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Michael Alan Sutcliffe (1941-2005) |
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Michael Alan Sutcliffe (1941-2005) |
Mick Sutcliffe and Lindsay Greenbank at the Rogerley Mine, August 2000
We are saddened to announce that on November 12, 2005 Mick Sutcliffe, co-discoverer and long-time operator of the Rogerley Mine passed away after a battle with cancer.
Mick was born in Blyth, Northumberland in 1941, the only son of Leslie and Rhoda Sutcliffe. As a young man, he moved to Kendal, Cumbria, taking up fell walking, rock climbing, skiing and collecting minerals underground on wet days. In 1972 togerher with his wife Brenda, and two friends, Lindsay and Patricia Greenbank, he formed Cumbria Mining and Mineral Company in order to exploit a previously undeveloped mineral deposit, near Stanhope, in Weardale. This deposit, now known as the Rogerley Mine, was the first long-term mining project in the UK aimed solely at the recovery of mineral specimens rather than ore, and in this sense, Mick and his partners were true pioneers. Cumbria Mining and Mineral Company successfully operated the Rogerley Mine for 25 years, and for much of that time, were often seen at gem and mineral shows about the UK, offering the fruits of their labour. During the latter 1990s, ill health of one of the partners resulted in closure of the mine, and transfer to the current operators.
During this period, Mick was also one of four directors in New Coledale Mining Limited, who operated the last working mine in the Lake District at Force Crag near Keswick for zinc. Mick also served as mine manager, where his skills as a design engineer and electrician were often called upon. He always said that if he could not find or buy a piece of equipment, he would make it. This was something that often proved necessary during his mining career. Although the mine was successful in producing ore, a downturn in world price for zinc forced eventual closure. In 1997 the mine was sold to the National Trust, who have since restored the mine buildings as a museum and opened them to the public.
Mick was also an avid collector of both Northern English minerals and antique scientific instruments. His mineral collection was acquired several years ago by Secured Minerals, who are handling its dispersal.
In 2000, a previously unrecognized mineral vein in the Rogerley Quarry was named the "Sutcliffe Vein" in recognition of Mick's contributions to the mining and specimen mineralogy of the area.
Mick is survived by his wife, Brenda Sutcliffe, of 35 years.
Fluorite from the Sutcliffe Vein, Rogerley Quarry, Weardale, England.
