A MINI survey is being carried out in the Tamar Valley to discover where the mine workers who were forced to leave the valley went. The survey is part of the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project, which is seeking to conserve and celebrate the rich mining heritage this area possesses. Previous research has shown miners, quarrymen, searchers and woodworkers who lost their jobs at Devon Great Consols and other mines within the valley, fanned out across the world in search of new employment. Researcher Vanni Cook, said: 'Timmins in Ontario became known as "Little Gunnislake" and the mine captain, Harry Hancock, from Horrabridge, left his stamp on the Moonta copper mine in the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. Other workers went to Mexico, Montana and the Kolar Fields in India.' It is possible to discover names of those who left the valley and went to work abroad through shipping records, but the project team are keen to find out how many people who went abroad actually stayed in touch with their families, and how many workers remained in the valley with their loved ones. For those with information who would like to share about family links with mining areas abroad, contact Vanni or Jo Lewis on 01822 615610.
