The children from Mawgan-in-Pydar Primary School had a wonderful trip to Geevor Mine, thanks to our School Transport Grants.
Here is what the students had to say…
“A few weeks ago, I arrived at school excited, I was going on a trip.
As we exited the coach, we met our guide, Clint, who gave us our hard hats, so we didn’t bang our heads.
We put our bags down and then we entered the model rooms. In this room was a complete model of Geevor Tin mine.
After that, Clint showed us the Air Compressor room. In there were huge, old rusty machines all used for different things. There was a mine cart, sticks of dynamite and giant air compressors. Next, Clint showed us the mineshaft where 18 of us squeezed into it, while one of the class sat in the control room pushing buttons.
As soon as we’d finished our lunch it was time to go back in time… To become a Bal Maiden. A Bal Maiden was a lady that worked on the surface, crushing, carrying and obliterating rocks, and we had a go at all three (I was the best at obliterating rocks)!
Then we entered the mill. A long walk was required to reach the panning trays. When we reached the trays we were instructed to grab a clear plastic bag to collect our gems in. I found quartz, amethyst and some other cool rocks.
It was time to head to Wheal Mexico mine. As we arrived at the mine, I felt scared and excited to enter. It was very dark, cold and the timber was wonky. About halfway through was a well, but it was over very soon.”
“A couple of weeks ago, me and my friends were going on a school trip to Geevor. I was nervous as I have a fear of mines, but I ignored that and got on the coach.
When we arrived at Geevor, we were all terribly excited. We met our guide, Clint, who told as how old the mine was and how much it was worth. We then went for a tour of the mine. First we went to the air compressor room where the machines sent fresh air down into the mine. Next, we went into the lift room. 18 of us squeezed into the cage. Then we went to the Drill Workshop where D tried to pick up a drill but failed because it was too heavy.
After lunch we went to the dry room, and saw all their misty, crusty clothes. Clint told us they wore red because of all the iron in the mine.
Next, Clint showed us to the panning room where we got to pan for gems and gold. Panning was my favourite because we got free gems.
We went to the shaking tables after panning and the shaking tables showed us how the tin was separated.
Lastly, we went to Wheal Mexico mine where it was cold, dark and narrow.
I really enjoyed the trip and I hope we can go again.”
