Once Up, Once Down (Below)

ČSH

On the last Saturday of April, it was time to descend into the depths of the Anselm mine at Landek Park in Ostrava-Petřkovice. Landek is a hill in Ostrava, and not just any hill. It is a world-renowned locality in terms of geology, archaeology, history, natural science, and mining. From early morning it was clear that something was being prepared in the local compressor hall. From almost every corner of the country, participants dressed in red gradually began to arrive to share a day full of discovery and fun. All of this in connection with World Haemophilia Day, which we commemorate every year on 17 April. The majority were naturally local members of the Czech Hemophilia Society and Hemojunior — those from Ostrava, including the physician and nurse from the Ostrava haemophilia centre.

From the car park, we were accompanied by an extensive exhibition of impressive mining equipment that visitors could touch and examine up close. Along the way, we passed the Chapel of St Barbara, the patron saint of all miners, with tombstones found in the mine. In the outdoor area, we saw prehistoric exhibits in the form of a caveman, his hut, and even a mammoth. It was right here at Landek that the first Ostrava coal began to be mined in the Anselm mine two hundred years ago. The Mining Museum allowed us to descend into the mine, learn more about coal and its uses, about the hard work of miners, and about mine rescue operations. Among archaeologists and history enthusiasts, the site became famous thanks to the world-unique find of the so-called Petřkovice Venus — a 4.6 cm tall figurine of a woman made of haematite, which is among the first evidence that mammoth hunters were capable of creating works of art. Its historical value is no less than that of the more famous Venus of Věstonice.

The Landek grounds also offered us a ride on a children's train pulled by a real locomotive and a quiz — for filling it in correctly, each participant received a commemorative souvenir. Children could model a Venus figurine from modelling clay and colour in a train with coal. In better weather, many participants would certainly have also used the asphalt paths suitable for young cyclists and roller-skaters, including a multi-purpose sports court for both young and old.

But above all, we were looking forward to seeing each other again after a longer time. The industrial spaces of the compressor hall served as the base for the participants — the hall was reserved exclusively for us. Here everyone could sit freely with friends and enjoy local specialities. A welcoming toast of the traditional drink Hornická vlajka (Miner's Flag) also contributed to the pleasant atmosphere, after which the traditional mining greeting "Zdař Bůh" (God bless the work) was called out. On the screen, photographs from previous years' World Haemophilia Day celebrations were shown, so participants could reminisce and also think about where our steps will lead next time. An abundance of ideas was gathered — let us be surprised which one will best suit our conditions and expectations.

Warm thanks go to Novo Nordisk for supporting the entire event, which we can look back on together through the great photographs available on the haemophilia rajče gallery.

So "Zdař Bůh" until next time...