Newsletter
July 2011 newsletter now on line - see read more
September Quiz Night ammounced - see read more.
Ram Hill Friends to go paper free
- In future we are intending to circulate the newsletter in electronic form only. In order to do this we need to update our membership list to include all email addresses. In order to do this could you email David Evans with your details? After this issue we will not be posting out any newsletters
A membership form can be found under the 'Read more' section on the right-hand side of this page.
What we can do at Work Days depends on the weather. Please come along when it suits you and for as long as it suits you. We can find work for all.
Steve Hillyard, Chair, Friends of Ram Hill Colliery
s.hillyard00@btinternet.com, Telephone 0117 923 6595 (eve)
The Ram Hill Colliery site
You are probably aware that the Ram Hill Colliery site is a fine example of early nineteenth century coal mining. Dating to around 1830 the site is located at the heart of the North Bristol coalfield and holds the standing remains of the steam engine house, the horse gin, the mineshaft, the dramway terminus and, in all probability, the water reservoir and boiler house, all of which can tangibly explain how coal was mined during the industrial revolution of Britain and for many local people it forms a link to their family history.
English Heritage recognition and scheduling of the site
In 2006 the Ram Hill Colliery site was given schduled monument status by English Heritage. This recognises the national importance of the site and protects it in the future.
The work of the Friends of Ram Hill Colliery
During the last two years the Friends of Ram Hill have cleared this historical site of trees, scrub and ivy to reveal the standing archaeology. Also a detailed site report and conservation plan has been prepared. In addition open days for visitors have been arranged, as well as workdays for members to maintain the site. Schools and history groups have also visited the site.
Why we need your help
Part of the work of the Friends of Ram Hill Committee has been to raise a substantial sum through grants to further conserve the standing archaeology that is showing signs of deterioration. Grants have been applied for but further funding is required and we need new members with new ideas to take the project forward. The aim is to proceed to further consolidation and restoration of the site to create a pleasant and tranquil area that presents the story of the colliery in a pleasant and interesting manner.
Your views on what you would like to see happen to the site are important. Without support there is a risk that the site will become overgrown again and this important local resource lost.
To find out more
Contact David Evans by email: archaeology.services@southglos.gov.uk