Hello all,

I'm on a bit of a quest to find out more about the mines in Swaledale, and hoping you knowledgeable folks can help me out!

I've actually joined the forum for research purposes – much as I would LOVE to explore old mine shafts I actually work for BBC Radio 4, and I am making a programme about the history and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales. I knew a fair amount about the history of lead mining in the area, but I’m afraid I had no idea that people still explore and/or restore those mines! It’s very exciting, and I would love to find out more from people who actually do it, and possibly (if they would be up for it) head out to a mine and do an interview or two.

We'll be primarily in the area along the Corpse Way from Keld down through Muker and on to Grinton, so I'd especially be interested if anyone knew of any places we could visit along that route. Message me on here, or at [email protected] as well, whatever suits you. Any help much appreciated!

Em

Hi Emily

Here is a good lead for you, note that there is a reserch group that does underground

http://www.yorkshiredalesminingmuseum.com/ 

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I did reply yesterday but being such a technofobe I don't think it sent! here goes again,i wont go into detail this time but ive had a chat to the chairman of our group and we are more than happy to show you around and explain what we do,how we do it and where,as im the youngest member of the group at 37 im not that knowledgeable on all mining but a few of the oldest will be more than happy to share their imformation about swaledale as they ve lived in this area over 70 years.this isn't just a hobby we just want to keep intact the only real heritage there is still left around here,hope to here back from you via email,kind regards gary

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what a load of bollocks bbc4 are,they want to speak to me in person about swaledale mining on the phone,so there I am waiting for the ******* phone to ring every day this week,well its right what everyone says "we ll speak when it suits us" well you ve pissed me off now idont want to tell u what u want to know that goes for the rest of the group too,our hard to get hold of group is going to get harder,so swivel on this bbc:guns:

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They seemed really up for wanting to meet the group I'm in. Then received a message saying that they don't need us now as they've got someone else to show them stuff. Bleeding charming - won't bother trying to offer help again when they obviously didn't want it! :curse:

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They seemed really up for wanting to meet the group I'm in. Then received a message saying that they don't need us now as they've got someone else to show them stuff. Bleeding charming - won't bother trying to offer help again when they obviously didn't want it! :curse:

Well let them know, its not acceptable!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/ 

Don't take it all so personal gents, they were talking about coming up here to do some jet mines for Countryfile a few months back and in the end it all evaporated into a 30-second puff piece that showed you nowt.

I personally wouldn't waste my time with the media. If they want to find out about these places I'd let them do their own legwork first.

Yup! this "Media Goldmine" does not exist, midlands tv once approached us to do a series of short sketches about the daily life of a hill farmer to be inserted into one of their magazine programmes, when we asked for payment, they ran away!.

Granada TV used our livestock in one of their TV films, all we got was minimum expenses.

If anyone from the media approaches you wanting to film, just ask them how much they are willing to pay, it usually gets rid of them;)

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Its one of the more beautiful & interesting corners of the world & a place utterly deserving of more than a few minutes on TV. Hopefully they've managed to find somebody to help them for reasons & other than cash! 🙂

I think the only time the media will be interested in our activities is when an accident occurs.
I think in view of access problems the less we tell them the better!
Swaledale generally seems pretty open, but at any time it could all change!

I think the lasting work you're all doing to restore portals and keep routes open is of infinitely more value than a 5 minute sound-bite on telly ever would be.

"Do you get scared ?"
"Is it dark ?"

In fairness, a gentle mid-afternoon slot on Radio 4 about the Corpse Way probably won't bring about the end of mine-exploring as we know it... 🙂

The Tour de France will be approaching the Buttertubs in a few minutes then the area in question should anyone be interested. Eurosport & I think ITV4.

aye,it came within 10 feet of our house and lasted a whole 10 seconds! up the itv f**k the bbc;D

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