As Education Officer for NPHT at Nenthead I have been asked to focus on informal learning.
It has been suggested that we organise a series of courses/ workshops/practical days on a variety of underground exploration topics – particularly for those that are new to mine exploration, or those that want to increase their skills, ability and knowledge.
Suggested topics could be:-
Equipment
Archaeology and Conservation
Mine Hazards & Incident Management
Basic Surveying
Basic Rigging
Personal SRT
Underground Photography
Geology
Social History of Nenthead Mines
Perhaps a series of Saturdays, one on each topic chosen
We could extend this for those travelling further and offer subsidised use of our bunkhouses on the Saturday night, Sunday spent on a series of tours, or explores underground.
I must point out that at the moment I have no funding for such a project, so it would have to cover its own costs, but funding could also be explored.
I noticed a recent discussion on the forum here a few weeks ago about learning SRT techniques ... so it set me off on this suggestion.
Comments?
A good idea?
A terrible idea?
Other topics to be considered?

Looking forward to your opinions

Paul Mercer
Education Officer
NPHT

Hi Paul,

Sounds like you may well have the makings there of a proper underground group if that all happens.

It would also be good to attract more experienced explorers to carry out much more deeper mine explorations at Nent, I have a long list of things that would require experienced people. Our problem is always man power.

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Sounds good to me, in fact so good I may join.....

Paul, without doubt a bold and good idea. I'm new - and still not actually involved in- mine exploration. have done my own explorations as far as possible in Weardale, Derbyshire, and Nenthead area . Even joined a North England mining history/ exploration group but ... their schedule of trips are generally categorised as 'diifficult' and above, involving SRT - which for a beginner with no real experience is a bit frustrating. There seems to a lack of oppurtunity for beginners to get some knowledge and experience in order to be able to do these trips.
Definitely good idea, good to raise it if nothing else. Good luck

Paul, absolutely spot on. I think that there must be plenty of experienced mine explorers around who equate experience with skill. Many are lacking a grounding in several of your topics but are extremely proficient at SRT and Rigging. To be a well rounded explorer, I think you need all the skills you can muster.
For example I don't have SRT competence so I know what I am missing out on when I say I can't get down Proud's sump but how many are not even aware of the archeology or geology that they are passing by?
Providing you can get the right calibre of lecturer, I don't think there are many around who would not benefit from attending at least one the education days.
From what I have seen, there seems to be a fair bit of government/EU money flying around the Alston Moor/North Pennines area at the moment so I don't think finance should be a major worry.
Good luck and count me in for most of the topics. :thumbsup:

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Hi Paul,
i think this is a great idea, most caving clubs will show people how to go about SRT (but you generally have to join the club!) The other courses sound like a really good idea. I'm a geologist and it always suprises me how often people walk past (or even climb over) really interesting features without noticing them!
One topic you might want to consider would be Cave Rescue (unless you'd cover that in incident management?) Oh, and how about navigating underground (or is it just me who regularly goes round in circles?!) :lol:

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