some last minute research but better late than never…
Its amazing where research into a subject may take you and the
fascinating sidelines, distractions and personalities that may brighten your
journey (while at the same time tempting you away from your eventual goal). The
Story of Bideford Black Project has been no exception. Nearly every encounter
has been a wonderful gateway to another story, an intriguing aspect of local
history or contemporary politics, or simply a charming addition to the vast
array of personal accounts and memories we have collected along the way –
testament to the rich diversity and interconnectness of our world.
Unfortunately not every detail can be preserved or represented, and the difficult
process of filtering out the superfluous and endearing from the essential
elements of the research, and of deciding what we want to, and can, say within
the always-limited resources of time, space and money that are available have
to be made.
BB
trolley painting courtesy St Helen’s Primary School, Abbotsham
One such lead took me to meet local industrial archaeologist and
Bideford railway enthusiast Felton Vowler. Felton has been interested in
gathering information and artifacts about North Devon’s industrial past since
the 1970’s and remembers visiting the ‘Paint Mines’ and gingerly entering the
disused mineshaft at Chapel Park a few years after its closure in 1969. Felton’s
main interest had been in the railway systems associated with the mining
industry, an interest that continues today with his dedicated work as secretary
of the Bideford Heritage Railway[i] at Bideford
and Instow Stations on the Tarka Trail. When he was younger Felton had been an
outdoor activities instructor and keen caver and climber. He and a friend had
gone into the mine but quickly left after deeming it far too unsafe. He
remembers seeing two of the old mining trolleys and lengths of railway track
but sadly was unable to retrieve them. They must still be sitting there today!
OLD
KING COAL... and a Paint Mine too! Parts 1,2,3 an article by Felton Vowler for the
Atlantic Coast Express Magazine issues 58, 59 and 60, 2004 (click image to enlarge)
On the same visit Felton also spotted an old haulage sign at the
entrance to the mine. The sign instructed operators of the bell code used in
the mines. For the sake of posterity Mr Vowler acquired the sign and took it
home for safekeeping. On meeting with him earlier in the year the whereabouts
of the sign had unfortunately become a bit of a mystery! In the mean time
Felton also vaguely remembered seeing a large enamel BIDDIBLACK sign at the
Milky Way Adventure Park[ii] near Clovelly
when the LynBarn Railway was there. Both the Milky Way and present Lynton Railway[iii]
at Woody Bay had no recollection of the sign BUT Dave Tooke from Lynton
Railway did have the Bideford Black Pigments Ltd haulage sign that Felton had
lent to him some years earlier! On visiting the Woody Bay site to collect the
sign for the project I was treated to a lovely ride on the railway along with a
chance to look at the lovingly restored steam engines kept there.
,+courtesy+F+Vowler+(photo+Dave+Tooke,+Lynton+Railway).jpg)
BB
Haulage Sign (paper on hardboard), courtesy F Vowler (photo Dave Tooke, Lynton
Railway)
With the new display in its final stages of design and manufacture
the project is still open to any information and artifacts you may have and may
wish to contribute to make it the best representation and reflection of this fascinating
and vital industry to Bideford’s rich and evolving history. It is hoped that the display will
inspire further interest in the subject and provoke more fond memories, and has
thus been designed to allow for further contributions as they arise. We continue
to look forward to hearing from you. So, many thanks to all those who have
generously contributed so freely along the trail and here’s to fascinating
sidelines and distractions, and to the wonder, inquisitiveness and camaraderie
of human nature and to the richness and abundance of the world on which our
livelihood depends!
.jpg)
A
lovely day with LynBarn Railway, Woody Bay Station (p ward 2013)
No comments:
Post a Comment