Based at Victoria Hotel, Newnham on Severn, Gloucester - Organisers;
‘Mole’ (aka John Hine) & David Bick
As to the programme of events, this was as follows:
Saturday - Meet at 12 noon
at The Rising Sun, Mosely Green, for lunch. Located in the
heart of the forest at NGR SO 631 086 -View
OS Map. After lunch there were the following options:
Underground Trips: Old Ham Iron Mine, courtesy of Clearwell
Caves. Fairly easy going, 3-4 hrs, leader Mole, or a visit to Hopewell
Museum, a walk-in trip, apparently suitable for your best suit !
NGR SO 603 114 -View
OS Map.
Surface Walk: Bixslade Valley where an active coal mine and
stone quarries were observed. Long disused iron workings were also
viewed. NGR SO 6065 0990 -View
OS Map.
Saturday Evening - Dinner at the Victoria Hotel, the following
menu being served. A lengthy discussion
regarding insurance issues and other administrative aspects ensued.
Sunday - Meet at
10 a.m. at the Rising Sun. Again there was a choice:
Underground Trip: Wigpool Iron Mine, fairly rough and steep
workings, leader Mole. Expect to finish 3-4 pm.
Surface Walk: Oakwood Valley Noted the entrance to 'Oakwood
Mill Deep Level', took a stroll along 'Dykes Tramway' to the location of
'China Engine Iron Mine'. Retraced our steps and took a glance at
the remains of Oakwood blast furnace, before going (via. the Rising Sun
at Bream !) to Fairplay & Westburybrook Iron Mines. The day was
rounded off by a look at the Lightmoor colliery site and the mighty fine
engine house.
