DonMog & Friends Go Ape(dale).
On 22nd April, which was as near to Drive It Day as possible, about twenty assorted Morgans from Tor, Staffs and Don mogs braved the showery weather and arrived in good order at Apedale Heritage Centre. This site was unknown to most of us but met with overwhelming approval at the end of the day.
The Centre is on the site of a disused colliery and consists of a country park, a narrow gauge railway, a museum a drift-mine and last but certainly not least a very nice café.
After assembling and doling out the goody bags we prepared to go down the mine which was the last working pit in Staffordshire. As this is still classed as a mine we had to divest ourselves of anything battery controlled except for hearing aids which for some reason are classed as safe. We were then issued with helmets and headtorches together with a brass tally which would not only ensure that we were not left behind underground but also could be used to identify our remains if anything untoward happened! The mine deputies who took us underground were very knowledgeable as well as entertaining and we were able to glimpse something of the life of a miner in a working situation. We were underground for well over an hour and emerged with a souvenir of our visit in the guise of a sample of the coal mined there.
Thence to the volunteer-run café for food and drink which was freshly and cheerfully served and represented local fare at a very reasonable price.
On then to the heritage museum and some to a visit to the engine workshops both of which were very interesting. The staff and volunteers there were very welcoming and said that they had enjoyed our visit which had provided an added attraction as we were all parked up in the staff car park by the main entrance to the centre.
Thanks to Tormog for arranging this at the last minute and most of us said that we were so impressed by the place we will return as individuals at some future date.
All in all a Grand Day Out!