My dad Tom Farnsworth worked on the Mansfield Mines Rescue service from a very young age until he was 45 in 1965. Dad is now 83 years of age and loves talking about his days on the Station. I remember them too?

The alarm bell in the house - ringing loudly at 7am every morning. Knowing that dad was off to a disaster if the bell went off at any other time of day. I also remember mum 'tidying out the drawers' while dad was out on call.

Does anyone out there remember my dad?

He has lots of stories if anyone wants to know.

Sue Medley

Dear Fionn
Time has passed since I last contacted you about my dad Tom Farnsworth who was on the Mansfield Rescue Station - sadly he passed away on 4th March 2006 aged 85 - I miss him more and more.

I have just been looking at the website again and reliving some happy memories of my time as a child when dad was in the Service.

Can anyone remember the film which was made at Mansfield (and another Stations I think) - it was probably in the early 60s and was called 'Call for Action' - a documentary shown on BBC?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Medley
(nee Farnsworth)

Hello, I came across your site by chance when I was reminiscing about my childhood on Mansfield Mines Rescue. My Dad is Norman Beedle and he was 3rd officer until he moved down to Ashby in 1986 to become assistant superintendent.

He has now long since retired and enjoying life to the full. I have lots of photos of old pit teams when the original rescue station in Mansfield was at Bilbecks the plumbers merchants on York street. I also have a handwritten rules and regs. book from 1910 to 1950 which is very precious. I will endeavour to get some of this information sent to you with my Dads permission.

As I stated I have only just found the site and am just mailing you to let you know what a brilliant joy it was going through it - I hope I can soon put more information in there for you.

Thanks for now,

Chris Beedle

Hello there, I work in the Showroom at Bilbecks (the old Rescue Station) and yes a lot has changed, inside it has all been opened up and extended, the only recognisable parts now are the roof and the back sheds.

Beccy Bodill

Bilbeck Merchants LTD.

Sometime during 1956, a film crew went along to the Mines Rescue Centre, which was then on Yorke Street, Mansfield Woodhouse.

They were there to feature a new invention, the "Aerenkian" breathing apparatus designed by a
Mr Coulshed and a Mr Quinn.

During the shooting of the film, my father, Bill Walters (who was employed as a Fire & Safety Officer at New Hucknall Colliery, Huthwaite) was shown wearing the new apparatus and looking suitably impressed.

The film was consequently released as Mines Review No.6 in 1956.

My father (now 84 years old) had never seen the film, so you can imagine his surprise and joy when I recently managed to obtain a copy to show him!

Duncan Walters
( Mansfield)

Divisional Rescue Manager Coulshed and Rescue Superintendent Quinn developed a new type of liquid air breathing apparatus. They endeavoured to create a lighter unit, 30lbs rather than 40lbs and a better product; the ‘Aerenkian’ could provide enough air to sustain a casualty as well as the rescuer. The general consensus was that the Aerenkian gave "a new mobility and freedom in tight corners".