The Geology and Industrial History of Bideford Black (IA Section)

A talk by David Dickinson.

Meet at 10.30 for coffee with talk at 11 am.

Bideford Black is a carboniferous clay-like mineral found only in and near Bideford. It is found alongside seams of anthracite coal in soft, clay-like shales. It was mined for at least 200 years until 1968 when synthesized blacks made the industry unviable. In its day, it had a wide variety of uses including in boat building, colouring rubber, camouflage of WWII tanks and the cosmetic mascara.

David Dickinson spent his working life in engineering, much of it in Southern Africa. He was a project manager and designed chemical plants and mines in Namibia, South Africa and Botswana.  On his return to the UK, he has run his own engineering business, and for the last 14 years has co-ordinated a U3A geology group and lectured in geology and general science.

Lunch is available at the museum’s bistro Café du Parc. For those requiring lunch, table reservation at 01237 429317 is strongly recommended.

At 2 pm there will be a visit to the SS Freshspring with a guided tour and an update on the restoration. They will provide tea. For those visiting the Freshspring, who are not charging, a donation for the visit and tea would be appreciated.

The SS Freshspring is the last surviving Fresh-class coal-fired steam water tanker built for the Admiralty. Launched in 1946 by the Lytham Shipbuilding Company, it carried 236 tons of fresh water to replenish Royal Navy warships, much of its working life being spent in Malta.

The cost is £3 for DA members; £5 for non-members. For those wanting coffee there is a charge of £2.50 per head.

Registration is required via the Organiser (details below).