Up until 1968 very
little was known about the mining remains on the Isle of Man when a Manx
Mines Research Group was formed as a spin off from the antiquarian
society… as far as understood.
The group, a small
body of locals from the mining village of Laxey had their first meeting
and formed plans for the exploration of the Great Laxey Mine along with
other sites around the Island. The system of exploration was basic but
the results were remarkable and the recovery of six ore trucks from one
of the many shafts by way of winch lead to further discoveries and
considerable documentation over the following years. By 1980, the
original team had dissolved and had been completely replaced with new
members. The only access into the mine at this time was by using
single rope technique via the welsh shaft. Theses techniques are
frequently practiced.
In 1982, the group
joined the National Association of Mining History Orgaisations
N.A.M.H.O. under the title of the Manx Mines Research Group and
in 1985 started working as volunteers for the Isle of Man Government on
the redevelopment of the Laxey site as a tourist attraction. This
prompted the need for change and so in 1987 a second body known as the
Laxey Group was formed and the title of Manx was dissolved over
the following five years. It was decided to scrap subscriptions for
membership and we don’t refer to ourselves as a club. We have no
officers such as secretaries or treasurers and an EGM is held only when
necessary. The group was now undertaking large tasks and played a major
role in the creation of the site from constructing paths to building
bridges as well as the
underground restoration work.
Legislation made
it necessary to comply with health and safety although our practices and
standards were good and so the crew of twenty five were donned with
orange boiler suits and white helmets to meet the requirements which in
turn led to greater opportunities for the group. We work semi
professionally for various government departments, planning and
executing
civil engineering projects on many of the mine sites as well as
our own projects and digs.
Most of the major shafts have now been fitted out with
platforms and ladder ways and the adit levels cleared. Almost all
of the open shafts have now been
capped with access points. The group has earned such a high
reputation with all authoritative bodies on the Island that our work is
widely accepted and unchallenged. Almost all of the equipment used is
owned by the group including Holmans
rock drills and larger machinery such as compressors or diggers
are usually borrowed or hired.
