Bristol Industrial Archaeological Society (BIAS)

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Conferences, lectures and events of interest

The Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society

(www.bgas.org.uk)
Burgum and Catcott, 18th Century Bristol Pewterers
presented by: Alyson & Mike Marsden

They were joined in a very interesting, eccentric and ill matched partnership and their lives had a huge impact on the enduring history of Bristol in the second half of the 18th century.

Burgum's portrait is on the top floor of the Georgian House and a painting of Catcott was in the Bristol Central Library in 1931. (Catcott's painting has been lost for some time, we hope it may resurface in the future.)

Monday January 23rd Time: 7.45

Venue: Apostle Room, Clifton Cathedral, Pembroke Road, Clifton (ample free parking; nos 8 and 9 buses close by)

Cost £1, students free ALL WELCOME

Research Framework for the Archaeology of the Extractive Industries

The work on a Research Framework for the Archaeology of the Extractive Industries (Mining and Quarrying) in England is now entering its second phase - the development of a Research Agenda. We are arranging seminars to present a summary of the findings from the Resource Assessment (phase one) and discuss the results. We want to hear your comments and we need to hear your opinions about the directions for future research.

The seminars are free to anyone wishing to attend and the local dates are as follows:

Saturday 11th February 2012 at Sidcot School, Winscombe, North Somerset, BS25 1PD. Starting at 1030 for 1100.

At each seminar, Jon Humble, Senior National Minerals Adviser & Inspector of Ancient Monuments at English Heritage will speak about the National context of the legacy of mineral extraction. We will also include presentations about some of the work on the Assessments. Following a buffet lunch, we will facilitate group discussions about the results of the assessments and the possible directions for future research.

WE NEED YOUR COMMENTS AND OPINIONS!
We need you to read the assessments, which are being posted to the National Association of Mining History Organisations (NAMHO) web-site www.namho.org , comment on their content and express opinions in advance of seminars. Please send any comments to Phil Newman, the Project Officer. You can also send comments by post (address in signature below). We welcome any comments, criticism, corrections and additional information.
Contacts:

Copies of this notice can be downloaded as a PDF from the website www.namho.org where a full programme for each seminar will also be made available.

Bristol Threatened History Society

Saturday 18 February 2012 at M Shed, Wapping Wharf, Bristol 10am – 4.30pm

Bristol Threatened History Society and Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives are hosting a joint symposium to celebrate the opening of M Shed, Bristol’s new flagship city history museum.

Please join us for a series of presentations that highlight some of the most exciting archaeological discoveries and projects of the past year. Meet community archaeology groups active in Bristol and beyond and explore historic maps and images on the award-winning Know Your Place website.
To book, please return the Application Form to Mike Ponsford at 12 Seymour Road, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 9HR.Bishopston, Bristol BS7 9HR.
If you have any queries please contact Mike at m.ponsford@ipresent.co.uk or on 0117-9858109.

Localism and Heritage- Working Together

Wednesday 7th March 2012 9:30-16:30
The Localism Act 2011 seeks to make the planning system clearer, more democratic and to place more influence in the hands of local people. But will it enable communities to understand and conserve valuable local heritage and maximise the contribution of the historic environment to create high quality places? English Heritage and Bristol City Council have come together to explore what the localism agenda means for the heritage sector. Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage, will open the morning session, ‘New Approaches and Partnerships’. This will be followed by three case studies illustrating the new ways local authorities are working with their communities to understand and conserve their local heritage assets. The afternoon session, ‘Local Placemaking’, will focus on the experience of local placemaking in Bristol. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss new technologies aimed at broadening the understanding of local heritage, such as Bristol City Council’s ‘Know Your Place’.

Please return the completed form to Localismandheritage@english-heritage.org.uk no later than 15 February. Your reservation will be confirmed by email.

Avon Local History and Archaeology Local History Day

Saturday 10th March 2012 Chapel Auditorium UWE. St Matthias Campus, Fishponds 9:45am-4:30pm
Money and financial services have dominated and shaped the lives of our ancestors and ourselves. Where did the wealth come from? Who got it? How was it used?

Speakers include Phil Ollerenshaw of UWE school of history on banking, industry and agriculture hereabouts 1750-1920; Nick Draper of University College London on who got the compensation when slavery was abolished; Peter Malpass of UWE on the financing of Bristol docks; Jonathan Harlow of UWE on cash and credit in late C17 Bristol; Gail Boyle of Bristol City Museum on local mints, finds of coin hoards and the use of metal detectors; Peggy Stembridge on the Goldneys; Bob Lawrence of Bristol & Avon Family History Society on the Ames banking family and how they spent their money (which included Mendelssohn’s Elijah, mountaineering, a local village hall, and a scandalous divorce); and Ruth Hecht on the Daniel and Cave banking families and their networks.

Please return BOOKING FORM AND CHEQUE (made payable to A.L.H.A) by March 3rd to W. Evans, ALHA Treasurer, 5 Parry’s Grove, Bristol BS9 1TT

Fred Dibnah

Tuesday 13th March 2012 ‘Life with Steeplejack Fred’: Sheila Dibnah to speak at the Brewhouse Theatre in Taunton. She gives an entertaining presentation based on her experiences with Fred.
In celebration of the Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society’s 40th anniversary, this is the story of Fred Dibnah as seen through the eyes of his wife, Sheila. What is it like to live with a much-loved celebrity and TV presenter who has a mineshaft in his backyard ? There are things only a wife can know …you will love this respectful, funny, upbeat and informative presentation of life with a true Great British Eccentric. Profits to be shared between Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre and Westonzoyland Engine Trust.
Booking process should be made directly to the theatre ( www.thebrewhouse.net ) or the booking office on 01823 283244. Prices £12-50, £10, £7.50 60+ £1 off : Conc. £2 off

Heritage of Industry- Journeys into the Industrial Past

AIA Overseas Trips are planning a trip to join the SIA at their Conference in Cincinnati at the end of May and another in September to The Ruhr and I attach our flyer and information sheets about the trips.

You will notice from the flyer that Heritage of Industry also runs the popular City Safari walking tours which might be of interest to your members.

Bill Barksfield, Operations Director, Heritage of Industry Ltd, Hunters Moon, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St Giles, Bucks HP8 4HQ

Web: Web: http://www.heritageofindustry.co.uk Email: bill@heritageofindustry.co.uk Phone/Fax: +44 1494 873677

SS Great Britain

July 17 2010 was the 40th anniversary celebrations of the ship’s epic salvage from the Falkland Islands and return to Bristol- includes: A new exhibition Beautiful animation Trails Memories and film online. 40 years ago, 100,000 people lined the River Avon to welcome Brunel's ship home. http://www.ssgreatbritain.org/WhatsOn.aspx Telephone: 0117 926 0680

Purton Hulks

We must designation and protect this unique site.
Meet Purton Lower Bridge. Approx tour time 2 hours weather permitting
Donations in aid of Severn Area Rescue Association. or £3.00 per person Two slides shows entitled Fore & Aft the Purton Ships Graveyard and Lydneys Lost Fleet are now available for booking
Paul Barnett Tel. 07833 143 231 or Barnadillo@aol.com
keep an eye out for the site featuring in the BBC series Coast in the spring 2009.

NEWCOMEN SOCIETY (WESTERN BRANCH)

Programme for 2011
BIAS members are invited to meetings of the Western Branch of the Newcomen Society. These are now held in BAWA, Southmead Road, Bristol at 7 p.m.
For details of the programme, contact Dr Bryan Lawton 01793 762697
Thurs 15th Sept, Room 7 “Sir Leonard Redshaw: Shipbuilder” Leslie Shore
Thurs 20th Oct, Room 1 "Brunel in South Wales" Dr Steve Jones
Thurs 17th Nov, Room 1 “London Docklands: past and Present” Jon Willis
Thurs 19th Jan, Room 7 Joint Meeting with BIAS” -

LECTURES AT THE MUSEUM OF BATH AT WORK -

National Archaeology Month 2011

The Museum of Bath at Work has arranged a series of free events for this year’s National Archaeology Month. Donations are always welcome though!
Saturday 16th July Working Bathwick.
A guided tour of this Fascinating suburb. Meet at Radial Floodgate at Pulteney Weir. 11.00 a.m. Duration about an hour
Saturday 23rd July Working Bathampton.
A guided tour of this interesting village. Meet in the car park of the Bathampton Mill Restaurant. 11.00 a.m. Duration about an hour
Industrial Heritage at Risk- Bath and Beyond:
A Panel Discussion. An opportunity to discuss the way forward for industrial structures in the area. At Museum of Bath at Work. 2.00 p.m. (light lunch from 1.00 p.m.)
Saturday 30th July Finders! Found anything in your garden.
Lately you might suspect is ancient? Bring along your mystery objects and see if Our team of experts can identify them! 12.00p.m. – 3.00 p.m.

MUSEUM OF BATH AT WORK HERITAGE WEEK 2011

As in previous years the museum is open free to residents in Bath & North East Somerset during the week October 24th to 28th. Free admission is available to all those possessing a Discovery Card. During the week the museum has also organised a series of short talks. Each lasts about 15 minutes.
Saturday 10th September 11.00 a.m. & 2.00 p.m. Two Museum Films:
  • The Saving of the Bowler Collection (1972)
  • Machine: Dance at the Museum (2011)
Introduced by Stuart Burroughs –Director
Monday 24th October11.00 a.m. & 12.00 p.m. Rail to Weston-super-Mare Documentary film on a day trip to the seaside
Tuesday 25th October 11.00 a.m. & 12.00 p.m. Trams A documentary film about tramcars
Wednesday 26th October 1 p.m Haunted! Canals & Railways in the Supernatural Tales of LTC Rolt and Robert Aickman. Lecture – light lunch available haunted canal
Thursday 27th October11.00 a.m. & 12.00 p.m. The Seaside Another documentary film about a seaside resort from the early 1950s.
Friday 28th October 11.00 a.m. & 12.00 p.m. The Station Documentary about a day in the life of a railway Station from the 1960s.
For more details contact Museum of Bath at Work on 01225 318348

LUNCHTIME LECTURES

All the lectures are at 1 p.m at The Museum of Bath at Work, with lunch from 12.30. Admission is £4.00
All lectures will begin at 1.00 p.m. and finish at 2.00 p.m. Refreshments will be available from 12.30 p.m.
Normal admission price at the door on day of lecture £4.00
Pre-booked tickets at a discount are available from the Museum before 26th. October
Contact the Museum on 01225 318348 for further details.

South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group

Talks held 7.3Opm in the Miners Institute, Coalpit Heath. Do not assume these events will happen without contacting the relevant person to express interest or request details
There are fortnightly underground working parties at Serridge, for details contact Dave Hardwick.

Field Geology and Opencast Mining of Coal in South Wales

Two consecutive weekends: Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th, Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd October 2011.

Key locations include Celtic Energy opencasts East Pit (near Brynamman) on 1st weekend, and Selar (near Hirwaun, N end of Neath Valley) on 2nd weekend. A full day in each opencast site is arranged if the course runs. The other 2 days of the course will be located at natural exposures (river sections, cliffs) / cuttings and disused quarry sections. For further information see website www.cardiff.ac.uk/learn. All enrolments are via the University of Cardiff.
Note: this course is accredited, involving attendees agreeing to take an assessment (not onerous!) of their learning.

INVITATION TO BIAS MEMBERS TO JOIN SGMRG ARCHAOLOGICAL DIGS

South Gloucestershire Miners Group " (SGMRG) are keen to build closer ties with BIAS and its members and as part of this, and to help our work programme move forward, we would like to invite BIAS members to our next two planned Saturday digs on South Gloucestershire Colliery sites. Dates and venues are as follows:

You are very welcome to attend all or part of these digs, please remember that there are hazards and risks involved with work of this nature which, whilst we seek to minimise them, your attendance conditional on your acceptance of these risks.
He will give the location details for these difficult to find sites
Steve.Grudging@btinternet.com /07768 381502
PERMISSION HAS KINDLY BEING GRANTED FROM DAVID TOOZE THE LAND OWNER FOR EXCAVATION WORK TO BE UNDERTAKEN AT THIS SITE. South Gloucester Mining Research Group ARE AWARE OF LACK OF RECORDING OF PREVIOUS EXCAVATIONS AT SIMILAR SITES AND WANT TO ENSURE WE OPERATE IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTITUTE OF FIELD ARCHAEOLOGISTS AND ENGLISH HERITAGE. THE EXCAVATION HOPES TO ANSWER VARIOUS RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

  1. LOCATION AND LAYOUTOF VARIOUS SITE FEATURES (PUMPING ENGINE, HORSE GIN, STEAM WINDING ENGINE HOUSE).
  2. CLARIFICATION AS TO THE PURPOSE OF THE ARCH.
  3. IDENTIFICATION OF THE ROUTE OF THE DRAMWAY, SPECIFICALLY LOCATATION OF A POSSIBLE LOADING BAY .
TO DATE A GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY HAS BEEN UNDERTAKEN BY DR TIM OF CARDIFF UNIVERSITY AND EXCAVATION COMMENCED ON 3 SEPTEMBER WITH WELCOME HELP FROM WILLING VOLUNTEERS. THIS EXCAVATION WILL BE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS THEREFORE COULD ANY WILLING HELPERS WHO CAN BE AVAILABLE (SOMETIMES AT SHORT NOTICE)WEEKDAYS OR WEEKENDS PLEASE GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS TO STEVE OR DI GRUDGINGS TEL O1256 896715, E.MAIL stevegrudgings@btinternet.com.

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