Tinworking, mining and miners in the Belstone area - a community day

Open to all, this day will explore the rich legacy of tinworking and copper mining in the Belstone area, in a Dartmoor context. Two talks, a walk, exhibitions, bookstalls and afternoon tea will provide excellent stimulation for discovery and discussion. The event, at Belstone Village Hall, will be free of charge but donations will be requested for morning tea and coffee and afternoon tea will be available at £4.50 per head. The community day will run from 10am until 5pm.

Programme

10am: Exhibitions, bookstalls etc

10.15am: Tom Greeves will give a talk - ‘600 Years of Tinners and Tinworking in the Belstone area AD 1300-1900’.

11.15am: Coffee break, exhibitions, bookstalls etc

11.45am: Chris Walpole will give a talk - ‘Copper Mines and Miners in the Belstone area’.

12.45pm: Lunch (own arrangements), exhibitions, bookstalls etc

2pm: Walk to Lady Brook (shown on OS maps as Ivy Tor Water) tinworks and tin mill, led by Tom Greeves. Meet on the edge of the village at SX 620935. During the walk, tin artefacts from Belstone’s own blowing mill beside and in the River Taw will be seen and superb tin streamworks, reservoirs and a fascinating early tin stamping mill at Queenie Meads at the head of the Lady Brook. The walk (totalling about 5km/3 miles) is over rough moorland with two steep climbs/descents. There are likely to be some wet areas - warm waterproof clothing and suitable sturdy footwear is essential.

4.15pm: Tea in the village hall (provided by Marion Walpole) @ £4.50 per head. Exhibitions, bookstalls etc.

5pm: Finish.

Please indicate your attendance by emailing secretary@dtrg.org.uk – this will be most helpful for catering arrangements.