This Place Meant - destination #5 - Kent Mining Museum

Set within the former Betteshanger Colliery site, this event acknowledges the fascinating history of Kent’s coalfields—once a defining force that shaped communities, culture, and the very landscape of East Kent. The colliery and its surrounding coalfield villages were central to the lives of thousands of miners and their families, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate today.

This immersive performance will feature guest musician and composer Greg Ireland, who draws inspiration from the site’s heritage. Greg will be interviewing former miners and working with archival sound recordings to create a deeply resonant piece that connects the lived experiences of the coalfield with contemporary sound art.

You are invited to 1 hour Sound Bath immersion reflectiing on, and celebrating Kent’s industrial heritage, inviting listeners to experience the museum as a living archive of memory and resilience.

14-03-26

• 1pm-1.30pm – Arrival + optional museum visit (approx. 30 mins)
• 1.30pm-2.30pm – Live sound bath
• 2.30pm - 3pm - reflections and informal talk with artists

Sound Emergence is a contemplative sound practice led by André Braga-Verissimo and Sasha Maye Bruce. Their work brings together sound, heritage and community to create immersive listening experiences across Kent and beyond. They explore sound as a form of contemplation, deep listening, and collective gathering, working across art, music and history.

Greg Ireland is a composer, songwriter and sound artist currently exploring the relationship between sound, space and social history. Taking influence from folklore he creates contemporary music and soundscapes that investigates the relationships between people, the land and their histories and stories. He has an extensive knowledge of British folk song and folklore and this informs much of his work. He has recorded and toured with the folk-rock band Green Diesel for many years as multi-instrumentalist and songwriter and his songs and arrangements of traditional folk songs have drawn praise from critics. He has also worked extensively in theatre productions as a composer and sound designer, working across a variety of different genres of music, both as a solo performer and as musical director

This event is primarily seated, though some there is some space to lie down if you wish to. Please bring:

• A mat, blanket and/or pillow (if you intend to lie down come early as limited floor space )
• A small cushion for your comfort (to seat down)
• Warm clothing (venues can be cool)

Hot and cold drinks will be available.

Please contribute according to your financial circumstances. Paying the upper tier supports the project and helps us offer lower-cost access.

Suggested contribution: £5 – £20 per place. Please book a ticket for every person in your party, including children.

A FULL SERIES ticket for This Place Meant is available for £25, allowing attendance at as many events as you wish.

Children are welcome.
The sound bath will last 50–60 minute, so It may not be suitable for very young children. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

There is ample parking at Betteshanger Country Park. Charges are as follows:

£2.50 - up to one hour

£3.50 - up to two hours

£4.50 - up to three hours

£5.50 - three hours plus

Blue badge holders are exempt from parking charges upon registration at the Visitor Centre reception.

Parking charges apply seven days a week, twenty four hours a day. Parking fees are calculated by ANPR cameras from the point of entry to the point of exit.

We are well serviced by the main rail networks and Southeastern High Speed from London. Our nearest train stations are Deal (3 miles) and Sandwich (4 miles).

Our local bus provider is Stagecoach and the No.13 stops close to the Park and is approximately a 15 minute walk to the Visitor Centre.

André works across sound, DJing, puppetry and performance.Founder & Artistic Director of Sound Emergence, he explores sound as a contemplative and communal practice, bridging art, heritage and collective listening. He has 15 years’ experience as an arts facilitator across charities, education and cultural organisations.

Sasha is Co-Lead Artist on the Soundbath Pilgrimage and the project’s Mental Health Advisor. She is a psychotherapist, sound practitioner, and body-based Pesso Boyden therapist specialising in holistic, integrative therapy. She is also a Mental Health First Aider with 15 years’ leadership experience across sectors.

Andre & Sasha Sound Emergence, part of And Gather CIC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundemergence/

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