While working on the Tony Jarratt log books I came across the following entry:

Cwmystwyth Mine
1/5/71
Simon Hughes +3 (NCMC)
John Alder (WCC) +2.
Andy Pickersgill

4¾ hrs

Andy and I met the others at the entrance to Taylors Level where we used dinghies and tyres to pass the flooded section. After exploring the flooded upper levels (3 of us) we then laddered an 85’ inclined shaft down to the Bonsall’s or Jubilee level (Level Fawr). Again we examined all the passages leading off from this section but the main route through to the other mine (see below) is blocked by roof falls. A wet 80’ pitch was then laddered down the stope and this brought us to the flooded Kingside Level – the lowest adit in the mine. I followed this for some way until the water became too deep – could probably be dived or snorkelled. All then returned to surface and John and his two friends took Andy and I into the main entrance to Jubilee Level. We were shown the beautifully timbered incline shaft down to Kingside and then we inspected the legendary MACHINE! Installed in 1960/1 by John & Co. (and Old ‘Oppy) it had been going strong since then. Water, dropping from an ore chute – filled up a complicated tube system and balanced can; which eventually rang a bloody great alarm bell! The noise of the thing ringing, to someone entering the old level for the first time, must be frightening. Although it has temporarily stopped it was planned to mend it the following day. A very good trip to a superb mine. Will definitely return.


I am very curious about this contraption. Did anyone see it, and can you explain how it worked? I mentioned it in another thread, but this is the full log book entry.

🔗Cwmystwyth-Lead-Mine-User-Album-Image-004[linkphoto]Cwmystwyth-Lead-Mine-User-Album-Image-004[/linkphoto][/link]

I took this ages ago, as we all know access is no longer allowed into Cwmystwyth.
Pete, you should be able to see the remnants of the alarm. I did not take a close up, i just wanted a pic of the bridge! There is a piece of plastic tube, a blue tool tray and a broken pivoting system. If i remember correctly, thats about all that remains.

Both Simon Hughes and John Alder are good personal friends of mine, I shall be seeing Simon this weekend and will ask him to post something. He normally posts on the 'other' site as Simon H

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That would be great! I have no reason for asking other than pure curiosity. Maybe other people I know might be interesting in building another one (elsewhere!), just for the crack!

Just heard new arrangements for Saturday, will not see Simon until the following week at least.
I will email him now and ask him if he will post on this.

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Peter

As you said the "original Cwmystwyth Bell" was installed in the 1960's by Hoppy (who I believe was John Alder's father-in-law).

It worked on and off for many years, and became a bit of a legend. In 2002 the NAMHO conference was held in Aberystwyth, when underground trips (with permission from the Crown Estate) were held at Cwmystwyth. I thought it would be a good idea to install a replica of the Cwmystwyth Bell in its original location in the "bell chamber" in Level Fawr. The replical bell was constructed by John Alder's friend Roy Quillam and installed in time for the NAMHO visits.

A couple of rusted pieces of the original bell can be found in the "bell chamber".

The bell was operated by a water balance.

I will post a couple of photos under Cwmystwyth.

Mwynwr

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I have added some photos of the "replica bell" in the Cwmystwyth Album.

I hope this answers Peter's questions.

mwynwr

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