Saturday 22nd June 2019
Start time: 1030 at the Assay House. This will be a walking visit to see part of the famous Brownley Hill mine. There is water of an uncertain depth.
For more information, please email Rosemary Vidler – rosemary.v@icloud.com.
If you need a helmet and lamp, please book via Rosemary.
ALL EVENTS START AT THE ASSAY HOUSE AT THE SMELTING MILL – unless another location is given. For Information – 07702 538709. You must have a BCA membership card ( and bring it with you – if not a NMCS member).
SAFETY: NMCS provides gloves and safety helmets for outdoor work. You must provide your own safety footwear if you are planning to be involved in any work where your feet may be vulnerable to injury.
EVERY WEDNESDAY – members volunteer work day. Start time is 1000hrs at the Assay House. Phone the Volunteer Coordinator – Joyce Jackson – if you have any questions or suggestions. 07702 538709
NB: The project at Thompsons Level has been suspended over the winter months – we hope to have some published dates shortly for this project.
Updated 10th May 2019.
The Annual General Meeting of the Society will be held on Saturday 25th May at Nenthead, starting at 1100hrs.
The Agenda, Trustees Annual Report for 2018-19 and Minutes of the 2018 AGM are available here:
The Heritage fund has announced a new strategy from 2019. You can read more here:
Antonia and Andy Freem have offered to produce a film about Nenthead Mines. They were filming from 16th to 18th February in Smallcleugh and Rampgill levels. You can see examples of their work on UTube, particularly about caves in South Wales.
Take a look….are you interested? IHN Co-ordinator role description
February Newsletter is here: Feb Newsletter
Here is an offer of Geo guide training. Geo guides can meet the post training requirements by providing events at Nenthead Mines. If you are interested, please apply direct to Naomi.
From the North Pennines Geopark team
The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognising its unique geology and landscapes, and the impact they have on the life and history of the area. For us at the AONB Partnership, a very important part of having a Geopark designation is to share this amazing story with local people and visitors. Can you help us?
We are looking for people who would like to find out more about the geology of the North Pennines and help us use it to inspire the public, by becoming volunteer Geoguides. This involves a few training sessions spread around the North Pennines and a commitment to help run events that allow people to explore local geology.
What’s in it for you?
Free expert training in a world-class environment.
Training and opportunities to improve your public speaking and presentation skills.
The chance to explore a unique landscape more deeply and inspire others.
A set of publications and information about the area.
Transport costs will be paid for.
What are we asking for?
The programme starts with a weekend of training, 10am to 4pm on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March 2019 at Bowlees Visitor Centre in Teesdale. This will feature an introduction to geology from Dr Stuart Jones, a, Associate Professor at Durham University, and training in presentation and facilitation skills with experienced staff from the North Pennines AONB Partnership.
Subsequent sessions will be on a more bespoke basis, out and about in the North Pennines getting to know some of the key geological features and how to engage people with them. All Geoguides will need to attend the introductory sessions and at least 2 subsequent sessions. We would then ask that trainees take part in at least 5 events, walks or workshops, representing the AONB Partnership, from 2019 to 2020. These may be events for adults, families or local schools, with options in term time, school holidays, weekdays or weekends.
This programme is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and The INTERREG Atlantic Area programme of the European Regional Development Fund.
If you are interested in getting involved or for more information, please contact Naomi Foster – naomi@northpenninesaonb.org.uk, or call the office on 01388 528801.
Andy Hopkirk has reviewed the information available about members interests. Here are the results of his review. Click on the image for a larger view.
During the early days of February, work has continued on site, despite the cold and wet weather. The Drying Room construction has continued and work has started on the Stamp Mill site.
First day of work on the Drying Room – the floor joists are laid on the damp proof course
Drainage pipe being installed in the Stamp Mill trench. This pipe is laid as a contingency, just in case the site floods in future. We have given the site a new name to reflect the fact that the Power of Water structure will be demolished this year.
Checking the alignment of the drainage pipe
Colin arranging the outflow end of the pipe. The pipe was later lengthened to bypass the pond, which will soon be filled with rubble.
Allan demonstrating the use of a tape measure. The Drying Room has wall panels of plywood, with an inner insulation layer.
Looking from the site of the lobby to the entrance door to the Drying Room