David Hardwick, a member of the South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group, gave a very detailed and in-depth talk on the history of this last working mine in the Bristol area. A drift mine opened in 1954 and closed just 9 years later in 1963.

Why did the mine come about ? Probably due to the NCB being formed in 1947 and had the finances to start up new efficient methods of mining. WW2 shortages of coal, Frog Lane miners available after earlier closure in 1947. It was part of the Bristol basin of coal but an area that had not been worked before.

The mine was sunk in the area known as Wallcourt Farm (now Hewlett Packard) becoming an industrial farm of the Victorian era (an interesting area in its own right). There is very little that remains of the mine albeit an odd small layby near the UWE North Entrance was the entrance to the mine. The mine managers house still remains and is close by.

In total 485,000 tons of coal was removed and at its height had more than 250 miners. The area being mined framed by the M32 and the ring road to the west.

Why was the pit closed ? Heavily faulted seams, to much dirt, less coal than expected, initial finding were probably exaggerated as bonus scheme may have led to such conclusions.

The talk was finished by some enthusiastic mining attendees questions. It was interesting to note that David showed us various maps of the area that are easily obtainable with your PC via Google etc. with historical and geological overlays.