| Status: | Active, open to new members |
| Coordinator: | |
| Group email: | Architectural and Local Industrial Heritage group |
| Venue: | No set place |
This group explores local places of to discover local architecture and industrial importance.
The Heritage Group recently visited The Lancashire Mining Museum, just off the East Lancs Road at Astley Green, which has the last surviving Head Gear, Engine and Winding House on the Lancashire coal field.
There is also an early 20th century cottage exhibit complete with coal fire where a real chatty old lady making rag rugs is keeping warm, and a café serving snacks and drinks.
Members stood beneath the 98ft high Head gear listening to volunteer Les tell the story of the coal field and how Astley was saved from demolition. We then entered the massive ‘house’ to view the Engine and Winding gear made by Yates and Thom of Blackburn in 1912. We then viewed many other mining related steam engines, lamps and exhibits in the house and yard.
We found the volunteers very friendly and knowledgeable. The tour and entrance is free but donations are vital for its upkeep and further development: they are building a mock dark mine seam to enhance the experience. Visitors will wear original mining head torches to enter.
The visit was enjoyed by everyone and highly recommend it to others. In fact, some members are planning a return trip on the last Sunday of the month to see the engine working.
Our next visit is to Amazon MAN3 near Bolton, the mega huge warehouse controlled by computers and robots.
Date: Wednesday June 3rd at 1pm. I need to submit details of everyone who wishes to go and you need ID with a photo. Security is very strictly controlled. Please let me know if you wish to attend