The November 2008 edition of the newletter and a membership form can be found under the 'Read more' section on the right-hand side of this page.
The Friends of Ram Hill Colliery
Newsletter
November 2008
Dates for your diary:
- Sunday 16th November 10am – 1pm Work party at Ram Hill
(to be confirmed)
Dear Friend,
Welcome to our third newsletter of the year. So far 2008 has, I think it is fair to say, been a year of extremely good progress.
Those of you who have been able to get to the site in recent months will know that the top spoil heap has, after about thirty years’ residence on site, been largely evicted and, with one final effort, it should be gone. David Godden’s excellent work liaising with local firms resulted in us contracting with Aurea Landscape to move four lorry loads of spoil off site in one day, using up the money South Gloucestershire Council granted us in 2006/07. It was a real bonus for us that, seeing the progress being made on the day, Linda Coode-Smith from the Council was able to organize some of South Glos’ own money so that Aurea could remove a further three lorry loads (bringing the total to seven or some 140 tonnes) before the day was ended. (see the full verdion under read me)
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 ancient monument scheduling 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: david.evans@southglos.gov.uk