Nottinghamshire Mining Museum

02/11/2025

28/09/2025

A TRAGIC LOSS OF 80 LIVES - 26TH SEPTEMBER 1950
CRESWELL - A VILLAGE IN DEEP MOURNING - 75 YEARS AGO

TODAY we are remembering and will never forget the terrible loss of 80 lives at CRESWELL COLLIERY on the 26TH SEPTEMBER 1950.

The Inquiry into the disastrous accident which occurred at Creswell Colliery, Derbyshire, on 26th September, 1950. resulting in the tragic loss of 80 lives, had to be held in two stages.

The accident was due to a disastrous fire which started at a transfer point of the trunk belt conveyor system in the South Western Main Intake Haulage Road in the High Hazel seam. Because of tbe intensity and extent of the fire and of the inability to get it under control, it was found necessary to seal off the part of the mine in which the fire was located in order to extinguish the fire by depriving it of air.

Not until the district was reopened about one year later. were investigators able to study fully the origin and extent of the fire and the probable course of events inbye where the victims had been at work.

The Inquiry was opened at the Miners’ Institute, Creswell, on the 17th October, 1950, and, after hearing evidence from 26 witnesses about conditions and happenings up to the time when the fire was sealed the Inquiry was adjourned. It was resumed on the 27th November, 1951, when eight new witnesses were called and four of the previous witnesses were re examined.

Please go to our website to read the full report. The village is holding a number of acts of remembrance. Thanks to the Derby Telegraph and Denis Thorpe for this photograph https://www.nottsminingmuseum.org.uk/a-tragic-loss-of-80-lives-a-village-in-deep-mourning/

18/09/2025

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05/09/2025

Save The Date: Saturday 4th October 2025
Women Who Make – A Festival of Creativity at Masson Mills.

Join us for a one-day celebration of women’s creativity, making and heritage in the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

This free, family-friendly festival brings together artists, makers, community groups and performers to explore the rich legacy and vibrant future of women who make in Derbyshire and beyond.
* Artist talks
* Workshops and demos
* Maker showcase
* Live music
* Plus: the powerful exhibition Standing In This Place by Rachel Carter

Everyone welcome | Free to attend
Masson Mills, Matlock Bath

Full programme to be announced soon – watch this space!
Brought to you by DerbyshireMakes in partnership with Masson Mills and Rachel Carter Sculpture



https://www.massonmills.co.uk/events/

12/08/2025

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE MINING MUSEUM - A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR

THANKS TO THOSE WHO HELPED US ACHIEVE IT

This year we have had record visitor numbers to our Exhibitions –

• The Pits, including a coal face experience and our Shining a Light tribute to Sherwood Colliery
• Into the Light – celebrating women’s achievements
• VE Day and miners' contribution to the war effort

We should like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to those who helped us pay for our Exhibitions, for our work in schools and for all our work ensuring that the coal mining heritage of Nottinghamshire and the sacrifice and courage of its mining families is not forgotten.

We should like to thank the following for their generous support:

Nottinghamshire County Councillors Divisional Fund
UK Prosperity Fund
Mansfield Building Society
Thomas Farr
Brunts Charity
Nottingham Community Fund
Miner2Major
Tregenza.com

There is still time to visit us. We are in the East Unit of Mansfield Railway Station and we are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. #@

09/08/2025

This is a Stock Book Series video from the GVLR on the Hay Cart Wagon that we have. Watch out for more videos on our other rolling stock items. More informat...

09/08/2025

https://youtu.be/MoO88MT2cOw?si=i4EoUGtChfLYZ-mx The Golden Valley Railway have carried out some invaluable research. We recommend a visit. The video also includes details of our own pony display. Visit Nottinghamshire Mining Museum also. We are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 10.00 am until 2.00 pm u till the end of October. Share your pony stories with us and the GVLR.

This is a Stock Book Series video from the GVLR on the Hay Cart Wagon that we have. Watch out for more videos on our other rolling stock items. More informat...

13/07/2025