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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
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 50 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 three times 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. We do not seek to control the activities of our member organisations, only to act on their behalf.
WHAT DO WE DO?
- Guidelines
- We produce guidelines for those involved in surface or underground industrial archaeology.
- External Liaison
- We liaise with public and private bodies over matter of preservation and access. We pride ourselves in taking a sensible approach to this since we can take a national overview of the situation.
- Internal Liaison
- We act as a means of allowing members to exchange information and ideas. We produce a regular Newssheet for members in which items of national interest are disseminated.
- Consultation
- We are consulted over planning applications and site scheduling. Not only can we 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, we are the quickest way of obtaining information on mines in the UK and Ireland. The individual members of our organisations hold more information on disused mine sites than any library or record office. If you have a query, we can direct it very quickly to the appropriate organisation or person.
- Interpretation
- Many of our members are museums and we encourage the interpretation of mining sites for the public. This can vary from un-manned sites to full-scale theme parks. We are glad to advise any new scheme that involves some aspect of mining.
- Conferences and Field Meets
- Every year we organise 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 our member organisations. It takes place over an extended weekend and events include lectures, seminars and field trips.
WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?
We are 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. We will continue to help everyone to enjoy our mining heritage, whilst maintaining a responsible and professional attitude.
To visit the NAMHO website, click HERE.
2008 National Conference
The 2008 conference will take place in Scotland. Further details can be obtained from these documents. You must refer to the NAMHO website for the most up to date information. No responsibility can be held by the DCC for any inaccuracies in the information reproduced below.
Accommodation and interest sites
Subsequent conferences have been proposed as follows although details may change later:
- 2009 - Matlock, Derbyshire hosted by PDMHS (including field trips at Alderley Edge)
- 2010 - South Gloucestershire
- 2011 - Shropshire hosted by SCMS
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