Storm force from Hemingfield, or the Shipping Forecast.

What with Storm Ciara (pronounced keera) threatening proceedings, and suggestions of Storm Dennis barely a week away, the Friends threw caution to the – admittedly light – wind on Saturday 8th February 2020, and ventured down to site for a surprisingly storm-free open day at Hemingfield Colliery.

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Bright, shiny and new, Saturday 18th January 2020

Wath Road entrance to Hemingfield Colliery

2020! The first Open Day in the new year and what a beautiful day. Bright blue skies above, clear views all around, and a quickening coldness which suggested frost, but was soon chased away by getting to work as the Friends of Hemingfield Colliery and the regular volunteers returned to the pit for another year of activity, in a new decade of life for the colliery.

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Going out on a high note, Sat 7th Dec 2019

The Last Open Day of 2019 was upbeat and busy as the Friends arrived on site, Christmas cards at the ready, and Winter blues – if not close – at least held at bay by some jolly conversations and getting hands-on with work on site.

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Seeking shelter, Open Day 26th October 2019

The rainclouds hung heavily overhead during the morning. Ever-optimistic, the Friends arrived on site, opened up the gates, and skipped over the puddles to get on with a list of tasks before the worst of the cold and miserable weather set in.

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Going Steady, 12th October 2019

October continued to charm with its up-and-down weather. Saturday looked ok as Site Manager Glen welcomed regular volunteers, John, Paul and Mike to the pit for what would be another good session on repairing the wall.

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Octoblur

Deliverance

Not quite October. Almost there. September was fast-retreating, but memories of the very successful Heritage Open Days lingered long in the mind as the Friends of Hemingfield Colliery gathered on site bright and early on Saturday 28th September 2019 to open the gates and to welcome the delivery of building materials.

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By ‘eck it’s warm.

Summertime in the sub-urban rurality of Hemingfield. Bright if cloudy skies up above make the shady corridor of trees on Wath Road a welcome shelter from the sun on the approach to the pit for another Open Day and working party weekend.

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