Apedale Heritage Trust
Add to calWilliam Smith Building, Keele University and via zoom
Presented by Les Mason Apedale is obviously an important part in the reminder of the role played by the mining industry in the Potteries. Les has kindly agreed to come along and give a presentation on the happenings and developments of the Apedale Heritage Centre over the past 20 years. The current Trustees and Directors took over from a previous group, who were in a serious financial position following a previous pandemic, i.e. Foot and Mouth, which had closed the Country Park and stripped them of any revenue possibilities. It was obvious from the start that the underground tour needed updating and improving and the same could be said of the museum. A decision was made that education and training was to be our goal, as no income could be achieved by waiting for one man and his dog at the weekends. Although the aim was achievable in time, the arrival, after long negotiations with the Coal Authority and the Bugsworth Narrow Gauge Railway Society was the key to much of our current success. However, as one door opens, we encountered a series of issues, when undocumented mine shafts beneath the building were discovered, preventing us from fully utilising the second floor of the building and this will, even now, take some years to resolve.” Les will give his presentation and will also bring interesting artefacts which will enhance his talk. A buffet supper will be served after the lecture, at which everyone will be very welcome.
