Classic car show raises money for Pleasley Pit Museum

Car lovers turned out in force for the Motors at the Mine Festival at Pleasley Pit at the weekend.
Motors at the Mine Festival, Pleasley.  Pictured are Jenny Lewis and Sue Thompson on the Help for Heroes stallMotors at the Mine Festival, Pleasley.  Pictured are Jenny Lewis and Sue Thompson on the Help for Heroes stall
Motors at the Mine Festival, Pleasley. Pictured are Jenny Lewis and Sue Thompson on the Help for Heroes stall

OrganiserDerek Gelsthorpe said the day was well worth the six months of hard work to prepare for the event.

Mr Gelsthorpe said: “I lost count of the amount of cars that were there, but we had over 300. Along with classic cars, there were steam engines, busses and lorries.”

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The day was all for agood cause, and vistors could donate to the pit trust, to keep the museum up and running, which is staffed by volunteers.

Mr Gelsthorpe said: “Theres lot’s of specialist knowledge of how these engines work, and we wanted to get the younger generations interested so that knowledge can be passed down. The idea for the car show came from Robert Drew, and this is the second year we have put on the event.”

Mr Gelsthorpe added: “It is essential this knowledge is passed down through the generations, this is why we organised this show.”

Along with the motors, there was something for all ages, including a birds of prey display and a nature study area, as the area has a variety of wildlife including rare butterflies.

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n The restored south engine at the Pleasley Pit museum has been turned on for the first time.

Pleasley Colliery was the deepest pit in the East Midlands coalfield before it ceased production in 1983.

Twelve years later, volunteers began the task of restoring the site and in 2004, the north winding engine was revived.

Work on the south engine, which was made in 1922, was a stiff task because many parts were missing.

However, both engines are now in full working order for the first time in 32 years.

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