There is a lot of interest in mining in the Somerset area, although no "mining research group" as
such. The Friends of Radstock museum produce an excellent newsletter "Five Arches" that always
contains some mining articles, but their coverage is not just mining. There are three issues each
year and often a "special report" too. Many back numbers are available at Radstock Museum - the
latest is issue 53.
As part of The EUROPE 2000 Culture Project, there is a mining section in which Radstock Museum is
taking part, along with partners in five European countries. There is a mining exhibition project
called 'Memories of Mining' which will go live in five different languages in May 2005 in Radstock
museums as well as in Romania, Hungary, France, Belgium and Luxembourg. Radstock Museum is teaming
up with the European Studies department at the University of Bath to produce its part of the
exhibition. It says in "Five Arches", the Museum can draw upon the long history of mining in and
around Radstock, while the University can provide expertise on Europe.
The are lots of talks and the programme of events in May is listed on
http://www.radstockmuseum.co.uk/events.htm
Also, the South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group (SGMRG) have a visit to Radstock on Sunday 22
May. In the morning we will visit Gasex, based in the bath-house of the former Ludlows Colliery;
they have a fascinating collection of old mines rescue equipment, flame safety lamps, geological
samples, a realistic mine training facility (it can be made very dark and filled with smoke even)
and lots more besides. After lunch the group will be visiting Radstock Museum. Subject to SGMRG
committee agreement and numbers attending (we already have quite a decent sized group of members
going), it MAY be possible to accommodate a few extra people at Gasex. Let me know OFF LIST before
12 May if anyone is keen to do this.
Roger Gosling
SGMRG Secretary
PS We have already had all the Gasex jokes, none on the list PLEASE ! !
PPS John Richards, were you aware of the above?
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Richards" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 16 April 2005 16:34
Subject: Re: [MINING-HISTORY] Mining in the South West of England
>
> I am only a novice with my mining interest compared with a majority of
> people who post but I would love to know more (does anyone have references
> to any papers etc please?) of the mining activities around Nether Stowey in
> Somerset.
>
> John
>
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