North Staffordshire Branch Meetings 2004-2005
Tuesday 21st September 7.30pm "Steak and Ale" night at the Plough Inn, Etruria
This year's first event went extremely well with seventeen members and
guests in attendance for one of the best steaks that you could ever have.
I am certain that most people will return to sample other meals from the excellent selection at the
Plough Inn unless they are vegetarians. An enjoyable evening was had by all that attended.
Tuesday 19th October Apedale Mining Centre
Staffordshire's Past preserved for the future - A fun and interesting Day out for all.
This special attraction was created at the site of Apedale Mine, one of the last working coal mines in North Staffordshire. The centre's knowledgeable staff are always there to help you enjoy a time of discovery and exploration of the Apedale Valley's important contribution to the economic culture of generations of Staffordshire people. The rich deposits of coal, a vital fuel which made the Industrial Revolution possible, ironstone and clay in the valley put it in the forefront of the industry and gave rise to collieries, ironworks, brickworks, railways and a canal.
The Romans established a fort and town nearby and here we find the earliest evidence of coal mining in the area. During the first century AD the local coal and ironstone were being used in the manufacture of pottery and iron goods. Many local people remember the nearby tank factory of the 1950's where tanks and amphibious military vehicles were repaired and tested.
Apedale mine, one of the very few open to the public, is a footrail, where the coal face is reached by means of an inclined, rather than a vertical shaft. It once employed between 100 and 140 men and twice established national records for output per man shift. This is where the last coal was drawn in North Staffordshire.
Discover this area's past from pre-historic times to the modern day.
We had a very informative talk and tour around both the museum
and the mine. The visit was well attended and everybody went away more
enlightened. The evening ended with a Pie and Pea Supper.
Mr Bernard Picken from Ibstock Brick gave the vote of thanks.
For those of you who would like to visit
Underground Visits: Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 am till 3pm
Weekdays by appointment only
Adults £3.00 Children and OAP's £1,50
Heritage Museum, Cafe and Shop open daily 10.30am till 4pm
For more information please call 01785 813417 (day) 07940 192718 (eve) or visit the website www.apedale.heritage.cwc.net
November
ICT National Seminar talk
December
Talk and anecdotal tales of a
travelling salesman by
Clive Drinkwater
of the North Staffordshire
Chamber of Commerce
North Staffordshire Branch : Annual Dinner
Thursday 27th, 7:30pm
Moat House Hotel
February
Visit to either Portmeirion in Stoke
Or
Churchill Tableware in Tunstall
Thursday 17th March
Joint Meeting with
West Midlands Branch
To review IOM3 situation.
Venue to be advised
April
Visit the new production plant of
H & R Johnson
Tour would start at around 6.30 to 7pm.
Technical Executive Tony Cotton
Thursday 17th May
Joint Meeting with
West Midlands Branch
To review IOM3 situation.
Venue to be advised
All events are held at
The North Staffordshire Medical Institute,
7.30pm. Unless stated otherwise.