On Saturday the 14th January, nine Scouts and two Leaders from 1st Winlaton Scout Troop made the trip south to the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield.

The Troop had our own special tour guide who was an ex coal miner from the famous Grimethorpe colliery. We were take 150m down in the lift to the bottom of the shaft, followed by a tour of the mine. This included seeing some of the equipment used down the pit and experiencing real darkness when we turned off all of our head lamps.

1st Winlaton Scouts preparing for their tour of the mine

Although this was a long day, it was enjoyed by all and it certainly gave the Scouts an insight in to an industry which was once a major part of life in Blaydon District.