SWWRIAC 2019 (South West of England Conference on Industrial Heritage)
The Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society (B.I.A.S.), will be hosting this year's conference.6th April 2019 This event will be held in Saltford Hall complex and will start at 9:30 with Registration. All offers of help willingly accepted.
The six speakers are:
- Mary Miles of Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society , about Watchet paper-mill;
- Geoff Wallis, of Bristol, about the Brunel Swivel Bridge;
- Steve Grudgings of the South Gloucester Mines Research Group, about Hemingfield Colliery
- Stephen Lyons of Oxford House Industrial History Museum, Risca on The Black Vein Explosion of 1860 and the Miners Graveyard.
- Joanna Turska, Industrial Heritage Support Officer at Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, on the Industrial Archaeology Network;
- Eric Miles of BIAS on the recovery of Fry's Sentinel Engine.
- Walk around Keynsham (Mike Bone);
Keynsham's Industrial Past - a fairly short walking tour around the lower valley of the River Chew to view remains of the town's industries and transport history. Starts and finishes in Bath Hill (East) free car park, is mostly on level parkland and passes the train station on route for early leavers. Keynsham is 1.9 miles from Saltford via the A4. The guide will offer car share to assist those who have come by public transport and would welcome the help of other motorists in this respect. - Visit to Bitton Railway (Eric Miles);
3.6 miles away. Opened in 1869 by the Midland Railway as a through-route between Birmingham and the South Coast the line was later linked to the iconic Somerset & Dorset Railway. Closed under the Beeching Axe of the 1960's the Avon Valley Railway was preserved by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. www.avonvalleyrailway.org/ - Kingswood Museum (Alan Bryant)
inside 18th Century brass mill at Warmley with icehouse, windmill tower and gardens nearby. 5.8 miles away. Small admission charge £3, Refreshments for small charge. www.kingswoodmuseum.org.uk/ - Saltford Brass Mill (Patrick Beazley).
dates from the 1720s and Grade II* listed. .9 mile away. Subject to short-notice cancellation, depending on river levels and weather forecast. If it is not feasible because of the flood risk, Mr Beazley and his colleagues will hope to put up a display at Saltford Hall. brassmill.com/
To reach Saltford Hall - turn left as you enter Saltford on the A4 into Norman Road, left into Brockley Road (Hall is signposted), turn right at Tjunction into Stratton Road and left into Broadway. Hall at end ahead of you.
If you miss Norman Road, turn left into Beech Road (big Vauxhall dealer on left corner), turn left at Tjunction into Norman Road, turn right into Chelwood Road which becomes Wedmore Road. Hall then on your right.
Small car park in front of the hall, larger off road, car park available behind the Tennis courts, with a footpath to the hall.
Booking Queries should be addressed to:
David Clarke, 22 Bristol Road, Keynsham BS31 2BQ, 0117 986 3661 bias@jdclarke2p2.plus.com
Price will be £20 including lunch. This can be paid by BACS or by cheque. For those arriving early it will be possible to buy breakfast.
BACS details: the Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society at: National Westminster Bank plc, Winterbourne, Bristol SortCode: 52-10-51 AccountNo: 70565686
Draft Booking form (revised 5 December 2018) and more details will be coming soon.