Mining interests grew out of my caving career.  After graduating, I became increasingly interested in the Mines at Alderley Edge and elsewhere in the UK.  Alderley led on to an interest in mining history.

Historic mines provide a fascinating insight into work in previous times and an impressive example of the resourcefulness of our forefathers.  Rarely in this world can one come across a worker's tools still in place 300 years after he left to go home one day.  Exploring how a mine was worked and to where it might extend provide two particular interests in this field.

For more information about mining, try one of these links below:

• The Alderley Edge Mines
• National Association of Mining History Organisations
• The Parys Mountain website

(Photos: Left: Sand Cavern, Wood Mine; right: Geevor Mine; by NJD)