Nottinghamshire Mining Museum, located at East Unit, Mansfield Railway Station, has reopened for the year – as local history enthusiasts are able to visit the museum on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays between 10am and 2pm.
The site is operated entirely by volunteers, including former and retired miners eager to share their knowledge and experiences with visitors interested in the county's mining history.
After the successful launch of their 'Shining a Light' exhibition last year, which explored the role women played in mining communities – especially during the Miners' Strike of 1984-85 – the exhibition has now been extended into this year.
The latest exhibition also features a memorial wall dedicated to the miners who lost their lives at Sherwood Colliery between 1902 and 1992, as well as another memorial wall honouring former miners who have recently passed away.
New additions to the museum (www.nottsminingmuseum.org.uk) include a life-sized pit pony and new interactive VR headsets, allowing visitors to visualise the experience of working in the mines through virtual reality.
Admission to the museum is free; however, visitors are able to make a monetary donation for the maintenance of the site.
9. Education visit
Education visits at the museum are encouraged for students, from primary school age through to university. Here, over a dozen international students are participating in a cultural exchange visit where they are learning all about Nottinghamshire's working-class and industrial roots. Photo: Nottinghamshire Mining Museum