Geology Rocks - unearth the fun at National Coal Mining Museum

Geology Rocks event returns to National Coal Mining Museum on Saturday, April 26. | NCMME

placeholder image — Geology Rocks event returns to National Coal Mining Museum on Saturday, April 26. | NCMME

ROCK up and dig deep into the past for a gem of a day this weekend at the National Coal Mining Museum for England - Geology Rocks is back!

This free-entry, family fun day, celebrates the world beneath our feet on Saturday, April 26, 10am to 5pm.

There will be opportunities to dig up and handle amazing rocks and fossils, enjoy unique shows and tours, listen to relaxing stories, and experience a range of exciting demonstrations.

Visitors of all ages will enjoy this jam-packed event organised in partnership with Yorkshire Geological Society (YGS).

Throughout the day, visitors will discover exhibits of fossils, minerals, and rocks, see exciting rock-cutting and polishing demonstrations up-close. Families are encouraged to bring their own rocks and fossils to be identified by experts and try fossil cutting to uncover the secrets within.

Meet geology experts, with demonstrations, storytelling and activities across site | JMA Photography

This year’s event boasts a new addition to the action-packed line up, Barnsley Libraries’ travelling Story Shell, an air-filled seashell measuring 9 metres long and 4.5 metres high. This unique space, created by international artists Steve Messam and Suzie Devey, will host amazing stories perfect for ages 5 and under.

Highlights of the day include surface tours that will take eventgoers to see rock and coal seams up close, performances from The Rock Showman who will amaze people with an incredible show on fossils and dinosaurs, plus themed crafts where visitors can make their very own fossil to take home.

Families can also discover how coal was formed and how we know where to find it with The Rock ‘n’ Coal Show. They will meet fascinating characters from history including Father of Geology William Smith and Marie Curie who will demonstrate exciting scientific experiments.

In the afternoon, YGS will host a series of fascinating short talks, highlighting the best places to see interesting fossils linked to the geology of Caphouse Colliery.

Lynn Dunning, CEO of National Coal Mining Museum for England said: “We’re delighted to again be joining forces with Yorkshire Geology Society to offer our visitors a fun-packed day of exciting exhibits and interactive experiences, learning about the ground beneath our feet.

Uncover and handle amazing rocks and fossils when Geology Rocks returns to the National coal Mining Museum | JMA Photography

“It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the fascinating connections between coal and geology. Understanding the geological processes that formed coal millions of years ago, and the links to how it was mined. Our event aims to take a deeper look at local geology and combining it with lots of fun, interactive activities for all ages”

Paul Hildreth, Member of Yorkshire Geological Society added: “This event is a real showcase for Yorkshire geology, and we hope it inspires the next generation of geologists. Experts will be on hand throughout the day to offer advice, identify specimens and even cut rocks to reveal any stored secrets. So, dig out those rocks, minerals and fossils that have puzzled you for so long and bring them along on to find out what they are and the story behind them.”

For more visit www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/geology-rocks.

From Coal Queens To ComedyKings, a free to visit sculpture trail around our the museum’s inside and outside spaces, is now open - until September 7 - celebrating the work of Barnsley’s world famous sculptor Graham Ibbeson, whose memorable works include moments of mining history and much-loved performers.

Figures include Coal Widow, part of the Oaks Disaster Memorial, on loan from the NUM as well as celebrated entertainers such as Eric Morecambe, Ken Dodd and Laurel and Hardy.

Graham is pictured with the sculpture of the Coal Widow, the Oaks Disaster, 1866, Memorial, on loan from the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and other memorials linked to the coal industry. Picture taken by Yorkshire Post Photographer Simon Hulme

The museum marked the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike with its year-long exhibition 84/85: The Longest Year, which has now come to an end - but you can still explore it by taking the virtual tour - click on the image below - also visit the museum’s website at www.ncm.org.uk/whats-on/84-85.

The Museum, the former Caphouse Colliery, is on New Road, Overton, the main road between Wakefield and Huddersfield.

Its attractions include underground tours, exhibitions, pony discovery centre, nature trail, adventure playground, café and more.