http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/2010/04/01/103k-funds-ironstone-mining-museum-vision-84229-26151496/ CLEVELAND Ironstone Mining Museum has opened a superb £103,000 extension - hoping to boost its record visitor attendances even further.
Alan Chilton explores the attraction
Last year nearly 6,000 visitors - an all time best - came to the Skinningrove centre locally and from far and wide and a further 113,000 people logged on to its website to find out more about this East Cleveland gem.
These figures are even more impressive as the centre closed for six months while the extension building work took place.
The museum was officially opened this week by Geoff Hodgson, chairman of the North East Tourism Board and it has a new entrance, reception and shop area at ground level, plus new disabled access.
A small theatre gives visitors an introduction to ironstone mining and a new exhibition room and stable complete the ground floor. A classroom/meeting room is now available on the first floor.
Also new is the lighting in the North Drift mine and the roof over the ventilation area.
Mr Hodgson told volunteers: “What you’ve achieved here in the last few months is amazing. Originator Tom Leonard’s desire to preserve Cleveland’s ironstone heritage has enabled everyone to enjoy this fantastic day.
“Tourism in the North-east is doing well and it’s down to volunteers like those here.
“People who come to this region want things to see and do and this does more - it informs.”
Geoff Hodgson cuts the ribbon with Whitecliffe Primary pupils, Jodie Paul and Adam McMillan
Carlin How’s Whitecliffe Primary School pupils Adam McMillan, nine and Jodie Paul, 10, held the ribbon for the opening snip by Mr Hodgson. They had both previously been on a tour of the museum and said it was “great”.
Museum chairman Stewart McFarlane, said: “You can stand and walk in the spaces where generations of local miners earned their living digging out lumps of ore that eventually became structures that still dominate landscapes around the world today.
“It’s testimony to the age of man that created the iron and steel industry, giving life to Teesside - and the best steel in the world.”
The museum opens for the 2010 season today and will be open Monday to Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm (last tour) and Saturdays 1pm - 3.30pm (last tour). All visitors get guided tours. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer guide should call Chris on 01287 642877, or visit www.ironstonemuseum.co.uk.