Work Starts to Bring Winding House to Life - March 1st 2010
1 March 2010.
Following a £10,000 funding boost from SITA Trust, work has begun to bring the iconic winding gear at Woodhorn Museum back into full working order. Winding House no.2 was built between 1899 and 1900 and is the last Victorian engine house in Northumberland still to contain a working winder, used in deep mines to bring the coal to the surface, as well as to allow men to reach the pit face. However this marvellous piece of engineering is in need of complete refurbishment to enable the general public the opportunity to see it in action, as part of the museum’s weekly programme of events for visitors. The grade II listed building has only previously been accessible via a guided tour.
Given the unique significance of the winding gear, Woodhorn has commissioned a specialist company Cyrus-RW to re-commission the gearbox to full working condition.
The gear box has recently been removed and taken off site for work to be carried out before the gearbox is reinstalled and members of museum staff are trained to run and maintain the gear. It is hoped that the winding house will be open for visitors in time for the busy summer period.
Keith Merrin, Director of Woodhorn explains ‘No.2 winding house was completed in 1890 to house a second winding engine which would provide a second exit to the men working underground, as laid down by Law as a consequence of the Hartley Colliery disaster in 1862. The disaster which claimed the lives of 204 men and boys was caused by the breaking of the pumping engine beam which fell down the single shaft, blocking the only means of escape and fresh air. The Winderman's job was considered to be essential in the running of the colliery, apart from delivering coal to the surface, the lives of the men underground were dependent on ensuring accessibility to the surface in times of crisis. The engine and engine house are uniquely placed to tell the history of this legislation which provided much safer working conditions for miners both nationally and internationally. Using the winder itself to explain the importance of signalling, maintaining the winder and seeing an original artefact working is inspiring and we look forward to welcoming visitors this summer.’
SITA Trust provides funding through the Landfill Communities Fund. Funding is available
for community and environmental groups to carry out a range of improvement projects.