In November, a group of members and friends enjoyed a visit to the Kent Mining Musuem built on the site of Betteshanger Colliery.
Betteshanger was the largest of the four collieries in the East Kent coalfield, the others being Tilmanstone, Snowdown and Chislet, employing thousands of men who had come from other parts of England, and from Scotland, Wales and Ireland to work in the mines.
The Kent mines were particularly deep so the working conditions were very difficult, with the heat being especially challenging.
The story boards and exhibits in the museum were very informative about the life and work of the miners and their wives and families.
Retired miners were on hand to answer questions and share their personal memories – a highlight of the visit.