Held on 15th-16th June, our mining gala was a great success! We probably had one of our busiest days ever, with lots of people turning out from the local community and further afield. Pictures by Liz Taylor, Hixon.
The Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Coucillor Eddie Bowden and Mrs Doris Bowden, enjoying tea in the Cafe
CISWO’s stand on the right and the North Staffs Mining History Group on the left
The Audley Family History Society
Lea Hall Brereton Collieries Memorial Society, with the Forest of Dean Free Miners’ stand at the back
Ken Redfern after a hard shift down t’pit
Lymestone Brewery provided the Beer tent, here Steve is pouring a pint
The Mayor of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Coucillor Eddie Bowden opening the Gala with Jean Chadwick who chaired the Gala committee.
Regent College’s stall
The North Staffs Accordian Band’s drummer
Members of the North Staff Accordian Band
The Hem Heath Aucilliary Winder being operated by Stuart Davies
Our mining team ready to take tours
Sampling Snuff. Snuff used to be commonly taken by miners as an alternative to smoking, which would obviously be a very bad idea in a mine!
Tins of snuff
The fairground rides, before the opening
Attaching an air line to drive the Hem Heath Winding engine
AHC trustees, David Rushton and his Dad, George. Both worked at Holditch Colliery
The first of many burgers served at the Gala!
Dr Patrick Cossey talking to the Mayor and his wife. Patrick kindly performed an official opening of our refurbished fossil display
Dr Patrick Cossey saying a few words before opening the Fossil display
One half of Double Take
Alan Fryer of the Apedale Valley Light Railway and Stanhope
Hog Roast!
Stanhope
Eve, who did a great job on Saturday stil walking on costume and collecting donations
Florence Colliery Brass Band
Florence Colliery Brass Band
Mark Williams
Jesse Gold
The Joffre class 3014 also ran on the weekend
The old mine winding gear, with our banner announcing our Queens Award for Voluntary Service
Brian, who organised a lot of the music for the gala, strutting his funky stuff.