My long delayed book on the mines in the Matlock Bath area is at last in preparation for publication by the PDMHS – it was intended to be my PhD thesis, and it has had over 50 years’ research. During the early 1950s, Joe Shevelan of Kearsley (locally nicknamed ‘the Bolton Lad’) was a member of...

While walking up Masson yesterday to have another look over some lost mines there, I noticed that Devonshire Cavern has been put up for sale at offers around ?350,000. It comes complete with 3 acres of woodland and a four-bedroomed detached house. I believe it is only about the second time in...