The Friends returned to Hemingfield ready for another busy weekend of site clearance, material reclamation, and more than a dash of industrial archaeology. Discussions on everything from future developments, the history of the site and the physical structure of cast iron could be heard around the pit yard as the volunteers continued to get stuck into the work of bringing life back to the site.
Saturday was another bright day to open what would be a very busy working party weekend with Friends, volunteers and visitors in and around the site on both days. As usual Friends Glen (Director and Site manager) and Steve (Chair of the Friends) were the first to appear, opening up the colliery gates and preparing the plan of action for the first of two days of volunteer work as the site comes alive once more.
At the beginning of January 2015, The Friends of Hemingfield Colliery were delighted to be joined on site by contractors who completed the installation of 4 roller shutters and a security door.
Over the course of two days, the site’s historic buildings had their security enhanced with metal security shutters and doors. These installations were made possible through the generous support of the Northern Mine Research Society (NMRS), via their Project Grants scheme.
The Friends of Hemingfield Colliery offer their sincere thanks and gratitude to NMRS for this assistance which marks a great start to the new year for Hemingfield.
NMRS is dedicated to the preservation and recording of mining history. Through its Project Grants scheme the society seeks to advance the education of the public in, and encourage the study of, all historical and technical aspects of mining and associated subjects.
Securing the standing structures and controlling access to the site is crucial to ensuring the long-term preservation of the buildings. By helping to safeguard the unique features of this rare survival, NMRS are directly supporting the Friends of Hemingfield Colliery build a firm future for the whole site and the stories it holds.
On Friday evening, the Friends of Hemingfield Colliery were privileged to be present at the unveiling of the restored Newcomen beam engine at Elsecar. The engine – a Scheduled Ancient Monument, No. SY1146, since June 1972 – is the only atmospheric engine in the world still in situ; still working in its original building and over the original mine shaft. Built in 1795 as the Dearne and Dove canal drew nearer, and the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam’s Elsecar collieries and industrial enterprises were being expanded, the engine has pumped billions of gallons of mine water during its working life – a run which officially ended in 1923 when electric pumps were installed by the the South Yorkshire Pumping Association – the same body that maintained the pumping stations at Hemingfield and over at Westfield in Rawmarsh.
Things have been very busy since taking possession of the colliery site. The Friends have been delighted by the response from visitors, volunteers, partners, and the wider community. We’ve also heard from a range of people near and far interested in our work and discoveries so far.
Hemingfield Colliery winding pit headgear
In order to document our progress, share the history of the site, and keep everyone up-to-date with the latest developments, we are aiming to create a regular newsletter to be circulated electronically.
So, now we need your help! We are looking for any interesting stories or photographs of Hemingfield Colliery and its surroundings to be included in the newsletter. We welcome any stories or memories for consideration. The aims are to spread the word about the range of our activities, learn more about the past of the site, and keep everyone posted about the programme of events and future opportunities to get involved.
To contribute to this new newsletter, or simply register your interest in receiving the updates, please contact us using the form below, or directly by email to hemingfield.colliery@gmail.com
The Live Project team from Sheffield School of Architecture will be holding a community engagement event seeking your input on the future development of the site. The event takes place this weekend at the Elsecar Heritage Centre. Please drop by, see the information and share your thoughts!
Please come down and share your views!