BRETBY

Series

Series Name

Mining Review 10th Year

Issue

Issue No.

6

Date Released

Feb 1957

Stories in this Issue:

1. 1BUT ONCE A YEAR
2. 2TREPANNER
3. 3BRETBY
4. 4OLD HANDS

Story

Story No. within this Issue

3 / 4

Summary

BFI synopsis: The setting-up of a Central Engineering Establishment at Bretby
NCB Commentary - Back in 1953 a decision was taken to set up at Bretby in Derbyshire a Central Engineering Establishment for the mining industry.
By the end of 1955 the buildings were already erected and machinery started going on. By now the finishing touches have long been applied, and Bretby is now swinging into operation.
A recent arrival at the big plant was this giant prop testing machine, the only one of its kind in the world. Turning the scales at over 15 tons, standing 23 ft. high, this mamoth piece of equipment will play an important part in testing new types of pit props, with a view to ensuring the greater safety of mine workers underground.
It is just one of a series of specialised tools essential for the functioning of the establishment.
Here at Bretby, materials used in mining are tested, sometimes to destruction. On special rigs like this, roof bars are stressed to give an accurate register of their performances underground.
These are just instances of one side of the purpose of Bretby. Here they will try to improve existing equipment, especially coal-face machinery, to develop new machines for specific purposes, and to exploit new ideas and techniques. The Establishment will also offer a service to the whole industry for solveing particular technical problems as they arise.
As the big new prop testing machine is lowered into its prepared resting place, 1957 will see a big step-up in the essential technical work of the Establishment which will reinforce the safety and economy of Britain’s mining industry.

Researcher Comments

Commentary recorded 7th January 1957.

Keywords

Mining; Engineering

Locations

Derbyshire; England

Written sources

British Film Institute Databases   Used for synopsis
Film User   Vol.11 No.128 June 1957, p258.
The National Archives COAL 32   /12 Scripts for Mining Review, 1956-1960

Credits:

Production Co.

Documentary Technicians Alliance

Sponsor

National Coal Board