Quarry open day 'enjoyed by all'

Light rain and overcast skies did little to deter visitors to an open day at Chipping Sodbury quarry.

More than 500 people visited the South Gloucestershire site for the event, which was run as part of the town’s 2016 festival.

Visitors were taken deep into the quarry in shifts in a 50-seater coach to watch a loading shovel and dumper trucks at work. They were also shown the stone crushing and screening equipment and treated to a series of displays from shot-firing to fossils.

Lansdscape manager Alexandra Pick and geologist Adam Chapman explained how the quarry will be developed, and showcased the work being done to increase biodiversity.

Among other attractions were an asphalt paver and a moving floor articulated truck provided by the contracting division, a cement tanker and a new concrete truck mixer.

Unit manager Colin White said: “I would like to say a very big thank-you to everyone who gave up their time to ensure the open day was such a success. I did 10 trips down as a
guide in the coach and it was full every time and enjoyed by all.”

Quarry manager James Veakins and his team also acted as guides, supported by colleagues from other sites in the area. They included former manager Gary Sales, now in charge of the Monks Park stone mine at Corsham, James Tyzzer, a trainee supervisor based at Batts Combe quarry in Cheddar, Paul Smith, who works at Daglingworth quarry, and Sean Wisdom from Sutton Courtenay quarry in Oxfordshire.

James Veakins said: “It took a lot of planning but, with everyone pulling together, it was worth all the effort. The feedback from the public was really positive.”

Citycrete.

Citycrete.