The last pits shut in Somerset in 1973. While many have lived in the area all their lives, many more have only arrived since then. We had no experience of Midsomer Norton, Radstock and the other local places in the days when the mines still operated.

What was it like to work in the pits? What was involved exactly in mining the coal? Where did they mine it?

A visit to Radstock Museum will provide many of the answers. The film, ‘Somerset Mining Memories’, provides others. Detailed research is still needed, however, to find out about specific pits. Some of the evidence of the industry remains ‘on the ground’ and there are maps, plans and other types of document that we can see, too.

There are books to read, both as in-depth studies of the coalfield and as collections of photographs. We can talk to our older neighbours and to former miners, but it all needs to be drawn together to form the real picture. What was it really like?

On Thursday, 15th February, the Midsomer Norton Society will present an illustrated talk about Norton Hill Collieries. Nick Waton will explore the history of the mines at Norton Hill and try to answer some of the questions he had set himself originally after moving to the town in 1975.

Nick will look at plans and photographs of Norton Hill, at the coal seams, the layout of the mines underground and at how they were worked. Memories of some who worked there and of those who lived nearby are included and personal recollections will be invited from those in the audience during the evening.

The venue is Midsomer Norton Town Hall and the meeting starts at 7.30 p.m. All are welcome.