National Coal Mining Museum brings he pit to your home

This week’s lesson is on colliery cats, their importance to the mining industry, and how you can make you own at home.

The museum’s website said: “Most mines would have had a cat that lived in the underground stables to help keep the mouse population under control! The museum has two cats who hang out at the stables.”

To make a cat puppet you will need  an old gift bag, card or paper, colours and glue.

The museum has a range of learning materials on its blog, which you can find by visiting www.ncm.org.uk/blog.

The museum along with most tourists attractions around the country currently remains closed to due to the pandemic. As a result, the NCM has tried to move as much as it can to an online museum. Its website said: “Our doors may be closed but we’re busy behind the scenes to finding new ways to bring the museum to you.

“Whether you want to see the museum, learn about the mining industry and their communities or Do some activities to pass the time- we’ve got you!”