There was an article on Border News last night, saying that yesterday should have been the last day of pumping
at Florence Mine, Egremont. Apparently the mine owes thousands of pounds in electricity bills. Owner Gilbert Finlinson vows to fight on.

I'd make a direct link to the article, but the Border TV website is nearly as dire as the news program itself.

Try http://www.itvlocal.com/border/news/ 
Search for 'florence' - good luck

I was talking to a bloke last night who served his time at Beckermet. He was adamant that the museum was still open and U/G visits were still happening. I was quite sure the museum was closed. Is the mine still operating or is it all now closed up ?

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From what I gather, the West Cumberland Mines Research Group museum is no longer on the site.

Pretty sure if you turn up with some money you'll get an underground trip.

From what I gather, the West Cumberland Mines Research Group museum is no longer on the site.

Pretty sure if you turn up with some money you'll get an underground trip.

Hi all;
Funnily enough I was on their website earlier, and as you say they,re no-longer on site (or at least that,s the implication). I went there many years ago, and would like to re-visit. Does anyone have any estimates as to how long it will take the workings to flood?

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Its very sad its done for and even more sad that Gilbert seems to have got himself into such debt trying to keep it going when it had no chance of covering his costs.
The WCMR saw it coming and left months ago.

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Does anyone have any estimates as to how long it will take the workings to flood?

From the 'Whitehaven News' :

Without pumping, he said the water levels would rise 3ft to 4ft a day and it would take only two weeks to stop the underground working operations

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Does anyone have any estimates as to how long it will take the workings to flood?

From the 'Whitehaven News' :

Without pumping, he said the water levels would rise 3ft to 4ft a day and it would take only two weeks to stop the underground working operations

Wow!" Now thats quite substantial. So if we were going to do a trip there - then it would have to be soonish.

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I would be very interested in a trip there, but I am unsure about how the mine owner feels towards 'Mining Enthusiasts' as he apparantly fell out with museum operators which were a well know local mine exploration group.

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I would be very interested in a trip there, but I am unsure about how the mine owner feels towards 'Mining Enthusiasts' as he apparantly fell out with museum operators which were a well know local mine exploration group.

Ok well, I suppose the big step is to persuade them that we,re not just tourists and actuly "proper explorers" - and then see what they say.

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If someone can come up with a phone number I'll give him a ring, but to be honest, I am sure he has far more on his mind at the moment than catering for interested enthusiasts.
If it is to close though, I would certainly like to visit before it floods..

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Sad day indeed you can really feel for Gilbert poor bloke has put every thing in to that hole. only been down once of the tour they used to do but it was very interesting so if yopu can get one arranges count me in

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I 2nd that! To think of all the effort put into Florence, and then to have it wasted - especially as its Britains last deep iron mine is a real shame.

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i went on a trip organised by manchester museum a few years ago it was very interesting,most of the mine is flooded only the top levels are still being worked,sellafield were pumping water at thier cost for reactor coolant which kept florence going but last year they decided they didnt need his water any more so i bet his problems started then as he would have to bear the cost of pumping himself,unfortunatly i took a cheap digi camera with me and it really couldnt cope with the rusty red passages so the pics were dreadfull but for those not been down heres a rather foggy view of the workings.or should i say rusty.

[img]http://www.aditnow.co.uk/showimage?f=/community/Personal-Album-252-Image-013/[/img]

[img]http://www.aditnow.co.uk/showimage?f=/community/Personal-Album-252-Image-014/[/img]

[img]http://www.aditnow.co.uk/showimage?f=/community/Personal-Album-252-Image-015/[/img]

[img]http://www.aditnow.co.uk/showimage?f=/community/Personal-Album-252-Image-016/[/img]

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I went on a trip down the mine with Gilbert in March last year, The pumps had just been turned off then and mining was beginning to stop. It was flooding massively then, we came to a part of a lower level he wanted to show us but it had flooded overnight. It was basically the same story as now, I thought it had already flooded! Im very confused as to why its the same story but now, and if it got re-pumped after the last flooding? He was planning to try and store nuclear waste in lower levels and keep mining upper parts of the mine. Gilbert is a lovely chap, although somewhat stained red! He used to live in my village, he also worked in the burtreepasture mine in cowshill, he regretedly helped cement in the underground water wheels apparently. Such a shame to see this mine go, (again?)

Hmm.. that is a bit confusing?
perhaps it was later decided to continue pumping for a short while.
But anyway; is anyone else interested in having a "last" visit here?

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The thing is, once they turn the electric off, nothing will be working. From the news clip, it would appear that Gilbert has been given a reprieve, but for how long ?

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It would be brilliant to get in and have one last look around does any one have the number to give him a call before it is to late

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Does anybody know the current position with the mine?

Has it flooded or is there any access, can't seem to find anything on it.

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I have activley been involved with Gilbert and Florence for over 3 years now, there is a lot of speculation as to whats happening at the mine, as of 2 days ago the mine was flooded to bottom of main decline..and the loco is under water,B.N.F. pulled out of pumping water some time ago, and left an amount of money on trust with a local group of people to pay power bills until an alternative system of funding is found by Gilbert, On the charities commission web site its states that the money was to be used for that purpose. which left Gilbert up the creek, he has payed for a certain amount of pumping by himself. Then he finds the water going down, some-one is pumping, leaving the bill for Gilbert. I feel he has had a bad deal throughout this mess, but he aint finished yet, watch this space, he will still take people around the site etc, he is of the old school not into lawyers and judges etc, but he is now !! lets see what happens, I due to see him for a few days 13 april, we are going to get the loco up to grass.

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Maybe comment on the relationship between WCMRG and EMC, and the apportionment of blame for the current situation, should not be made while the former, quite rightly, avoid public discussion as the matter is in the hands of lawyers. No doubt at some time in the future a statement will be issued giving their version of the reasons for parting company. As to the proposal for dumping nuclear waste in there ----- well :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ---- trouble is he's serious!