Went to Hatfield to try to do the headstock, but once again there were people working there. We approched a couple of them, and after a chat they offered a full tour of all of the pit head buildings!! Began with pit top, which is under the headstock. Amazing does not do it justice! Walked through the airlock, with ears popping as soon as the door opens! Inside is the cage and steamy air blowing up from the shaft. It was a real treat to see this in full swing!
Next moved on to the downcast winding house, with the ancient winding gear still in place and in full working order. From the downcast through the colliery power house, and then into the upcast winding house. The machinery is fantastic, and is original steam driven machinery which was converted to electric in the '70's.
From there to the old lamproom, with it's issue hatch still surviving. The floor was littered with rescuers and lamps which was great. Even better was the fact I was allowed a 'present' or two from that room!
From there to the new much smaller lamp room, medical centre and bath house. The upstairs of the bath house is very derelict and has not been used for 20 years. Also got a look at the fab control room, which is still in use but very antiquated!!
Had a chat with the old fella and he told us stories from the strike, like making a snowman on top of a lamp post stump, dressing it like a rozzer so the police van would run it over, and in course smash the van up... the old fellas reply "Come On!!" ... Legend!!
Left with a new donkey coat too
One of the best collieries I have seen...
View attachment 19458
Next moved on to the downcast winding house, with the ancient winding gear still in place and in full working order. From the downcast through the colliery power house, and then into the upcast winding house. The machinery is fantastic, and is original steam driven machinery which was converted to electric in the '70's.
From there to the old lamproom, with it's issue hatch still surviving. The floor was littered with rescuers and lamps which was great. Even better was the fact I was allowed a 'present' or two from that room!
From there to the new much smaller lamp room, medical centre and bath house. The upstairs of the bath house is very derelict and has not been used for 20 years. Also got a look at the fab control room, which is still in use but very antiquated!!
Had a chat with the old fella and he told us stories from the strike, like making a snowman on top of a lamp post stump, dressing it like a rozzer so the police van would run it over, and in course smash the van up... the old fellas reply "Come On!!" ... Legend!!
Left with a new donkey coat too
One of the best collieries I have seen...
View attachment 19458
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