14/04/09 - Visit to Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum

Following a visit to the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum Paul Bristow, Conservative candidate for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland, and Lord Bates of Langbaurgh have called on Middlesbrough residents interested in the history of their town to go and see the museum in Skinningrove.

One key reason for the rapid expansion of Middlesbrough in the mid 19^th century was the discovery of ironstone in Cleveland, and the subsequent opening of great ironworks on the Tees.  While visitor numbers are up with people travelling across the country to visit the nationally acclaimed museum, volunteers believe the number of local visitors from Middlesbrough could be higher.  The museum relies heavily on volunteers and funding is often short, meaning large numbers of visitors is crucial to its survival.

Speaking after his visit, Paul said:

“The museum is just full of local history and tells the story of the social and industrial development of Teesside.  We should all be grateful for the effort and hard work put in by the volunteers.  Without this voluntary activity we would lose a valuable part of our history.

“It would be excellent to see more local visitors to the museum, especially from Middlesbrough.  The town owes so much to the discovery of ironstone in the Cleveland Hills.  The part that ironstone mining played in Cleveland and Middlesbrough’s past is a story that should be heard by more local people.”

During the visit, Lord Bates of Langbaurgh was asked to become President of the museum:

“It was an honour to have been asked to be President of the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum. They do a tremendous service in keeping our history alive and educating young people. I know the challenges that they face raising money and recruiting volunteers.  The fact they have achieved so much is a tribute to their hard work.

“I look forward supporting their efforts to keep this important part of our history and culture alive.”

During the visit, Paul and Lord Bates met with:

Janette Holt Fun-raising Manager

Peter Tuffs, Chairman

Stewart McFarlane MBE (Chairman elect)

To find out more about the Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum or to become a volunteer you can visit their website at http://www.ironstonemuseum.co.uk/