Thoresby – new lease of life for all-electric flagship  

The country's first all-electric mine, Thoresby , at Edwinstowe reached – at its peak in the Eighties - an annual output of more than two million tonnes.

It was opened in 1925, when two shafts were sunk.

Today a workforce of 450 pitmen operate on a four-shift system, producing some 1.5m tonnes a year from a single face.

The mine extracts coal from the Parkgate seam – part of Ollerton colliery reserves, but new faces are being opened up using the latest mining machinery.

Resources extend to an estimated 15.6 million tonnes, with a further 8.7 million tonnes lying within the Deep Soft seam to the north of the colliery and 8.1 million south west in the High Hazels seam, which was in fact worked by Thoresby until 1983.

Some 400 UDM members are currently employed at the pit.

Thoresby has an active social team, with a successful football team and the popular Thoresby Colliery Band.

Patrick Clampett – 24-7 commitment

 “My duty to the health and safety of all the miners at Thoresby is a 24-hour commitment 52 weeks of the year,” says Patrick (Jed) Clampett, UDM Branch Secretary at Thoresby .

Jed's been in mining for 30 years. He started out in the industry at Bilsthorpe, where he still has his home, and had 16 years' experience there as both an underground and a surface worker.

The 57-year-old granddad, a founder member of the UDM, is now a surface worker at Thoresby , a role he manages alongside his duties as UDM Secretary and as NEC member.

Despite a recent personal tragedy, Jed has worked tirelessly on negotiations to secure a future for his 250 UDM members working at the pit.

He says: “As secretary at Thoresby my major goal is to keep as many men at work at the pit for as long as possible without putting the entire negotiations for the pit into jeopardy.

“I am the nominated person responsible for safety at the pit, under Section 123 – and I hope that this is reflected in an improved safety and disciplinary record at Thoresby .

“I'm also called on to deal with issues relating to common law, work and personal matters. It's crucial that I am here for the men when they need me and that they can rely on me to keep things confidential.”

Away from the pit Jed's quite the hero – he even dresses the part! A committed volunteer at his beloved Sherwood Forest , where he's worked on walkway improvements to boost access for disabled visitors, he also gets involved in re-enactments to entertain and educate visitors.

His enthusiastic commitment to his own community is also reflected across the whole Thoresby workforce, where a number of people are actively involved in community sports.

Another of Jed's roles is to organise the annual retired members' Christmas party. This is open to all retired members and usually draws around 180 people who enjoy a buffet, entertainment, bingo, a raffle and a present of chocolates for the ladies and a small bottle of whisky for the men. A coach is also laid on and it is all free of charge.

Trevor Barker – voice for the workforce

The voice of the Thoresby Branch at area level is Trevor Barker, the Union 's Branch Delegate.

A miner for more than 30 years, Trevor started at Thoresby in 1977 as a 16-year-old trainee, after moving to the Clipstone area 11 years earlier. He trained as a face worker at the age of 18 before moving to the developments and his present role.

As Branch Delegate and Notts Section member Trevor is the main communication medium between UDM members at branch and area level and helping to shape decisions that affect the area membership. He also works within the union's claims section, helping to secure compensation for past and present Union members at Thoresby for Coal health claims.

Trevor's role encompasses every aspect of union life but his number one priority is keep the pit open and protect as many jobs as possible.

He says: “I want the members to know that I am always available for members and retired members – at home or at work.”

THORESBY COLLIERY BRANCH OFFICIALS

Trevor Barker - Branch Delegate

Ray Hurst - Branch President

Rob Pendlebury - Branch Treasurer