I went down a potash mine today. It was a unique experience.
An experience I was lucky to have. A life-affirming experience.
I can honestly say that I would be useless as a miner. I don't have the strength of character or the physical strength to work the face, day in and day out.
I take nothing away from the men and women mining today by saying they've got it hard but not as hard as the men of the past who would have been breaking the coal, lead or potash seams with their bare hands. A pick, a shovel and brute force, in much more cramped conditions than today. Day in day out, long drawn out shifts. I couldn't do it.
Even the miners I met today still have it hard. There might be the cutting machines breaking out the potash and the shuttles taking it to the conveyor belts, to take out through the shafts, but the men still have to work theses machines and vehicles miles underground and miles out to sea. 34 to 45 degrees, humid dust filled air. At times hard to breathe. Each breath in and out is coated, weighed down with dust. The dust is in your eyes, mouth, nostrils, ears. Its under your skin.
I have to admire and respect the men and women who continue to make their lives as miners.
I know I couldn't do it.
An experience I was lucky to have. A life-affirming experience.
I can honestly say that I would be useless as a miner. I don't have the strength of character or the physical strength to work the face, day in and day out.
I take nothing away from the men and women mining today by saying they've got it hard but not as hard as the men of the past who would have been breaking the coal, lead or potash seams with their bare hands. A pick, a shovel and brute force, in much more cramped conditions than today. Day in day out, long drawn out shifts. I couldn't do it.
Even the miners I met today still have it hard. There might be the cutting machines breaking out the potash and the shuttles taking it to the conveyor belts, to take out through the shafts, but the men still have to work theses machines and vehicles miles underground and miles out to sea. 34 to 45 degrees, humid dust filled air. At times hard to breathe. Each breath in and out is coated, weighed down with dust. The dust is in your eyes, mouth, nostrils, ears. Its under your skin.
I have to admire and respect the men and women who continue to make their lives as miners.
I know I couldn't do it.
3 comments:
You're quite right I couldn't do it either - just the thought of being underground is enough to freak me out!!
I've managed to get a copy of my grandmothers diary - it's not as comprehensive as I thought but might still be interesting. Where do you want me to send it. my personal email is judith.schultz@ntlworld.com
Thanks for getting in touch. I've emailed you my address. Let me know if there are any problems and thank you.
Went to Beamish on Sunday, didn`t go down the mine this time. It`s £16 to get in now, but if you pay £21, you have a year membership to go whenever you like. There was a vintage car rally on. Took some photos of the coal house, old netty`s and proggy mats. The miners would put them on the bed to keep warm, but through the day they were on the floor.
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