Alongside today’s book launch, Mayor Cllr @darrenbyford.bsky.social & Brian Elliott officially revealed new permanent displays here at @ncmme.bsky.social

They’re dedicated to the stories of miners who contributed so much in wartime, including the remarkable ‘Tunnellers’ of the First World War.

All of us at @ncmme.bsky.social were proud to host a very special event today: the launch of Brian Elliott’s major new publication ‘Miners at War’.

Thank you @TheWombwellRainbow.bsky.social for such poignant poetry readings & Andy Featherstone for sharing his remarkable memorabilia collection too.

Privilege to help out with the install of a special new site-wide exhibition today…

Sculptures by Barnsley-born Graham Ibbeson, including mining memorials, coal queens & celebrities with (very) surprising links to coal!

More info: www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/coa...

@ncmme.bsky.social

Spotted earlier, a huge Tudor Rose crafted & installed into Lichfield Cathedral 500 or so years ago.

From welcoming Henry’s army en route to Bosworth in 1485, to becoming a city in 1553 (Mary’s first year as Queen), Lichfield’s history in the first decades of the Tudor Age is extraordinary…

By end 1916, two of them, Robert Gilson and Geoffrey Smith, had been killed on The Somme.

Their signatures were recently found in the visitors book at the Samuel Johnson Museum.

They had signed as members of the TCBS - the schoolboy society they had created with Tolkien & Christopher Wiseman.

In late September 1915, Tolkien met three school friends at The George Hotel here in nearby Lichfield.

‘The Council of Lichfield’ was the last meeting of their TCBS (Tea Club Barrovian Society) before the friends left England to fight in the war.

@tolkiensociety.org
@digitaltolkien.com

It’s long been suggested locally that JRR Tolkien’s tree-like warriors, the Ents, may have been inspired in part by this ancient oak at Cannock Chase, where he was based during the First World War.

It’s extraordinary to see in person and well worth finding…

@tolkiensociety.org @digitaltolkien.com

Today is the 80th anniversary of the Fauld Disaster, understood to be the largest ever explosion in the UK.

Our community heritage group wrote an extended blog-post about the disaster and its legacy earlier this year: www.facebook.com/share/1ETEwF...

An inspiring day in the Midlands.

This morning exploring behind the scenes in the vast Coal Authority archives.

Then discovering the stunning site looked after by Pleasley Pit Trust and meeting their trustees and volunteers for the first time.

Brilliant.

One of (many!) privileges of working at England’s last surviving deep colliery is exploring secret places, underground & on the surface.

Inside this building never open to the public: machinery, electrical kit, tub rails, signage & more, & a mineshaft dating back to to 1827…

@ncmme.bsky.social

Any historic wallpaper specialists out there?

Trying to put a date on this…. Thoughts appreciated!

We’re pleased to have brought @ncmme.bsky.social, the National Coal Mining Museum, to BlueSky.🦋

The very last accessible deep colliery in England, we’re committed to sharing the proud story of our coalfields, whilst recognising coal’s legacy, showcasing sustainable tech & the journey to Net Zero.

Excellent, thoughtful & provocative day yesterday at #Museums2024, including a spectacular evening!

Big thank you to all at @museumsassociation.bsky.social & Royal Armouries and hope everyone has a great second day of conference.

Vital discussion around civic & ‘LA-born’ museums at #Museums2024

Key takeaways: Real £££ precipice facing many. We need to tackle that assertively, positively, and from a position of strength & confidence in our impact, with unity amongst museums & shared voice

@museumsassociation.bsky.social

Excellent turnout for Sharon Heal setting a tone of outspokenness & reflection for this year’s conference. Big thank you to @tracybrabin.bsky.social for shoutouts for WY museums including the National Coal Mining Museum #Museums2024

@museumsassociation.bsky.social

Day of discovery for us about Great Grandad George.

A battling Welsh Bantam, he served 1914-18, was at Bourlon Wood & captured at the Battle of the Lys.

Thanks @BElliottAuthor (Twitter) for inspiring us to revisit his story, @Sommecourt for podcast on Bourlon & @1418Research for lecture about Lys.

Pte (& Miner) George Tanner, in uniform after signing up & German records of his capture on front line during the German offensive, the Battle of the Lys, 9/4/18, whilst serving with the 18th Welsh.

He made it.

Last pic is back at pit top 30+ years later, 2nd row far left.

The Gardens of Remembrance, created in 1920, and with the three spires of Lichfield’s medieval cathedral behind.

This year’s ceremony starts today at 11am.