DTRG volunteers have been working very hard on improvements to the Brimpts Tin Mines Trail and our project is going very well indeed!! Things are moving along very nicely, so
well done to all!
MTMTE funded 8 pop up display panels which were completed in June, and have been taken to seven events, and been seen by over 700 people! They are currently on display in our new display room at Brimpts Farm, which is bigger and brighter.
The new room had been used as a store so the first job was to clear and empty it. Then we painted the new display stands, which on a hot day, was hard work for all who came along. Since then we have cleared vegetation from behind the room, finished the painting and it all looks very smart indeed! We have now got four models, three from Mike Wright and one from Chris Kelland, these provide a real focus to what is on display.
The next stage
In November, the outdoor information panels along the trail will be refurbished. These will have excellent, very detailed pictures, showing what the site looked like at time of working, as well as text to explain the history and processes happening.
To complement improvements to the trail we are creating a new trail guide which is almost ready for the designer. A group of DTRG members walked the trail and made notes which have now been incorporated into the text. This will be finalised and have maps and photos added in November. If anyone has any similar trail guides worth looking at, or suggestions as to what we include, please let me have them. There are still a few old trail guides left if anyone would like a souvenir for only £1!
Could you help us?
Whatever you are able or willing to do, we can find something you can do to help. PLEASE do get in touch!
Research the lives and social history of miners in the vicinity of Brimpts as well as on Dartmoor in general.
- Review material from the original book, at source.
- Look for material in the record office or Duchy of Cornwall office.
- Help to repair the waterwheel (not funded by MTMTE).
- Help to welcome visitors to the site, and to lead tours.
- Donate old (but safe) garden furniture.
- Donate mineral samples (especially a good piece of Cassiterite) and items made from tin to put on display.
- Conserve the trail to ensure that the route is the best it can be.
In order to finish some of the trail jobs for 2015, there we will be at Brimpts on Weds 17 Nov, Weds 25 Nov, Sat 28 Nov, Weds 9 Dec, Weds 16 Dec, please meet at the farm at 10am.
There will also be other trail maintenance days on Thurs 28 Jan, Sat 27 Feb, Thurs 17, 24, 31 March, Sat 9 April, Sat 21 May, Sat 9 June – meeting place TBA.
Please let me know if you are coming so that I can let you know where to meet, and what to bring. I will E mail the evening before if there are any changes.
A massive thank you to all who have put in time so far – see you all at Brimpts I hope!
Anne Whitbourn.01752 696257Email: annetimw@btinternet.com
