RF Photo archives - new additions

[Royfellows]

As promised I am going through some old albums and scanning photos which were not on the pendrive sent to Robin. All are C1987 unless otherwise stated. This time was when my interest in mining was rekindled. I bought an XR3i new in December 1985 for the job, practical little hatch etc. C343XDH. it was totalled by an idiot, not the one behind the wheel, in 1989. Sold as salvage at BCA Walsall, and reappeared back on the road albeit having 'lost' about half its recoded mileage some time later. This was from a conversation with Trading Standards. Everything has a tale in it.

Anyway, I start with Cwm Ciprwth at Cwm Pennant North Wales. These are pictures that pre date the partial restoration of a few years later. I will do a separate posting for each location to as to keep things tidy.

 

[Royfellows]

Next is the lower adit at Aberllefeni, its now burried to 'keep people out', a futile task.

 

[Royfellows]

Slate mines next. The route along the ledge to Cooks Level at Maenofferen, and the inside of a caban, still in use then. Yes. Closed 1997. The other photo is a view down into the Votty pit, in those days you could clearly see the three veins.

 

[Blober]

Fantastic photos Roy, keep them coming!

Would have loved to see the MO changing room when it looked like that. THeres some fantastic quarryman graffiti in there if you have a good look about.

 

[Royfellows]

Sorry, "Changing room", so you want caban? Cant let my friends down.

 

[Blober]

Hahahah brilliant, unfortunately that one is quite "trashed" now, be it time or outside help. There used to still be helmets in there up until the last few years.

 

[Royfellows]

Now we move north to Nenthead.
The Miners Arms is much changed and sign with the crest of the London Lead Company has disappeared. I wonder where to? PJ, are you about?
I have given the pics meaningful labels, but a few words. Haggs Mine level is much changed with the adjoining property restored. The Nenthead Mines Assay House is now a bunk house, the area beyond cleaned up etc. Blackburn Level is Rotherhope Fell Mine. It was bought by Frank Shepheard and that is where he now lives. he uses the level as a water supply but opened it up a few years back, hence my most recent batch of UG photos. His wife ran Hartside Cafe until it was burned down, the site has now been cleared

 

[BertyBasset]

Great pics. Love the Cwm Cipwrth pre restoration and Cook's Level ledge.

 

[JRS]

Now we move north to Nenthead.
The Miners Arms is much changed and sign with the crest of the London Lead Company has disappeared. I wonder where to? PJ, are you about?
I have given the pics meaningful labels, but a few words. Haggs Mine level is much changed with the adjoining property restored. The Nenthead Mines Assay House is now a bunk house, the area beyond cleaned up etc. Blackburn Level is Rotherhope Fell Mine. It was bought by Frank Shepheard and that is where he now lives. he uses the level as a water supply but opened it up a few years back, hence my most recent batch of UG photos. His wife ran Hartside Cafe until it was burned down, the site has now been cleared

@Royfellows Roy, do you mind if I share these to some of the local social media groups, please? Alston Moor history group might be able to help with the whereabouts of the Miners’ Arms sign… also people would be very interested to see Nent as was back then… 1980’s? Cheers. Jake.

 

[legendrider]

Hi Roy, great pics of Nent. 1987 was the very beginning of my mine exploring, with Paul Firmin (the Mad Butcher) several trips into Brownley Hill just after they landscaped the tips. Amazing how much the smelt mill area has changed in that time, any more pics would be most welcome ) MARK

 

[Mr Mike]

Roy - fantastic photos, I first went to Nent as a student in 1988, slept down Smallcleugh for 2 nights, coming out to clean up in the Miners Arms and have dinner there and then back down SC. The days of when Nent could support 2 pubs !

 

[Royfellows]

I have just got in and will see if anything else Nenthead 1980s is around.
This is as good a place as any to report. Been NE Wales.
North Hendre Cornish engine house cannot be seen for trees etc, dont know if its even still there.
The buildings around Taylors Shaft at Rhydymyne have deterioated further, one full of fallen trees
Minera Meadow Shaft 'ersatz" balance beam is now on the ground, there was no in house end to it, just the out house supported by the pump rod. odd bit of engineering.
The Balance Beam is now in two halves, rotted through at the fulcrum point.

 

[Royfellows]

Sorry, I did not answer the question, I must have Starmeritis.
Yes, feel free to use my photos in any way, but please acknowledge me.

 

[Royfellows]

Here is a couple more, topical to yesterdays day out.

Both 1987. Meadow Shaft at Minera, adjascent to the abandoned railway track, and a telephoto shot of North Hendre. There seems to be a dearth of stuff on this area, looking on the web and the books I have.

 

[Royfellows]

Some Cornwall 1992 photos, all named as location.
The Bassets are now Indiana Jones on steroids, Cooks Kitchen and Tincroft a bit that way

 

[TomFerry]

Some real big name locations !

 

[robnorthwales]

Here is a couple more, topical to yesterdays day out.

Both 1987. Meadow Shaft at Minera, adjascent to the abandoned railway track, and a telephoto shot of North Hendre. There seems to be a dearth of stuff on this area, looking on the web and the books I have.

Looking on Google Earth, it appears the North Hendre chimney and engine house still appear to be there - though I've never been up to it to have a look.

Am off next week, might see if it's possible to get anywhere near it

 

[Royfellows]

Here is a 1987 mystery photo.
Its my fault I should have noted locations, but young at the time. LOL
Its not North Hendre, note the ore bins in front and the shape of the chmney.
Might not even be in that area
Anyone got a clue?

 

[skimble]

Here is a 1987 mystery photo.
Its my fault I should have noted locations, but young at the time. LOL
Its not North Hendre, note the ore bins in front and the shape of the chmney.
Might not even be in that area
Anyone got a clue?

Could it be Tankerville?

 

[ilt]

As above, it's Tankerville