The ‘Mining the Past’ heritage project, backed by a £10,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to preserve the memories of former Somerset Coalfield miners by interviewing them about their working lives.
This project brings together students from Norton Hill, Somervale, and Writhlington Schools with former mine employees and volunteers from Radstock Museum.
The project was launched at the 25th annual miners’ reunion lunch, where Wayne Thomas, secretary of the South Wales National Union of Miners, presented flowers to key volunteers, including Julie Dexter and local vicar Rev. Sue Greatorex, in recognition of their contributions.
As each year passes, there are fewer miners left to share their stories, making this initiative all the more vital. The project not only captures their memories but also engages young people, ensuring that these experiences will be passed on to future generations.
Clem Maidment, Chairman of the Radstock Museum, expressed his delight in receiving the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, underscoring the importance of preserving Somerset’s mining legacy for years to come.