'Releasing the Genie of Coal' Book Launch

Working with Peter Stark OBE and Dr William Lancaster (old friends and local lads), Land of Oak & Iron Trust volunteers have produced this new book in which historian Bill Lancaster reveals how nationally significant the Derwent Valley has been in the development of the mining industry; and Peter Stark's visionary essay poses the fascinating question as to whether the level of innovation involved in the industrial developments in the area's deep mining, railways and coal-fired power stations could not now be applied to the global challenges we face.

Hosted by Ros Rigby OBE, the evening will include a presentation by Peter Stark, after which you will have the opportunity for questions.

Then local resident, former CEO of National Energy Action and energy consumer advocate Jenny Saunders CBE will talk about the current situation in the North East: how the area has already played a role in developing new technologies and what is needed to encourage entrepreneurs and new developments by the energy companies.

The book is illustrated with colour photographs, graphs, historic maps and engravings and can be purchased at the book launch and also from the Land of Oak & Iron History Portal: landofoakandironlocalhistoryportal.org.uk

Tickets for the evening event at the Heritage Centre are £12.50 including a glass of wine (or juice) and a platter of nibbles.

Please note, you may need to share a table with other guests.

For schools, there is also a free downloadable resource aimed at KS4/5 and staff CPD .  You can find out more abut the Trust's work with schools and download the presentation from Land of Oak & Iron Trust's History Portal.