Those relatively new to Ramsgate may be unaware that we have any connection with coal mining but all the main Kent collieries were within 15 miles of us and because they were all in rural locations it was in towns like Deal and Ramsgate that many miners were living.

In the early 1900s when the main Kent mines were opening, much of the skilled labour force had to be imported from existing pits elsewhere. As an example, Ramsgate became home to the majority of the miners coming from Wales to work the Chislet Colliery in Hersden, about 12 miles from Ramsgate on the way to Canterbury.

Our talk on April 11^th will include slides, films and personal memories from Jim Davies, an ex-miner volunteer at the Kent Mining Museum at Betteshanger. Jim is the son of a Welsh miner who made the transfer to Kent. He later followed in his father’s footsteps down the mines until (in his own words) he had the task of “putting the lights out” at the last working mine in Kent. He also remembers coming to the Ramsgate Tunnels to test for gas!

This unique event that combines formal research with oral history takes place on April 11^th at the San Clu. As usual doors open at 6:30pm and the talk of about 45 minutes will start at 7pm and be followed by about 15 minutes of Q & A. Places must be booked in advance at £2 (+ 88p for Eventbrite costs). Non-members of the Ramsgate Society will be requested to add a voluntary donation of £3 on the door.

Book at bit.ly/MiningTalk or via the website link below