Episode 34
Somerset Coal Canal History
In this programme, Bryn Hawkins explores the fascinating history of the Somerset coalfields and their connection to the canals, focusing on the development of the Somersetshire Coal Canal.
Mining Podcast
When Coal Was King
When Coal Was King is a mining podcast from the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust featuring first-hand stories from the men and women of the Somerset coalfield. Hosted by Chairman Bryn Hawkins and originally broadcast on Somer Valley FM, the series captures the voices of retired miners, local historians and people whose lives were shaped by the coal industry in North Somerset and Bristol.
Every episode is available to listen to right here on our website, free of charge, so that these stories remain part of the miners’ legacy for generations to come.
A Mining Podcast Built on Real Stories
Unlike most mining podcasts, which focus on the modern industry or investment markets, When Coal Was King is rooted in personal experience. The people you’ll hear in these episodes actually worked underground. They remember the heat, the dust, the camaraderie and the dangers that came with extracting coal from the Somerset coalfield.
From Cecil Weeks, who started in the mines in 1924, to Roger Yates, who served as an apprentice electrician with the National Coal Board, the podcast spans decades of Somerset’s coal mining history. You’ll hear about pit ponies and pipe fitting, pigeon racing and pay packets, and the everyday realities of life in a mining community.
What You'll Hear in the Podcast
The series covers a wide range of topics connected to coal mining in Somerset. Bryn takes listeners on walking tours around former colliery sites at Kilmersdon and Timsbury, visits Radstock Museum with manager Nick Turner, and explores the history of the Somersetshire Coal Canal. He interviews the sons and daughters of miners, people like Jeremy Hann, whose father Alex was a well-known figure in the National Coal Board, and Ben Morotta, whose father travelled from Sicily to Somerset to work underground.
There are episodes featuring each of the trust’s own trustees too. Selwyn Rees talks about his years underground, Mo Duery shares memories of growing up in the pit yard at Kilmersdon Colliery, Dennis Chedgy discusses the founding of Radstock Museum, and Julie Dexter explains how the beloved Miners Reunion has evolved over more than thirty years.
When Coal Was King
All episodes
- 34 episodes
- Over 13 hours of listening
- August 2023 to August 2024
Type a name, a place or a colliery, for example Radstock.
Showing all 34 episodes
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Episode 19
Sid Johnson
Sid Johnson recalls WWII life in a mining village, with food rationing, his dad’s role in the Home Guard, air raid drills, and paraffin-lit nights. Childhood mischief included trench digging and makeshift games. -
Episode 27
Cranmore Station Interviews
At Cranmore Station, a group gathered for cream tea, and Bryn interviewed Tony Salvage about his career. Tony started as an apprentice in 1955, following his father, a blacksmith at Old Mills Colliery. -
Episode 18
Lena Church
Lena Church shares memories of her father, Jimmy Price, born in 1888, a miner who maintained pumps daily and cycled to work. Post-retirement, he chose a pension, reflecting his foresight. -
Episode 28
Big Pit Visit in Wales
The iconic headgear sparked nostalgia, and 26 went underground to relive their mining days. Among the group, Selwyn, who worked 11 years underground, reflected on differences between Welsh and Somerset mines. -
Episode 29
Paulton Pensioners Holiday
Retired miners and widows from Portland Pensioners enjoyed a nostalgic week in Scarborough, organised by Rob and Val James. The trip highlighted the camaraderie and opportunities for social connection offered by the pensioners’ club. -
Episode 26
Visit to Brandy Bottom Colliery
We explored Brandy Bottom, a former colliery in South Gloucestershire. Guided by Derek Hoare, we uncovered its industrial history, unique features, and restoration efforts. -
Episode 17
Len Hill
Len Hill recounts starting as a pipe fitter under his father, cycling to Kilmersdon, and working with ponies underground. He reflects on Somerset’s mining life, from DC power to rope splicing. -
Episode 30
Timsbury Walking Books Interview
Peter Bradshaw and Larry Cunningham have created a remarkable series of walking books, starting with local walks in Timsbury and expanding to cover areas beyond Bath, Froome, and Chew Valley Lake. -
Episode 16
Tom Randall
Tom Randall shares memories of mining roots and moving to Somerset. His Welton home renovations revealed old colliery relics, sparking a deep local connection. -
Episode 32
Nick Turner and Radstock Museum
In this show, Bryn Hawkins visits Radstock Museum and speaks with Nick Turner, the museum manager, about its operations and the rich history it preserves. -
Episode 15
Sid Johnson
Sid Johnson shares his mining journey, from farm work to the coal board. He recalls tough lessons, seasoned mentors, and the resilience required in Somerset’s mining community during the 1950s. -
Episode 31
Radstock Museum Walkabout
In this show, Bryn Hawkins takes listeners on a tour around Radstock Museum, delving into the mining history of the area. He shares personal memories of riding the wire rope and more. -
Episode 14
Cecil Weeks
Cecil Weeks shares his experiences starting in the mines in 1924, highlighting harsh conditions, hard work, and the pride miners took in their contributions to Somerset’s coal mining legacy. -
Episode 25
Bryn and Don visit Gardanne
In 2004, Radstock Museum officers joined the EU-funded “Memories of Mining” project, visiting Gardin, France, to exchange mining stories and cultural insights with European partners. -
Episode 13
Don Dart
Don Dart shares his journey into mining, starting as a young man in tough conditions, learning the ropes with experienced miners, and navigating the demanding work of road driving and coal extraction. -
Episode 12
Terry Martin
Terry shares memories of his grandfather, a respected miner and champion pigeon racer, reflecting on his strength, achievements, and the legacy he hopes to pass down to future generations. -
Episode 11
Roger Yates
Roger Yates shares his journey as an apprentice electrician in the National Coal Board, reflecting on underground work, safety changes, and memorable colleagues with humour and nostalgia. -
Episode 24
Walk Around Kilmerston Colliery
The Kilmerson Colliery, founded in 1873 and operating until 1973, played a key role in Somerset’s coal industry. From miners’ cottages to steam trains, its legacy lives on today. -
Episode 23
Metal Miner
A new metal miner statue proudly stands outside Sainsbury’s in Midsomer Norton. Councillor Martin Thatcher, whose grandfather was a lifelong miner, expresses pride in this tribute to the area’s rich mining heritage. -
Episode 22
Train Stories
Bryn explores the link between Kilmiston’s locomotive and mining heritage, interviewing volunteers, descendants of miners, and event organisers. Stories of hard work and community are shared during the lively day. -
Episode 10
Mary Allinson
In episode 10, aired on 30th November 2023, we interviewed Mary Allinson, who shared stories about her family’s connections to the mining community. -
Episode 9
Keith Simmons
In episode 9, aired on 23rd November 2023, we spoke with Keith Simmons, who shared his memories and experiences from his time working in the Somerset mines. -
Episode 21
Walking around Timsbury
Bryn Hawkins shares stories of Somerset’s mining history, walking through Timsbury, Radford, and Camerton. He highlights forgotten buildings, mining innovations like early coal-cutting machines, and local tales. -
Episode 8
Jeremy Hann
On 2nd November 2023, Bryn interviewed the son of the well-known National Coal Board figure, Alex Hann. In this episode, he shared personal stories and insights about his father’s influential role in the coal industry. -
Episode 7
Tony Charlton
On 26th October 2023, we spoke with Tony Charlton, who shared his experiences and memories from working in the Somerset mines. -
Episode 6
Cyril James
In episode 6, we spoke with Cyril James, who shared his personal experiences working in the Camerton mines. His stories offered a unique insight into the daily life and challenges faced by miners in the area. -
Episode 5
Ben Morotta
On 5th October 2023, Bryn interviewed Ben Morotta, who shared the story of his father’s journey from Sicily to Somerset to work in the mines, highlighting his father’s resilience and experiences. -
Episode 33
Dennis Chedgy Radstock Museum
In this programme, Bryn Hawkins sits down with Dennis, a founder member of the Radstock Museum, to discuss the museum’s origins and its evolution into a celebrated local institution. -
Episode 4
Dave Wilcox
On 14th September 2023, we interviewed Dave Wilcox out of the studio, where he shared stories and insights about the history and community of Clandown, reflecting on its mining heritage. -
Episode 3
Selwyn Rees
In the third show, aired on 7th September 2023, we interview former miner Selwyn Rees, who provides a detailed account of his experiences and insights from his years working in the Somerset mines.
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Episode 20
Julie Dexter
Julie shares how the Miners Reunion began over 30 years ago at Hayden, evolving from outdoor teas to a sponsored annual ploughman’s lunch. The event now adapts to ageing attendees, ensuring the tradition continues.
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Episode 2
Mo Dury
In this show, we interview former miner Mo Durey, who offers a detailed account of his experiences and insights from his years working in the Somerset mines.
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Episode 1
Bryn Hawkins
To kick off “When Coal Was King”, Bryn Hawkins shares in-depth stories about his personal history and extensive experience working within the Somerset mines.
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Preserving British Mining Heritage
Somerset coal was worked from the Roman period right through to the closure of the last pit in 1973. For much of that time the men, women and children involved in extracting the coal endured difficult and dangerous conditions, and their stories deserve to be heard. This mining podcast is one of the ways the Somerset Miners Welfare Trust is making sure those voices are not lost.
The recordings sit alongside the trust’s other heritage work, including the installation of over forty metal miner silhouettes across the coalfield and the annual Miners Reunion, which brings former NCB employees and their families together each year.
