principle and used
to sink Worcestershires last(coal) mineshaft in 1965.
The Forest of Dean frame must be the one at Hopewell Colliery,built by the
mine's owner,though not over a shaft as far as I know.Hopewell is now a
museum with underground visit,simple but worth a
visit-interesting,informative
and worth supporting.There are plans to extend the underground route by
opening
other roadways and the museum adjoins the Phoenix Colliery,under the same
ownership,where coal is still actively mined for some of the year,using a
late
Forties A.B. coalcutter for holing under.
Andrew Santer.
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
