Last weekend saw a milestone for the National Coal Mining Museum for England as it celebrated 30 years since it opened its doors. Originally called the Yorkshire Mining Museum it opened on the site of Caphouse Colliery in June 1988 and gained national status in 1995. Since then the museum has gone from strength to strength offering a family friendly educational and fun day out for families from near and far.

On Friday BBC Look North created a world first with a broadcast from a deep mine. The weekend offered plenty to keep everyone entertained. The Northern World War Two Association set up camp and staged battle re-enactments. This is a Russian ‘Gaz’ officer’s light truck. 

There was also music from the Caphouse Singers and Yorkshire Traction Honley Band. 

The Lord mayor cut the pit helmet birthday cake and there was the raising of the specially created anniversary flag.

Happy Birthday National Coal Mining Museum for England.