A Unique History From My Work Diaries

Surveying Jobs

North Nottinghamshire Area from April 1967

Page - 71 -

Jul 1986

Tues 1 …U/g … Visit to Pit bottom area with Howard Lindsey schoolboy … Office … Printing and colouring. Updated Deputy’s Districts plans. Discuss Js and JLO re 2s AW and 3rd drift overcast. Meeting 3.30pm Conveyors DS Widdowson re proposals Following Intake conveyors. Discuss JS. Discuss JL and RS Elec.

Wed 2 … U/g … Offset survey of Following Intake conveyors 2 and 3 for proposed changes and possible Booster conveyor … Office … with PGS plotting same. CIDS and David Phillips Dowty Meco re Booster conveyor. David Lees same. J Stewart same. JLO discuss. Lou Moulsdale Area Safety re SM1 4th drift to re-type again.
Laying the Bathroom floor.

Thurs 3 … Office … Updating Working plans, stencilling, stippling etc. Phone G Austin Bilsthorpe. Discuss WEB Barlow various. Discuss and plan A Liney and Joe L Ottewell 3rd drift / 2s AW. Meeting 3pm Additional Airways DS Widdowson. Discuss Russ Worsey and SN Whittle.

Fri 4 … Office … General, correspondence. Amending Support Rules for 16s LG. Bilsthorpe surveyors came for AGA 220 EDM. Discuss F Gieves 17s. JS re section 3s for Dosco Rep. Phone WEBB. Drawing out method of work for 3rd drift / 2s AW. Discuss KG F 16s and various.

Sat 5 … 22039 tonnes

Mon 7 … Office … Incentive figures. KG F progress. New Wall plans. Calculations with Jack Lyons Elec Engineer tonnages / speeds etc. from 16s at 500 tonnes / hour. Working Ventilation Development plan for 4th drift. ART re ventilation. Meeting 2pm Capital Investment, Manpower Savings and Development DS Widdowson. Discuss SH computer (8 weeks). Wall plans. Discuss JS and Wall plan.

Tues 8 … Office … Ventilation plans to date, info from ART and GM. Various Wall plans hung. Reply to letter from Spain … History and plan … Surface … Measured new Gullick 4/370 Chock Shield … CW S re development. Stores re tapes and with J Lyons re Lockers for bathroom.

Wed 9 … U/g … to 16s re ripping and packing procedure. Discuss men and Officials. (RB*) … Office … John Ryan Safety Officer and Peter Moult ICI Rep re 31s LG shotfiring pattern. Computer programs with S Holland, PGS and IWS and print out. KG F and CW S report re 16s.  
Bathroom finished … Now Clean side and dirty side and outside door.

Thurs 10 … Office … Discuss KG F. Correspondence. MH1 form 17s. Phone G Ison re Dial to go to repairers for overhaul. Phone Don Kent Deputy PGS measures arches at 16s LG re DS Widdowson. Discuss G Austin and IY Wilson various. S Mudd re development. CW S signed MI1 form for 17s.

Fri 11 … Office … Phone Derek Hunter re 35s trim … again. Phone Celia Area Survey Office re plans for earth banks at Bungalow site stocking area. D Hunter brought 35s trim info. Wendy Wain Rep for Zenith took the dial. Drawing of 1s Following Intake conveyor for D Phillips Dowty Meco Rep to CIDS. 2 Notices re start times for B Wells. 3 notices re chiller plant for R Flint.

Sat 12 … 23848 tonnes
Sat 12 … Office … Area HQ progress. CW Standage Wall plan. KG Fidler progress and discuss.
CW Standage off 1 week. KG Fidler Acting Manager. TJ Knott off R Flint Acting Undermanager.

Mon 14 … Office … Quarter end book to date. Discuss ART. Incentive figures. Discuss JLO 2s / 3rd drift. 2 notices for Canteen. 9s finish notice 150m. List of jobs for Pit holidays. Phone Ian Shaw re Rotatrim. Discuss R Flint and Don Kent Deputy re 33s water. Discuss R Flint and John Hutchins re 2s cutting at LG. Info to KG F and JS re 18/19 ft arches at 3rd drift. Water sample from 33s AW to Mansfield Woodhouse Lab, Ron Gillott, for analysis.
Denise Tindale Tracer back from holiday … at Ollerton for 2 weeks

Tues 15 …. Office … RF re water sample. Photographs from Bilsthorpe. KG F re advance pper cut. Also 33s chock. Also Bilsthorpe withdrawal at 23s panel. Ken Cross NACODS re 17s and 4th drift SM1 forms, Discuss DT. Phone Des Thompson Harworth to send Ventilation plan neg. 2 notices B Wells re shift start times. Discuss 2s levels. S Holland re computer.

Wed 16 … Office … Plotted 3rd drift levels. ART re Pit bottom / 4th drift. Made out MI 1 form. Saw KG Fidler re same. Folders for 4th drift and 17s to HMI. Phone EWF Area Subsidence. Phone G Ison re Ossington plans and brought same. Discuss JS bottom of 3rd drift. Discuss MD Clarke re same. Discuss North Derbyshire Area merger. Plans for D Clark for 35s. Ossington plans and discuss. Folders for 4th drift, 17s to Covered Accommodation. MI 1 sent to HMI.

Thurs 17 … Office … General. Denise Tindale discuss. 4th drift fan plan.
Thurs 17 … U/g … to Pit bottom East No1 c4 stopping, No1 pit bottom drivage and sump drift … Office … Discuss JS. Discuss and plans to S West 2s AW bougeeing. 35s face discuss D Hunter. Notice re Booster Fans KG F. Plotting 4th drift and info.

Fri 18 … Substitute Statutory Holiday … Office … Ossington u/g CGS, gasification? Phone Geoff Woods Deputy Area Estates and CJ Whyte same. Discuss KG F and CW S re work routine … Surface … to Pit yard checking … Office … Steve Morris Asst. Cost Clerk re strips etc.

Sat 19 … 16703 tonnes

Pit Holidays First Week Mon 21 – Sat 26

Mon 21 … Surface … Levelling with Chris Ingram Linesman for Aerial photograph points and also for subsidence … Office … Joe L Ottewell Safety Engineer re 9s Support Rules to amend. Lunch Durham Ox Wellow… Office … Calculating and plotting same.

Tues 22 … Surface … Levelling with C Ingram for 9s subsidence down Eakring Road and for 14s subsidence down A616. Lunch at The Harrow … Office … Calculations and plotting. S Mudd re progress plans.

Wed 23 … Office due to rain … Plotted 3rd drift and 4th drift projection. Discuss TJ Knott U/m various. Lunch at Ollerton House … Office … Plotting contours to date.

Thurs 24 … Surface … Subsidence levelling with IWS from Wellow pond to Jordan Castle Farm entrance and Grimston Hill to Ompton for 16s … Office … Discuss TJK. KGF re plans for HMI and JLO. Lunch at Carpenters Arms, Boughton … Office … Discuss HMI Sam Briggs and CW S re 17s and 4th drift SM1s, General.

Fri 25 … Surface … Tacheo survey of No9 Lagoon … 3 men (RB*, IW Smith, C Ingram) … Office … Calculations and plotting same. KG F re prints for 2s. Discuss JR and AJT. Lunch at the Angel … Office … Phone Geoff Austin re Denise Tindale to be at Bilsthorpe next week o.k. Nil

Mon 28 … Showers … Office … General. Phone Jane Arnold Area Survey office. Phone WEBB re Denise Tindale. Discuss Surface plan and Dirt tip plan, Discuss various. C Ingram cleaning out drawers etc. and re-filing. Lunch at the Angel.

Tues 29 … showers … Office … Plan. Phone Bolsover Estates dept. Discuss Charlie ID Swinscoe various. Lunch at Carpenters Arms, Walesby.

Wed 30 … rain … Office … Various info for Surface Strategic Plan, subsidence. Water option etc. Reg 12s and papers. Discuss JLO. Eric Harrison re Walesby. Ken F Greaves called in for discuss. Lunch at the Plough, Caunton.

Thurs 31 … Surface … Tacheo survey of No2 Dirt tip … 4 men (RB*, PGS, IWF, CI). Calculations. CW S re 33s roof bolting. Discuss KG F same and various, also 14s. Lunch at the Harrow … Office … Discuss JL Ottewell re 14s, 2s / 3rd drift overcast etc. Following Intake 3 c/v drive moved 150m outbye. 2s new stage loader.

August 1986
National Coal Board name changed to British Coal.
This meant altering all plan titles. Started on negatives rubbing out.

Fri 1 … Surface … Tacheo survey of old No6 Lagoon capping … 3 men (RB*, PGS, IWS) … Office … Discuss David Oldham Group Elec and R Sneade various. Lunch at the Hop Pole … Office … Convergence figures for 33s face (from measurements by Chris Ingram). Nil
KG Fidler holiday Mon 4 - Sat 16. Denise Tindale for 2 weeks till Fri 15

Mon 4 … Office … Updating Working plans, levels, dates, sections, contours etc. and stippling. Bathroom with P Curtis. Discuss Andrew Higginson Civil Engineer re further excavation of railway bank for top soil for No2 Dirt tip.

Tues 5 … Discuss various and Dirt tips. Water samples 33s LG and AW to Laboratory. Put Kirton Brickworks pillar on 1/10560, 1/10000 and 1/5000 plans. Drawing office query re 3rd drift Junction for vertical pulley wheel tension. CIDS re doors / trap 4th drift / substation C/v Road. Discuss G Ison. Discuss Peter Noone.
R Brocklehurst Linesman on 2 weeks’ notice …

Wed 6 … Office ... Discuss JLO re gate end supports on panels. Discuss Jack Gelsthorpe re new Linesman. Discuss P Hurst. Discuss P Noone re shafts … Surface … measured up new transformers … 2 men (RB*, IWS) … Office … Meeting 12 noon General Development J Stewart. Water figures return. Phone JRG. Discuss Denise Tinsdale, Tracer various.

Thurs 7 … Office … A Higginson prints. Discuss SNW various. Phone RF re 9s. TJK same … work to fault. Phone MD Clarke. CW S re same and confirmed to stop 10m short of fault. WEBB and JRG discuss various re Senior Surveyor Posts etc. 33s LG section for engineers. JLO re report on quarterly check on gate end supports. TJK re 9s can go further! CIDS re Mousetrap in Conveyor Road (42”). MD Clarke brought new Strategic plan and script. WEB Barlow and JR Greasley discuss various.
Applied for a Senior Surveyor post at Area HQ.

Fri 8 … Office … Prints. Discuss PN and RS re 35s stage loader. Checking surface plan. Discuss Ted Hodgson Dirt tips. Plan for 9s extension of working from Steve Mudd.

Sat 9 … 21011 tonnes

Mon 11 … Office … Incentive figures. KG F progress and Wall plan. Area HQ progress. Discuss Steve Lindsay, Cost Clerk. Prints for engineers. Discuss TJ Knott U/m. Discuss Ken Hartwell ATT re shafts. Discuss P Noone re 9s shortening back for stop line. Info to D Miller 33s B to stop line. Phone MDC. Discuss J Stewart.

Tues 12 … Office … Info etc. Correspondence. Discuss Ted Hodgson re Dirt tips. Plotted 3rd drift. Discuss S Mudd re 3rd drift base. Conveyor plan to date. Discuss Des Mapley. Graham Hall Bevercotes phoned re Senior Surveyor job.

Wed 13 … Office … Discuss TJK, Phone CW S query. Phone JL Ottewell Safety Engineer.
Wed 13 … U/g with Charlie ID Swinscoe to fire at Parkgate Intake Booster drive. (RB*). Discuss J Lyons. Discuss JS … Office … Discuss JL Ottewell Safety Engineer re fire. Drawing plan of same. Method Study re conveyor plan. R Flint query re 9s. (785 + 11 u/g)

Thurs 14 … Office … Finished plan of Dangerous Occurrence at Parkgate Booster conveyor. CW S re 9s and 33s finish. Discuss Ken Hartwell ATT various. Discuss JS. Drawing for R Flint 9s stage loader change, to shorten down. Prints. JLO re plans of the conveyor fire. Discuss Steve Lindsay, Cost Clerk. WEB Barlow phone re land at back of Rufford Avenue. Discuss PN.

Fri 15 … Office … Discuss Benny Wells Admin Officer re land. Discuss TJ Knott. Discuss J Ryan. Planimeter and calculations for No2 Dirt tip deposit. Discuss Matt Marshall Store keeper. And S Taylor. Joe L Ottewell 3 prints of conveyor fire for Area Safety dept. Drawing of 9s to R Flint … Surface …with WEB Barlow and discuss Tenant Mr Hancock the field at back of Rufford Avenue. To keep it for possible further use!

Sat 16 … 24409 tonnes
Denise Tindale Tracer for 2 weeks work at Ollerton

Mon 18 … Office … Incentive figures. Discuss John Ryan Safety Officer re plans of conveyor fire. Checking No2 Dirt tip planimeter readings with IW Smith. Info to Pete Butts Dep Mech re 9s LG Dosco Mk 2A outbye head. Area HQ progress … Surface … with CID Swinscoe, measured up 3rd drift paddy cars for examination pits … Office … Discuss J Stewart re 3rd drift normal 16/17 arches and pits for examining paddy cars.

Tues 19 … Office … A Jim Turner Deputy re 14s salvage and weekly inspection amends. Discuss P Noone shaft cable and power lines. Discuss CIDS and MY various. Discuss Conveyor men re Booster conveyor installation at Following Intake 3. KG F re progress. Conference Room wall plans and TJK. Plan for SWH Lindsay Costs. Discuss JR. CIDS re conveyor. TJ Knott re weekend Deputy’s districts. Notice … Cigarettes found underground! Further plans of conveyor fire to Irene Armstrong Clerk, 4 to J Ryan.

Wed 20 … Office … 1/10000 and 1/10560 plans updating. Phone CJ Whyte … mistake on issue of signing of plans instruction! Meeting 2pm Capital Expenditure, Manpower Savings and Development DS Widdowson. Meeting 4pm Additional Airways 3rd and 4th drifts etc. DS Widdowson.

Thurs 21 … U/g … to Pit bottom, various measures taken of convergence etc. (RB*) … Office … CIDS re grades of conveyors etc. CIDS later re Pit bottom and various. Discuss JS and TJK re Pit bottom.

Fri 22 … Office … Gradients on 35s for CIDS. Jonah Porter re Certificates. Amended heading plan for 4th drift. Deputy’s Districts weekend plan with DJ, AJT and TJK. Phone G Ison various. CJ Whyte discuss. Discuss PGS and IWS.

Sat 23 … 24373 tonnes
Sat 23 … U/g … Pit visit with Karen, Jon and friend Alison to 9s panel

Mon 25 … Bank holiday … Booster conveyor installed at Following Intake 3.
No2 Dirt tip volume ... 639.7 acres or 258.9 hectares ... 2,588.690 m2 = 11,733,975 m3.

Tues 26 … Office … General. Discuss Dougie Stockham work. Discuss PG Shaw same. Prints. KG Fidler re various. 2 large plans for 10 year layout and reserves. Discuss Ken Willings methane drainage. Discuss JS re boreholes for 2s in wrong place! Prints. KG F discuss. Phone J Ray Greasley various. IWS sick

Wed 27 … Office … Discuss J Ryan re 2s. AGA 220 EDM with S Holland and check. KG F re Development schedule and progress plans. Plans to date. Phone JS re shotfiring pattern for 31s LG. Phone Benny Wells re A Connongton working weekend after holidaying! I didn’t know. Re DS. 6 Retirement certificates. Printing … Surface … to Workshops with DS to measure up Stower blower for 16s Side discharge machine. … Office … Discuss PGS. Printing. Discuss Benny Wells. IWS sick.

Thurs 28 … Office … Ken Willings re 2s AW boreholes. Searching through for 1s AW turns and catenary. Discuss various aspects with T Davison Deputy, for paper on Manpower savings and development etc. R Flint re 3s Junction. Phone PN re cables. Check calculations for 2s, 33s and 35s. Discuss PN. Discuss L Guy Rep. Discuss Ray Flint, Asst. U/m.

Fri 29 … Office … Retirement certificates. TJ Knott re Deputy’s Districts, refer to Ken Cross NACODS. Wendy Wain Zenith Rep brought dial back after refurbishment. Sorting out books etc. Discuss S West E.T. re boring for 2s AW / 3rd drift overcast. Discuss KG Fidler.

Sat 30 … 19126 tonnes

September 1986
Kevin Humphries started as Assistant Undermanager from Annesley. Andy Davison Deputy Elec Engineer Sherwood started with Ted Hodgson to learn the job to take over.

Mon 1 … Office … Discuus team. Incentive figures. Phone John Grayson Mansfield. Discuss Joe L Ottewell. Discuss PGS and IWS re Dirt tip figures. Discuss J Stewart re ‘runner’ at 35s face last Thursday!

Tues 2 … Office … Discuss PGS work. Sections etc. at 3rd drift. Said cheerio to Ken G Fidler. S West re boreholes at 2s AW. Discuss JLO re 2s. Phone CJharles J Whye Area Surveyor various. Phone Graham Hall, Bevercotes. Plan to Kevin Humphries for familiarisation with the pit and discuss. TJ Knott re 2s E conveyor line.
KG Fidler appointed Manager at Mansfield. Jim Stewart Acting Deputy Manager. Ray Flint and Kevin Humphries, Assistant U/ms on development.

Wed 3 … Office … Ken Willings re bore holes at 2s AW. AR Tryner re Pit bottom fan proposals. 2s grades for Charlie ID Swinscoe. R Sneade re 3s Introduction of Electricity and 16s AW engine house plan. Discuss P Noone and TJ Knott various. Prints of plans. Discuss CW S. Discuss Ted Hodgson surface. Discuss JLO re 2s AW. Plotted boreholes. Phone G Ison. Discuss Kevin Humphries re supports at 2s etc. Cyril Murphy (Consultant, ex Mechanisation Engineer) for a chat. Richard Sneade discuss.

Thurs 4 … Office … Ray Flint re drawing of 2s / 3rd drift overcast. Discuss and info to T Davison Deputy re Manpower and future development. Introduced to Andy Davison new Surface Superintendent with Ted Hodgson and discuss. 2s Conveyor lines with Maurice Hind Mech dept. Phone David Lees re conveyors. Info re 16s to Laboratory. Phone Peter Thompson Harworth re advice. Drawing to JS of 3rd drift. Conveyor lines at 2s. Discuss Terry J Knott U/m.

Fri 5 … Office … Conveyor lines at 2s with PG Shaw and Ian W Smith. Ray Flint re track laying. Discuss Geoff Hippey Training Officer and Jack Gelsthorpe. Discuss Gordon Ison various. Discuss CID Swinscoe re track laying. Drawing of track laying and re-typing. Drawing of 35s face timbering over chocks, bad work. Rory? Deputy and Ray Flint copies etc.

Sat 6 … 25084 tonnes
CW Standage holiday 1 week. Jim Stewart Acting Manager

Mon 8 … Office … Incentive figures. Area HQ progress folder. Ray Flint re 35s. TJ Knott re 35s stage loader. Jim Stewart discuss 31s overcast. Pete Butts and Richard Sneade re 35s. General, correspondence. Kevin Humphries Asst. U/m re Support Rules for 9s, 16s, 35s. Jim Stewart re various.

Tues 9 … Office … General. Phone various re interview. Fred Gieves Hollybank re old arches ordered for 35s! R Barber Solicitors. Discuss WE Brian Barlow, Deputy Area Surveyor.
Interview for Senior Surveyor post 3.30pm … Mike Goldsby DCME Mine Planning and Survey, Charles J Whyte Area Surveyor and Minerals Manager and John Waters Area Staff Manager. Other interviewees: AR (Tony) Barnes Hucknall, Graham Hall Bevercotes and Graham Walters Welbeck.
IW Smith holiday Wed 10 – Tues 16.

Wed 10 … Office … Discuss Joe L Ottewell. Amended shotfiring pattern for 31s LG o/end. Phone Malcolm D Clarke planning. Discuss JLO various. AR Tryner re various ventilation. Ken Willings re boreholes 2s AW. Meeting 12.30pm – 2.30pm General Development Ray Flint. Discuss Philip G Shaw. Discuss Steve Mudd planning.

Thurs 11 … Office … JS re Auxiliary Fan Rules for 4th drift. K Humphries re Pit bottom plan etc. JS re DS Widdowson requires plan of 16s area TH and geology. Discuss Brian Oxley from Bretby re 16s area gate convergence etc. JL Ottewell re same.

Fri 12 … Office … Notice re operation of stower blower for 16s. prints. CW S re 31s shotfiring pattern. JS re 16s supprts at LG and print. JLO discuss. Pete Butts Dep Mech re 2s conveyor. Jonah Porter UDM re certificates. Kevin Humphries Asst. U/m re various. Notice re 2s manrider stop. Sketch for HMI S Briggs and Williams (Mech) re 2s AW grades. Paula L Young called in for chat.

Sat 13 … 26062 tonnes
Sat 13 … Office … Wall plans to date for Manage, Deputy Manager, Conference Room. Discuss Steve WH Lindsay. R Flint re staunchions.
Denise Tindale tracer at Ollerton for 2 weeks

Mon 15 … Office … Incentive figures. Made new master negative for Introduction of Electricity. Meeting 11.30am No2 Heapstead safety pre start D Walton and Baggley and Barker Contractors. Checked over R & FF plan. GR Dicky Byan O/m re 14s salvage. B Ricketts new Shift Charge Engineer outbye services re pumps and haulages etc. and prints. Jim Stewart re 16s supports and discuss with Ray Flint LG re blower stower … no pack on.

Tues 16 … Office … Phone CJ Whyte to inform me I was promoted to Senior Surveyor at Area HQ.

Wed 17 … Annual Leave Wed 16 – Tues 30 Sep Majorca

Sat 20 … 28261 tonnes

Sat 27 … Record output 31316 tonnes
Ironically as I left Teversal with a record tonnage I did similarly at Ollerton.

I loved my job as a Surveyor, something different every day. I loved the friendliness at Teversal Colliery. I found moving to Ollerton was a big wrench from a very friendly environment into an unfriendly one. However I persevered and because many things were wrong at the pit surveying and also plan wise I got stuck in and changed everything for the better. Eventually everyone began to notice and after about 18 months I began reaping the rewards and to like the place finding that I now got co-operation from all, management and officials and some of the men, particularly those who needed the odd plan drawing. In fact I didn’t want to move after 15 years but realised that there would be a different new younger element of management taking over from an old fashioned one and I didn’t relish that as by now I was in a job where 99% of the time I pleased myself what to do and I didn’t want to be working out bar charts and flow charts etc. Answering queries daily was the norm and it was a good job I had Assistants and trained Apprentices who could do most of the subsidiary surveys and levellings and general office work and Paula Lesh as a stalwart tracer and plan maker allowing pit work to be done. Of course you can see that I did a lot of underground work as well as plan work when I got chance. Dougie Stockham, Surveyor’s Assistant became a valued member of the staff organising pit work generally and infilling me daily as I got to work in the morning at about 8.20am before the rest of the staff started at 8.30am, with all the latest news from the previous afternoon, the night shift and the early day shift from the Control Room, plus any other news from the Undermanager’s clerk, the Safety department and Ventilation department as I drank the cup of tea he had made for me as I walked through the door. Armed with such information I could prepare for many of the queries that would be asked of me. Maybe I dropped myself in it by knowing so much that it was easier to ask me than to chase the answer down other channels. It worked very well and I met my close working colleague Ted Hodgson, Surface Superintendent several times a week and he told me about surface details, particularly dirt tipping and coal and dirt tonnages etc. and likewise I would tell him bits about the underground work that could affect him or his staff in the Coal Prep Plant. We worked well together. Likewise with the Electrical and Mechanical departments, Safety, Ventilation, Costs and Admin.

I had good relations with both Managers during my tenure of 15 years, David Rodden for 2 years and Walter Standage. For 13 years. Only 4 Deputy Managers, David Oliver 1 year, John Daniels 6 years, John Higginbotham 6 years and Ken Fidler 2 years. There were only 7 Undermanagers, Jack Taylor, Vic Brown, John Higginbotham, Ernie Corcoran, Alan Goodwin, Ged Mason and Terry Knott. Assistant Undermanagers Derek Stephenson, John Ross, Albert Littler, Penry Hoare, Alan Goodwin, Gordon Weeks, Ken Greaves, Bill Denton, Willie McGranaghan, Kevin Humphries, 4 Production Managers TJ Robert Sales, David R Mounsey, Frank Middleton, David S Widdowson, 5 Safety Engineers Bill Prothero, Sam Coles, David Lawson, Ken Greaves and Joe Ottewell. 3 Safety Officers Len Collins, Jimmy Pickering and John Ryan. 2 Ventilation Officers Alan Blyton and Tony Tryner. 2 Fire Officers Bill Hallam and John Hayter. 2 Electrical Engineers Alan Sinclair and Jack Lyons. 4 Mechanical Engineers, Wilf Pearson, Peter Davies, Tommy Tombs and Charlie Swinscoe. Only one Surface Superintendent Ted Hodgson and one Coal Prep Manager Peter Longden and Deputy Kenny Burns. 2 Training Officers, Brian Wormald and Jack Gelsthorpe plus temporary Training Officer R Brian (Butch) Bracegirdle for a few months. 2 Methane Drainage Officers Sos McKay and Ken Willings 2 Admin Officers Eric Spencer and Benny Wells. Only 2 Cost Clerks Stuart Farnsworth and Steve WH Lindsay. I got on well with all of them.

4 Deputy Surveyors … Stuart N Whittle, David W Thorpe, D Mike Parker, Philip G Shaw. 7 Assistant Surveyors … A Neil Mason, Eric W Fretwell, A Phil Garner, Ian W Smith, Phil Critchley, Graham Hall, Ken West. 13 Apprentices … Kevin Bradley, A Neil Mason, Steve Chapman, Steve T Barnes, Jim Humphries, Ian Orgill, Chris A Fegan, Gary WB Noble, Ken R West, Ian W Smith, John Gillott, Gary A Quibell, Peter Williams. 3 Tracers Paula Lesh (Young) twice, Annette Wyld and last off Denise Tinsdale shared periodically with Bilsthorpe survey.

In 15 years as Surveyor for the mine: I measured up 48 accidents (including 5 out of 7 fatals) plus 5 incidents and constructed plans of same. Other accidents were measured up by my Assistants, albeit that I constructed the plans for a few of them. I also constructed quite a few accident plans from information supplied by Safety department or NACODS.

With Manager CW Standage I attended 7 inquests at Coroner’s Courts at several venues plus 1 Claim versus NCB at Nottingham Crown Court.

I did a total of 787 underground shifts at Ollerton + 11 u/g shifts at other Collieries = 798

Ollerton seemed to have been picked out for many ideas and machines etc. and I had some dealings with most of them over this period e.g. providing information, measurements, setting out, etc. etc. :-

First in North Notts. Area for Landscaping of Dirt tips, began on No2 tip and continued with grassed areas, start May 1971. I would continue to survey the grassed areas up to 36 acres, plus tree planting that began in 1977.

I introduced both types of catenary measuring, the first being the string method for panel gates or subsidiary gates where the ventilation was not strong because the readings using a 30m or 50m steel band were taken between gently swinging wires that had to be steadied and lined in between 2 theodolite stations and a mark put on the intermediate temporary strings usually with a twist of wire in line vertically using the the height of the theodolite and the target at the next station height using the instrument when doing the angling and that sighting was for the previously obtained vertical angle. The measuring was always done after the angling, usually on the same day, however if the traverse was a long one it would be measured on another day. This type of measuring was far superior, quicker and more accurate than ground measuring and could be used to measure over obstacles, tubs or water etc.

The precise catenary measuring was done using tripods with 'carrots' or spindles made out of brass with a cross cut in the top that fitted into the top of a dial tripod and the steel measuring band generally 50m long was suspended between the 2 tripods, again in line with the previously angled theodolite marks or stations. Both methods required one end to be held firm and the other end to have a gentle pull of 20lb pressure. 3 readings were taken at both ends of the band and accepted within a spread of 3mm max and the difference between the smallest reading, less than a metre subtracted from the high reading of 49 plus metres gave the distance between the tripods. A further check was to use a double sided steel band with metres on one side and imperial feet and inches on the other side. A quick comparison would ensure that a mistake in subtraction had not occurred as both readings had to match.

At alternate tripods a vertical angle would be taken to the top of the spindle first to the back one then forward to the front sight that when calculated would give a horizontal measurement and once the sag and pull correction for the band has been taken into consideration in the office plus another operation that was to multiply the calculated horizontal length by the local scale factor of the colliery take for the curvature of the earth and obviously l the deeper one is in the mine it would give a smaller but true distance to plot on the National Metric Grid that all modern mine plans were connected to.

Distances of one and a half miles in a shift could be achieved in a time of about 5 hours with a proficient team on a normal working day shift and also the system could allow for paddies or materials tubs to pass, then reset again after they had passed and carry on.

This method was far superior and more accurate and quicker than bay measuring, a method used in the past at many collieries and at some pits that method was always employed because new unfamiliar methods were suspect. Both systems allowed one to measure across swilleys, pools of water and other obstacles such as tubs etc with ease whereas bay measuring required the roadway to be clear and levels had to taken at every change of grade and packing under the band across swilleys or humps and became most difficult when measuring across water as it would have to be packed above the water level and invariably the band would get wet and so would the person doing the packing using, stone, wood etc.

First I measured No2 shaft with piano wire to check the value of the Pit bottom underground bench mark. The value for the surface bench mark was taken from a stable bench mark on Ollerton Parish Church. After doing calculations etc. for elongation of the wire the pit bottom bench mark agreed within 3 inches of the previous value obtained some years before. It appeared later that the Ordnance Survey had amended the value of the bench mark. Eventually every open roadway in the pit was re-levelled and polygons closed, all with excellent results and each panel gate was relevelled and new bench marks established. Routine levellings were then done approximately every 100 yards and then 100 metres from 1975 in every panel gate and heading and on a panel finishing, levelling was done through the face from one gate to the other, all tying in extremely well, credit due to the instrument readers and staff men. Oct 1971

New Survey Office on ground floor Apr 1972, created from old Time & Wages office. New shower room. Conference Room next door later … where I hung a series of various titled 6 inches to 1 mile plans on the wall for use in discussions or reference in meetings.

First in North Notts. Area to use the Gyro theodolite underground for correlation of the underground with the surface Dec 1972.

Began using Hilti clips on arches for gate centre lines May 1973

One of first pits to begin general tidying up the surface and spreading limestone chippings over previous flower gardened areas June 1974

Red reflective tape on Hilti clips for gate centre lines and grade lines Oct 1974

Metrication of measurements ‘M Day’ 1 Apr 1975 Changed all tapes and went metric on that day. Had to educate all management staff with the new system. My team had been practicing several weeks before.

First in North Notts. Area to install a laser beam for centre line and grade in Parkgate Intake drift at 1in6 June 1975

Appointed Laser Safety officer June 1975

Also was Water liaison Officer with the Laboratory

Second in the country to use a Dosco side-discharge road header July 1975.

One of first with Dosco side discharge roadheader ripping in line with Joy Ram packer at 62s LG and first use of 16/17 x 12 feet arches July 1975

First in North Notts. Area to measure a shaft depth using a Wild Distomat lying on its side in the cage at pit top, done during normal dayshift in the week taking 20 minutes snap time plus 10 minutes concession. Sighted through a small trap door on cage Aug 1975.

Gyro theodolite observations for bearing of bases on Top Hard South Trunk Road, 25s LG and 20s Centre Gate Aug 1975

European record for the Parkgate access drifts at 1in6 and 1in5 (ATT) both achieved record advances of 18m per week average (bored and multishot unit charged fired and Eimco bucket loading out). 1975 / 1976.

Second laser installation at Parkgate Return drift at 1in5 Oct 1975

Fixed position of Radiation store in stock yard area Dec 1975

First in the region to hang a UNOR cable for air sampling down No2 shaft from a single point suspension at the surface, no cleats, in Feb 1976, It was successful and several others, including a 91 pair telephone cable were suspended later from a strengthened frame. I supplied various depths, lengths and distances.

Surface seismic survey in 20s Top Hard area Apr 1976

First to hang a 6600v cable from a single point suspension frame in No1 shaft June 1976

Wild Distomat DI 10 instrument with battery used for measuring underground Aug 1976

European record of 228 yards (208.5m) driven on 1s Parkgate face line in 7 days with Dosco heading machine and Hollybank flat top arches Dec 1976.

Second in North Notts. Area to install 50hp Steep-seam Clayton battery operated rubber tyred Pony locos in Top Hard pit bottom for supplies Mar 1977.

Second in North Notts. Area for Fire certificate plan for surface issued May 1977.

First in North Notts. Area to have 2 sets of Battery Locos with Parkgate seam 50hp Pony locos operational July 1977

Incentive scheme measurements for payment started Dec 1977. My system of measuring accepted as a norm.

First in North Notts. Area to plant trees for landscaping with the grassed areas, Mar 1978.

Butterley Bunker operational 200 tonnes Apr 1978

First in North Notts. Area to use the Robbins 23R Raise drill to ream a 1.22m dia hole to construct a 1,000 tons vertical bunker 32m deep and 7.5m dia July 1978. Third bunker in North Notts.

1 Greek and 1 Turkish student for work experience Aug 1978

First ATM face (Advanced Technology Mining) in the Region using 4 x 300 tons Dowty Chock shields with lemniscate linkage installed in Parkgate seam on 2s panel Oct 1978

First in North Notts. Area to use Auto-plumb for correlation position at No2 shaft in snap time plus 10 minutes on normal day shift. Sighted through a small trap door on cage 18 Aug 1976.

One of first with 2 way manriding conveyor Apr 1977

Second in North Notts. Area for Fire Certificate plans for surface. May 1977.

Lecture to Harrow Establishment personnel Feb 1978

First to use Thermal lance to burn out when converting No1 steam winder to electric July 1978

Electrified No1 winding engine check on position and fleet angle Aug 1978

Re-arching No2 pit bottom creeper side lining in 9 x 19 feet tall arches with Ged Mason U/m 1978

Pit bottom Vertical bunker infeed spiral angle designed by John Shone, Thyssens and self.

Pit bottom 1,000 tonnes Vertical bunker with basalt tile inner spiral operational 9 Feb 1979

First with Nuclear Radio active sources for measuring depth of coal in Vertical bunker Feb 1979

Chinese Mining Engineers visit … Talk and plans Apr 1979

German Mining Engineers visit … Talk and plans May 1979

Chinese Mining Engineers visit … Talk and plans June 1979

One of first with Risk Assesment Folder June 1979

Electrified No2 winding engine Aug 1979

One of first with 2000 tonnes surface rapid loading bunker Oct 1979

Royal School of Mines Students … talk Oct 1979

New boliers for PHB (Pit Head Baths) and offices Jan 1980

Survey of No2 shaft sump Feb 1980

Defunct 169 feet high chimney (checked the height) felled brick by brick with only wooden scaffolding platform at top, took 4 weeks Feb 1980

Recovery of a 2m section of Galley Hole surface bore cement fill on 1s face line less than 2m from my prediction. All officials and men were informed to be careful 4 March 1980

Top Hard Abandonment plans ‘check’ by HMI GDR Adamson 23 Apr 1980

Included Main Bright seam plan also and took to Eastwood Hall Mining Records office.

Check correlation using edge of rubbing ropes in No2 shaft 5 Aug 1980 (an excellent result for position on No2 pit bottom junction theodolite mark!

Gyro theodolite bearing check on Top Hard Pit bottom base 6 Aug 1980

Royal School of Mines students tuition for 1 week Sep 1980

First in North Notts. Area for Surveyor’s Accountability Jan 1981

Installed laser beam for centre line and grade line in 3rd drift Apr 1981

Aerial photography of Dirt tips for first time June 1981

First in the region for Dispatch and Receive Haulage system in PG Return drift at 1in5 gradient July 1981

Second in North Notts. Area to install a 1.22m booster drive conveyor at Parkgate Intake drift Aug 1981

First in the country to cover coal stocks with tar to stop dust blowing into properties on Poplar Street Aug 1981

One of first with FIDO (Face information data on line) at PG 2s AW face end Sep 1981

New extension to Survey office for plans and records etc.Sep 1981

First in North Notts. Area with Water Action plan and Report Nov 1981

Second in the country with Horizontal Strata bunker 500 tons Dec 1981

First in the country to install the Markham Roadway Shield support Jan 1982

Second in the country with computer installed in the Stores Mar 1982

First in the country to install computers for Planned Preventative Maintenance Apr 1982

Installed laser beam in 3rd drift for centre line and grade at 1in4 Apr 1982

Interviewed on Radio Ulster projecting the future of Ollerton coal to Northern Ireland May 1982

First in North Notts. Area with Noise Level Plans June 1982 used as example

Appointed Relics Officer at Ollerton for Lound Hall Museum July 1982

Reamed out 1.5m hole using Robbins 23R Raise drill at the Parkgate inbye Vertical Bunker Nov 1982

Sinking Parkgate 600 tonnes Vertical bunker using blocks and I used a water level for control of rings Jan 1983

Changed Radio active sensors for monitoring depth of material in Top Hard Vertical bunker to Radar system Apr 1983

Parkgate 600 tonnes Vertical Bunker operatiomal 8 Aug 1983

Radar monitoring depth of materiai at Parkgate Vertical Bunker 16 Aug 1983

Meridian Airmaps plans of Dirt tips, established points and levels June 1984

First for underground seismic survey. I was very interested in this new idea and the geologists organising the project were pleased with my co-operation. I measured out the shot holes and alternate boreholes for receivers at 5m centres down old 1s LG. Due to this being a unique system not tried before, the whole process of firing a 4oz pellet of powder that sent a shock wave forward. The idea was that should a fault or other movement be in front of these shot holes within say 200m the sound wave would strike it and be sent back and received in an instrument in the other hole. The exercise took 1½ days. The results were inputted into a computer and a graph was printed out to be interpreted. Other seismic surveys would be done and the time factor for doing the exercise would be down to hours as the staff got used to the idea. July 1984

Gyro theodolite observations for bearing in PG Intake drift 1 Aug 1984.

In seam seismic survey on 33s face (I marked out shot hole positions) 6 hours 23 Jan 1985

Gyro theodolite observations for bearing on base in old 1s LG 11 July 1985

Thirling snickets for 9s Retreat face Relief road on 8” x 6” girders due to the diabolical gate crush of old 10s LG. Mar 1985 … No5 and last snicket Sep 1985

Gyro theodolite observations in 3rd drift for bearing on base 27 Dec 1985

In seam seismic survey on 33s face in record time of 3½ hours. Marked out holes 25 Jan 1986

In seam seismic survey on 2s face in 4 hours. Marked out holes 12 June 1986.

First to convert a Dosco Side-discharge Road header to a stower blower in 16s LG packhole. Sep 1986.

Papers written for various people …

Apr 1978 … Dosco Side-discharge Loader … AVG (for Chalfont)
Dec 1978 … First ATM face and Chock Shields … CW S (awarded Bronze medal at Institute of Mining Engineers) I assisted him with his presentation at the Mines Rescue Station.
May 1979 … Colliery history and development … G M (for Chalfont)
Dec 1981 … Horizontal strata bunker … CW S (for HQ)
Mar 1982 … Roadheaders and the Markham Roadway Shield support … CW S (for HQ)
May 1982 … All 6 Roadheaders used at mechanised rippings … J H (for Chalfont)
Aug 1982 … Vertical bunker … CW S (for HQ)
Sep1982 … Colliery exploits … CW S (for NE)
1982 … Markham Roadway Support … (for HQ)
Jan 1983 … Mechanised drivages … CW S (for HQ)
Mar 1983 … Titan Roadheader … CW S (for HQ)
July 1983 … Dosco Mk 2 B Roadheader … CW S (for HQ)
Feb 1984 … 9s Retreat face … CW S (for HQ ) … I wanted to title it ‘Hammer Horror films’
June 1984 … Subsidence and affect of workings underground … RB (for Ollerton management)
June 1984 … Titan E169 and E134 Heading machines … CW S (for HQ)
Dec 1985 … Colliery Progress … KG F (for Chalfont)
July 1986 … 16s panel … KG F (for HQ)
1986 … Overview of Ollerton Colliery … (for KG F)

Part 4 Senior Surveyor

October 1986

Mileage Chart for Expenses
Click to Enlarge - Double Click to Reduce

Wed 1 … Office HQ … Discuss CJ Whyte Area Surveyor & Minerals Manager re job description … sketchy. (I thought then … I’ll make my own up and keep abreast of everything and sort things out.)

General familiarisation of office and routine and group organisation and Tracers etc. To Staff dept to sign various forms and F3 authorised car user and expenses.

Phone ... Eric Pendleton, Calverton re Risk Assessment folder, style and borehole information. To Photographic dept, discuss Glen, Peter and Peter. Discuss photographs of all Working plans … ‘little chance’.

To Ollerton with CJ Whyte to see CW Standage re my replacement at Ollerton and transferring Garry JD Hall from Sutton and Peter JK Robinson transferring to Sutton from Rufford.

I did not agree. I advised against it as I thought a new post would be better to allow a longer tenure in the job. (There would be 3 different Surveyors in the next 5 years). However CW Standage was retiring at the end of November 1986 so he wasn’t particularly concerned although he said to me … ‘You wouldn’t be moving from here if I wasn’t retiring. In fact I never knew what you did, but it must have been right’. He added ‘You have always been able to answer any query from anyone on management and WPIS and NACODs and NUM and UDM including me and all have had complete confidence in the information given and the extra special works have been carried out to perfection, as well as normal routine jobs’. I was pleased to hear those remarks, and I doubt whether anybody else ever received such an accolade from Walter Standage ...

Thurs 2 … to Mansfield Woodhouse Laboratory on High Street with J Ray Greasley. Discuss Alan Kirk, Ron Gillott re water problem at Hucknall should Babbington send water to Hucknall. To Ollerton discuss Ian W Smith Assistant. Office … Phone Garry Hall, Sutton re various about Ollerton. Ian Shaw, Thoresby phoned re battery DI4 instrument. To Planning dept introduction and discuss. WE Brian Barlow Deputy Area Surveyor re does Ollerton require old Bilsthorpe to Ollerton railway cutting (British Rail) for dirt or tailings … No … it is too far for too little slurry capacity … and only about 3 years dirt. Going through filing system in office.

Fri 3 … Office … Gordon Ison Senior Surveyor re ordering tackle etc. Filing system. Discuss Jerry Hancock Senior Surveyor various. Discuss CJ Whyte various and GPS. To Thoresby to take DI4 battery and duiscuss. To Ollerton to empty locker and get new locker 907 for clothes etc in PHB. Discuss Philip Shaw, Ian Smith and Doug Stockham. To Sutton to discuss with Garry Hall and transfer to Ollerton.

Mon 6 … Office …Drafting out letters for Ollerton Dirt tip extension. G Ison re old shafts in Meden Valley etc and procedure. Phone several and various. Trevor Speed Blidworth phoned re broken Vickers dial. P & S procedure about the broken dial with Gordon Ison ... to see Jo. Also see Cyril Watkinson P&S contracts for computer spares. To Ollerton discuss Ian W Smith last week’s work. To Calverton discuss Computer use re Calverton / Thoresby with Eric Pendleton, Mick Clayton, Ian Shaw and G Ison.

Tues 7 … to Linby for Underground MQB examination in High Main Return with Graham Walters, Charles J Whyte and Keith Leighfield (Area Surveyor S Wales). 4 candidates from Yorkshire. S111, S112, S113 and S 114 for theodolite test. Observing and marking.

Wed 8 … to Linby … Underground Levelling test. Observing and marking. Checking results with Keith Leighfield. To Area HQ … Checking same and discuss.

Thurs 9 ... To Linby … Office test. Invigilating and assisting with exam. Checking over calculations, plottings and marking. Passed 2, failed 2.

Fri 10 … RICS Summer Outing … East Midlands Airport 10am. Lunch at Breedon on the Hill £7 and Donington car museum £3.

Mon 13 … to Ollerton …discuss IW Smith last week’s work and outcome of Ollerton Bi-enniel Tip meeting. Also PG Shaw re linesman at Hucknall. Office … Continued with Ollerton Dirt tip extension application and various with J Ray Greasley and Ian Burns. G Ison re various and procedures. Trevor Speed Blidworth phone re future ordering of printing paper now that Moorgreen Stores had finished. Now contact the pit stores … P & S 217 to the firm. (Call off order number) 3 to 4 days delivery. Anything special requires longer time to deliver. Brian Stevenson Bentinck phone re water problem. Phoned P & S. Jack Brown Senior Surveyor Asfordby phoned re job. Phoned Ted Bucklow Ventilation dept re SM1 form. Answered query to CJ Whyte re Potential hazards. … there are no connections at Ollerton to any other mine in any seam.

Tues 14 … to Keyworth British Geological Society (BGS ex IGS). Dr Paul Rathbone. With G Ison and Trevor Bradshaw ET, Chris Thorne Geologist and Bob Draper checking through borehole information. Checked through all collieries (see notes). First time used overlay tracings. Made out neat copy of notes taken. Paul Rathbone stated that Notts have not carried out the post Lofthouse (1974) (BGS) procedure for NCB/BGS studies since 1977/78!

Wed 15 … Office … Planimeter and calculations for Ollerton Dirt tip extension application, New total volume No2 tip 639.68 ac or 258.869 ha, 2,588,690 cubic m = 11,735,975 cubic metres. Area edged green = 87.7 acres or 35.491 ha. Fee £27 per 0.1 ha up to max of £4,000 for T & CP, i.e. anything over 15 ha is max. Checked Bevercotes Dirt tip extension by G Ison and agreed 63.5 ha by planimeter. WE Brian Barlow re BGS / NCB meeting. To Rufford with G Ison (large conference room) Production Manager’s Meeting 3pm Brian C Wright. I was introduced to the meeting. I noted salient points from the meeting. 150 Juveniles. £6.5m for Rufford bunker and SE Loco road. 12 pits overspending. P&S undermanned = 6 more to set on. M Goldsby – internal audit on major and minor schemes now. 3 deep holes to be drilled for Vale of Witham prospect. Hucknall closure 690 redundancies, 541 for transfer. From 1/4/1987 merging North Derbyshire and Midlands Area to be renamed Central Area with HQ at Coleorton. There has been 3 shaft incidents Thoresby, Clipstone and ? R Straw appointed DDA from 1/11/1987. UDM wage claim 6% per year for 2 years. Surface manpower to reduce below 200 per pit to 150. Ventilation boreholes 1 at Sherwood lining 128m will drop the temperature 8 degrees C at a cost of £45,000. Chilled water at Thoresby 100s £1.25m. Proposed borehole at Thoresby. Survey / Planning to find sites, even in abandoned seams. Discuss Peter Robinson and Andy Wells Rufford.

Thurs 16 … to Bevercotes with G Ison. T & CP application. Posting notices on site of tip extension proposal with Gordon Ison and ST Barnes and photos. Lunch … continued discussion. Discuss Graham Hall. New list of colours and letters for all seams. To Ollerton ... PGS re linesman at Hucknall. Made up 1980 sketches of theodolite and level for file. … Office … Keith Briggs Mansfield phoned re a new HP65 battery pack from London, pay out of petty cash. John Grayson Mansfield phoned re Ken G Fidler Manager refused to sign new style MS1 form. Old style stated disused, new form states inaccessible condition … see M&QA 1954 sec18 (1). Phoned John Grayson back and explained. JR Greasley discuss re Tip application.
Silverhill Low Main Abandonment plans still need photographing. HMI has seen them … all in downstairs safe.

Fri 17 … to Blidworth with G Ison. Discuss Trevor Speed re proposed skip installation at No1 shaft DC. Use of Auto plummet etc. To visit pit top with T Speed. Office … Prints of Harworth Barnsley (Top Hard) pit bottom for John D Raine Area Geologist for proposed 3rd shaft. John Nightingale Silverhill phoned re laser from Ollerton (originally Welbeck). Discuss GI, JRG and WEBB. Len Quibell Coal News phoned, wanted Jerry Hancock. To Subsidence dept in afternoon. General routine on mining reports with Eric Fretwell, Phil Critchley and A Phil Garner. G Hall Bevercotes phoned … Discuss John Eyre (Booth & Coupe) firm.

Mon 20 … Office … Discuss Jerry Hancock re BGS information. Creswell water pumping figures, phoned Bob Hallett. Phoned Bill Fox re same. Phoned Alan Prince N Derbys same and Oxcroft pumping figures.
To Subsidence dept. Various methods of work with Eric Fretwell. Garry Hall Ollerton phoned re keys. Phoned Jack Milburn Mining Records re next week visit. Phoned Trevor Speed re provisional date of Sun Nov 2 for Auto plumb at Blidworth. Discuss WEBB various and in particular photocopying of plans.

Tues 21 … Office … Discuss JRG re T & CP application … letters etc and style. Discuss again with WEBB re photos and Abandonment. Discuss Jane Arnold Tracer re various and plan updates. Phone Ollerton various. Phone Andy Wells Rufford re M&QA 18 (1) refusal also re sec 139 for High Hazles, 212 notice. Sorting out second copy plans with Jane Arnold. To Ollerton … made up second copy plans. Discuss Joe L Ottewell Safety Engr, IWS and GJD Hall. Discuss Denise Tindale. Took Dirt tips Aerial flight plan by JA Storey. To Bilsthorpe … updated plans, some in imperial and mixed. To have Ozalofts by Dec. Can of VN spray. Discuss Geoff Austin and Graham Kemp. Plan for update of Demarcation surface. To Bevercotes updated plans (some imperial) Discuss G Hall and ST Barnes re change. Discuss Gordon Froggatt Deputy Manager. (Rufford … MS1 notice M & QA 18 (1) no need to send in till later. Ollerton needs a levelling staff (from Sutton stores). Bilsthorpe Demarcation plan. Need levelling staff. Rufford High Hazles finished 20/10/1986 send 212 notice in 2 months app.)

Wed 22 … Office … Discuss Jerry Hancock re expenses. M&QA sec 18 (1) MS1 notices … not to send in too soon. Also 212 notices re discontinuance and reopening within 2 weeks after 2 months. Garry Hall phoned re Risk Assessment plans for Ollerton ... to Ollerton and delivered same. Office ... to Reprographic dept. Discuss Peter Tolson photographer (retiring) re copying Working plans. To Thoresby ... updated second copy plans (some imperial). Discuss Ian Shaw and Keith Jenkins surface demarcation plan to amend. To Clipstone updated second copy plans (some imperial and mixed). Discuss Tony Wright and Hadi Abdul Rekabi. Discuss Willie McGranaghan Undermanager (ex Ollerton Asst U/m).

(Bevercotes in 1 month to send 212 notice for Parkgate restart. Thoresby Demarcation plan waiting for HMI. Ollerton Risk Assessment plan at Ollerton.)

Thurs 23 Office … Drafting out letters for Ollerton Dirt tip application (re Welbeck). Discuss Tony Barnes various. D Kirk Rescue Station rang re information about Welbeck Top Hard and Deep soft, particularly Manton area. Applying for job as Fire Officer. To Blidworth … updated second copy plans, all metric, good. Office … Discuss Jerry Hancock re Thoresby computer. M Goldsby DCME re computer update at Thoresby, to make arrangements for visit and to assess the merits for and against. To Cotgrave with WEB Barlow. Discuss John Stapleton and staff. Posted Sec 2 notices around the village of Kinoulton. To Mines Rescue Station. Exchanged R & FF plans for Mansfield and Rufford and stick on for Blidworth.

Fri 24 … Office … Steve Barnes Bevercotes rang re DM102 EDM. Discuss JRG and Ian Burns re Tip application. Discuss George Jones (ex Bentinck) Estates lands and Peter Daffin. To Silverhill updated second copy plans and took 2 rolls of printing paper. Discuss John Nightingale and Graham Parker various and computers. Both have one at home and would welcome one for the office. To Sutton … Updated second copy plans. Discuss Peter Robinson and Mike Parker (he has a computer also) Both think it is a good idea to have one for office. Office … Phoned Survey & Gen Edenbridge, Paul Goodman. Phoned ST Barnes Bevercotes. Discuss J Hancock re Layout plans and notices etc.

Mon 27 … To Eastwood Hall Mining Records Office. Discuss Jack Milburn re system and methods etc. Phone G Ison various. Office … Subsidence enquiry re Calverton for Jeans factory and other property … searching through for leases etc. Ann Hollett re Abandonment plans and system.

Tues 28 … to Eastwood Hall Mining Records office. Continued with system with Jack Milburn. Phone John Wilmot (ex Teversal Group) at Bolsover Subsidence dept. Checked South Leicester / Whitwick Colliery Abandonment catalogue details. Various pamphlets and books. With J Milburn, plotted co-ordinates for properties re Legal dept Tyrell Solicitors in Mansfield Woodhouse and Pleasley … checked through plans and Coal Commission files etc and Sec 9. Searching through for leases. Phone G Ison.

Wed 29 … to Eastwood Hall Mining Records continued with searches. Plotted coords for various properties re Legal dept subsidence claims and found file reference. Discuss Jack Milburn. To HQ … Farewell lunch for John Wilson at Sheriff’s Lodge, Edwinstowe, leaving to go to Bretby Subsidence dept. Office … PG Shaw Ollerton phoned. Discuss G Ison various. … Creswell water problem, Thoresby re setting out without a plan, Computer results for Calverton and Thoresby. P & S system re tackle repairs. Discuss WEBB re various aspects of Eastwood Hall system. Also re poor plans for Whitwick / South Leicester abandonment … phone J Milburn. Discuss J Hancock re shaft fill etc. Also with John ? planner re water problem with South / West closure of pits.

Thurs 30 … Office … Continued drafting out T & CP letters, addresses etc in preparation for Ollerton. Des Thompson Harworth phoned. Andy Wells and Gary Quibell phoned. To Rufford … second copy plans updated. Discuss Andy Wells and Dave Ellison Apprentice. To Mansfield updated second copy plans. Discuss John Grayson and Gary Quibell. Office … Dave Clarke re new plans etc for Copyhold and notices etc. To Staff dept. Phone WEB Barlow re my appointment as Surveyor at Newstead.

Fri 31 … to Ollerton … discuss D Stockham, PG Shaw, IW Smith. Farewell to Ray Flint Asst U/m retired. Office … G Ison re SM1 forms etc. To Newstead (Roy Garrett retired) Discuss David Archer and Mick Bedford my appointment and various systems of work etc and generalisation. Rob Quincey on holiday. Office … With Dave Clarke continued with Copyhold plan system. Farewell party for Peter Tolson photographer. Discuss Dick Bramley re computer at Calverton. With WEBB re Notice plans etc and system.

November 1986

Sun 2 to Blidworth. With G Ison, T Speed, P James, I Orgill, 3 Apprentices and linesmen. Surface at No1 shaft. Dry day but frosty. Had been raining on Saturday and still wet underground. Shaft plumb using Wild Autoplummet x 2 … 0.05m error 8 inch square (0.23m), tables used u/g. Shaft measured using AGA 14 but no good. Used DI14 ok.

Mon 3 … Appointed Temporary Surveyor for the mine at Newstead
Office … General with G Ison. Sorting out boxes etc in the strong room and organising. J Hancock re BGS – south part of Area. Phoned Ian Wilson Thoresby re computer progress. M Goldsby DCME re Sutton 1in1 heading 52s Piper – sort out re RA Caunt CME. I informed Andy Vjestica in John Dixon’s Group re plans for Mansfield … not using proper symbols for borehole etc on Layout plan. Need to comply!
To Repository at Cricket pitch Forest office. To Sutton with G Ison. Discussion Mick Dames Manager, Peter Robinson, Mike Parker re water problem 52s and 54s Piper.

Tues 4 .. Office. General G Ison. Phoned Rob Quincey at Newstead re various. CJ Whyte discuss various and short list for Unit jobs. Gran Heathcote Ops Engr re all power lines from EMEB. Query T & CP application. Certificate A out. JR Greasley re same. Check calculation dirt extension from a shaft 9.5m dia x 700m deep = 49,650 cu m app = 100,000 tonnes for JR Greasley for Harworth. To Subsidence dept re Blidworth sheet 43/5956 … SIM could not find in the system. Phoned Ordnance Survey (OS) Nottingham and also OS at Mansfield re BM value at Blidworth. Phoned T Speed same. Discuss Tony Barnes various. Discuss Des Thompson Harworth. Phoned Norman Preater Welbeck re visit.
Evening to Gamston … West Drayton and Eaton Parish Council meeting at Bramcote school Gamston at 8.15pm re Bevercotes tip. Neil Hunt for Notts County Council. 15 members 8.20 to 9.35pm. Self and G ison.

Wed 5 … Office … JRG and GI re notes I made from Parish Council meeting. General with G Ison. To Welbeck second copy plans updated (red ink, not rubbed up). Discuss Norman Preater and John Walls general. Ex Rescue Station copies of R & FF plans to come to Area office in future … wanted 25 R & FF folders. To Creswell … updated second copy plans (red ink). Discuss Bill Fox, Billy Ellison and Bob Hallott general. Wanted a new system for measuring Langwith shaft. Office … G Ison re Langwith shaft … new instrument from Rufford Boring Centre re Bert Grime ATT … large winch. Phone IW Smith and Steve Barnes to send R & FF folders. To Stationery dept. Andy Hutchinsre order 500 R & FF folders with updates could take 6 weeks. Phoned Stas Watson at Sherwood re visit. To Staff dept. Received my appointment as Surveyor at Newstead.

Thurs 6 … to Sherwood … second copy plans updated. Discuss Herbert Shaw and Stas Watson. Office .. John Walters (Graham’s brother) planner re Newstead development plan for Low Bright setting out quickly. Sent back for additions. Phoned N Preater Welbeck re folders position. To Ollerton to take Lettraset. Discuss Garry Hall, Ian Smith, Denise and Doug Stockham. Took back pumping figures. Office … Andy Hutchins wanted 3 extra R & FF folders for tender. With G Ison sorting out. Mended Gina’s cupboard. To Planning dept. Discuss Andy Vjestica re Mansfield plans rejected. Discuss Steve Mudd re Ollerton. Purchasing and Stores (P & S) form and order number etc for Kern Auto Level (ex Hucknall for Blidworth) to go to Survey & General. WEB Barlow signed. Letter for same by Sarah a typist. Jerry Hancock re Calverton computer. Met Dave Darn (ex Bretby) now with CARBS. Discuss and G Ison re problems with Thoresby computer.

Fri 7 Office … Reading through old Water reports from 1945 (H Saul) to start of Water Action Committee 1970. Sent Kern GKO-A instrument via Andrew Hutchins. Discuss various with J Hancock. Phoned Ron Pickering re sending shaft measuring tackle to Creswell on Monday. JCH Longden Deputy Director (Mining) re pros and cons of keeping Risk Assessment folders. Phone T Speed Blidworth re Wendy Wain brought dial back. To Bevercotes with G Ison to fetch old Watts and CTS tackle for saving. Discuss Graham Hall, Steve Barnes and Janet Wells Tracer. To Ollerton to fetch ozaloft of Dirt tip plan and discuss Garry Hall and Ian Smith. To Sutton to take old tackle to old Store room. Discuss Peter Robinson and Mike Parker.

Mon 10 … Office … Phoned re Creswell water figs and phoned N Derbys office also. Meeting WEB Barlow, G Ison, JR Greasley, J Hancock, Tony Barnes and self. Open forum re Area Instructions. Demarcation plans PI 1975 / 8 … J Hancock to rephrase Area Instruction. Water Action … JR Greasley to check. Management of Tips NNT / A1 (1) 19 July 1979 JR Greasley to check. Photographic dept … I had been several times … Abandonment plans. Working plans update. ½ plate 6 monthly. 1/2500 blow up. Re-photograph every 5 years (consider every 2 years).Update by hand quarterly. (I am doing so). Ordnance Survey updates 1/5000, 1/10560 and 1/10000. Possibly need dark room Technician. To Ollerton … 4 ozaloft copies of Ollerton tip. To Newstead with J Hancock and AR Barnes. Discuss RA Quincey re Abandonment plans and report for Tupton seam (6 panels).

To Annesley discuss Ken Gray and Ian Revill.

Tues 11 … Office … Amended neg for Bilsthorpe surface Demarcation plan. Discuss JRG. Discuss GI various. Made out list for Abandonment plan requirements. Phone various. Discuss Eric Pendleton re Calverton computer and various. He borrowed a beam compass. To Creswell with G Ison. Discuss Bill Fox re water problems and Langwith shaft measuring. To pit yard to look at the winch etc.

Wed 12 … Office … Reading Water report for Creswell and assisting G Ison to update graphs and pumping totals etc. JR Greasley same. Albert E Mapp DCME re Thoresby 170s water from 101s. TE Wheatley Manager blaming Ian Shaw for not informing him. Ian obviously did not know. Phone Thoresby several times. To Thoresby examined situation showed Ian Shaw how to calculate and time the pumping etc. Area of waterlogging x secant angle of dip for true area then say 1½ inches per foot of extraction including the gates to convert to cu feet then into gallons then using a pump at rate of 60 gals per minute say at max 85% efficiency. I calculated the amount to be 1.3 million gallons at 9.5 lbs pressure. I saw M Goldsby to explain the situation.
Office … Demonstration of survey stations by Nigel ? Amended Bilsthorpe Demarcation plan to Albert Wheeler Director for signing. To Thoresby Group Meeting 3 pm BC Wright. Survey office discuss G Ison, Ian Shaw, Ian Wilson various and Abandonment plans. New computer sketch plan 1/7500

Thurs 13 … to Sutton … discuss MJ Dames Manager, Peter Robinson and G Ison re water problem re 52s and 54s Piper. Met HMI Malcolm Bottomley. Discuss Mike Parker. Prints.
Office … Discuss Richard Pearson and Gary Blacknell, both been for Estates dept interview. Phoned round N Notts pits for info on Standard mine plan flat sheets with photography in mind. Combined totals with AR Barnes pits … 140 for abandonment, 410 for other flat sheets, 150 if periodic photography to be done. Sorted plans with Ian Burns and stacked under tables (old OS sheets).

Fri 14 … to Creswell … discuss Bill Fox, Billy Ellison and Bob Hallott. Met HMI Fred B Turton and discuss.

To Langwith … measured shaft with G Ison, Bill Fox, Billy Ellison and R O’Neil S/O and V/O using mercury switch and shot firing cable. Lunch with Wendy Wain and G Ison at The Elm Tree at Elmton. Discuss tackle, tapes, instruments and lasers. Office … with AR Barnes … re-sorting number of plans for proposed photography. Up to 400 Abandonment, up to 465 normal and possible 150 if required every quarter.

Mon 17 … Office …. Took Silverhill Low Main Abandonment plans to photographers for ¼ plate and 35mm. Discuss G Ison. To Thoresby … discuss Top Hard Abandonment plans, discuss computer graphics results and problems. Lunch. To Ollerton … discuss Tip plans … original ground contours left off because of subsidence. Office … discuss various. Met RA (Tony) Caunt CME. Discuss Walter Cantrill and G Ison. Discuss Tony Barnes and Jerry Hancock Risk Assessment plans … proposals for reducing same. Also discussed Shaft Autoplumb differences.

Tues 18 … Office … Made a start on checking EMEB cables on surface Demarcation plans of collieries. D Archer Newstead phoned re Survey Assistant at Welbeck. Amended Rufford Demarcation plan ready for signing. Discuss Martyn Sly Civil Engr Tips re same, also JR Greasley. Discuss various AR Barnes and J Hancock. Phone various. Phone T Speed Blidworth re variance in shaft stations … 54mm GI and Cotgrave 24mm JH … why? Opened box of Pagra sheets,with Phil Critchley. Phoned N Preater Welbeck re SM1 Vertical bunker on ice. Also re Risk Assessment file re JCH Longden. To Sutton … took 3 pagra sheets and discuss. To Silverhill… took 22 pagra sheets and discuss John Nightingale.

Wed 19 … Office … With G Ison, calculations for water problem at Creswell and Langwith. Discuss various AR Barnes and J Hancock. Continued with surface electrical plans. Jane Arnold re Welbeck / Manton boundary amends. WEB Barlow re new style 1/5000 Layout plans not conforming to Code of Practice for boreholes (for Sutton). Discuss Brian Thompson planning re amended boreholes on 1/2500 plans for Mansfield. To Calverton .. discuss and notes re computer graphics with Eric Pendleton and Mick Clayton.

Thurs 20 … to Creswell .. U/g to Top Hard with Bill Fox and Gordon Ison to Hollow Lodge old and new pumping stations then to 1in3 and 1in4 drifts and new back rip. Lunch and discuss. Office …Reading through Creswell / Langwith water file. Tony Hartopp planner re Sutton plans not conforming to Code of Practice. Brian Thompson … G Ison signed plan for Mansfield. Malcolm D Clarke planner re new style plans … was South Notts system! Checking through Sutton Piper and Deep Hard Layout plans.

Fri 21 … to Bevercotes with G Ison. Meeting West Drayton Parish Councillors. Escorted group round the proposals for Tip extension. Discuss. To Ollerton … Discuss C Walter Standage Manager. Lunch at Ollerton Retirement and Leaving Party … Ted Hodgson Surface Superintendent, Matt Marshall Storekeeper, Ray Flint Assistant Undermanager and Kenny Burns Deputy Coal Prep retiring. Charlie Swinscoe Mech Engr transferred to Newstead (demoted). Ken Fidler appointed Manager at Mansfield (promoted). Self, to Area HQ (promoted). Had a chat with all at the party. Phone AR Barnes query.

Mon 24 … Office … Finished s/f electrical plans and took them to Gran Heathcote. Discuss A Eddie Betts called in. Discuss Graeme Marshall re moving the 1/2500 OS sheets back downstairs. Discuss WEB Barlow re Ancient monuments and plans etc. Phoned al collieries re Sherwood GPS time. Discuss Steve Mudd planner re Ollerton Layout plan and updated script for Ollerton Strategic plan.

Tues 25 … Office … TR Draper and Celia re borehole procedure etc and North Notts and South Notts systems. To Rescue Station with AR Barnes … Bilsthorpe R & FF plans. To Sherwood … discuss Herbert Shaw re Risk Assessment plans … cut down info and copies etc. Office … Discuss Bob Draper again re updating borehole info … agreed to update same and continue with Heather. Phone Chris T Thorne Geologist re computer output of boreholes etc. Agreed to visit tomorrow.
Note … Teversal water reached Pleasley Deep Hard pit bottom at 1 to 2 gallons per minute. Teversal closed in July 1980. About 6 years and 3 months.

Wed 26 … to Geological dept at the Forest. Discuss John D Raine Area Geologist and Chris Thorne re records etc. Borrowed Quarter sheet updates and log sheets and computer print out of boreholes … all for South Notts but only part for North Notts. Office … with Bob Draper updated his copies of borehole logs and discuss. Phone Russ Worsey re comments on new Layout plans. JCH Longden query whether Risk Assessment plans action. To Forest … returned borehole log to Chris Thorne. To Sutton … discuss Layout plans for Piper 52s, 54s and 40s and Deep hard 104s with G Ison and Peter Robinson. Discuss Mike Parker re interview for Rufford and Newstead unit posts. Interviewees Mike Parker, W Ellison, Philip Shaw, George Simms, Andy Wells and Rob Quincey, Rufford Andy Wells, Newstead Rob Quincey. Panel John Waters Staff Manager, M Goldsby DCME, CJ Whyte Area Surveyor, John Higginbotham Manager Rufford and John Payne Manager Newstead.

Thurs 27… to Regional Laboratory … discuss Ron Gillott re Sutton Piper water samples. To Sutton …. Discuss Mike Parker re interview. Discuss old shafts and records. Surface … walk round old shafts in Meden Valley and examination with Gordon Ison, Bob Draper, Peter Robinson and an ET and continued to Teversal and Cooper's shaft. Silverhill for lunch. Continued with probable line of Old New Inn Level sough. Back to Stanton Hill on bus. Continued discussion. Phoned Andy Wells and Rob Quincey re their promotion. To Huthwaite to Strawberry hill and Woodend and old shaft sites.

Fri 28 … Office … Discuss Russ Worsey re Area Instruction and style of Layout plans. I made a list of faults and omissions. To Planning dept. Discuss David Snodin. Discuss Steve Mudd re Ollerton Layout plan and remarks. Phone George Simms Hucknall re instrument and interview. Discuss AR Barnes various. Discuss CJ Whyte, G Ison and AR Barnes re candidates. Phone Philip Shaw Ollerton re interview and farewell to Ian W Smith transferred to Estates dept. To Rescue Station to take Rufford R & FF plans. To Sherwood with G Ison and Andrew Higgins Civil Engr Tips. Walk round Dirt tip to look at proposals for amending Manager’s Demarcation. Discuss various with Herbert Shaw.

December 1986

Mon 1… Office … Discuss Graeme Marshall, Phil Critchley re various on Ollerton Layout plan … Tip and sewage works (31s panel). Sorting outfiling system with G Ison. Discuss WEB Barlow and AR Barnes re system for futurenre serving notices and plan / record etc. Clary Skeavington phoned (on borehole sites etc). Graham Parker re Silverhill Progress, making a new set. To Sherwood … Meeting with Philip Wood Manager, Peter Daffin Estates and Martyn Sly Tips and G Ison. Discuss amending tip for Manager’s Demarcation. Also re other problems i.e. Transport place, Bilbeck’s entrance, also re possibly blocking up through road to Debdale Lane and also possibility of lowering the road under the railway bridge.
Sherwood Demarcation plan later … see Peter Daffin.

Tues 2 … Office … with WEB Barlow and John Cranham. Going through 6 inch scale plans for Notices of Approach for sec 2, SSSI’s and Ancient monuments. Discuss CJ Whyte re Area Instruction re the signing of Mine Plans. Also report for Computer graphics. Met Clary Skeavington and discuss. Meeting 11am … Computer graphics for Calverton and Thoresby. M Goldsby DCME, Trevor Taylor National Chief Surveyor, CJ Whyte Area Surveyor, G Ison Senior Surveyor, self, Senior Surveyor, Eric Pendleton, Calverton Surveyor, Mike Clayton Asst, Ian Shaw Thoresby Surveyor, Graeme Marshall Subsidence dept. I presented a report on the project. I was then requested to write a report for update and repairs etc. Discuss same with Chief Draughtsman Trevor Huntingdon. Meeting after lunch to discuss same. Discuss AR Barnes re BGS / Br Coal visit.

Wed 3 … Office … Sorting out filing for orders / repairs etc. Roy Garret phoned re various. Jerry Hancock and Gordon Ison on holiday. CJ Whye re collection for Gordon Ison retiring. Also re visit to South Midlands HQ. Arranged the visit and a pool car to go to see a printing machine. Discuss Russ Worsey planner and AR Barnes re amends to 1/5000 Layout plans i.e. to comply with Code of Practice. Ian Shaw Thoresby rang re Mechanical Engr asking for computer graphics drawing of a chute. Phoned Graham Hall Bevercotes re SM1 forms re working away from … To Phograhers saw Peter Tolson re 35mmm colour film tried on Engineering Drawing Office printer with Trevor Huntingdon. To Harworth … discuss Des Thompson various. Looked at the old German plans of the Northern Union Co 1914. To pit Stores re Kern Level and arranged a surface visit with DF Thompson.

Thurs 4 … to BGS Keyworth with G Ison and AR Barnes. Completed the report for Creswell (see Bolsover borehole No4). Also Clipstone and Bilsthorpe. Several things to check up on. New overlays and plans with Quarter sheetsand old County sheet grid on for next year.

Fri 8 … Office …TR Draper re Bolsover No4 borehole for Creswell proposed Threequarter 38s panel. He came back to me re Derbyshire … R Brown. Phoned Bill Fox Creswell re same. Also re Wales seam at Langwith (known also as High Main). Phoned Chris Thorne Geologist re same. Also confirmed the Wales seam with Dave Muller Geologist. Phoned Eric Pendleton Calverton re Report for computer graphics for Tuesday! J Hancock and AR Barnes re Newark Inland Water Area … no workings affect this in North but 2 collieries in the South, Calverton and Gedling do. Note there is a payment to be made in Dec 1986 for the financial year 1984/85. Checked up in Subsidence dept re old County grid on OS … only one copy on 1 inch to a mile scale, Phil Critchley. Discuss TR Draper re old shafts in Notts. Saw Jack Milburn re Butterley Colliery. Saw George H Jackson various. To see Peter Williams re typewriter … none available. G Ison re Water reports. Also re Instruments repair file … sorted it out. Discuss Jack Hurton planner re Welbeck. No word yet re barrier exchange 90s Top Hard. South Yorkshire want Parkgate piece … but this is on Welbeck reserves after Top Hard finishes. To Thoresby for prints. Discuss Keith Jenkins various and computer graphics. No contract yet for maintenance.

Mon 8 … Office …Sorting out various files. Phoned G Ison re Sutton Piper 52s SMI form … is in Safety dept. Phoned Bill Fox re Creswell water figures. Phoned Alan Prince Derbyshire re Langwith pumping figures. Discuss David Snodin planner re update plan for Bevercotes shaft pillar. Phoned Andy Wells Rufford re various and old tackle, Mansfield workings, levels etc. George Jones Estates phoned re Ollerton grassed areas. Showed how to use a planimeter. 3 men from OS came for general discussion re use of plans and info viz triangulation etc … use of computer graphics and aerial photos. There was a charge for OS information. Rob Quincey Newstead phoned.Phone Jerry Hancock re prisms for Annesley AGA … need 6. Phoned Garry Hall Ollerton re same … no … using them. G Ison to get some from Sherwood and Blidworth? Sorting out plans in drawers and labelling same for future ref. Discuss G Ison re water problem plans re Creswell etc. Peter Daffin brought plan of Ollerton tip grassed areas.

Tues 9 … to South Midlands HQ at Coleorton. I drove the red Rover pool car again. With AR Barnes, Mike Taylor and Margaret Love and Trevor Hungdon Chief draughtsman. Demonstration of Xerox 2080 machine printing and copying and negs. Enlarging and reducing. Can copy working plans. Lunch at Coleorton. Discuss Alan Marlowe. Back to Office … to see Peter Williams re machine later. Printing Room. Prints off shaft pillar at Bevercotes to D Snodin planner. Phone R Holmes re new bag for Silverhill progress plans. Discuss Russ Worsey re machine and mine plan signing. Discuss Malcolm D Clarke planner re various and Ollerton plan. Copy of remarks re Ollerton to G Marshall. CJ Whyte re R & FF plans out of date at Ilkeston Rescue Station. Meeting CJ Whyte, WEB Barlow, J Hancock, AR Barnes and self re new style Risk Assessment folders (less comprehensive). New Instruction to be issued for same.

Wed 10 … to Calverton. Meeting Eric Pendleton, Mick Clayton, Ian Shaw and self. Drafted out info for proposals and estimated prices etc and print outs. Office … Looking through old documents. Drafted out letter to CJ Whyte re computer graphics. Phoned Ian Shaw Thoresby no info yet on cost of computer. Phone Richard Clarke Gedling and discuss. G Ison re correlations and plumbing etc, also re Sutton Piper plans in the safe. (second copy plans with Abandonment number).

Thurs 11 … Office … Sorting through old plans and photos re old shafts. Discuss Steve West then Mick Flintham re Subsidence dept … not integrated! Phone J Hancock re message to WEB Barlow … Rescue Station plans. Jane Arnold and Andrew Higginson Civils re phasing Ollerton tip.

To Annesley … demonstration by Ken Gray on Sharp programmable calculator. Lunch. Discuss Deputy and Asst. Prints.

To Bentinck. Discuss Brian Stevenson and Ron Swift various. Office … Phone J Arnold. Andy Wells Rufford rang re Manager’s Demarcation plan not quite correct re lettering on same … J Higginbotham.

Fri 12 … Office … Amending Rufford Demarcation plan sec 1. Decided to construct a new negative encompassing both sections ... Jane Arnold to proceed with same. Peter Daffin phoned re Rufford plan incorrect since 1985. Bilsthorpe plan also possible amends. JR Greasley said ‘not’. Phone various. Peter Daffin came into office and brought amendment for Rufford. Arranged that in future to have a discussion on Demarcation plans to ensure all depts know and they will be correct! Someone phoned from GPS Birmingham asking for directions to Sherwood. Updating Thoresby Demarcation plan … several parts taken out of Part 1 of the Act by HMI … to finish. Gen discussion Ian Burns and J Ray Greasley. Phone Ian Shaw Thoresby re computer graphics. Meeting. P Williams, J Hancock, M T, AR Barnes re Xerox 2080 machine. PHONE Mike Parker Sutton re 52s Piper SM1 form referred to M Goldsby via Manager M Dames. CJ Whyte re computer graphics update … several pits buying Sharp computers for calculations. To Ollerton discuss various.
Millionaire’s Evening at Thoresby Welfare

Mon 15 … Office … General. Phone Alan Prince N Derbys re Oxcroft water pumping figures. Sorting out drawers and labelling. Eric Pendleton Calverton phoned re computer broken down. Phoned Ian Shaw Thoresby, still broken down. Checked over Demarcation plan for Rufford. To Sherwood. Discuss Herbert Shaw. Demonstration by GPS … Feno Survey marks by Holtwood. Geodimeter system 400 Geotronics. Discuss various.

Tues 16 … Office … Sorting out files contd. Andy Wells Rufford phoned re Demarcation plan o.k. J Higginbotham. Gran Heathcote re EMEB pink plans … can have. Phone Garry Hall Ollerton re Fire Certificate plan additions. Discuss Graeme Marshall various. P Daffin re Rufford plan … neg to him. CJ Whyte re short list for Harworth. Phoned Harworth re Chris Shail. CJ Whyte re Welbeck Top Hard 90s approaching South Yorkshire boundary … re exchange Parkgate, also re Calverton computer back in use. Discuss G Ison and Ted Bucklow Ventilation dept. WEB Barlow re Clipstone 102s Deep Soft marking out! Planning dept same … neg from Steve Westmorland planner. Discuss Tony Hartopp re Welbeck layout. To Clipstone to take negative from S Westmorland and discuss 102s … yes can mark out now … signed by Manager, Production manager and CME (provisional). To Rescue Station to take Bevercotes R & FF updated plans.

Wed 17 … Office … Phone various. Peter Robinson re Sutton Piper 52s. To Subsidence dept re Clipstone proposed 102s Deep Soft. Terry Camm Safety dept re use of MI 1 forms and discuss various. Phoned several collieries re same. To Sherwood … Demonstration of Dosco and 90 degree turn conveyor. Production Manager’s Meeting 3pm BC Wright.

Thurs 18 … Office … Finished off 212 notices for Rufford High Hazles finish 25/10/1986, Thoresby Deep Soft entry and Bevercotes Parkgate re commence. G Ison discuss re HMI and SM1 Creswell panels at side of others. Phone Tony Wright Clipstone re MI 1 forms and phoned Steve Barnes Bevercotes re MI 1 forms also.
Canteen Christmas dinner with CJ W, WEB B and GM.
Wendy Wain brought tapes. Discuss G Ison. Discuss WEB B various and Subsidence job … 4 for interview. Discuss Jerry Hancock various. To Silverhill to take SM1 form for 8s. Discuss J Nightingale and G Parker various. To Sutton to take 3 Tropari Pjaris … discuss DM Parker and Ian Gill Geologist and checking Tropari instruments.

Fri 19 … to Bevercotes …. Discuss various with Graham Hall and Steve Barnes. Also re Layout plan for 104s Low Waterloo. To Ollerton … discuss various with PG Shaw. Discuss Jack Lyons Electrical Engineer. To Thoresby … discuss various Ian Shaw and Ian Wilson. Lunch at Sheriff’s Lodge, Edwinstowe. Office … Discuss in Subsidence dept. With TR Draper plotting boreholes to date on 1/10560 full sheets.

Mon 22 … Office … Phone DM Parker Sutton re successful borehole into Silverhill Deep Hard from 52s Piper (for 1in1 drift. Discuss CJ Whyte various. Discuss G Ison boundaries and oil bores. Phone GJD Hall Ollerton re any stencil Pen 52s size. Phone Clary Skeavington various. Sorting out drawers and filing. To Thoresby. Went to Stores to fetch a coat. Discuss Ian Wilson and Keith Jenkins various. Saw Albert Littler Manager re Production Manager to mend computer! To Bilsthorpe … discusss Geoff Austin and Graham Kemp and Denise Tindale various.
Rufford High Hazles 212 finish notice.

Tues 23 … Office … Steve Barnes Bevercotes rang re pre cuts on Parkgate face. Discuss Charles J Whyte. Discuss Ian Tomlinson in Subsidence dept. Continued filing. Lunch at the Hop Pole. Discuss CJ Whyte and Stan Brunskill re BGS / NCB methods.Phone Jack Milburn re Silverhill Low Main Abandonment plans … only 12 photos done. Need 8 overlays + 2 + 2 + 4 plans. Spoke to G Ison re same. Phone George H Jackson re various. Perusing Bevercotes Low Waterloo 104s on 1/5000 Layout plan.
Bevercotes Parkgate re-opening 212 notice and Thoresby Deep Soft opening 212 notice.

Wed 24 … Office. Discuss Eric Fretwell Subsidence dept re sorting out OS 1/2500 negatives downstairs. Sorted out rest of Silverhill Low Main Abandonment plans. Meeting CJ Whyte, WEBB, JH, ARB and self re update of R & FF plans at Ilkeston Rescue Station re HMI Hayes. Phoned GJD Hall Ollerton re visit on 14 Jan 1987. Discuss Dennis Roebuck re SM1, MI1 forms etc. Discuss general. Discuss Glen Chappell photographer re Silverhill plans ... to see him in January.
Director Albert Wheeler speech. Lunch at Thoresby Welfare. Discuss Mike Goldsby DCME re computer graphics … he had put me in charge to report back on movements etc. Gordon Ison retired.

Thurs 25 Christmas Day.

Fri 26 Boxing Day.

Mon 29 Fixed Rest day.

Tues 30 Fixed Rest day.

Wed 31 Fixed Rest day.

Thurs Jan 1 1987 Statutory holiday.

Fri 2 Fixed Rest day.