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Going Underground Denis Hunt , 4 Region Secretary

2016 saw the first Iconic Event for No 4 (Wales) Region when we ascended to the top of Wales at Snowdon. It follows that the Iconic Event 2017 would see us descending to the bottom of Wales so to speak, together with a bit of historical culture. D espite the weather being wet , it failed to dampen our enthusiasm for the start of the weekend events. Here we were at Prior to our leaving the Mint, Phil did assure us that he would join the IPA once he had reviewed coal mines in the country and now preserved to enable the public to get a simple taste of mining for the ‘black diamonds’. Hence we say were going to the bottom of Wales for the 2017 Region Iconic event.

it all on the website. He certainly had a fair knowledge of the Association already as he reminded us that IPA members used to attend the Training Department and chat to the newly qualified Probationers when he himself was once an instructor. We then all headed east, accompanied by the rain, towards the market town of Abergavenney. Here we gathered for a fine meal at an Italian Restaurant. Several of the party remained in, or close to the town overnight, whilst the other members decided to return to their homes for a decent night’s sleep prior to the following day’s events. First thing Sunday morning saw the group gathering on a wind and rain swept hillside above the historic Valleys town of Blaenafon. This is an area of immense history from the days of the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Here we all met at the world renowned industrial museum of Big Pit, formerly one of the biggest and deepest

the Royal Mint to learn how the generous Welsh people produce millions upon millions in UK coin coinage to give away to the rest of the UK. In fact we also produce coinage in international currencies, plus various medals including the Police Long Service, all to be given away through our generosity. Our guide for the tour was retired South-Wales officer, Phil Bryant. Our Region Secretary Denis had worked with Phil’s father many many years ago, which only goes to show how old Denis now is. For those who have never visited the Royal Mint, the sight of all those thousands upon thousands of one pound coins churning out of the chute directly in front of you really raises the urge to lean forward and grab a handful. A shame about the big glass screen and alarms between you and the cash though.

Before descending 300 feet via the cage, we were stripped of all our articles that contained batteries, including key rings, phones, watches and even the pedometers that people wear to identify their walking distance. We were advised in great seriousness by our guide Bill that the form of battery contained in these items could easily set off a gas explosion. So no one was going to argue against that statement. Next we were kitted out with the helmets & headlights. Indeed, wearing the helmet was not for show. Once you are down in the actual mining areas you constantly hear the guide calling out ‘duck’ – and that’s not to tell you that there are low flying fowl in the area. The constant sharp ‘crack’ of helmets hitting the low roof area and the occasional cussing was a reminder to listen what you were being told. Very often the roof height dropped to around five foot, making walking uncomfortable for taller people. However,

POLICE WORLD Vol 63 No. 1, 2018

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