Cwmystwyth
Scheduled Ancient Monument consent has been obtained for underground work in Lefel Fawr. This is in two stages, the first being the securing of the sagging timber above the skipway using concrete, with a cladding of packwall harmonious with that already there. It is hoped that the repair will be permanent and will present an outward appearance which would not be noticeable as a modern intrusion.
The second is the fitting of a steel supported roadway through the area which is currently passable through a very awkward plastic pipe. It will be of full walking height and I hope to expose the raid in the floor which carries the truck just inside.
I envisage (subject to final approval) a structure of steel RSJ uprights with similar crosspiece inside and outside with a third fitted half way through once the pipe is removed. Waste rock will then be used to packwall the sides. I hope again that the final appearance will be a neat and tidy job with a nice photographic angle on the truck from the outside.
This will enable men and materials easy access for maintenance of timberwork etc as well as improving rescue access should this ever be necessary.
It is interesting to note that this is the very first instance of SAM approval being given for underground works in Wales and is something of a landmark.
With the withdrawal of the Hydro the trust is now fully dependant on its small grazing income and voluntary donations and we express gratitude for the generous support of the Welsh Mines Society in the past.
The work in Lefel Fawr is going to cost money and to this end I would liked to bid once again on behalf of the trust for a share of calendar fund.
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Further news is that the contracts have been signed for the transfer of Dinas silica mines to our associated company NAL, I await confirmation from the solicitor of finalisation, but at the moment is out of office/holidays just about everywhere.
My avatar is a poor likeness.