I remember Grimebridge well. We (including a retired miner!) went to have a look and as there was no gate, went in to have a look. It was a wet, muddy crawl - the "mud" being coal dust! We were later "caught in the act" by Billy's father, who was living up there to keep an eye on it. It was a gas-free mine so I have some nice pictures of the face - in fact I photographed it all the way in. My only regret was that I did not explore the straight-on branch. It was gentle profitable but its only customer was Clitheroe Cement. However, when this was taken over, the new owners felt that their coal security would be better served by British Coal. Later I got to know Billy quite well and his tails were hilarious. They had no pit-head baths (at least at first) and his journeys home by bus were hilarious. There were always a ring of empty seats around him! Ken
This was filmed in 1982. terry Atkins is hewing and Tony Rideout is filling for him. The pit closed and opened a few times but finaly shut in 1996 after 18 years. The company later opened up Hill Top colliery in 97. Billy sadly died 2009.
That planning bloke epitomises all that's wrong with local government - always looking for an excuse to stop decent blokes trying to make a living because it might upset the middle classes. Too many nimbys around by far!
@welshcourtland. I think he is comparing it to the general workers of today and not the private mines that still operate today. Sorry to hear about your mate.
Scott what are you talking about.These are the conditions that miners in south wales and other places work now.Its not a thing of the past.I worked this method until late 1990s and my mate waskilled the other day working these methods and in a lot worse conditions.
Golborne was in a complex with Parsonage and Bickershaw. Men and equipment went down at all three sites, the coal was raised at Bickershaw. Parsonage at a depth of 999 yards is I think the deepest coal mine in the country.
Thanks for that b3tarev.He was killed in the Gleision mine flooding.Was offered a start there myself 2 weeks before the accident.Thank god I didnt start.
Bill Clayton was my grandad he was a miner until the day he died, a legend in his own life, a highly respected and loved man. Sweet dreams grandad xxx
I remember Grimebridge well. We (including a retired miner!) went to have a look and as there was no gate, went in to have a look. It was a wet, muddy crawl - the "mud" being coal dust! We were later "caught in the act" by Billy's father, who was living up there to keep an eye on it. It was a gas-free mine so I have some nice pictures of the face - in fact I photographed it all the way in. My only regret was that I did not explore the straight-on branch. It was gentle profitable but its only customer was Clitheroe Cement. However, when this was taken over, the new owners felt that their coal security would be better served by British Coal. Later I got to know Billy quite well and his tails were hilarious. They had no pit-head baths (at least at first) and his journeys home by bus were hilarious. There were always a ring of empty seats around him! Ken
Nice story Ken....thanks for sharing.
COOOL!!!!!!
Makes you feel quite emotional until that councillor. comes along then it fills you with anger
Absolutely fantastic, i actually recognise a fair bit of the above ground.
This was filmed in 1982. terry Atkins is hewing and Tony Rideout is filling for him.
The pit closed and opened a few times but finaly shut in 1996 after 18 years. The company later opened up Hill Top colliery in 97.
Billy sadly died 2009.
That planning bloke epitomises all that's wrong with local government - always looking for an excuse to stop decent blokes trying to make a living because it might upset the middle classes. Too many nimbys around by far!
Bob Smithies reporting from the mine?
@welshcourtland. I think he is comparing it to the general workers of today and not the private mines that still operate today. Sorry to hear about your mate.
Scott what are you talking about.These are the conditions that miners in south wales and other places work now.Its not a thing of the past.I worked this method until late 1990s and my mate waskilled the other day working these methods and in a lot worse conditions.
now thay r reyel working not like the ones today respect
Does anyone remember Golborne, pit. my Dad worked there for 40 long years, Rip Dad, you was the best, Loving Daughter Wendy.xx
Wigan..
Golborne was in a complex with Parsonage and Bickershaw. Men and equipment went down at all three sites, the coal was raised at Bickershaw. Parsonage at a depth of 999 yards is I think the deepest coal mine in the country.
now thay r reyel working men not like the ones today respect
Tourism ! A load of bollocks ! A tourist is someone that has temporarily downed tools !
Pure graft
Planning bloke proper snob, we want real work in this country not seasonal low paid jobs, probably never done a real days work in his life .
Thanks for that b3tarev.He was killed in the Gleision mine flooding.Was offered a start there myself 2 weeks before the accident.Thank god I didnt start.
Hi I have
Grim conditions.