Apedale Heritage Centre

Pam Sinclair unearthed some interesting historical facts when she headed underground for a hands-on experience of life in the mines

IT HAS been more than a decade since Apedale Mine closed but a group of enthusiastic volunteers are determined to keep the colliery's memory alive.

When the site mined its last coal in 1998, centre managers kept some of the mine shafts open for the public to find out what the underground experience was like.

Set in the grounds of Apedale Country Park, near to Chesterton, the site is also home to the Moseley Railway Trust's collection of narrow gauge industrial locomotives.

Pam Sinclair was only too keen to don her hard hat and boots and find out more.

Pam, who was accompanied by her husband Bob, aged 74, and 49-year-old son John, said: "The Apedale 'Bassey' mine is one of the few tourist mines left in Britain and visitors can actually descend into a shaft wearing pit gear and a safety hard hat with its Davy lamp, to see where coal may still be hewn out of the rock today.

"Children under five are not allowed to take the tour as paths are very steep. It was very difficult in some parts and would be tough for anyone with walking problems.

"Stout footwear and a dark outfit would be the most sensible clothing as underfoot is rough."

Once at the coal face, which is reached via an incline rather than a vertical shaft, Pam was able to discover more about working conditions in the pit.

"Professional guides take you through the process of entering the mine – just as the working men would have done until the mine closed," continues the 75-year-old, of Vanity Close, Oulton.

"Visitors can see, hear and smell first hand where miners spent their working day, often in cramped and dangerous conditions.

"We felt a draught of fresh air as oxygen was pumped round by a rather overpowering, noisy pump. Once that is switched off at night, the mine would be a lethal place to be.

"From the 'gizmo' on our guide's belt (referred to as 'the Canary') it was possible to read the quality of the air around us.

"Its small screen showed in one area how much methane gas there could be under a grid in the ground, and also showed the oxygen levels.

"It was explained that if there was too high a reading of methane, it would be deadly, and anyone close by would only have minutes to get out into fresh air."

After resurfacing, Pam made her way to the mining museum's reception.

There she found a cafe, toilets and an exhibition area. Outside, the Apedale Valley Light Railway, which runs 500 metres between Apedale Heritage Centre and Apedale Road, is now open to passengers.

Pam said: "The museum is open every day and entry is free. Andrew is a helpful guide who welcomes visitors and answers many questions.

"We also looked around the Moseley Steam Railway Trust's site. On certain days industrial engines can be seen shunting in and out of the newly-built shed. All in all there is something for every age group and it's suitable to visit on any day, whatever the weather."

A Grand Opening Weekend takes place on September 18 and 19, 11am-5pm, to mark the official launch of the Apedale Valley Light Railway, run by the Moseley Railway Trust. Admission to non-Trust members is adults £5; concessions £2.50 (children five-16, retired adults).

Call 0845 094 1953.