LIVING HISTORY
There’s so much to see, do and learn about in the railway and heritage sectors, and if you enjoyed the features on our previous pages about the rise of coal and the Wythall miniature railway, then on these pages you will see a few more places you can visit to enjoy miniature locomotives or learn more about our industrial heritage.
Although the mines have closed, many societies have kept the spirit of mining alive and created living museums. In much the same way as heritage railways, these museums are a hands-on way of learning about the past. Bilsthorpe, which opened its doors to the public on July 2014, charts the development of a ‘deep’ mine and the changes in equipment and household items which relate not just to Bilsthorpe, but the mining community in general.
The Pit Pony Sanctuary & Fforest Uchaf Horse & Pony Rehabilitation Centre provides a safe haven for animals that have suffered neglect or found themselves in other issues. The sanctuary is home to 30-yearold Spike, the UK’s last living working pit pony, who worked at several small collieries in the Swansea valley.
The miniature railways all provide great days out and have further attractions to amuse younger children too. Miniature and narrow gauge railways provide great trips and can be a welcome change from standard gauge lines.