We’ve had the Hem Heath winding engine on site for quite a few years on loan from the Shropshire Mines Trust, and today we’ve finally been able to reunite the drum ith the engine. You can see images from the delivery here.
Tunstall Park WW1 Event
On Sunday we had a stand at the First World War Centenary Event at Tunstall Park, with a “pop-up” museum. The Apedale Valley Light Railway were there too, on the stand right next to us which worked well. We had a brilliant day, although the wind was a bit of a challenge, our display boards started off on the table then propped up on chairs and finally on the floor as they kept on getting blown over. The stand was packed and we met loads of interesting people, many of them ex-miners who told us some fascinating tales. Now that we have a taste for it, if you have an event planned and you’d like us to bring our stall along do drop us a line!
Thanks to Ken Perkins for the photos.
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- A packed stand
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- A selection of the objects that we’d brought with us.
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- Many leaflets were handed out!
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- Kids got a chance to try on a mining helmet, lamp and battery for size.
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- We had a great view of the spitfire.
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- There was a lot of interest in the items that we’d brought along with us.
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School Holiday Opening 2014
In the words of Mr Cooper, “Schools out for summer”, and this year we’re going to have extended opening hours throughout the holidays. Our café will be open as usual and in addition to that the Museum and Mine Tours will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Of course we’ll still be open at the weekend too. As a volunteer run organisation, this is subject to circumstances beyond our control that may crop up.
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Training Day at Apedale
There is a free training event on how to run an oral history project, this will take place at Apedale Heritage Centre on 11th August. This will be of interest to non-profit organisations and community groups who would like to develop oral history projects in this area. See the attached flyer for more details or contact April Lewis at info@aprilllewisconsultancy.co.uk.
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Open for Business and Steam trains next week!
We’re happy to announce that the traveller’s have moved on, and so the Loomer Road entrance to the Country Park (and us!) is open again. This is in good time for the Apedale Valley Light Railway’s Next event, “Steam and Industry Trains” on Saturday 12th July. In addition to the usual steam service that runs on the second weekend of the month the railway plan to run a some of their diesel trains on the line and field railway. Of course, some may say that it’s just an excuse for them to play with a giant train set!
Posted in Apedale Valley Light Railway, Heritage Centre
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Traveller Camp at Apedale
Unfortunately access via Loomer Road is once again blocked due to a Traveller camp situated on the Apedale Country Park access road. Understandably the Rangers service will be keeping the middle gate locked during this time which means that the car parks next to the Centre will not be reachable by Car. There is alternative parking on the car parks off Black Bank Road. See the map below for location details. You can also access the site from Loomer Road by foot (but not suitable for all walking abilities) across the field opposite the speedway entrance and via Apedale Road that has limited parking, but be aware that Apedale Road isn’t surfaced and may not be suitable for your vehicle.
We’ll be contacting schools and other groups that have bookings to discuss arrangements with them.
It’ll be business as usual as much as possible, and we hope that you will support us. Do call ahead if you would like to visit the museum or for a mine tour on 01782 565050 especially if you are travelling any distance, just in case. We’ll keep everyone posted via this site, facebook and twitter as information becomes available.
UPDATE: We’re happy to announce that the traveller’s have moved on, and so the Loomer Road entrance to the Country Park (and us!) is open again.
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Gala Pictures
Hi, pictures from our recent mining gala are now available on our website. Click here to have a look!
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Gala – one day down, one to go!
I think I can safely say that we had a really enjoyable day yesterday – some scorching hot sun (just a brief spell of rain), some great bands, fire eaters, belly dancers, the railway in steam, various mining and rescue organisations, a fair, and not forgetting the beer tent. We’re ready for round two today!
Since it’s fathers day, why not bring your him down to the gala. We’ve got a lot of the things dads like – Music, Trains, Big Machines, Beer, a Hog Roast and more!
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Gala Tomorrow
After months of preparation it’s now the eve of the Gala we hope that we will see you there! Preparations are well under way and we are watching the weather forecast like hawks. As you can see the beer tent from Limestone Brewery is up with a selection of their fine brews, so we had to make sure that all of the pumps are working. I’m happy to report that they are in perfect working order!
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One week until the Gala!
Only one week to go until our 2014 Mining Gala! Preparations are in full swing, and we are keeping our finger crossed for the weather – the one thing that we can’t control. If you have been in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre today you may have heard the town crier giving it all he’s got to promote the Gala and I’m told that we had a mention on radio Stoke too!
The Gala page on our website has been updated with the final line up of bands and exhibitors, so do pop by and see what’s on by clicking here!
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