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NAMHO - the National Association of Mining History Organisations

The Derbyshire Caving Club is a member of NAMHO.  The aims and interests of NAMHO are summarised in the text below which will be found on the NAMHO website at www.namho.org (About Us page).  Details are also provided for the next and subsequent conferences.

About NAMHO -o- Conference details -o- Recent meetings

About NAMHO

NAMHO was formed in 1979 to act as the national body for mining history in the UK and Ireland.  There are now over 80 member organisations, including societies, museums, firms, etc.

• N-ATIONAL in our title means that we represent mining history throughout the UK and Ireland.
• A-IMS are to allow liaison between our members and to act as a single national voice for the benefit of mining history.
• M-INING history is the study of how metals, coal, stone, etc were mined in this country from prehistoric times to date.
• H-ELP is given to individuals, government bodies and commercial firms in both practical and academic matters.
• O-UR object is to increase the knowledge of mining history in the United Kingdom and Ireland and to promote it in all its aspects.

WHO CAN BECOME A MEMBER?

There is no individual membership of NAMHO.  Any bona fide organisation with an interest in mining history can apply to become a Full Member.  Other organisations who do not qualify under the above, but who are interested in the activities of member organisations, can apply to become an Affiliate Member.

HOW IS NAMHO RUN?

Every Full Member nominates a representative and, regardless of size, is entitled to a single vote on the Council which meets twice a year.  Day to day management is carried out by annually elected officers.  Affiliate Members are entitled to attend the Council meetings but have no vote.   NAMHO does not seek to control the activities of its member organisations, only to act on their behalf.

WHAT DOES NAMHO DO?

Guidelines

It produces guidelines for those involved in surface or underground industrial archaeology.

 

External Liaison

It liaises with public and private bodies over matter of preservation and access.  NAMHO prides iself in taking a sensible approach to this since it can take a national overview of the situation.

 

Internal Liaison

It acts as a means of allowing members to exchange information and ideas. It produces a regular Newssheet for members in which items of national interest are disseminated.

 

Consultation

It is consulted over planning applications and site scheduling.  Not only can NAMHO provide archaeological information but also details on the extent and condition of mine workings.  Members of NAMHO have served on government committees dealing with mine databases and methods of making entrances safe.

 

Information

As the national body, NAMHO is the quickest way of obtaining information on mines in the UK and Ireland.  The individual members of its organisations hold more information on disused mine sites than any library or record office. Any query can be directed very quickly to the appropriate organisation or person.

 

Interpretation

Many of NAMHO's members are museums and NAMHO encourages the interpretation of mining sites for the public.  This can vary from un-manned sites to full-scale theme parks. NAMHO is glad to advise any new scheme that involves some aspect of mining.

 

Conferences and Field Meets

Every year it organises a Mining History Conference which nowadays incorporates a field meet.  This is held in different parts of the UK and is hosted by one of the NAMHO member organisations.  It takes place over an extended weekend and events include lectures, seminars and field trips.

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?

NAMHO is the only national body representing the specialised knowledge and skills involved in mining history.  As more ex-mining land is developed, the information on such sites will become very important.  NAMHO will continue to help everyone to enjoy our mining heritage, whilst maintaining a responsible and professional attitude.

To visit the NAMHO website, click HERE. 

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2010 National Conference

The 2010 conference will take place in South Gloucestershire.  It is being hosted by the South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group (SGMRG), Hades Caving Club and Friends of Ram Hill Colliery (FoRHC).  Details of trips and lectures can be obtained from the conference website.

Subsequent conferences have been proposed as follows although details may change later:

• 2011 - Shropshire hosted by SCMS
• 2012 - Who knows?  it could be you!

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Recent Meetings

NAMHO Delegates and observers attend two Council Meetings and one AGM each year.  Minutes are posted on the following page which is available with a password obtainable from the NAMHO Secretary () or complete for bona fide delegates.

Recent meetings have been:

• Council meeting 15/11/2008 at the National Coalmining Museum, Caphouse Colliery, Yorkshire
• AGM and Council meeting 15/3/2009 at the National Stone Centre, Derbyshire

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