ABOUT NAMHO

WHO ARE WE?

We were formed in 1979 to act as the national body for mining history in the UK and Ireland. There are now over 50 member organisations, including societies, museums, firms, etc.

• NATIONAL in our title means that we represent mining history throughout the UK and Ireland.

• AIMS are to allow liaison between our members and to act as a single national voice for the benefit of mining history.

• MINING history is the study of how metals, coal, stone, etc were mined in this country from prehistoric times to date.

• HELP is given to individuals, government bodies and commercial firms in both practical and academic matters.

• OUR object is to increase the knowledge of mining history in the United Kingdom and Ireland and to promote it in all its aspects.

WHO CAN BECOME A MEMBER?

There is no individual membership of NAMHO.

Any bona fide organisation with an interest in mining history can apply to become a Full Member.

Other organisations who do not qualify under the above, but who are interested in the activities of member organisations, can apply to become an Affiliate Member.

HOW IS NAMHO RUN?

Every Full Member nominates a representative and, regardless of size, is entitled to a single vote on the Council which meets three times a year. Day to day management is carried out by annually elected officers.

Affiliate Members are entitled to attend the Council meetings but have no vote.

We do not seek to control the activities of our member organisations, only to act on their behalf.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Guidelines

We produce guidelines for those involved in surface or underground industrial archaeology (click HERE for further information.

Insurance

It is very sensible have third party liability cover when engaged in activities on the surface or underground. NAMHO member organisations can take out this type of insurance through the British Caving Association (BCA: www.british-caving.org.uk) insurance scheme.

External Liaison

We liaise with public and private bodies over matter of preservation and access. We pride ourselves in taking a sensible approach to this since we can take a national overview of the situation.

Internal Liaison

We act as a means of allowing members to exchange information and ideas. We produce a regular Newsheet for members in which items of national interest are disseminated.

Consultation

We are consulted over planning applications and site scheduling. Not only can we provide archaeological information but also details on the extent and condition of mine workings. Members of NAMHO have served on government committees dealing with mine databases and methods of making entrances safe.

Information

As the national body, we are the quickest way of obtaining information on mines in the UK and Ireland. The individual members of our organisations hold more information on disused mine sites than any library or record office. If you have a query, we can direct it very quickly to the appropriate organisation or person.

Interpretation

Many of our members are museums and we encourage the interpretation of mining sites for the public. This can vary from un-manned sites to full-scale theme parks. We are glad to advise any new scheme that involves some aspect of mining.

Conferences

Every two years we organise a Mining History Conference. This is held in different parts of the UK and is hosted by one of our member organisations. It takes place over an extended weekend and events include lectures, seminars and field trips.

Field Meets

In alternate years to the Conference, we organise a Field Meet. This is held in different parts of the UK and is hosted by one of our member organisations. It takes place over a weekend and offers surface and underground trips.

WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE?

We are the only national body representing the specialised knowledge and skills involved in mining history.

As more ex-mining land is developed, the information on such sites will become very important.

We will continue to help everyone to enjoy our mining heritage, whilst maintaining a responsible and professional attitude.

WHO ARE OUR MEMBERS?

Click HERE for a list of the current members of NAMHO