A Unique History From My Work Diaries

Surveying Jobs

British Coal Nottinghamshire Area

Page - 75 -

Jul 1988

Senior Surveyor 1988 – 1990

Fri 1 … Office … Correspondence, Discussion with and update AR Barnes. I signed Rufford K7s Blackshale Layout plan for Martin Bradder planner. Bilsthorpe Motorway and Harworth 1s / 2s connection signed for Steve Westmoreland planner. Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes regarding Rescue boreholes file and Jockey House borehole. Investigation of Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper 1/5000 Layout plan started.  Phone Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe regarding various and the table from Mansfield. Rearranging the office with Ian Burns, Debbie, Celia and tidy up. New desk for computer. Phone Peter Williams General Services regarding table from outside Typing pool … O.K.  To Sherwood … Simon Smith British Rail updating plans and Discussion with retreat and development.  To Mansfield … continued stencilling.  Discussion with Ian Shore regarding water.  Phone Debbie regarding lasers (Bevercotes).  Office … continuing straightening up.

Mon 4 … Office … Phone Keith Goodwin Asfordby … to send Bilsthorpe heading plans. Correspondence. Phone Geoff Austin regarding table from Mansfield O.K. Continued clearing out drawers. Discussion with on phone Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding SM1 for SW heads in Parkgate … borehole position 45m from Parkgate position.  Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding various and question of Hucknall workings / subsidence.  To Harworth … Discussion with Eric Woss various and RICS.  Discussion with Peter Thompson regarding prepare plans so that the Barnsley seam pit bottom plans can be returned to Mining Records Office at Newstead,  Also took 2 ozaloft copies of same.  BGS plans and memo.  Phone Dave Clarke regarding Harworth plans.  Office … Phone Billy Ellison Creswell regarding pumping figures … none for Creswell … not measured Langwith! Also regarding Aerial survey points are too remote, need to do extra. Paul setting up new Amstrad PC 1640 computer in the office. Discussion with Ian W Smith Estates … took Watts 10” theodolite and legs for trial. Discussion with Bob Draper and Alf Evans BP regarding oil bores info.  With Bob Draper in safe … to sort out and organise plans.  Discussion with David Walton Civil Engineer regarding Mansfield shafts again!  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding info for supposed connection at bottom of shafts. Arrange to measure shafts. Table to go to Bilsthorpe tomorrow.  Discussion with Andrew Higginson regarding Mansfield surface drainage …finally.  With Debbie … sorted out various boundary / workings for exchange plans on 1/10000 for South Yorkshire.  Phone Andy Bates Central Area … no water figures for Oxcroft. (It seems pathetic all round in both Areas).

Tues 5 … To Rescue Station … to exchange Linby and Calverton R & FF plans.  To Mansfield … Abandonment reports and information for final typing … not ready yet!  Shaft exam today by Engineers … to ‘think again’.  Office … Mansfield well info to Bob Draper.  Phone Rob Quincey Sherwood regarding 134s to go 30m into shaft pillar.  Phone British Rail Geoff Earnshaw Southern Region regarding same.  To ring back.  No plan with original application in 1982.  Phone Geoff Earnshaw … calculations O.K. + 1cm more subsidence (Eric Fretwell told). Will allow it. 'Owe them one!’.  Phone Nic Smith to visit next week. Informed Rob Quincey and Tony Barnes. To write a letter when the panel has stopped. Phone George Simms regarding Annesley Printing machine. Phone Hadi Al Rekabi Clipstone regarding British Rail visit next Monday morning.    Phone Peter Chatterton Rufford regarding British Rail visit next Monday afternoon. Installation of the Amstrad PC 1460 … Ian. General try out.  Discussion with Tony Turner ex Mech. Phone Ian Smith Estates to borrow Watts Instrument and legs … O.K.  Phone Rob Quincey Sherwood. D Moult Manager and DS Crisp Production Manager want 50m into pillar … NO! Phone Ian Shore Mansfield various. Discussion with Brian Hopkinson Marketing.  Phone Garry Hall Ollerton.  Phone Ian Wilson Thoresby regarding computer usage … trying it out.  To Mansfield … Discussion with various Ian Shore and shafts info.  John Fletcher Engineer various … Continued clearing out.

Wed 6 … Office … Letter drafted for British Rail.  Went to Registry for past letters. Discussion with regarding plans.  Discussion with Brian C Wright DCME and Steve Richardson planner regarding chain of events regarding Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper 134s … received plan and memo dated 5/7/1988 and finishing position … phone message 4m to go.  To see Eric Spencer Area Planning Engineer and Martin Bradder planner regarding same.  Discussion with Eric Fretwell Subsidence dept regarding same.  To Thoresby … Ian Wilson … instruction on PC 1640 computer … 147s output … 30.000 tonnes up to now. Phone Carl Banton Sherwood regarding 134s progress and well done … passed RICS exam.  Group Meeting DS Crisp Production Manager.  I outlined … Welbeck tip application passed.  Discuss afterwards DS Crisp and D Moult Manager regarding Sherwood 134s and British Rail Agreement … to plan ahead! (I always thought that is what they did!  Could be wrong!!!).  Barry Godfrey Ops Engineer regarding Mansfield shafts fill… bottom first!  To Estates … Discussion with Ray Timmons and Ray Jackson regarding property values for John Higginbotham.  Office … Discussion with the computer.

Thurs 7 … To Sherwood … Discussion with Rob Quincey regarding 134s position 85m mark, original was 100m mark. Also Discussion with system of sending in memos etc.  Discussion with Deep Hard / Piper Layout.  SE Return memo Agreement.  Phone Tony Barnes. Phone Bob Draper regarding proposed Thoresby surface water borehole by British Drilling & Freezing? regarding DS Crisp. Asked Ian Burns regarding same … waiting for STWA to reply.  Discussion with Tom Purseglove ex Deputy Engineer Mansfield confirmed there is a connection near base of shafts.  To Mansfield …. Discussion with Ian Shore regarding water figures etc., and plans.  Office … Correspondence.  Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Welbeck and Thoresby.  Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding to check boreholes on BGS plan.  Phone Bob Draper.  Phone Wendy Wain Zenith to collect a dial from Rufford. Discussion with Martin Bradder planner and I signed Sherwood 208s Yard seam amend. Phone Jed Thomas Linby regarding he will be on holiday 15th August when shaft fill is planned … also regarding tackle needed.  Phone Dennis Roebuck Safety Engineer regarding Blidworth 108s SM1 change.  Phone Tony Barnes regarding same. Computer practice.  Bob Draper Discussion with regarding systems of checking plans.  Checking Rufford K7s Blackshale and Bevercotes 106s and 112s Low Waterloo for Working Rights etc.  To Rescue Station … to exchange Sutton R & FF plans.  To Mansfield … stencilling borehole info on Low Main plans and Discussion with Ian Shore various and progress.  Phone Debbie to get Rufford High Hazles shaft pillar prints.

Fri 8 … Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding British Rail position at Sherwood.  Also regarding Working Rights etc. for Layout plans and ‘Who does what’?  Computer instruction with Martin Lang.  Phone Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding River Maun discharge consent.  Also told him that his SM1 for surface borehole Seymour Grove is not necessary … he agreed.  Phone Keith Jenkins Thoresby regarding R & FF plans ready. Phone Brian Smith Bentinck regarding Printing machine broken … to contact George Simms Annesley regarding Tuesday 5th.  Phone Graham Hall Bevercotes regarding Jockey House borehole … agrees with new position … co-ordinates from Manton agree.  Also Discussion with 9s RH borehole, SM1 required.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding shaft measure equipment etc. Graham Hall brought SM1 for Top Hard 7s … started the rounds.  Discussion with CJ Whyte.  To Thoresby … to collect R & FF plans. Discussion with Ian Shaw not to accept SM1 for borehole on SW heads … too far away … 50m. (Tonnage on 147s +50,000).  To Rescue Station … to exchange Thoresby R & FF plans.  To Mansfield … Discussion with Albert Littler Manager regarding state of plans for depositing and also water situation etc. for HMI.  Discussion with Ian Shore regarding water figures.  Took AGA 110 and tested same in readiness for shaft measuring.

Mon 11 … To Mansfield … to take water figures.  Office … Mansfield Reports for regarding typing.  To Clipstone … updated second copy Working plans and British Rail Nic Smith to update their plans. Discussion with various … no problems.  To Rufford … updated second copy Working plans. Nic Smith British Rail updated their plans. Discussion with … no problems. Discussion with Whitwell tunnel regarding Creswell … he was to check. Also regarding Sherwood 134s memo to send.  Office … to take 18 months charts to Andy Vjestica planner.  Memo with CJ Whyte regarding Richard Longden passed his certificate but unfortunately Keith Banton failed … took to staff dept.  Meeting CJ Whyte, Bob Draper, Eric Spencer Planning Engineer and self regarding Everton oil bores proposal by Enterprise. I drafted out a memo for RA Caunt CME.

Tues 12 … To Newstead Mining Records office Discussion with Dave Clarke. To Central Area HQ Coleorton … with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes and Eric Spencer Area Planning Engineer.  Met David Drake DCME, Alan Ratcliffe Area Surveyor, Tony Pascoe Deputy, Brian Pether Area Planning Engineer and Alan Marlow. Discussion with water routes etc. N Notts / N Derbys.  Discussion with costs etc. and possibly shut down Oxcroft on trial … no! … refer to RA Caunt CME .... Meeting folded.  Office … Graeme Marshall regarding visit.   Phone David Walton Civil Engineer regarding Mansfield shaft silt … 6m!  Prints Abandonment Regs.  Phone Stas Watson Sherwood regarding T16 theodolite.  Phoned Zenith.  Phone Keith Briggs Mansfield regarding progress and T16 theodolite for Cotgrave.  Phone Ian Wilson Thoresby regarding pick up T16 theodolite for Mansfield.  Sue regarding Woodhouse Place.  Printing.  Martin Sly regarding Mansfield drainage.  Phone Ian Orgill Blidworth regarding R & FF plans.  Sue and Debbie regarding British Rail plan for Sherwood 134s.  Phone Garry Hall Ollerton re SM1 for 32s (13 weeks for HMI) … no!  Phone Peter Williams Creswell regarding staff for underground level.  To Thoresby … to pick up T16 theod.  To Mansfield … to take T16 theod.  Discussion with plans etc. with Keith Briggs.  Picked up T2 theodolite.  To Rescue Station … to exchange Clipstone and Blidworth R & FF plans.  Memo regarding Working plans for CJ Whyte.

Wed 13 … Office … Correspondence.  Discussion with David Snodin Senior planner regarding Silverhill dates of working seams etc.  Also regarding old shafts and old workings in the upper Meden Valley.  Drafting out letter regarding Working plans for CJ Whyte.  Discussion with various CJ Whyte.  Martin Bradder planner regarding Center Parcs pillar.  Writing notes regarding Mine water and its associated problems … particularly for closing down Pumping Stations.  Phone Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe regarding plans and visit for Wild Rep in October.  Phone Ordnance Survey Office Nottingham regarding Center Parcs … not been done yet!  Phone Isabella for Martin Bradder same. I signed Harworth 1/5000 Layout plan regarding 1s / 2s connection for Steve Westmoreland planner. To Ollerton … Discussion with Philip Shaw regarding various and plans and SM1.  To Thoresby … to take T2 theodolite … Discussion with Ian Shaw … changed his mind!  Phone John Stapleton Cotgrave … will accept T2 instead of T16 theodolite with Mansfield DI 4 equipment.  To fetch T16 back again later.  Office … Correspondence … Water report.  CJ Whyte regarding various … to sort out Working Rights regarding Bob Draper.  Discussion with Eric Fretwell Subsidence dept regarding Sherwood Strategic plan and system.  Indians … queries regarding reduction of plans …. Referred them to Central Area.

Thurs 14 … Office … Correspondence.  Debbie regarding Mansfield Abandonment report files … to finish.  Phone Ian Wilson Thoresby regarding T16 / T2 weight regarding DI 4 … O.K.  Phone Mrs Johnson Kern regarding Order numbers for Harworth and Cotgrave instruments.  To P & S Marie to sort out same.  CJ Whyte regarding British Rail letter and plan of Sherwood 134s Deep Hard / Piper sent. Also discussed staff and possible changes.  To Mansfield … Discussion with plan progress etc. with Keith Briggs and Ian Shore.  Phone Mike Parker Sutton regarding Ian Revill brought Bentinck Watts tackle.  Salvage meeting DS Crisp Production Manager … surface drainage and a further connection between shafts below sump drift! Discussion with Mount Rice trees (McLane Tip named after John Rice a former Manager), shaft fill, STWA O.K., Farmer regarding Field well etc.  Stamping plans with signature block.  Office … colouring 1/25000 plans.  Sue regarding Working Rights plans.

Fri 15 … Office … Colouring 1/25000 Index plans for Mansfield Abandonment reports.   Phone CJ Whyte who was at Thoresby regarding proposed water borehole … progress?  … as before, STWA contacted on Tuesday … will be a week before letting us know. Also Doncaster is dealing with it!  Phone Ian Burns at Annesley regarding same. Saw Bob Draper regarding same … to follow up.  Phone M Callum Doncaster Metro Council regarding plan for Tickhill Public Notice underground plans.  Discussion with Bert Grime Area Tunnelling Team various.  Phone AE Littler Manager Mansfield regarding informing HMI for visit after next Wednesday.  John Grayson to sign all plans on Tuesday, Albert Littler signed today.(although John had left, being made redundant he agreed to come in for signing). Phone Mike Dimbleby Ordnance Survey Nottingham office regarding Center Parcs … to give us info as soon as possible, maybe by the end of the year!  Discussion with Bob Draper regarding Working Rights plans info (Sue to make up tracings only).  To Bilsthorpe … updated second copy Working copies and Discussion with various with Geoff Austin, Graham Kemp, Denise Tindale and Chris Procter.  To Thoresby … to take T16 theodolite. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding water borehole.  Office … Completing Abandonment plan reports for Mansfield with Debbie.  Phone Keith Briggs.  To Mansfield … Discussion with Albert Littler Manager and Mick Savage Assistant Manager regarding Abandonment reports etc.  Discussion with Keith Briggs and Ian Shore regarding progress on plans.

Mon 18 … Office … Correspondence.  Phoning round all collieries (except Ollerton, Rufford, Bevercotes and Asfordby) regarding water wells … to send in info about them.  Phone CJ Whyte regarding Open Days at West Burton Power Station meeting 29th July.  Phone Martin Bradder planner regarding Yard seam boundary Clipstone … referred him to his boss Eric Spencer Area Planner regarding Brian Pether Area Planner Central Area. Phone Rob Quincey regarding to fetch borehole info from Mansfield.  To Harworth … updated second copy Working plans.  Discussion with Bob Draper.  Discussion with Chris Shail regarding Open Days 10th / 11th September at West Burton Power Station. Phone CJ Whyte regarding Crane incident at Creswell on Birtley land … electrical cables brought down … factory power off.  To Creswell … Discussion with Bill Fox regarding incident … jib up at 50 degrees.  Phoned CJ Whyte.  Phone Celia regarding date of O.S. sheet after 1959 – 1961.  To Estates dept … Discussion with Geoff Woods Deputy Estates Manager regarding plans and correspondence relating to Right of Way over Birtley land at Creswell … only on occasions when enquiry made!   Office … Discussion with Bob Draper regarding same.  Phone Keith Briggs … EM stamp needed on Main Bright plans.  Phone Teresa PA for R Straw Deputy Director Admin regarding Parliamentary Constituency plan … phone Bob Draper regarding ‘hurry up’ order for same.  Discussion with Tony Barnes.

Tues 19 … Office … Glen Chappell … now doing Bevercotes plans.  Report regarding Creswell Crane incident.  Discussion with same CJ Whyte and DS Widdowson Production Manager. Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding same.  Phone Ray Timmons Estates regarding same. Discussion with CJ Whyte, Bob Draper and Ian Burns regarding Thoresby proposed water borehole and its implications.  Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes.  Bob Draper to tell Dave Clarke regarding Mansfield plan stamp missing! Gary Bardill Opencast Exec contacted me regarding borrow Invar band … O.K.  To Bevercotes … updated second copy Working plans.  Discussion with various also info regarding last Open Day at High Marnham Power Station.  To Mansfield … John Grayson (retired / redundant) came in and signed 54 plans and 4 x 5 Abandonment reports for all seams … I thanked him.  Discussion with borehole info to put on plans with Keith Briggs.  John Stapleton Cotgrave came and picked up Wild T2 theodolite and DI 4 EDM and clinometer (John was Deputy at Mansfield under John Grayson).

Wed 20 … Office … Bevercotes 35mm slides for Parkgate Abandonment completed.  With CJ Whyte and Ian Burns to see R Straw Deputy Director Admin regarding possible Mini Power Stations at Thoresby and Bilsthorpe.  Phone Geoff Woods Deputy Estates Manager regarding Creswell Crane incident. Phone Bill Fox regarding same. Phone Chris Shail Harworth regarding Open Days info … to contact Bevercotes. Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding Invar band.  Phone Jed Thomas Linby regarding well info.  Also well info from Clipstone, Calverton. To Thoresby … updated second copies of Working plans.  Discussion with plans Ian Shaw. Also Discussion with various Ian Wilson and Keith Jenkins.  To Ollerton … updated second copy Working plans.  Discussion No1 pit bottom movement with Garry Hall and Ken Hartwell Area Tunnelling Team (ATT).  To Sutton … to fetch 50m Invar band for Gary Bardill Opencast Exec.  Discussion with Peter Robinson.  Office … Phone Keith Briggs regarding shaft time.  Memo regarding Keith’s retirement on computer.  CJ Whyte regarding proposed Mini Power Stations at Rufford and Bilsthorpe with Thoresby being the lowest priority.

Thurs 21 … Office … Phone Doug Stockham Ollerton regarding 31s Parkgate geological problems?  Discussion with Graeme Marshall.  Phone Stas Watson Sherwood regarding no subsidence from No3 wide head on the proposed 5 feet dia. borehole for ventilation.  Phone Rob Quincey regarding wide heads and proposed borehole … Mick Flintham Subsidence dept regarding same. Phone Dave Clarke.  Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding Sherwood Tip meeting in August and also Keith Briggs retirement party. Looking through old Working Rights plans from Bilsthorpe.  Glen Chappell brought more negatives … machine broken for Bevercotes plans to ‘throw back’.  To Creswell … updated second copy Working plans. Discussion with Bill Fox various and Crane incident again.  To Langwith tip … burning black smoke furiously.  To Sherwood … second copy Working plans to date. Discussion with Rob Quincey and Stas Watson.  Group Meeting 2.30pm DS Crisp Production Manager … I outlined the 5 feet dia borehole from West Main down to Deep Hard / Piper 2 will not be affected by No3.  West Burton Power Station Open Days 10th / 11th September 1988. Shaft measuring Mansfield … to use sinkers helmets? This was due to a fatality in South Wales, doing a similar thing. Decided wouldn’t, pit helmet sufficient for safety, plus chains etc.

Fri 22 … To Creswell … updated Second copy Working plans for ones that were missed!  Phone Roger Smith Asfordby regarding what surface plans required … Demarcation plan with buildings as now shown and for the future for Deputy Director Admin.  Discussion with Martin Bradder planner regarding Sherwood also regarding Clipstone Strategic plan needed to check for Working Rights.  Eric Fretwell regarding various for Sherwood … O.S. sheets, gas main etc. Bob Draper … ordered O.S. sheets and Discussion with water well info. Updated Low Main boundary negative.  Discussion with Tony Hartopp planner regarding Silverhill boundaries etc. … referred him to Tim Colyer planner. Phone Mick Oliver Deputy Area Surveyor South Yorks regarding AGA 14A etc. at Gedling.  Ian W Smith Estates regarding borrow theodolite and legs …. O.K.  Phone Dick Bramley Calverton regarding SM1 … due next Monday.  To Thoresby … R & FF prints.  Discussion with Ian Y Wilson and Keith Jenkins.  To Ollerton … SM1 for 32s Parkgate.  To Bevercotes … SM1 for 7s Top Hard … Discussion with Graham Hall.   Office … CJ Whyte and Ian Burns regarding Sherwood tip and proposed Mini Power Stations.  Bob Draper to order O.S. sheet for West Burton Power Station.  Phone Garry Hall received SM1 back fully signed, no problem … I don’t think there will be in future now that M Goldsby has gone!

Mon 25 … Office … Correspondence. Phone Bob Draper regarding E.T.  Phone David Archer Rufford regarding K7s Blackshale SM1 returned O.K. Phone John Stapleton Cotgrave regarding Kern DM 502 returned … instrument ‘catching’. Phone Kern UK Mrs Johnson regarding same.  Phone Mr Hawkins Manager regarding same and discuss.  Phone Chris Shail Harworth regarding their instrument …. O.K.  Phone Richard Turner Silverhill regarding their DM 502 … same problem.  Phoned back to Mrs Johnson Kern regarding same and ordered 5 battery pack for Silverhill.  To P & S regarding same.  Phone Keith Briggs Mansfield regarding plan folders.  To Mansfield … picked up plan folders and Discussion with to plot top shaft connection on Main Bright plan.  Sent Ian Shore to Doctors … came out in spots!  To Silverhill … to take plan folders from Mansfield. Discussion with various.  Office … Phone Adrian Morley Estates dept regarding S300 level for repair.  Phone Alison Zenith regarding pick up same.  Phone Hadi Al Rekabi Clipstone regarding well info.  ET Graham Kill regarding various… particularly Working Rights, plan signing etc. Also regarding Mansfield Labour MP Alan Meale regarding wide coal heads claim.  CJ Whyte regarding call on Richard Longden from Clipstone to help at Mansfield temp.  Phone Hadi Clipstone regarding same … O.K.

Tues 26 … Office … ET Graham Kill … checking through Working Rights plans for Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper Layout plan.  Phone Keith Briggs Mansfield … Ian Shore off sick. With Keith Heskett planner regarding checking through Bevercotes Layout plan … 106s and 112s Low Waterloo. Debbie regarding proposed boundary amendment for Creswell 38s Threequarter regarding Tim Colyer planner. Phone Tony Wright Clipstone regarding borrow Richard Longden … O.K. Peter A Chambers new DCME query CJ Whyte.  To Clipstone to pick up Richard Longden. To Mansfield … checking over AGA 110 EDM and practice. With Keith Briggs, Richard Longden and Graham Kill ET.  Measuring No1 shaft with self and 2 blacksmiths and Graham Kill on top of cage, 5 read offs to targets at insets by Richard Longden at pit top using EDM with Keith Briggs booking … (Keith would not go on top of cage …. frightened). But as I said to him … ‘It’s your pit and somebody has got to and that is me! Another reason for not putting you in charge … not organised it or anything else for that matter’.  Phone Richard Clarke Gedling regarding Walkie Talkies for use in shaft … to see Keith Laver Elec.  Phone Debbie regarding tomorrow.  Phone Graham Kemp Bilsthorpe regarding Philip Smith ex Senior Surveyor South Notts wanting to borrow EDM and Level for Saltfield … No! regarding Manager.  Phone CJ Whyte regarding same and shaft measuring and tomorrow lunch.

Wed 27 … Office … Correspondence.  CJ Whyte regarding Ian Smith Estates borrow theodolite … O.K.  To P & S regarding orders. With Graham Kill ET regarding various and geology, water usage, plans etc., pumping, coal stocks.  Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding possible use Autoplumb shaft for verticality.  To Silverhill … with Graham Kill ET to take batteries for Kern DM 502 EDM … nobody in.  To Sutton … Discussion with Peter Robinson various and Level from Mansfield to Instrument store … 3 sets of theodolite legs for Ian Smith Estates. Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte Sherwood tip and staff.  To Mansfield … with CJ Whyte.  Lunch with Keith Briggs at the Oak Tree.  To Teversal … tree screen.  To Silverhill … Discussion with Richard Turner new plans … roads to shafts needed.  Office … Phone John Stapleton Cotgrave regarding Kern DM 502 again … vertical angle and discuss.  Discussion with Bob Draper regarding new Instruction regarding plan signing from Len Harris Area Director and invoice also.  To Electrical dept for invoice then to P & S.

Thurs 28 … Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte.  Phone Bill Fox Creswell to record water well info and to work out co-ordinates again for 38s rib side.  Sue Unsworth regarding plan required for extension of Clipstone Low Main.  To Mansfield … Measured No2 shaft … Richard Longden on instrument, Keith Briggs booking and Graham Kill ET observing. 7 read offs to me with target on top of skip.  Phone Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe regarding Philip Smith to borrow EDM … No! … Sorted out figures and rolls of plans.  Richard Longden checked both shaft tops from surface Bench mark with Graham Kill ET.  Office … Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Sherwood tip and received permission for Water borehole at Thoresby.  Phone Gordon Bennett British Rail regarding various and visits to update plans after next week.
Acting Area Surveyor & Minerals Manager Fri 29 July to Mon 8 August 1988

Fri 29 … Office … Correspondence.  Sorted out.  Discussion with Graeme Marshall.  Phone Eric Woss Harworth regarding progress under East Coast main line for British Coal / BCC Liaison meeting. Phone … called to Mansfield … not able to attend Meeting … Chair Bert Grime ATT because of Abandonment plans perusal with HMI Malcolm R Bottomley, Roger Trueman Deputy Manager and Keith Briggs.  Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding Level. Office after lunch … Discussion with various Bob Draper.  Correspondence.  Phone Wardell Armstrong regarding Far Baulker and Ompton Pumping Stations.  Phone Mick Barber Shirebrook regarding system for signing of Mine plans as per Central Area … Instructions from Len Harris Director.  Phone Coleorton … no reply.  Creswell water figures.  Discussion with Graham Kill ET  regarding Duties of a Senior Surveyor.  Phone then discussion with Michael Mottram Staff dept regarding info required by Undergraduate for tipping, restoration  … referred him to Graham Marshall Environment.

August 1988

Mon 1 … Office … Correspondence. Discussion with Bob Draper various.  Phone Bert Grime ATT and John Raine Area Geologist regarding West Burton Power Station meeting.  Discussion with Ken Lambert Group and Tony Pickering Area Vent Engineer regarding Mansfield / Sherwood stoppings.  Phone Gary Quibell (on loan) Mansfield regarding various.  Discussion with Peter Harrison planner regarding Open Day. Phone Keith Jenkins Thoresby regarding laser and replacement.  Discussion with Eric Fretwell regarding O.S. plans received from TR Draper for Old Mill Lane also Far Baulker and Ompton.  Phone Andy Bates and Roger Andrew Central Area regarding Signing of Mine plans and water problem.  Phone Ian Burns regarding student on Friday. Discussion with GE Marshall regarding Sherwood Tip. To Rescue Station … exchanged Blidworth R & FF plans.  To Mansfield … Discussion with Gary Quibell and to Car park where ground movement (fissure and rippling) is taking place.  Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding a Level for repair.  To Bilsthorpe … Discussion with Geoff Austin and Graham Millward regarding computers and school plus regarding Job Evaluation.  Office … Correspondence.  Phone Asfordby and Doug Williams planner regarding boreholes regarding Leicestershire County Council. Phone Zenith, Paul regarding Zeiss Level for repair.  Reading papers.  Phone Eric Spencer Area Planner regarding L Harris Area Director to sign 1/5000. Phone Nic Hanson Zeiss (St Helens) regarding visit 16th August.  Message regarding Thoresby R & FF plans … a fall in Top Hard towards Welbeck Connection. - Bought a 1988 New Nissan Micra GSX, Dark Green (Mary)

Tues 2 … To Rescue Station … amend to Thoresby R & FF plan regarding a fall in Top Hard.  Office … Correspondence, Phone Roger Smith regarding Leics. County Council planning defer for surface borehole. EW Fretwell Kilton Village Hospital Worksop … refer to South Yorks office. Discussion with Bob Draper and one from BGS.  To P & S regarding instrument for Peter Robinson.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield, back at work.  To Mansfield, Discussion with Gary Quibell and Ian Shore regarding shaft information.  Office … Phone Joe Callinan BP (ex Planner) regarding possible oil bore at Old Dalby Asfordby … referred to Roger Smith.  Phone Ian W Smith Estates. To Clipstone … Group Staff meeting DS Crisp Production manager.  Video on ‘eye bolts’. I outlined Mini Power Stations proposals, Mansfield / Sherwood stoppings etc.  Ken Fidler Manager Thoresby told us about the large fall in Top Hard Connection road to Welbeck.  Afterwards John Higginbotham Manager Rufford inquiring regarding fissures in his garden, would pass on to Subsidence dept.  Office ... Correspondence.  Phone Ian McCormick regarding info at Warsop. Peter A Chambers DCME regarding photography hold up etc!  Phone John Higginbotham regarding Warsop. Phone Tony Wright Clipstone regarding water borehole JA Daniels Manager?

Wed 3 … Office … John Raine Area Geologist regarding ‘Arco’ oil bore proposal Asfordby Long Clawson … object regarding short life.  Tony Hartopp planner regarding Linby Top Hard.  Discussion with John Walters’s planner (Graham’s brother) regarding Annesley Blackshale.  Eric Spencer Area Planner and David Snodin planner regarding 1/5000 Layouts and booklet Director to sign. Phone Alan Wilson Staff dept regarding Mileage chart anomalies.  Phone Dave Clarke Newstead Mining Records regarding no ladder yet in order to reach some plans (old PHB).  Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding shaft survey. Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding tips etc.  To Sherwood … Lunch with Chief Engineer Les Crellin, Don Brown Area Civil Engineer.  Surface visit in Land Rover around countryside and the tip.  Tip Management meeting O.K.  Office … Phone Roger Smith Asfordby regarding various.  Debbie regarding Creswell Threequarter boundary alteration plan … checked with planners. Discussion with Chris Walton planner.

Thurs 4 … Office … Correspondence. Wardell Armstrong reply on 1/10000 plans and copy missed for SK45SE.  Proposed oil bore at Old Dalby.  Invoice Nottingham Trader.  Query Hedge & Ellison Birmingham regarding land at Wellow Road.  NCC sent back application for discharge into Tinkers Leen regarding identify constituents.  Phone Tony Shirley Area Surveyor South Yorkshire regarding computers at Calverton and Thoresby Eagle ‘minicad’ and discuss.  Phone Richard Clarke regarding Autoplumb for Gedling.  Lasers at Thoresby and Sherwood require repair.  Phone Paul at Zenith regarding same.  Boreholes … Scientific folders to Bob Draper.  Checked over boundary amendment for Creswell Threequarter seam.  Ian Burns regarding Mileage chart.  Planners Malcolm Clarke and Tim Colyer regarding ‘no go’ at Whitwell tunnel and 90m cover line to Permian at Bilsthorpe 117s Low Main (it was 60m in 1958 … Tom Bush Area Chief Surveyor No3 Area) Ollerton Top Hard.  Phone Garry hall Ollerton regarding same to find info and notified Malcolm Clarke. Surface damage balance Eric Fretwell. Phone various. With Bob Draper to Discussion with Jockey House borehole with Mike Allen geologist.  To Harworth … Meeting regarding shaft survey 2pm – 4pm.  BMCL chair Bob? and Applied Physics lasers.  Took Autoplumb etc. and sketch for Open Day at West Burton Power Station.  Office … Bert Grime ATT regarding meeting same next week.  Phone Chris Shail regarding same.

Fri 5 … Office … Correspondence.  Phone Paul at Zenith regarding lasers £650 max.  Phone Stas Watson and Ian Wilson regarding laser beams … pick up Monday.  To Supplies & Contracts regarding same. Phone Mike Parker Sutton.  I signed Annesley Blackshale 1/5000 extension of Scours and Snickets for John Walters planner.  Discussion with Bob Draper Wellow borehole (Trefor Co France).  Discussion with Ian Burns and Bob Draper regarding arrange to see JA Daniels Manager Clipstone regarding water well.  Phone Jed Thomas Linby regarding shaft filling equipment.  Phone Glen Chappell photographer regarding Bevercotes and Mansfield plans.  Discussed CJ Whyte back for ½ day up to date info regarding all that had happened in the week and went through all the correspondence.  Memo Alan Ratcliffe Area Surveyor Central regarding boundary amendment Creswell Threequarter.  Phone Trevor Speed Blidworth regarding Survey Assistants Course … to Staff Training regarding same.  To Mansfield … Discussion with Ian Shore and Gary Quibell regarding plans.  Checked through Low Main, Deep Hard / Piper and Main Bright plans.  Arranged with Ian Shore regarding shaft measuring next week below High Hazles inset.  Checked EDM distances O.K.

Mon 8 … To Mansfield … to pick up High Hazles plans.  Office … took plans to Photographic.  Phone David Archer Rufford regarding Yard seam copies.  Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding instruments.  Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding fatal accident on the tip Saturday … to get update plan from Cartographic … refer to Ian Burns. Phone Tim Zenith regarding lasers. Phone Steve Dyke Forest Lab regarding laser certificates.  Phone Alan Marlow Central Area regarding info from Bob Draper … also booklet.  Water figures to date.  Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding areas too large to investigate.  Discussion with same Eric Fretwell Subsidence dept and different plan for Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper.  Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding MI 1 form … not necessary, also regarding Yard copies today.  Phone Steve Barnes regarding Bevercotes Parkgate amend plan for Jockey House borehole … not done yet. Discussion with Eric Spencer Area Planner regarding 3 years limit to be on Layout plans.  Detailed list for students taking MOB? JEB exams.  Phone Joe Callinan regarding proposed borehole Asfordby, Old Dalby … to arrange meeting … CJ Whyte, Bob Draper regarding same.  Bob Draper regarding Working Rights.  Phone Gordon Bennett British Rail regarding Clipstone 102s Deep Soft transducers installation next Saturday 5.30am – 2pm.  Anyone interested?? Eric Fretwell regarding same.  Phone Tony Wright Clipstone also.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding various.  Prospectus for Mansfield Technical College regarding Survey Assistants Course … phone Phil James Blidworth regarding same … Tuesdays.  Glen Chappell photographer … Mansfield plans not finished … lamp broken.  To Rufford … to pick up Yard seam plans.  To Mansfield to take same.
I completed my week as Acting Area Surveyor.

Tues 9 … To British Gypsum at Gotham.  Underground with John Hancock and Chris in Land Rover to a working district.  All 90 degrees roadways.  Met the Manager Mr Smythe. Visited other installations.  Discussion with Neil and gave him notes of guidance for MQB / JEB exam. Lunch … Office … Correspondence.  Bevercotes R & FF plans.  Phone Nic Smith British Rail regarding arrange visit to Creswell and Bilsthorpe on 15th August.  Phone Billy Ellison (David Ellison’s father) and Geoff Austin regarding same.  Discussion with Peter Thompson and CJ Whyte regarding fatal accident on tip at Harworth last Saturday.  Ian Smith brought money for instrument.  Phone Ian Orgill Blidworth regarding Demarcation plan and amendment needed.  Meeting regarding West Burton Power Station Open Days 10th and 11th September … BC Wright DCME and Bert Grime Area Tunnelling Team.  Ian W Smith’s money and Peter KJ Robinson’s cheque to P & S … O.K.

Wed 10 … Office … Correspondence.  Checking through 1/5000 Layout plans for Creswell, Sherwood, Ollerton.  Phone Chris Shail Harworth regarding Open Days Meeting for West Burton Power Station.  Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding Open Days … Gala 17th / 18th September.  Also regarding 1/2500, 1/5000 and 1/10000 Imperial negatives missing … checked through and phoned back.  Discussion with Ian Wilson regarding Booklet showing a Computer package for Amstrad 1640.  Amend for Thoresby Top Hard R & FF plans.  Discussion with Martin Bradder planner regarding Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper 1/5000 Layout and request for 1/5000 surface plan. Also regarding Clipstone Deep Soft, Low Main and Yard seams for 10 year Strategic Plan.  Dave Clarke Mining Records regarding HMI Ken Tyldesley Monday regarding Bevercotes plans.  Discussion with Bob Draper regarding order again for 2 O.S. plans for West Burton.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding progress.  Photo and identity Card Joe Filep and asked Glen about plans needing photographing.  PA Chambers DCME regarding photography of plans.  Phone David Walton Civil Engineer regarding shafts.  To Mansfield … Discussion with Ian Shore regarding Low Main, Main Bright and Deep Hard / Piper plans almost complete.  Took High Hazles plans back.  Phone Debbie regarding ‘Pink’ electrical Power line plans?  Phone Celia regarding Abstraction License details for Estates dept.  To Rescue Station … Thoresby R & FF amends regarding large fall in Top Hard. Also Blidworth R & FF with amends and Bevercotes exchange R & FF plans.  Phone BP Eakring … message for Joe Callinan … meeting next week.

Thurs 11 … Office … Bob Draper in charge CJ Whyte on holiday.  Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Mansfield well info for Estates.  Discussion with Chris Walton Planner and I signed Welbeck Sec 1 Top Hard 1/5000 negative … queried waterlogged areas. Rang Graham Walters regarding same and he agreed … planner to put them on signed plan.  Phone Neil Shaw planner regarding Sherwood Layout plan and surface features … to get list.  Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding Apprentice Tech form.  Checking through Thoresby Parkgate Layout.  Discussion with Ken Lambert regarding stopping Sherwood to Mansfield and reg sketch.  Phone John Stapleton Cotgrave regarding Kern instrument etc. (borrowed one). Phone Mike Gallagher Mineral Valuer regarding Newstead surface and 1/500 plan.  To send them plus Annesley Bentinck in general regarding rating.  Phone Trevor Speed Blidworth twice regarding Manager’s Demarcation plan … amends needed to send in.  To Mansfield Salvage meeting DS Crisp.  Info to Geoff Woods Deputy Area Estates Manager regarding water system, electrical and wells.  Martin Bradder planner regarding 1/10560 0r 1/10000 negatives in future for plan examination.

Fri 12 … Office … Discussion with Ken Lambert Vent regarding Sherwood / Mansfield stoppings.  Plan negs for 1/10560 and 1/10000 from Neil Shaw planner.  Correspondence. Delta Scientific Instruments firm Barnsley catalogue.  Phone Joe Filep photographer regarding plans … going to get help next week.  Phone Steve Leavesley Rufford regarding 6” (1/10560) plan. Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes regarding Zenith coming Tues with new tapes for display.  Phone Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding Zenith possibly on Tuesday regarding opticals.  Discussion with Bob Draper various and HMI K Tyldesley rang Bob Straw Deputy Director Admin yesterday regarding photos outstanding … Sue to start in Photographic dept next Monday.  Phone John Nightingale Silverhill regarding 6” plan, also to send letter to HMI regarding recover Yard seam Abandonment plans from Newstead Mining Records office … coal reached yesterday. Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Clipstone proposed well again! Phone Roger Smith Asfordby regarding possible meeting next week with BP.  To Registry for files. Phone Graham Parker Silverhill regarding Yard seam entry … cannot find 212 notice!  Phone Andy Vjestica regarding Thoresby Layout plan … to supply 6”plan.  Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding various.  Phone Jackie at Zenith regarding next week.  Phone Trevor Speed Blidworth regarding differences on Demarcation plan … to send in.  To Sutton … to fetch tackle for Ian W Smith Estates and spare staff.  Discussion with Peter Robinson. And Russ Worsey (retired).  Office … Andy Vjestica with 6” Thoresby plan … checking Working Rights.

Mon 15 … Office … Discussion with happenings with Tony Barnes now back from holiday. Discussion with Graeme Marshall.  Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding form from Alan Wilmot (John’s son).  To Creswell … Discussion with Langwith tunnel with Billy Ellison and British Rail Surveyor Gordon Bennett.  Discussion with pit in general and workings to date.  To Bilsthorpe with Gordon Bennett and Discussion with with Graham Kemp.  No problems, workings to date. Lunch at Dog & Duck Old Clipstone.  Office … Continued with checking Thoresby Parkgate Layout plan … also with Bob Draper for Sec 2 and Sec 3 notices … O.K.  Gave him list of buildings etc. for notice to be served in future. Discuss.  Making out forms for planners.  Phone Glen Chappell photographer regarding how many copies of Bevercotes Firedamp drainage needed.  Phone Maurice Whittle Estates.

Tues 16 … Office … Correspondence.  I signed Thoresby Parkgate Layout plan (7 panels).  Info etc. with Graeme Marshall to DS Crisp Production Manager and Engineers for Thoresby proposed borehole. !0am Nic Hampson Rep from Zenith.  Discussion with Elta 4 theodolite and also Tony Barnes, Introduced CJ Whyte.  To Bilsthorpe … demonstration with Geoff Austin and Graham Kemp.  Lunch at Dog & Duck Old Clipstone.  Office … I signed Ollerton Parkgate Layout plan for 34s snickets.  Phone Peter Williams Creswell regarding info required on Rescue boreholes plans.  Phone Estates (for Adrian Morley) regarding Zenith query CTS S300 Level in poor condition … to contact them.  Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Thoresby proposed well and location … out of present jurisdiction of Manager.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding various and land adjacent to Lagoon No1 belonging to Golf Course … yes!.  Discussion with Ian Burns same.  Discussion with Andy Vjestica.  Checking Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper plan for Sec 3 notices etc.  Discussion with Glen Chappell photographer, Joe Filep and Sue discrepancies in scales after reproduction … need to do again!

Wed 17 … To Sherwood … Discussion with Rob Quincey regarding Deep Hard / Piper 1/5000 Layout plan and amends.  To Mansfield …. Underground with Ian Shore and Dave Childersley Blacksmith / shaftsman. Measured down No1 DC shaft from High Hazles level with tape down to sump, down ladder through connection with difficulty due to air pressure and then into No2 UC shaft, just measured from floor up ladder through trap door and I was last climbing up when a rusty rung broke on the steel ladder and I almost fell, luckily clinging on to a rung then climbed up through trap door back to High Hazles horizon. Bob Chilerley came back down the ladder to assist me.   Back in Mansfield office … Debbie rang regarding Keith Heskett wants me!  He will have to wait.  To Rufford … Group meeting DS Crisp.  Talk by Dennis Roebuck regarding Clipstone fatality and also surface fatality at Harworth. I talked about Mansfield shafts measuring and plans by end of August.  KG Fidler Thoresby Manager regarding Demarcation area for proposed water well.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding shaft measures.  Discussion with Andy Wells and Dave Archer Rufford regarding survey methods at Mansfield.

Thurs 18 … Office … Phone Mick Barber Shirebrook regarding Job Evaluation also regarding water and shafts.  Phone Graham Hall Bevercotes regarding same and Mick to contact. Phone David Archer Rufford regarding has Dial come back … no!  Phone Stas Watson Sherwood has theodolite come back … no!   Phone Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding laser beams … no!  Discussion with proposed water bore and Demarcation plan. Phone Photographic regarding Bevercotes plans.  Phone Dave Clarke Newstead Mining Records Abandonment plans … not done yet!  Discussion with Bob Draper regarding notices etc.  I signed Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper for Neil Shaw planner.   To Mansfield … Discussion with Ian Shore regarding results for shaft measures and possible levelling routes. Phone Carl Banton regarding borrow Glyn Williams for Tuesday … O.K.  Surface with Graeme Marshall and Ian Shore … No1 tip (Rice Hill) and general and possible route for water drainage.  Office ... Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding Abandonment and other plans etc.  Bevercotes plans received from Photographer this afternoon.  I signed Bevercotes Top Hard and Low Waterloo 1/5000 Layout plans for Keith Heskett.  Phone Steve Barnes regarding Bevercotes Abandonment plans … to take to Newstead Mining Records on Monday?  Trimming and checking same.  Phone Jackie at Zenith … message regarding delivery of Theodolite, Dial, Level, lasers etc.  Meeting PA Chambers DCME, CJ Whyte, self, TR Draper, Peter Williams General staff and Glen Chappell photographer … Abandonment plans and other photographic works outstanding and involvement with HMI ... Must be done.

Fri 19 … Office … Phone Martin Bradder planner.  Trimmed Bevercotes Parkgate Abandonment plans. Sorting plans in safe.  I signed Harworth snicket in Swallow Wood for Steve Westmoreland planner.  Discussion with Bob Draper regarding plans for photographing.   Glen Chappell phone regarding number of plans required … 500 min and probably 700 max. Phone Brian Chapman Coleorton regarding life of Silverhill … 10 years? … regarding pumping at Williamthorpe to finish then.  Discussion with Trevor Huntingdon Drawing Office regarding Peter Williams HQ regarding plans.  Phone Ian Wilson regarding computer installation … no!  M Goldsby from Eastwood Hall checked!  To Thoresby … Meeting J Barry Godfrey … proposed water well … position, demarcation amends and electrics. To Bevercotes … to take photo copies of Parkgate Abandonment … Discussion with Graham Hall.   Office … Discussion with Bob Draper regarding Bevercotes plans for Abandonment.  Phone Dave Clarke regarding same (Ann Hollett message).  Phone Bob Draper regarding ‘Stamp’ … not ordered yet regarding Tony Barnes HMI Gilmore Linby plans. General Discussion with Tony Barnes.  Correspondence … phone Steve Richardson regarding Clipstone Low Main Layout.  Phone Tony Wright Clipstone regarding 68s Low Main and 74s … O.K.  but queried Top Hard pillars finish.  Phone Tim Mee Estates regarding problem … collapse of possible seismic borehole at Ossington ... refer Bob Draper … refer Bretby … refer Colin Fairbairn, Bretby

Mon 22 … Office … Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes … not today for plans … some copying to do.  Phone Glen Chappell regarding sizes of 500 – 700 plans required.  Saw PA Chambers DCME regarding same.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding plans.  Phone Dave Clarke Newstead Mining Records regarding plans and stamp date wrong.  Discussion with various Bob Draper.  Discussion with Ken Lambert Vent Engr regarding subsidence.  I signed Clipstone Low Main 1/5000 layout for Steve Richardson planner.  Checking Working Rights with CJ Whyte … system to pot! Phone Tony Wright Clipstone regarding visit underground on 6th September.  Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding water figures. Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding shaft fill at Linby and Mansfield.  Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding Working Party Office Efficiency and also him and Ian Burns regarding Creswell Demarcation tip and Langwith culvert etc. and DCC tip.  Phone Brian Chapman same at Central Area.  Phone Tony Pascoe Central Area regarding 38s boundary amend Creswell Threequarter.  Phone Gordon Froggatt Creswell Manager regarding same and surface also.  Discussion with Steve Mudd planner regarding Calverton and Gedling.  Discussion with boundary amend not come back regarding Creswell Threequarter. To Creswell … Discussion with various Billy Ellison.  Phone Brian Chapman Central Area regarding messages … Langwith tip and Creswell Threequarter.  Meeting Gordon Froggatt Manager, self, Tim Colyer planner, Bill Fox and J Smith regarding water, surface Demarcation, Langwith and Threequarter boundary.  Phone Eric Spencer Area Planner regarding same. To Rescue Station … exchanged Silverhill and Blidworth R & FF plans.

Tues 23 … Office … Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Creswell discharge 134 million gallons.  Phone Bill Fox e same, see June 1983. Discussion with Ken Lambert Vent Engineer regarding various ideas.  Info to Les Nickless Elec Engineer regarding all collieries and connections regarding emergency routes.  To Bevercotes … to collect Parkgate Abandonment plans. With Ian Daykin to deposit same at Newstead Mining Records office. Discussion with Dave Clarke and Ann Hollett. Seam plans required for Bevercotes area. To Bevercotes, took Ian back.  Office … Discussion with Bob Draper various.  Discussion with CJ Whyte staff and possible changes.  Also change to Group system.  Discussion with Tony Barnes various and Central Area Booklet ‘Planning for Safety’.  Checking Clipstone Yard seam 1/5000 Layout plan. Also regarding Linby shaft fill. Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding Meeting 3pm tomorrow regarding West Burton Power Station Open Days 10th and 11th September.  Also regarding shaft plumb and shaft survey by Applied Physics regarding BMCL.  Discussion with CJ Whyte same.  Also Creswell mine water discharge … STWA refused extra in 1983 … limit 127 million gallons … now it is 160 million gallons! Discussion with Peter A Chambers DCME regarding Layout plan … limit for examination ought to be 3 years.

Wed 24 … Correspondence.  Phone Tony Barnes regarding me to go to Linby.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding same and levels check for yesterday.  To Mansfield … picked up Ian Shore and went to Linby.  Assisted on shaft measuring for fill at No1 and No2 shafts with Jed Thomas and Tony Barnes.  Noted the system.  Discussion with Charlie Swinscoe Mech Engineer on closure (ex Ollerton).  To Mansfield … Calculated levels and checked all shaft measures to insets and finalised same.  Discussion with John Grayson (ex Surveyor who had called in) regarding same.  Discussion with Ian Shore regarding rubbing off 27 March date and printing 27 August.

Thurs 25 … Office … Phone Ian Shore Mansfield.  Phone Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe regarding Nic Hanson Zenith regarding instruments and also Mansfield office drawers.  Checking Working Rights etc. for Clipstone, Thoresby, Sherwood on Subsidence plans.  Phone Martin Bradder planner … I signed Clipstone Yard 1/5000 Layout. Discussion with Eric Fretwell Subsidence dept regarding various and subsidence plans.  Discussion with Bob Draper various.  Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding same and Clipstone Flood Dykes.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield … O.K.  Discussion with David Walton Civil Engr regarding Mansfield Yard well … wants details.  To Clipstone … Discussion with Tony Wright regarding Layout plans for Yard and Low Main seams.  Discussion with John Cranham also regarding drift and boundary to put on Working plan and also to show other workings.  Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding dial also regarding showing Yard / Blackshale on plans.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding Yard Well to get depths, widths, heights, lengths etc. of top and bottom sandstone galleries.

Fri 26 … To Mansfield … Phone Ian Burns … Glen Chappell … info taken off Mansfield plans for paper for Area Director. Took measurements for Yard well with Ian Shore, Bob Childerley and one other in both horizons and tunnels.  Surface visit, sorting out other measurements for shaft sections.  Checking surface and possible limestone chipping areas for shaft fill heap.  Phone John Walls Welbeck regarding parallel rule and also regarding Chris Farr move.  To Rufford … checking over Working plan for Yard / Blackshale, Low Main etc. with Andy Wells. Discussion with shaft fill.  Surface visit to No1 shaft top. Phone Mike Parker Sutton regarding overtime for Alan Wilmot.  Office … to Staff dept to ask regarding same.  Sent forms to Sutton.  To Planning dept … Discussion with Stuart Whittle contracts.  CJ Whyte regarding Alan Wilmot overtime.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding shaft section drawing … out of proportion!  Phone Malcolm Clarke planner regarding Creswell Threequarter boundary amendment plan (with Central Area Planner Brian Pether since 9th August!) … fetched Tim Colyer’s original drawing.  Discussion with CJ Whyte Rufford Lake Bilsthorpe 4 feet extraction and also Annesley Bentinck pipe line started.  Discussion with Tony Barnes shaft fill etc.

Mon 29 … Bank Holiday

Tue 30 … To Welbeck … to take parallel rule and Discussion with Chris Farr regarding start Doncaster 19t September.  Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding transport of tackle to West Burton Power Station and also F3 mileage allowance.  Also regarding plans of Barnsley to go back to Newstead Mining Records office by end of September 1988.  Discussion with Graeme Marshall Acting Area Surveyor. Phone Dave Walton Civil Engr regarding shafts final info and also Yard well info.  Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding Linby shafts fill.  Clipstone and Mansfield well info to Bob Draper.  Glen Chappell regarding finish Mansfield High Hazles plans today.  Phone Tim at Zenith regarding Rufford dial out of adjustment … also regarding other deliveries to Sherwood, Thoresby lasers.  Discussion with Graeme Marshall various.  Discussion with Bob Draper.  Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding plans.  Trimming Mansfield plans … more to come.  Phone John Cranham Clipstone regarding Ordnance Survey negatives complete for Rescue boreholes folder.  Phone Ann Hollett Newstead Mining Records … will take Mansfield plans on Thursday.  To Clipstone … to take O.S. plans.  Discussion with Hadi Al Rekabi same.  Discussion with Carl Lesh Estates regarding various and farm lands etc.

September 1988

Thurs 1 … Office … Correspondence. Trimming Mansfield plans. Glen Chappell regarding Mansfield High Hazles Abandonment 35mm slides … not done yet. Told him they were required. Drafted letter for Apprentices moves. Phone John Hind Welbeck regarding Chris Farr to go to Thoresby and phoned Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding Darren Moody to go to Welbeck after completing coal face training. Mansfield 35mm slides finished. Phone Roger Andrew Coleorton regarding Oxcroft figures … no! To Mansfield … to take High Hazles Abandonment negatives 1/2500, 1/5000 and 1/10000 and Firedamp Drainage on all scales. To Newstead Mining Records Office with Ian Shore to take 27 High Hazles plans, 12 Firedamp Drainage, 35mmm slides, ½ plate negatives, 6” ozaloft and print. To Mansfield … sorted out all old negatives and destroyed same. Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte and AR Barnes regarding instruments for sale … Tony Barnes rang Zenith. Message for Bob Draper for Sue regarding 6” plans required for Bevercotes Parkgate and Mansfield High Hazles Abandonments for Mining Records. Phone Ian Shaw regarding Darren Moody … to start at Welbeck on 12th September. Discussion with various Tony Barnes.

Fri 2 … Office … Correspondence. Letter drafted to STWA. Phone PC Smart Abelson House, Birmingham regarding Mansfield Yard well. Sorting out plans in safe and destroying second copies. Phone George Harper Kern regarding visit Bilsthorpe regarding Kern DM 150 … O.K. Phone Geoff Austin regarding same. Discussion with Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding new computer to fix up, starting on Monday. Oxcroft water figures phoned through. Phone Peter Toone Asfordby regarding numbering system for R & FF plans … A1, A2 etc. Phone Richard Clarke Gedling regarding various. Typed letter regarding Apprentices on the computer assisted by Ian Burns. Plan references from the safe. To Bilsthorpe … to get labels. Further plan references to Graham Kemp. Discussion with Geoff Austin. To Mansfield … continued sorting out. To Rescue Station … to exchange Ollerton R & FF plans.

Mon 5 … Office … Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding Tip plans and areas to be taken out of Manager’s jurisdiction for Harworth, Creswell and others. Phone Ian Wilson Thoresby re Suspension date of Deep Soft development … 13/8/1988. Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding photography. Discussion with CJ Whyte. Discussion with Bilsthorpe Layout with Tim Colyer planner. Discussion with Eric Spencer Area Planning Engineer regarding Creswell Threequarter boundary … not come from Central Area yet! To Mansfield … Discussion with tackle etc. with Ian Shore. Discussion with various with AE Littler Manager and Ian to go to Calverton on loan if required. Also Discussion with CJ Whyte. Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding Langwith discharge. Phone Philip James Blidworth regarding Roneo cabinets now ready. To Clipstone … took 9 flat sheet covers. To Ollerton … Discussion with Garry Hall various and plan information for Working plans. Office … Brought template and 16 flat sheets spares. Phone Keith Leighfield Deputy National Surveyor regarding Thoresby valuation in April … gave him panel distances, 12,000m approx. ... Note for CJ Whyte regarding Langwith discharge point … query now Derbys County Council. Letter for Severn Trent Water Authority (STWA) regarding Mansfield Yard well.

Tues 6 … Day off … Funeral Aunt Edith, Coventry.

Wed 7 … Office … Discussion with Tony Barnes various. Phone Andy Wells Rufford … questionnaire regarding plans etc. for Safety dept. Phone Graham Walters Welbeck regarding needs a man when John Hind goes to Tech in October. CJ Whyte regarding sent STWA letter regarding Mansfield Yard well fill. Also regarding staff for Welbeck. Phone Rob Quincey Sherwood regarding T16 theodolite also regarding 304s SM1 to read later. Phone Zenith … reminder regarding Sherwood T16 sent 15/7/1988 also O.K. in future to take lasers to Forest Laboratory. Took 2 to Post Room. Discussion with Ian Burns re Calverton tip slide … 150m! Saw Keith Heskett planner with CJ Whyte regarding amended Bevercotes Top Hard 7s … + 50m … O.K. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding Langwith culvert from the lagoons. Phone Bill Fox Creswell … to be in the Manager’s jurisdiction. Agreement to come from Central Area. Phone Chris Shail Harworth regarding Open Day … to go on Friday to West Burton Power Station. To Creswell … Traced Langwith water culvert. Meeting with Gordon Froggatt and Bill Fox regarding same. Also regarding 34s SM1. To Mansfield … Salvage meeting DS Crisp Production Manager. Afterwards Geoff Woods Estates regarding Langwith … mentioned tipping stone on old stocking ground … stockyard to be used for coal. Ian Shore regarding Abandonment plan procedure. Office … Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes regarding Vickers lasers … 3 defunct and unrepairable. Water figures for Mansfield to Celia for record.
From today Len Harris Director will sign 212 Notices

Thurs 8 … Office … Sorting out Planning plans. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding various and water return on blue card. Phone Martin Sly Civil Engr regarding Thoresby Tip … extension of No2 over part of No1 and letter proposed by Manager KG Fidler to HMI … should go from Director if it is necessary. Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes regarding lasers and plan folders. Sorting out plans and negatives into folders in safe with Tony Barnes. Phone Mike Parker Sutton regarding Open Day … not sure whether Surveyors needed or not? CJ Whyte regarding Ompton Pumping Station regarding Bilsthorpe Low Main … letter to STWA urging movement on same. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding put numbers on plans 1 of 5, 2 of 5 etc. Sorted out further plans in safe into sets and labelled same … more to do and finish off with Tony Barnes. To Langwith with Graeme Marshall … DCC reshaping and water course from lagoons to River Poulter … also route to river to Langwith Water Lodge, old mill and Cuckney lake. To Sherwood … Discussion with Rob Quincey K304s Blackshale SM1.

Fri 9 … Office … O.S. plans. List of plan requirements from safe. CJ Whyte regarding Watts S 200 Level from Forest Lab. Phone Clive Pinnick regarding same. Possibly left off the Bretby van delivery. Phone Steve Dyke Lab regarding same and laser beams in future. Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding Open Day West Burton Power Station. Sorting out plans in safe continued. Discussion with Russ? in Safety dept regarding Yard 16s at Rufford finishing position. Phone Peter Chatterton Rufford regarding same. Lunch with Wendy Wain Zenith and Tony Barnes. Phone Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding SM1 for 4th drift urgent! He came across … 4 signatures for same! To West Burton Power Station … Discussion with Chris Shail, Eric Woss, Karl Mitchell and Marie Thomas regarding layout.

Sat 10 … Open Day at West Burton Power Station … I was on a stall with equipment etc. explaining items to interested visitors.

Mon 12 … Office … Correspondence. Continued putting plans in folders in the safe. Discussion with CJ Whyte, Graeme Marshall and Eric Fretwell regarding possible appointment of M Purvis from NE (he was offered a job at M2?). Phone Graham Kemp Bilsthorpe regarding labels for plans. Phone Tony Wright Clipstone regarding visit underground tomorrow. Phone John Nightingale Silverhill regarding printing machine ammonia smell … referred to Roger Holmes last week. Phoned Roger Holmes regarding same … it appears that Silverhill is the only pit without a contract … to come tomorrow. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding Langwith Conveyance received … copies for Estates, Colliery, Civil Engineers etc. Discussion with John Grayson various (ex-Surveyor Mansfield, retired) called in. Update of signing of Mine plans regarding Director to sign! Phone Ian Shore Mansfield. Phone Ian Smith Estates … sent plans and optical via Ray Jackson. Saw Brian Wright DCME regarding sign SM1 for 4th drift at Thoresby … to sign for PA Chambers DCME and also for RA Caunt CME … o.k. ... no problem. To Mansfield … various records etc.

Tues 13 … To Clipstone … Underground with CJ Whyte and Tony Wright. To 110s development Deep Soft seam. Lunch and discuss. Office … Trimmed and made out new R & FF folders. To Thoresby … to take SM1 for 4th drift completed … Discussion with Ian Shaw and Ian Wilson. Office … to Terminal room to take old computer parts. To Rescue Station … replaced all folders. Discussion with Deputy Station Manager regarding Creswell there now. Hucknall / Babbington plans missing! And take Linby off now the shafts are filled.

Wed 14 … To Sherwood … query regarding R & FF plans out of date at Rescue Station (31/8/1988). To Rescue Station … took Sherwood R & FF plans. Office … Phone Stas Watson Sherwood re plans out of date?! Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding Sharp PC 1360 batteries running down. Phone Mike Parker Sutton regarding Sharp PC 1350 and Philip Shaw Ollerton regarding Sharp PC 1350 no problems. Phone Peter Robinson Sutton. Gave Bill Fox phone number to ring … he put it onto Electrical Engineer! Copy of Langwith Conveyance to Graeme Marshall and Geoff Woods Estates. Graeme to contact Don Brown Area Civil Engr regarding same. To Creswell … to take Langwith Conveyance received from Central Area. Also Discussion with Sharp PC 1360 (different to the others who have Sharp PC 1350) also regarding HP65 ‘on the blink’. Also what training are they giving Keith Banton? Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte re-examination of Mine plans and Rescue borehole folders at the Rescue Station. Made out list of requirements for plan exam. Discussion with same with Tony Barnes. Phone Rescue Station regarding Asfordby plans … plans to go to Ashby de la Zouch Rescue Station.

Thurs 15 … Office … Made out chart for plan examinations. Copies of same. Phone then Discussion with Martin Bradder planner regarding extension to Sherwood 135s Deep Hard / Piper to limit … 60m. Phone Gordon Bennett British Rail regarding same. Phone Mick Savage Assistant Manager Mansfield regarding stoppings. Phone Garry Hall Ollerton requesting 1/10000 surface negatives and BGS negative. Phone Garry Hall again regarding density of Parkgate washed smalls … 1.19 … shortfall on stocks … action taken. Phone Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding Computer. Discussion with Terry Camm Safety dept regarding Langwith fence? Discussion with Graeme Marshall various and coal stocks and aerial photographs. Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Thoresby proposed well … only permission to build borehole! To Rescue Station … exchanged Creswell R & FF plans. To Mansfield … plans. Discussion with Ian Shore various. Phone CJ Whyte regarding see Brian Thorpe Elec regarding PC electrical diagrams at Ollerton. To Thoresby … Group Meeting DS Crisp Production Manager. Talk by Century Oils. Talk by John Brodie Public Relations and glossy maps from Yorkshire Area … to implement in Notts. … possible sand extraction. Thoresby tip. Calverton tip slide. John A Daniels Manager Clipstone regarding water well? David Moult Manager Sherwood regarding 132s and 135s panel extensions? Discussion with Ian Shaw various. (Jack Storr discuss, now working for Hollybank).

Fri 16 … To Sherwood … picked up SM1 for 304s Blackshale. Discussion with Rob Quincey, Stas Watson and Willie McGranaghan Assistant Manager regarding development and new style junctions with air bagging through chocks! Office … Discussion with various with CJ Whyte. Discussion with Scott Holland Elec regarding Brian Thorpe and electrical diagrams at Ollerton … to visit Calverton. I signed Thoresby 4th drift extension for Martin Bradder planner Discussion with Ken Lambert Vent Engr and Tony Pickering Area Vent Engr regarding Sherwood 304s and Mansfield ventilation. Discussion with DS Crisp Production Manager ‘Minor Capital Schemes for 1989-1990’ … regarding Amstrad PC Computer for each pit … O.K. and to send one to Branch heads. Phone Peter Chatterton Rufford regarding Y 18s. Phone Andy Wells regarding same … possibly stopping Y15s next week. Discussion with Graeme Marshall and Tony Barnes various. Phone Garry Hall Ollerton regarding Electrical schematic diagram done on A3 on PC Computer … not good enough for Statutory plan … not suitable. Phone Richard Clarke Gedling regarding send back PC 1640 Booklet example done by Ian Wilson Thoresby.

Mon 19 … Office … Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding plans for photos. Discussion with Brian Thorpe Elec dept regarding Computerisation of collieries of the Electrical schematic diagrams … examples of same and to go to Calverton. Discussion with same CJ Whyte. Discussion with Peter Robinson Sutton regarding Open Days. Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes, Bill Fox Creswell also regarding water figures, Andy Wells Rufford, Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe, Eric Woss Harworth, Hadi Al Rekabi Clipstone and Stas Watson Sherwood regarding Amstrad PC 1640 SD computer. Drafted letters regarding same for DS Crisp and DS Widdowson Production Managers. Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding NAK 1 Level needs repair. Phone Alison Zenith regarding same. Discussion with Bob Draper various. To Ollerton … Discussion with Garry Hall plans etc. and took 1/10000 surface negatives and BGS boreholes. Phone Debbie regarding P & S and S & C to see me. To Calverton … Meeting Brian Thorpe, Tony Barnes, Mick Clatton, Dave Darn Calcon Computers regarding possibly introducing and development of Electrical layouts on PCs at collieries. Discussion with aspects of PCs and Eagle MiniCad. Discussion with Dick Bramley.

Tues 20 … Office ... Phone Steve Dyke Laboratory regarding lasers. Phoned back …. Had been rejected by Bretby Lab and gone back to Zenith. Phone Tim at Zenith … coming tomorrow. Phone Stas Watson Sherwood and Ian Wilson Thoresby regarding get paperwork for lasers from Stores and send to me. Discussion with Bob Draper. Discussion with Graeme Marshall. Meeting 11.30am Deputy Manager, Engineer, Surveyor and Planner from Betteshanger Kent regarding ‘Going it alone’. CJ Whyte gave slide show and EW Fretwell, TR Draper, Eric Spencer and PA Chambers DCME … general discussion on Working Rights etc. Phone Eric Woss Harworth. To Harworth … Discussion with various with Peter Thompson, Eric Woss and Karl Mitchell and plan inspection procedure. Picked up info from Open Days. To Bevercotes … took info from Open Day … Discussion with various Graham Hall, Steve Barnes and David Ellison. Outlined plan inspection procedure.

Wed 21 … Office … Thoresby Parkgate SW 1/5000 Layout plan examined. Phone Steve Dyke Laboratory regarding lasers. Phone Tim at Zenith same. To Creswell with Graeme Marshall then with Joe Penn Surface Superintendent inspection of tips regarding taking out of Pt 1 M&Q Act. With Bill Fox discussion same and plans. Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte various. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding progress. Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding NAK 1 Level been collected. Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding PC Computers via Production Managers. Discussion with Langwith Demarcation completed. Also regarding take copies of Computer examples. Phone Eddie Betts (ex-Deputy Area Chief retired) regarding visit Monday or Tuesday?

Thurs 22 … Office ... Correspondence … checking through ‘Planning with Safety’. Neil Shaw planner regarding amend to Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper 135s, 126s A (and 132s told him). Phone Keith Goodwin Asfordby regarding Layout plan. List of signatories for 1/2500 instead of 1/5000 … to put full list. Phone again regarding Tip Management Meeting … sent him Green book with Codes and Rules 1971 and also sent back with amends Central Area Planning with Safety Photostats. Use of Personal computers for Survey offices. Phone David Archer Rufford regarding list for Tip Management (Bilsthorpe). CJ Whyte regarding Asfordby. Discussion with CJ Whyte and Eric Spencer regarding Asfordby plan etc. Phone Garry Hall regarding dates etc. To Rufford … took Computer package. Discussion with Andy Wells regarding monitoring of 11s bed separation by wire and computer recording. Phone CJ Whyte regarding Bothamsall oil boreholes. Discussion with plan examination. Phone Debbie regarding same. To Mansfield … Discussion with Ian Shore progress. Discussion with Roger Trueman Deputy Manager. Phone Ken L Twist Principal HMI re-examination of Abandonment plans … possibly tomorrow … will contact Malcolm R Bottomley HMI. Office … CJ Whyte and Alf Evans Boring team regarding Bothamsall regarding Welbeck Top Hard 89s. Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding same, Mansfield shaft meeting info and Asfordby. To Clipstone … Discussion with Tony Wright Computer package. To Rescue Station … exchanged Blidworth R & FF plans.

Fri 23 … Office … Phone Ian Shore Mansfield various and progress. Phone Mr Parr DCC regarding proposed rock blasting near Langwith shaft for new 600m pipeline. Phone G Froggatt Manager Creswell regarding same … not keen! Discussion with Andrew Higgins Civil Engr Tips regarding Langwith. To Civil Engineers Office … David Walton plus 2 others Discussion with regarding Langwith. Report for Don Brown Area Civil Engineer (on holiday). Showed same to CJ Whyte. Phone Graeme Marshall regarding same … left him a copy. Phone Keith Goodwin Asfordby three times regarding Tip Appendix 9 forms and M&Q 212 notice. To Mansfield … waiting for HMI M Bottomley … didn’t come! Sorting out Area Surveyor’s correspondence back to 1967. Discussion with Ian Shore various and to carry on next 2 weeks whilst I am on holiday. Discussion with Andy Liney Deputy Vent Engineer regarding various. Discussion with Colin Blakewell Safety Engineer. Discussion with regarding HMI and farewell to Albert E Littler Manager who was retiring! Phone Debbie regarding Langwith Demarcation plans to go to Creswell Manager. Phone Martin Sly Civil Engineer Tips regarding Langwith problem. Phone Bill Fox regarding same and for him to phone Roger Andrew at Central Area at Coleorton next week. Office … Discussion with various with Debbie … to carry on. (RA Caunt regarding Mansfield shafts fill on Fri 30)

Mon 26 September to Fri 7 October Holiday to Zachynthos.

October 1988

On Holiday Mon 3 to Fri 7

Mon 10 … Office … Correspondence. GE Marshall Acting Area Surveyor to Tues 11 … Discussion with and update. Discussion with Tony Barnes. Phone Andy Wells Rufford. To Rufford … Discussion with regarding sequence of events problem with Yard / Blackshale 208s … mistake regarding 1 or 2 chocks short for face line! Phone Graeme Marshall regarding DS Crisp ‘uppity’ about 208s being chocks short when ordered. Discussion with same Andy Wells and Reg Fitzpatrick Acting Manager. To Mansfield … Discussion with update with Ian Shore. To Rescue Station exchanged Mansfield R & FF plans. To Rufford again … to pick up a report (copy) to DS Crisp Production Manager regarding 208s chock shortage. Discussion with David Archer where mistake could have happened, Office … Discussion with same Graeme Marshall also regarding possibility of Re-organisation of British Coal and 3 Production Managers instead of 4. Phone Martin Davies Apprentice at Ollerton regarding probable Mock Practical test during November. Would need an assistant! Discussion with various and Rufford problem with Ian Burns. DS Crisp Discussion with regarding Andy Wells report … expensive mistake ... £50,000!

Tues 11 … Office … Correspondence. Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding various. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding position at Rufford where 2 chocks short on face kit up on 208s Yard / Blackshale. Discussion with Bob Draper regarding various and borehole system up to date to North Notts. system … also regarding proposed visit to BGS in December? Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding Kern DM 102 … faces and turn out, also various regarding Mock Practical November 9th and 10th. Phone Bill Fox regarding water figures etc. and for Keith Banton to have Mock exam. Phone Roger Andrew Central Area regarding Oxcroft water figures. Phoned Bill Fox back regarding same. Langwith Demarcation plan in folder. Phone Tony Wright Clipstone regarding query stopping Top Hard pit bottom off … O.K. Also regarding coal stocks. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding possibly changing back to Group system with 3 Production Managers. Discussion with David Snodin planner and signed 2 Thoresby 1/5000 Layout plans negatives for Isabelle. To Thoresby … updated second copy Working plans … Discussion with Ian Shaw ... To Rufford ... updated second copy Working plans … Discussion with Andy Wells. To Rescue Station … exchanged Clipstone R & FF plans. Tony Barnes queried ‘Where are Silverhill Yard seam plans’? … at Silverhill!

Wed 12 … Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte. Phone Graham Kemp Bilsthorpe various. Phone Ian Daykin Bevercotes various. BGS / BCC plans update. Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding visit. Phone Alan Marlow Central Area regarding pumping figures etc. for Langwith for their Deputy Director Admin. To Ollerton … updated second copy Working plans ... Discussion with Garry Hall. Phone CJ Whyte. To Thoresby … took 1” Geological map (from Bob Draper). To Rufford … Lunch with CJ Whyte and Andy Wells … Discussion with and investigation into 208s chocks missing on kit up … for PA Chamber DCME. To Thoresby … Group meeting … DS Crisp Production Manager. Thoresby proposed well update. Thoresby No2 / No1 tip extension … DS Crisp raised the mistake on 208s face at Rufford. (Reg Fitzpatrick went back to Rufford and tore a strip off Andy Wells). Discussed the situation with DS Crisp after the meeting outlining where chocks were not ordered! Discussion with John Payne new Manager at Mansfield for closure. Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding 208s etc. for PA Chambers … to see him. Discussion with Dick Bramley Calverton regarding BACM. Phone Andy Wells Reg Fitzpatrick … put CJ Whyte on.

Thurs 13 … Office … Correspondence. CJ Whyte at Birmingham NEC. Sorting out M&Q 212 notice for Thoresby Deep Soft Abandonment of headings. Letters with Debbie. Phone Bob Matthews Mech dept regarding West Burton Power Station Open Day expenses. Phone Tony Barnes regarding Annesley Bentinck K94s SM1 … signed it. Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Thoresby proposed water well. Discussion with Bob Draper various. Phone Tony Maddock Sherwood regarding plans … O.K. To Bevercotes … updated second copy Working plans. Discussion with Janet Wells Tracer. Lunch. Discussion with Graham Hall, Steve Barnes and Ian Daykin. Also job evaluation. To Bilsthorpe …. Updated second copy Working plans … Discussion with Geoff Austin and Graham Kemp various and a bad grade thirl! Also SM1 notice for Low Main 114s. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding Mansfield / Sherwood Connection stopping regarding HMI. Office … Phone HMI K Tyldesley regarding same. To send further copy of Surveyor’s report with addendum sketch of stopping.

Fri 14 … Office … Correspondence. Investigating Ollerton Parkgate 1/5000 Layout. Discussion with Bob Draper regarding Sec 2 notice for Ollerton 41s? … needs serving! Discussion with Eric Fretwell Subsidence dept regarding Cotgrave Strategic plan. To Rescue Station … to exchange Harworth and Blidworth R & FF plans. To Sherwood … updating second copy Working plans. Discussion with Rob Quincey and Stas Watson. Lunch. Office … Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding Mansfield / Sherwood connection stopping … copy in back of Abandonment report for High Hazles. To Mansfield … Salvage meeting John Payne new Manager. Sent report to HMI K Tyldesley. Discussion with John Fletcher Mech Engineer regarding shafts. Discussion with Dave Peat (Linby) regarding Rufford. Also regarding Linby plans. Office … Continued with BGS / BCC plan update for Rufford and Harworth.

Mon 17 … Office … Discussion with various Graeme Marshall and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Eric Fretwell various. Discussion with CJ Whyte and Bob Townroe ET various. Letters drafted for Thoresby finishing Deep Soft development … M & Q 212 notice. Phone Ian Wilson Thoresby to confirm. Phone Bill Fox regarding Creswell water figures … not yet! Sorted out 3 copies of information and booklets for K Banton, MJ Wright and M Davies. Phone Chris Shail Harworth regarding plans and West Burton Power Station. Discussion with Eric Fretwell and Bob Townroe ET regarding subsidence. To Staff dept regarding expenses to West Burton Power Station … O.K. Discussion with Bob Draper. To P & S to confirm sale of equipment 7/9/1988. Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding water figures (noted that Joe Penn Surface Superintendent to finish). With CJ Whyte to see PA Chambers DCME regarding Rufford 208s chock situation. Discussion with CJ Whyte and Graeme Marshall, Tony Barnes regarding possible changes regarding the new 3 Groups. To Harworth ... updated second copy Working plans … Discussion with Chris Shail. Office … Discussion with Bob Draper and arranged for Bob Townroe ET for tomorrow.
Bert Grime ex ATT now working for Caledonian Mining Co.

Tues 18 … Office … Finished updating BGS / BCC negatives for 10 pits. Phone Bob Draper. Phone Mick Clayton Calverton regarding Computer update... Phone Tony Wright Clipstone regarding plans. Discussion with Bob Townroe ET. Phone David Archer Rufford … possible heating on 206s Yard / Blackshale … 9 chocks gobbed! (no jumping up and down about that of course). Phone Mike Parker Sutton regarding Apprentice. Peter Robinson regarding Cheryl. To Clipstone … updated second copy Working plans. Discussion with Tony Wright. Office … Discussion with Bob Townroe ET various. Phone Keith Banton Creswell regarding plans, Phone David Archer Rufford … no heating! To Creswell … with Bob Townroe ET. Discussion with Gordon Froggatt Manager regarding 38s extension … No! regarding Central Area, referred to Malcolm Clarke planner. Updated second copy Working plans. Discussion with Bob Townroe regarding duties of Senior Surveyor. Discussion with Bill Fox various. Office … plans back in the safe.

Wed 19 … Office … Discussion with Bob Townroe ET regarding water problems in the Area and reports etc. and various other aspects. Phone Philip Shaw Ollerton regarding Graham Coupe Manager to leave regarding upsetting men and Union regarding 3s heading and water … made to resign. Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding underground visit 2/11/1988? Also regarding DM 502 instrument transit problem. Also regarding shaft plumb regarding BMCL. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding update. Discussion with Steve Mudd planner regarding moves … David Oliver Manager at Gedling to finish. Discussion with Cliff Beale Bretby Geological dept. To Mansfield … Discussion with Ian Shore regarding shaft measures … to notify David Walton Civil Engineer regarding differences, Also regarding him go to Asfordby? Discussion with Colin / Safety dept regarding stoppings. Phone CJ Whyte regarding Asfordby and Ian Shore and Cheryl at Sutton. Also regarding Harworth and Mock Practical on 8th, 9th and 10th Nov? Phone Harworth … Steve Lunnon geologist … no Strategic Plan in future! To Rescue Station … to exchange Sutton R & FF plans. Sorted plans again ... John Bill Muir Superintendent … they have a new wagon. Office … Discussion with Tony Barnes various.

Thurs 20 … Office … Discussion with Ken Lambert Vent Engineer regarding Rufford 206s / 208s possible heating … broken air doors etc. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding update. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding Ompton Pumping Station for Bilsthorpe Low Main working … still no reply yet! To Harworth … met Terry Donnelly British Rail Discussion with various with Peter Thompson. Updated second copy Working plans for Swallow Wood seam. Phone CJ Whyte … to call at Ollerton to Discussion with Electrical Schematic diagrams by computer … for ‘new block area’ for Introduction of Electricity to North side Parkgate … Ollerton was picked out for test case. To Ollerton … discussed same Garry Hall and Tony Barnes and Harry Fitzackerley (now Electrical Engineer). Discussion with Joe Ottewell Safety Engineer. Discussion with Martin Davies Apprentice regarding method of doing levelling etc. Office … phone Ian Shore regarding update … still no message from HMI. Phone Trevor Speed Blidworth regarding cabinets arrived from Mansfield. Also regarding check up with Zenith regarding instrument. Discussion with Malcolm Clarke planner regarding Harworth Strategic plan. Discussion with Stuart Whittle regarding contracts. Discussion with John Allen planner regarding various. Discussion with Bob Draper regarding sending people to Asfordby in turn. Next to go Richard Longden for one month. Also possible reorganisation.

Fri 21 … Office … Steve Leavesley Rufford regarding instruments not received back. Phone Tony Maddock Sherwood … laser returned 17th. Also O.S. info. Debbie regarding Harworth and Thoresby Demarcation plans. Phone Wendy Wain Zenith regarding 9 outstanding orders! Phone Bill Fox regarding letter sent regarding Langwith. Phone Gordon Bennett British Rail regarding Thoresby visit on 28th … Phone Paul at Zenith regarding why are instruments not being returned as before? They are having their ‘laser tester’ recalibrated by Sheffield University next week. Ian Gill geologist regarding Creswell boundary. Wendy Wain Zenth brought Watts dial to look at. Also went through all orders. Phoned Ian Wilson Thoresby regarding measure up fences. To Sherwood ... O.S. plan showing all stations in Area … took copy for info for Rescue boreholes folder. Discussion with Stas Watson. Discussion with Carl Banton regarding Asfordby. Discussion with Glyn Williams Surveyor’s Assistant regarding settling in since left Mansfield. To Bilsthorpe … Discussion with various Geoff Austin, Graham Kemp and Graham Millward regarding staff movements possible regarding CJ Whyte visit i.e. Mike Parker to Bilsthorpe. Also discussed Asfordby. Office ... Discussion with Graham Millward with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Also discussed RICS setting up and consultancy when British Coal is sold.

Mon 24 and Tues 25 … Holiday.

Wed 26 … Office … Correspondence. Phone Ken Lambert Vent Engr regarding Thoresby water bore. Phone David Archer Rufford regarding various. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding update. Discussion with Bob Draper. Phone Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding new fencing on dirt tip for Demarcation. Phone Ian Daykin Bevercotes regarding various. Phone Chris Shail Harworth regarding new area of CPP etc. to go to Manager’s Demarcation plan 1st Nov. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding budget for 1988 – 1989 … 2 theodolites and 1 large computer £15,000 and £40,000 … to GE Marshall. To Thoresby … updated surface fencing on Demarcation plan and Discussion with Ian Shaw. Office … SM1s for Bilsthorpe 114s and Motorway to CJ Whyte and Vent dept. Phone Chris Shail Harworth regarding send info for surface today. Phone Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe and Graham Millward regarding progression and discussion with CJ Whyte last week. To Rufford … to take O.S. negative for David Archer.

Thurs 27 … Office … Discussion with Ken Lambert Vent regarding various about Mansfield. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding possibility of High Hazel working at Creswell. Phone Bill Fox regarding High Hazel and Clowne plans. Phone Geoff Austin regarding staff moves? To Repository at Edwinstowe Forest … checking through numerous boxes regarding Creswell High Hazel boundary. Discussion with Sheila Smith system and phone etc. Office … checked Thoresby Demarcation plan also info from Harworth for their Demarcation plan. Phone Steve? in Staff dept regarding Jed Thomas to finish at Asfordby on Friday and Richard Longden to go for a month, starting Monday 31st Oct … for payment purposes. To Mansfield … Ian Shore regarding update. Met HMI Malcolm Bottomley regarding to examine the rest of the Abandonment plans next Monday 31st at 11am.

Fri 28 … Office … Phone Tony Nicholson Thoresby regarding British Rail visit. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding John Payne Manager O.K. regarding HMI M Bottomley visit. Checking over plans. Phone Alan Marlow Central Area regarding query at Fox and Crown Skegby area regarding Pleasley for Sec 2 and Sec 3 notices etc. Checked up on same and confirmed by Bob Draper. Discussion with same CJ Whyte. Several queries on said plans. Making out book for Mock exams and copies of Office test plan. To Thoresby … Discussion with various. Met Nic Smith British Rail and Discussion with Ian Shaw. Problems with 116s … hit a fault … not shown … projection of 3.5m fault from Ollerton 2s Parkgate … not on Planning dept plan or Geological dept!!!. To Creswell … checked over High Hazel and Clowne 1/2500 plans with Bill Fox. Discussion with various. Took the boundary plan for High Hazel and info regarding Bolsover Company. Met CJ Whyte … Discussion with staff and Mock exam. Phone Debbie regarding water figures. Office … checked post.

Mon 31 … Office … Made out M & Q exam book. Phone Steve Westmoreland planner regarding Ollerton Layout … signed O.K. Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding visit Mansfield drainage. Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding Incident in July at Birtley Engineering with crane jib … Solicitor says ‘there is no written right of way’. … told Geoff Woods Deputy Estates Manager regarding Gordon Froggatt Manager … Creswell to pay for all damages. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding HMI is there. To Mansfield … Discussion with HMI MR Bottomley regarding Abandonment plans for Low Main (5), Main Bright (3), Deep Hard / Piper (5) and Deep Soft (14) and Discussion with various. To send him the stopping plan for Deep Hard / Piper when Sherwood 132s starts. Gave him a copy of Clipstone stopping to insert in High Hazles file. Discussion with Ian Shore regarding go to Harworth as help for Mock Practical exam. To Rescue Station … amended Mansfield R & FF plans for Main Bright stopped off today. Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding plans and staff arrangements. Phone Bill Fox regarding 34s SM1 sent to HMI Steve Wing … needs amending for ‘no action required’ … to go round Area depts. … Discussion with CJ Whyte Ompton Pumping Station and Bilsthorpe Low Main. With Tony Barnes regarding start examining Working plans from Friday.

November 1988

Tues 1 … Office … Checking up 57SW for Central Area again … check with Bob Draper … phone up info to John TPC Central for Alan Marlow. Discussion with Tony Barnes. Discussion with Roger Smith Asfordby regarding CJ Whyte plan inspection. Phone Joe Filep photographer regarding Mansfield Abandonment plans for next Tuesday. Phone Karl Mitchell Harworth regarding arrangements for Mock Practical exam and assist. Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes regarding David Ellison to assist. Phone Garry Hall Ollerton regarding Mark Wright to attend. Phone Trevor Speed Blidworth regarding Martin Davies to attend. Creswell SM1 amend to DS Widdowson also Bevercotes SM1 amend. To Repository … to return info borrowed for Creswell. To Mansfield … Discussion with Ian Shore regarding Harworth attend to assist next week. John Grayson (retired March 1988) called in for a chat and progress of closing down etc.

Wed 2 … To Harworth … Underground with CJ Whyte and Peter Thompson to Haigh Moor and Swallow Wood 200s development. Surface visit to see new layout. Lunch and discuss. Office … Correspondence. Discussion with Bob Draper. SM1 amends for Creswell 34s and Bevercotes 104s with CJ Whyte and on to Safety dept. Theme Park Peafield Lane … plan from Phil Garner and copy. Phone Tony Wright Clipstone regarding blank out Appendix9 ‘Specimen’ page in future for tip deposit returns.

Thurs 3 … Office … Correspondence. Finished booking for Mock Practical exam. Discussion with David Snodin planner various. Water reports and update of Langwith charts etc. To Sherwood … Discussion with Rob Quincey regarding 126s A SM1 and amend the wording. Also with Stas Watson as well regarding Layout plan and differences. Office … Phone Richard Clarke Gedling various and Parkgate seam. Phone John Hind Welbeck regarding various. Discussion with Bob Draper. Phone M R Watson Manager’s Secretary Harworth regarding Mock Practical exam on NE Loco Road next Wed and Thurs. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield to check Firedamp drainage overlays. Phoned back O.K. now. Correspondence. Discussion with Andrew Higginson Civil Engr regarding Langwith now stopped blasting … excavating trench with a digger as per 23 Sep. Also Martin Sly and Andrew Higginson regarding Mansfield tip drainage and lagoon etc. 3 possibilities … Fishing, fill in or move it.

Fri 4 … Office … Correspondence. Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding check list for plans … 2 additions. CJ Whyte regarding additions … O.K. agreed. To Annesley … Examination of Working plans with CJ Whyte, Tony Barnes and Discussion with methods of work George Simms. Lunch … To Gedling … Examination of Working plans and Discussion with methods of work Richard Clarke.

Mon 7 … Office … Correspondence. Alan Sharpe Geotronics discuss. Discussion with regarding possible reorganisation. Phone Estates regarding land. CJ Whyte and Bob Draper regarding Harworth boundaries with relation exercise on ‘Leases’ etc. via Keith Leighfield (Deputy national Surveyor). Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding water figures. Debbie regarding design new Boundary plans for Harworth and Creswell. Phone Opencast Executive Bulwell regarding land at Silverhill Farm (Dunsil). Discussion with John Walters planner regarding redundancy. Discussion with Steve Mudd planner regarding redundancy and instruments to purchase. Discussion with CJ Whyte. Discussion with Bob Draper regarding info to date for Harworth boundary plan regarding leases. Updating co-ordinates.

Tues 8 … To Mansfield … to collect Abandonment plans for photos. Discussion with Ian Shore and Cheryl. Office … took plans to Photographic. Correspondence. Phone Brian Pether Area Planning Engr Central regarding Creswell boundary for 38s Threequarter … says it is agreed! Phoned Terry Williams Cleorton regarding same. Phoned back … has been agreed and signed on 1st November 1988. Phoned Gordon Froggatt Manager Creswell regarding same also Bill Fox. Discussion with PA Chambers DCME same and arranged to go through North Derbys / Notts. water problems with him. Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding Rufford tip … motorbikes. Discussion with Phil Wakeman Civil Engr regarding Lane at Calverton ... phone Richard Thompson Estates regarding same. Sorting out Harworth boundary plan. Discussion with John Wilson Bretby Subsidence dept regarding various. To collect photos. To Rufford ... (New) Group meeting for Mansfield, Rufford, Clipstone, Thoresby, Sherwood, Blidworth and Calverton … DS Crisp Production Manager. I spoke on Mansfield Abandonment, Thoresby Demarcation, Rufford tip with motorbikes. Discussion with afterwards with Andy Wells, David Archer, Peter Chatterton. To Mansfield to return Mine plans.

Wed 9 … To Mansfield to pick up Ian Shore. To Harworth … Mock Practical exam ... CJ Whyte and self. Underground in Barnsley NE Loco Road … Theodolite test 9.40am to 3.00pm. Had to set out Test 3A due to part of Tests 3 and 4 being waterlogged! Keith Banton with David Ellison assist … passed. Martin Davies with Ian Shore assist … passed and Mark Wright with Karl Mitchell assist … passed. To Mansfield to take Ian Shore back.

Thurs 10 … To Mansfield to pick up Ian Shore. To Harworth … Mock Practical exam. CJ Whyte and self. Levelling test 9.00am to 1.00pm. Had to level Test 3A with Ian Shore due to water. Keith Banton with Ian Shore assist … passed. Martin Davies with Andy (linesman) assist … failed. Mark Wright with Karl Mitchell assist … passed. David Ellison did not get to Harworth … his car broke down. Discussion with Kevin Bradley now Agent for Caledonian (ex Apprentice at Ollerton) … To Mansfield … to take Ian Shore back. Office … Checking through notebooks and marking same. Checking over Harworth Layout Plan for shaft sump drivages. Phone Chris Shail Harworth regarding same … regarding water?

Fri 11 … To Rescue Station to exchange Bevercotes R & FF plans. Office … Mock Practical Office tests ... Keith Banton … passed both parts 71%. Mark Wright … failed both parts and Martin Davies also failed both parts. Inquest with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Phone Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe regarding Jed Thomas to go there permanently. PA Chamber DCME regarding Bevercotes 104s Low Waterloo SM1 to alter a sentence. Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes regarding same. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding Cheryl to go back to Sutton after 2 weeks. Phone Mike Parker regarding same. Also regarding old notebooks and info etc. Phone Steve Mudd planner regarding instruments for sale … O.K.

Mon 14 … To Sherwood … Discussion with Rob Quincey and Stas Watson regarding 126s A SM1 also regarding 1957 Mansfield Town Chancery Court Order (1955). Phone Tony Barnes. Discussion with development headings etc. Office … Rang round all 9 pits regarding SM1 signing page … to fill in bottom at the colliery. To alter Production Manager to Operations Manager and to involve Safety dept when in draft stage (M Stevenson e.g.) … Bilsthorpe Geoff Austin … Bevercotes Steve Barnes … Clipstone Tony Wright … Creswell Billy Ellison and water figures … Harworth Chris Shail … Ollerton Garry Hall … Rufford Andy Wells … Thoresby Ian Shaw … Phone Doug Stockham Ollerton regarding various. Discussion with John Walters planner regarding buying tackle … O.K. Discussion with Andrew Higginson Civil Engr regarding tips restoration and gave him a level and a set of legs. Discussion with Martin Sly Civil Engr regarding Mansfield Lagoon 1 section required by side in valley. Phone Roger Andrew Central Area regarding water figures. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding tip … tomorrow. Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding tackle. Discussion with Tony Barnes, Bob Draper and Graeme Marshall. To Sutton to pick up 2 dials, 2 tripods and 5m surface staff. Discussion with Mike Parker regarding old workings.

Tues 15 … To Mansfield … to set up levelling required by Martin Sly for No1 lagoon. Surface with Ian Shore levelled same. Office … Phone Andrew Higgingson Civil Engr regarding same also saw Martin Sly regarding same and gave him a 5m staff. Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding swap a dial? Also on strike! Debbie regarding plans to colour for Creswell Threequarter boundary exchange. Discussion with Mike Allen regarding going to BGS again. 2.20pm … Interview for Deputy Area Surveyor … Introduction RA (Tony) Caunt Chief Mining Engineer … Profit and tonnage etc? O.K. How do you get on with people? Very well indeed with everyone (but must have heard about Mike Goldby his DCME … one certain individual!) … Peter A Chambers Deputy Chief Mining Engineer question … Is there need for a Deputy? … checking collieries etc. … O.K. Charles J Whyte Area Chief ... 7 questions and including old shafts … O.K. John Waters Staff Manager … 2 questions … O.K. I thought I had a very good interview, knew all the answers. However others for interview were Graeme Marshall who was successful to take over from CJ Whyte as Area Chief after a time when he retired and Tony Barnes to be Deputy. The other candidate was Bob Draper who like myself was not offered a position. (I was the most experienced in all fields by far, except subsidence … unfortunately not RICS, and I realised I had told the others too much of what I knew and they didn’t, and they had gained from that … Graeme Marshall had never been a Colliery Surveyor and neither had Bob Draper and Tony Barnes only a short time at Babbington / Hucknall … still it was not to be.) Office … Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding levelling staffs … got him one new and one used. Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding Friday visit. Discussion with Bob Draper, Graeme Marshall and Tony Barnes.

Wed 16 … To Rescue Station … to exchange Bilsthorpe R & FF plans. To Mansfield … Printing. Picked up plan and section for Vicar Water proposal. Office … Phone Martin Sly (Tips) regarding same who came to collect it. Phone Keith Goodwin Asfordby regarding various. Phone Andrew Higginson (Tips) regarding ordering of tapes and Abney Level etc. Phone Zenith several times regarding repairs of instruments? Phone Ian Wilson message regarding Thoresby laser. Phone Garry Hall Ollerton regarding 1” theodolite not returned. Phone Steve Leavesley Rufford … dial not returned. Phone Estates dept CTS S300 returned months ago! Checked over plans regarding Creswell boundary amendment and signed letters. Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding BGS plans. Discussion with Tim Colyer planner regarding Creswell proposed Clay Cross Soft … no lagoons! Phone Karl Mitchell Harworth. Examined dials with Tony Barnes. To Harworth … to take underground staffs. Discussion with Peter Thompson various.

Thurs 17 … Office … Correspondence. Graeme Marshall regarding Clipstone well? … waiting for Manager. Phone Bill Fox regarding Wendy Wain visit. CJ Whyte regarding Level to sell to Brian Bird ex Surveyor No4 Area. Andrew Higginson Civil Engr regarding Booklet for tapes. Phone Peter Chatterton Rufford regarding catch Wendy Wain regarding instrument. Phone Steve Lunnon geologist regarding Harworth pit bottom, sumps etc. Discussion with Bob Draper and Mike Allen geologist regarding BGS visit. To Cotgrave … Examination of Working plans and methods of surveying with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with John Stapleton and John Potts. Lunch. To Calverton same Examination of Working plans and methods of work. Discussion with Dick Bramley and Leigh Warhurst. 2 plans had both imperial and metric sections … to sort out now. Ian Shore could assist on odd days.

Fri 18 … Office … Phone Ian Shore Mansfield to contact Dick Bramley at Calverton. Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes. Phone Garry Hall Ollerton regarding Martin Davies for a past office test paper to peruse. To Rufford … Examination of Working plans and methods of work. With CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Andy Wells and David Archer. Lunch. (Discussion with John Higginbotham Manager … leaving. Info required regarding Plot 5, Block 5 Old Mill Lane Industrial estate for workshop / office regarding Amtrak Parcel delivery etc. he was setting up for his family). Phone Mick Flintham Subsidence dept regarding same. Info phoned back by Phil Garner. To Sutton … Examination of Working plans and methods of work. Discussion with Peter Robinson and Mike Parker. Note … some workings on plans in Garry Hall’s tenure in 1984 have 5½ months between dates … out of order … 3 months maximum.

Mon 21 … Office … Discussion with Graeme Marshall various. Correspondence. Discussion with Ken Lambert Vent regarding Mansfield ventilation. Phone Tony Nicholson Thoresby regarding purchase a Level. Phone Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe regarding Jed Thomas … to start next week. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding Boughton Water Works pillar … only in Top Hard. With Debbie … all BGS plans cross hatched ready for printing. Discussion with Adrian Morley Estates regarding CTS S300 Level repair. Trimming photos of Mansfield Abandonment plans. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield. Phone Central Area regarding water figures … no! To Ollerton … took a further exam question for Martin Davies Apprentice. Discussion with Garry Hall. Mentioned about Sutton plans out of order! To Mansfield … Discussion with Ian Shore update. Met Bob Draper … sorted out all borehole information, sections and Lab reports. To Rescue Station … amended Mansfield R & FF plans for stoppings in Low Main and High Hazles.

Tues 22 … Office … Amended Mansfield R & FF plans. Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding Meeting next Monday. Phone Mrs Johnson Kern regarding 3 GKO-A tripod screws. Phone Graham Hall Bevercotes regarding Jockey House borehole … to leave both positions on the plan. Phone Mike Allen geologist regarding same and memo sent previously. Copy to Bevercotes. Phone Ian Wilson Thoresby regarding Computer update … still a lot to do. Phone Rob Quincey Sherwood regarding same and SM1 take care and alter names. Phone Alan Marlow Central Area regarding water figures … no again! Discussion with Ian Burns regarding Ollerton tip plans … no photos since 1987? Phone Garry Hall regarding same … re-hashed the system! Also regarding Boughton Water Works pillar only for Top Hard … confirmed. To Mansfield … Check calculations with Ian Shore for concrete required for shafts fill. Phone Dave Clarke … to Newstead Mining Records Office with Mansfield Abandonment plans for Low Main, Deep Hard / Piper, Main Bright and Deep Soft. Discussion with Dave Clarke. Also Ann Hollett, George Simms and Tony Barnes. Office … re-made Pumping figures sheets for Creswell / Langwith / Oxcroft. Phone Bill Fox Creswell.

Wed 23 … Office … Discussion with Bob Draper various. Discussion with Tony Barnes. Sorting out Strategic plans into one system! To Blidworth … Examination of Working plans and methods of work with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Trevor Speed and Bernie the Tracer. Discussion with Colin Stocks Manager and John Stevens Admin over lunch. To Creswell … Examination of Working plans and method of work with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Bill Fox and Billy Ellison and Peter Williams. Requested some red carbon pressing through paper.

Thurs 24 … Office … Re-sorting filing system again. Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding Barnsley seam pit bottom plan and Area Borers … to contact Bob Draper. Discussion with Phil Critchley Subsidence dept. Phone Martin Davies Ollerton regarding exam and second attempt at the plan. Discussion with same. Phone Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe has some red carbon paper for Creswell. Discussion with CJ Whyte and Graeme Marshall various. Orders made out. Phone Ian Wilson Thoresby regarding laser … O.K. Phone Wendy Wain Zenith regarding instruments. Phone Andy Howard BGS regarding sending plans for 1988/89 and to arrange a visit. To Bilsthorpe … Labels for plan folders. Discussion with Geoff Austin and Graham Kemp. Arranged for Plan inspection visit next Thursday. Phone Ian Daykin Bevercotes regarding next Tuesday. Phone Philip Shaw Ollerton regarding next Thursday. To Blidworth … Group Meeting 2.30pm DS Crisp Production Manager. I spoke on T & CP for Gedling and Calverton and Annesley pipeline being laid. Also Thoresby water well start on 5th Dec. Motorbikes at Rufford again. Last meeting for John Higginbotham Rufford, retiring. Discussion with Trevor Speed Blidworth, Phil James, Ian Orgill new Admin Officer John Stevens (ex Mansfield). Discussion with Mark Wright regarding exam. To Mansfield … took photographs of Deep Hard / Piper and Low Main plans. Picked up remainder of borehole records etc. for Sherwood.

Fri 25 … Office … Phone Dave Clarke MRO Newstead regarding Harworth Barnsley seam pit bottom plans … O.K. to be returned. Phone also Bob Draper regarding borehole by Area Borers in Harworth pit bottom? Also regarding Everton oil bore. Phone Peter Thompson Harworth … O.K. Phone Peter Robinson Sutton. Phone John Nightingale Silverhill. To Sutton to collect underground staffs from Store and discuss. To Silverhill …. Examination of Working plans and methods of work with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with John Nightingale and Graham Parker. Lunch … Graeme Marshall joined us. To Sherwood … Examination of Working plans and methods of work. Discussion with Rob Quincey and Stas Watson. Handed over the Geological records from Mansfield. Discussion with SM1 amendment and also plan to replace for 304s SM1. Auxiliary Ventilation plan to take to Area for signing.

Mon 28 ... Office … Phone Billy Ellison Creswell regarding 34s SM1 … O.K. Phone Planning dept. Auxiliary ventilation plan for Sherwood to Ventilation dept. Tim Colyer planner regarding Creswell P4s Layout extension … British Rail agree to ½ depth. Meeting Graeme Marshall 9am, Room G7 … Tony Barnes, Bob Draper, Eric Fretwell and self. Discussion with various … plans to alter department. Phone Alison Zenith regarding CTS S300 tripod missing for Estates dept. Discussion with Bob Draper the various notices to serve, also regarding Everton oil bore plans and also regarding boreholes at Harworth. Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding same. Checked over BGS plans with Tony Barnes … sent letter … informed CJ Whyte. Phone Roger Andrew Central Area … Oxcroft water figures to date. Phone Richard Longden regarding Asfordby also regarding copies of Mansfield plans at Mansfield. To contact Warsop Surveyor for their 1/2500 BGS Liaison plans sent and checked with Debbie. To Harworth … to take 1/2500 O.S. plans for Everton oil bore also one new underground staff plus one old underground Sopwith staff for spares and some Kern screws for GKO – A Level legs. Discussion with Peter Thompson. Phone Bernie at Blidworth regarding she will move to Silverhill and share but not to Sherwood … to notify CJ Whyte. Office … Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding Pelican Graphos spares … I sent some. In the safe continued labels for plans. Discussion with Steve Hill Subsidence dept regarding shallow room workings a la Arkwright ‘gas problem’. Stanton Hill plans. Discussion with Graeme Marshall various.

Tues 29 … To Rufford to take a dial. Also copy of Mansfield High Hazles Abandonment Report for Trevor Speed at Blidworth and also copies of MI 7 and MI 7A forms. To Bevercotes … Examination of Working plans and methods of work with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Graham Hall and Steve Barnes (Tony’s brother). Discussion with over lunch. Joined by David Oldham regarding electricity. To Welbeck … Examination of Working plans and methods of work with CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Graham Walters, John Walls, John Hind and Gary Quibell. Phone Hadi Al Rekabi Clipstone regarding visit on 14th Dec Similarly Ian Shaw at Thoresby same day and phone Peter Thompson regarding visit 15th Dec and lunch.

Wed 30 … Office … Correspondence. Phone Rob Quincey Sherwood regarding SM1 126s A. Phone Garry Hall regarding tomorrow. Questionnaire Keith Leighfield Deputy National Surveyor. Discussion with regarding change to GDO Class XX. To Mansfield … Discussion with Cheryl regarding share tracing duties with Sutton and Welbeck instead of Sutton and Mansfield. Discussion with Ian Shore. R & FF amends. Shaft section etc. To Blidworth … lunch … Discussion with Bernie regarding move to Silverhill and still share with Blidworth. Discussion with Abandonment plans with Trevor Speed. To Rufford … Discussion with Andy Wells and David Archer regarding AGA 220 bag. Phone Vivien at Silverhill regarding move to Rufford and still share with Silverhill. Phone John Nightingale same. To Rescue Station …Mansfield R & FF plan amends. Office … Discussion with moves with CJ Whyte and drafted a letter for Mike Pope Deputy Area Staff Manager. With Bob Draper … all workings etc. on Public Inspection plans for 1988/89 … numbers etc. for questionnaire from Keith Leighfield. Discussion with Eric Fretwell Subsidence dept same.

December 1988

Thurs 1 … Office … Repaired parallel rule for Sue Unsworth. Discussion with Ian Burns and Debbie regarding Bevercotes Demarcation … pan amended. Phone Zenith Survey. Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding possible Tracing ‘pool’. Mick Flintham Subsidence dept various. Phone Alan Sharpe Geotronics … car phone … regarding AGA 220 bag. Rang the firm £34. To Ollerton … Examination of Working plans and methods of work. Discussion with Garry Hall. CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes … Lunch … To Bilsthorpe … Examination of Working plans and methods of work. Discussion with Geoff Austin, Graham Millward and Jed Thomas. CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding send one Kern GKO – A leg footscrew to Keith Goodwin Asfordby. To Rescue Station to exchange Silverhill R & FF plans.

Fri 2 – Mon 5 Holiday to Center Parcs

Tues 6 … Office … Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding water figures. Discussion with Tony Barnes regarding Monday meeting. Discussion with Graeme Marshall regarding Bilsthorpe Low Main 117s extension … Eakring Church served notice. Cover line 45m @ Phone Ian Shaw Thoresby regarding next Wed. Phone Hadi Al Rekabi at Clipstone regarding afters next Wed. With Tony Barnes … sorted out Surface Demarcation plans SSSIs on. Thoresby particularly regarding new surface borehole! To Mansfield … Ian Shore various and shaft fill programme … latest 4th February 1989 at 50 cu m / day and up to 12 hour shifts. Discussion with Bob Draper regarding notices to serve for Bilsthorpe Low Main 117s! Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding Buildings of Architectural Interest etc. Phone Rob Quincey Sherwood regarding SM1 for 126s and Auxiliary Vent Rules … SM1 with PA Chambers DCME and Auxiliary Vent to be signed by Tony Pickering and DS Crisp. Ken Lambert discuss. Stuart Whittle planner regarding contracts. Ordered d folders from Andy Hutchinson. Discussion with Eric Fretwell regarding Bilsthorpe Low Main 117s … to follow PI on ‘Undersea working’ … this would mean stopping at existing planned position! Also regarding Center Parcs extension. I had taken particular notice of the large buildings complex at the weekend. Also regarding Rufford Blackshale shaft pillar. Phone Andy Wells regarding same. Discussion with Bilsthorpe 117s with CJ Whyte, also Thoresby borehole making access from Sherwood Visitors Centre! Discussion with Steve Mudd planner and CJ Whyte. Discussion with Dave Muller geologist regarding Asfordby update. Phone Stas Watson Sherwood regarding tomorrow. Discussion with DS Widdowson Production Manager, RA Caunt CME and Graeme Marshall regarding Bilsthorpe 117s Low Main approaching Permian water-bearing measures.

Wed 7 … To Sherwood … Discussion with Rob Quincey and Carl Banton regarding possible Layout for Sherwood Deep Hard / Piper to get as ex Mansfield coal. Discussion with Vivian. Discussion with Eric Fretwell Subsidence regarding Bilsthorpe Low Main 117s to get and check info. Office … Discussion with Eric Fretwell and Phil Critchley regarding Bilsthorpe and Sherwood. Discussion with Steve Mudd and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Steve Hill Subsidence regarding moving O.S. plans downstairs … to get more folders for cabinets. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield regarding same. Phone John Cranham Clipstone regarding boundaries. Phone David Archer Rufford regarding dials … one O.K. and one for repair (exchange for Watts). To Clipstone … to take and check boundary lines. Discussion with John Cranham regarding Working plans. Office …. Phone Tim at Zenith regarding CTS S 300 tripod … not known! Continued with Tony Barnes and finished off SSSIs on surface Demarcation plans and Discussion with Bilsthorpe Low Main 117s,. Phone Andy Howard BGS regarding plan exams … could take 12 days … refer Dr Tony Wadge … to do Clipstone, Creswell, Sherwood / Silverhill, Gedling then others … could be March next year. Phone Garry Hall regarding T2 Theodolite back, yes, S & C forms for Rufford dial and 2 orange boxes for AGA 220. Phone Peter Robinson Sutton regarding UNO pens and wires only. Phone Malcolm Clarke planner regarding how many planning changes during 12 months. Phone Steve Lunnon geologist regarding Bilsthorpe 117s. Continued with plan labels in safe. Phone Richard Clarke Gedling … needs 2 prints of Area with all collieries.

Thurs 8 … Airport. Office … Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding Computer and now plotter received … surface drain O.K. now ... Been off about 12 weeks. Sorting out boxes and ols Strategic plans in safe also some books. Phone Graham Millward Bilsthorpe regarding further labels required for plans. Discussion with Steve Hill and Phil Critchley Subsidence dept regarding Bilsthorpe Low Main 117s regarding Eakring anticline and Permian measures. To Rescue Station … to exchange Ollerton R & FF plans. To Mansfield (Ian Shore off sick). Collected 20 plan folders for O.S. sheets at Area HQ. To Rufford … picked up old broken dial for spares. Discussion with Andy Wells. Office … 20 folders to Steve Hill Subsidence dept. Sorted out all surface Demarcation plans into folders instead of binders.

Fri 9 … Office … Cleaning out old drawers and referencing. Discussion with Tony Barnes. Discussion with Ian Burns regarding water. Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding ochre in pipes regarding water. … Falls off during Sep / Oct and blocked pipe. Phone Gary Blacknell Annesley regarding printing machine at Mining Records Office … spare parts? Discussion with same Bob Draper. Phone Dick Bradley Bevercotes regarding visit. To Bevercotes … check with Graham Hall on new surface Demarcation plan. Office … Phone John Cunnington South Yorks regarding Sec 2 notice. Phone Nic Smith British Rail regarding visits. Phoned back. Old O.S. County plans to Eric Fretwell. Phone John Cranham Clipstone, Bernie Rufford, Graham Hall Bevercotes and Garry Hall Ollerton.

Mon 12 … Office … Discussion with Graeme Marshall. Also form returned for Keith Leighfield. Phone Malcolm Clarke planner regarding number of planning changes … not available! To Ollerton … Gordon Bennett British Rail updated their plans. Discussion with Philip Shaw. To Bevercotes same updated plans and Discussion with Graham Hall. To drill rig at Thoresby surface via Sherwood Visitors Centre. Office Discussion with GE Marshall regarding moving the plans. With Eric Fretwell moving plans downstairs. Phone Graham Hall Bevercotes … sent him Telephone directory and SM1 forms. Discussion with Bob Draper and checking Strategic plan references. Phone Ian Shore Mansfield (re off sick Thurs and Fri) and water figures. Phone Roger Andrew Central Area regarding Oxcroft water figures … no! Phone Alan Bennett Surveyor Betteshanger, Kent regarding various.

Tues 13 … Office … Correspondence. GE Marshall & AR Barnes regarding British Rail notices … Kirkby tunnel, Tickhill … checking. Gas pipeline Hull to London … O.K. To S & C regarding Steve Mudd purchases. To Clipstone … Nic Smith British Rail regarding updating plans. Discussion with Tony Wright plans etc. Lunch in Area Canteen. Discussion with CJ Whyte regarding upgrading Operations Surveyor? Phone Doncaster S & C regarding Rufford VO 11 dial … O.K. to pay. To Rufford … Nic Smith British Rail updating plans. Discussion with Andy Wells. Confirmed visit on 19th Dec. Phone Tony Nicholson Thoresby, Geoff Austin Bilsthorpe, Mike Parker Sutton, Peter Thompson Harworth, Steve Barnes Bevercotes, Philip Shaw Ollerton regarding EW Fretwell. Discussion with Bernie Ryan regarding Silverhill change. Office … Discussion with CJ Whyte … update of Quarterly report to Debbie. Phone Bill Fox Creswell regarding water figures etc. and R & FF plans … also to Chesterfield Rescue Station. Phone Alan Marlow Central Area regarding Langwith water figures also regarding job content. Also regarding Shirebrook / Teversal water … 30gpm at April 1988.

Wed 14 … Office … Discussion with Ken Lambert Vent dept. To Thoresby … Examination of Working plans and methods of work. CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Ian Shaw and Ian Wilson. Lunch … To Clipstone … Examination of Working plans and methods of work. CJ Whyte and self only. Discussion with Tony Wright and Hadi Al Rekabi.

Thurs 15 … Office … Discussion with various Tony Barnes regarding shaft fill and water at Mansfield ... to Harworth ... Examination of Working plans and methods of work. CJ Whyte and Tony Barnes. Discussion with Peter Thompson. Lunch ... I signed Pit bottom plan for Steve Westmorland. Office … Phone Garry Hall Ollerton regarding ‘Green line’ round panels … no! ... SM1 covers same. Went through all remarks made on plan examination at all collieries and made notes to send out to all Surveyors. To Mansfield … Discussion with Ian Shore regarding shafts and stoppings … gave him a letter from RA Caunt CME regarding new ‘fence’ stopping for concrete. Also to file Hewitt’s grid calculations etc. Discussion with Cheryl regarding possible move to Area HQ later next year.

Fri 16 … To Gedling, then to Asfordby with CJ Whyte‘s car and passengers GE Marshall, AR Barnes and self (out of Area visits to be authorised). Discussion Roger Smith regarding various in relation to Working Rights, Town & Country Planning (from 5/12/1988) Likelihood of him going to Bretby. Examination of Working plans and methods. With Keith Goodwin and Peter Toone. Instruments. Progress folder to be started for weekly information. Staffing problems. To Gedling … Discussion with Richard Clarke various over Lunch. Office … Phone Peggy at Hall & Watts regarding Instrument repairs etc. Phone Rob Quincey Sherwood regarding SM1 for 126s A and Auxiliary Ventilation plans? To Ventilation dept Mike Pitts … to get DS Crisp’s signature. Phone David Archer Rufford regarding Monday visit and SM1 ready. To fetch double folders from Andrew Hutchins. Made a folder for Asfordby progress.

Mon 19 … To Rufford … Underground visit with CJ Whyte, Graeme Marshall and Andy Wells to 208s Yard / Blackshale ‘Z’ panel then to SE Trunks, curves and Old Pit bottom Bunker and new Automatic Overspill Hopper Bunker. Lunch and discuss. Office … Vent dept with SM1 from Rufford. Phone Central Area regarding water figures for Oxcroft … no again! Zenith returned instruments. S & C forms.

Tues 20 … Office … Phone Stas Watson Sherwood SM1 signed. Meeting GE Marshall and EW Fretwell … General topics for meetings. Phone Mike Pope Deputy Area Staff Manager regarding Cheryl not to go to Welbeck? To S & C and Steve Mudd transferred tackle for £65 (cheque). Discussion with Mike Pitts and Ken Lambert Vent Engrs regarding Auxiliary Vent plans for Sherwood … again! To Creswell … to take O.S. ozaloft copies and repaired tribrach. Picked up another tribrach for repair. Lunch at Maid Marion. Office … Discussion with Eddie Betts and Brian Barlow both retired (both ex Deputy Area Surveyor to Chas Whyte). Phone Andy Wells Rufford. Phone Carl Banton Sherwood regarding to take SM1 126s A. Phone Steve Barnes Bevercotes regarding Low Waterloo 106s SM1 … common overcast!!! Checked through letters on Computer regarding pit visits for plan inspection. Phone Tim at Zenith regarding Cooke VII dial repair and box … not examined / repaired!

Wed 21 … To Sherwood … to take SM1 for 126s A and collected amendment to Blackshale 304s SM1. Discussion with Rob Quincey. To Bilsthorpe … to collect plan labels. Discussion with Geoff Austin, Graham Millward and Jed Thomas various. Office … Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding possibility of plan screen as Rufford Manager? To Vent dept to see Milke Pitts again regarding Auxiliary ventilation plans. 11am Bob Butler Rep from Hall & Watts Discussion with new instruments and repairs etc. He took a tribrach. With CJ Whyte … Checking over letters to Colliery Surveyors for plan amendments. To Thoresby … to the Stores … collected boots etc. To Thoresby Survey ... Discussion with Ian Wilson regarding computer plans for Supports. Left a Calendar. Plan from Geologists regarding 75m cover line from Permian for Bilsthorpe Low Main 117s.

Thurs 22 … Office … S & C forms for CJ Whyte regarding repairs, Discussion with Tim Clyer planner regarding Creswell Layout. Discussion with Keith Heskett planner regarding Bevercotes planning, also regarding Bilsthorpe 117s Low Main 75m cover line to Permian. Phone Peter Thompson Harworth regarding give Talk on Reorganisation. To Ollerton … Discussion with Bob Hallott and Denise Tindale regarding various. To Thoresby Stores … changed some shoes. Office Graham Kemp Bilsthorpe regarding 117s cover line changed to 75m and different to the previous one at Bilsthorpe Survey office. 2.30 Group Meeting DS Crisp Conference Room A … cancelled! To Linby … Crane incident … took measurements of the site with Tony Barnes, Discussion with Charlie Swinscoe Temp Mech Engineer.

Fri 23 … Office … Linby plans in the safe. Letters to Mark Wright, Martin Davies and Keith Banton regarding MQB / JEB exam. Phone Richard Longden Clipstone regarding forms for Surveyor’s certificate. Discussion with CJ Whyte same. Phone Hadi Al Rekabi Clipstone regarding surface levels on plans. Phone Doug Stockham Ollerton Tim Burke now Manager. Phone Richard Clarke Gedling regarding Alan Allsop now Manager. Phone Andy Wells Rufford regarding David Moult now Manager. Phone Carl Banton Sherwood regarding Auxiliary fan plans regarding Mick Orchiston now Manager. Phoned Hall & Watts several times … no reply. To Mansfield … Cheryl not to share with Welbeck. To Clipstone … MQA /JEB Form for Richard Longden.
18 underground visits for 1988.
Party at Area in the afternoon ... Speech by Len Harris Director.

Holiday Sat 24 … Sun 25 … Christmas Day … Mon 26 … Boxing Day … Tues 27 … Wed 28 … Thurs 29 … Fri 30 … Sat 31 … Sun 1 January 1989 …