Can You Help ?

Can you help?

From time to time the society receives requests for help and information.
If you can assist please reply direct to the contact address shown.

29th November 2022
Foundry Wood Coal Sidings, Leamington Spa. Hello, I’m trying to find out what was on the site of Foundry Wood, in Leamington, before the railway sidings were built there in I think about 1900. Do you know where I might find that out?

Thanks, Matthew Black
matt.black@pop3.poptel.org.uk

(Note from Webmaster; The 1887 map at this link, https://maps.nls.uk/view/101585413, shows what looks like a field with two ponds in the corner – please contact Matt if you have any more information about this location, Peter).


19th October 2021
Pressoturn Limited, Leamington Spa. Pressoturn Limited, was a company that had its design offices in Leam Terrace West (South Side ), Leamington Spa.  They primarily designed bulk materials handling systems of all sorts and sizes. Among other things, I think they designed the Bodleian Library stack handling system. Whilst Pressoturn was the design authority, I believe Warwick Production manufactured some of their installations. In my youth, after school and for pocket money, I printed engineering drawings for Pressoturn  at their Leam Terrace offices. I still remember a few of the draughtmen’s names.  A Mr Pettison, I think, was their chief/ senior designer. I also remember there were a number of very  good looking office girls too! Happy days- probably about 1958/59. If you have any information about the company please get in touch with me.

John Willock
johnwillock4522@yahoo.co.uk


24th May 2021
Cherry Orchard Brickworks, Kenilworth. I’m researching the life of my grandfather, Frederick (Fred) Charles Kent (1883 – 1951), and am interested in his links to E. H. Burgess Ltd, later E.H. Burgess & Son Ltd, of London and their founder Ernest Henry Burgess (1872 – 1945). I read with interest an article on the WIAS website about how Ernest Burgess had purchased the Cherry Orchard brickworks, Kenilworth at: https://www.warwickshireias.org/cherry-orchard-brickworks . Therein it mentions his grandson, Michael Burgess, who was general manager at the works until its closure in, I think, 1977. Ernest (and his son, David, who took over the firm on his father’s death and ran it until his own passing in 1966) was my grandfather’s employer for 41 years. Mr & Mrs Burgess senior and my grandparents were close –  Mrs Burgess (Florence) was Godmother to one of Fred’s children.

Update – I am making an assumption that the E H Burgess Ltd that purchased the brick yard is the same that I am interested in. I’m pretty sure it is, because it is not a common name, they were a building firm and their head office was in London. I also know they had other connections with Warwickshire. I thought I’d just let you know I’m interested in liaising with anyone with knowledge/connections to E H Burgess Ltd/E H Burgess & Son Ltd of London, their founder Ernest Henry Burgess (1872-1945) or his son, David Clement Burgess (1900 –1966) or their descendants – with a possible connection to the Cherry Orchard brickyard, Kenilworth that closed in 1977 when the MD was Michael Burgess, believed to be the grandson of Ernest, with a view to discussing shared family history interests.

Russ Kent
r.kent1@btinternet.com

If anyone can help please contact Russ Kent direct.


14th April 2021
For the past two decades I have been searching for Churches that had installed during the Victorian period an underfloor hypocaust warm air heating system. I have found a cluster of 8 churches in south Warwickshire with these systems but now all abandoned. Two builders/bricklayers named Mitchell and Bradshaw who lived in Leamington were responsible for these underfloor hypocaust warm air heating systems. All the systems so far found were installed during the 1851 to 1886 period.

The engineering Heritage Group of which I am a member is researching these two people to discover how builders/bricklayers could acquire the design and technical knowledge to install these heating systems in parish churches of various shapes and sizes. Some hypocausts were installed when the church was originally built and others when the church had a Victorian restoration.

Has any member of your Group ever come across these two Leamington builders? They installed this hypocaust design in other county’s parish churches, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire Essex and Kent.

Any help or guidance your group could provide would be greatly appreciated.

F J Ferris, CIBSE Heritage Group
john@hevac-heritage.org


7th September 2020
This may sound like a strange question, but it is perfectly serious. I am a specialist in the study of beetles (the insect, not the car) and for years my fellow coleopterists and I have been puzzled by the occurrence in Warwickshire (and incidentally neighbouring Leicestershire), during the latter part of the 19th century, of some beetle species that are otherwise only known from banks of decaying seaweed at the coast. Specimens still exist in museums and there is no doubt that some of them, at least, are correctly identified. But what on earth are seaweed beetles doing in Warwickshire? We think that mislabelling of specimens or deliberate fraud is very unlikely, especially as three different species in two counties are involved.

My friend Steve Lane (formerly of Coventry Museum) and I have formulated a working hypothesis but it needs some in-depth local historical knowledge to substantiate it. We think that perhaps seaweed could have been loaded onto barges at the coast and transported by canal to Warwickshire, either for use as a fertiliser (“sea-manure”) or as a raw material in the production of iodine or agar, or for some other industrial use. It is telling that one of the sites where these beetles occurred, a mossy bank near the village of Knowle, is less than a mile from the Grand Union Canal.

I wonder if your membership might be asked to rack their brains and raid their collective libraries for any reference to the importation of seaweed into Warwickshire. There might be just a passing reference in a history of the canal network, history of farming or industrial history in the county. If we can find that last link in the chain of reasoning then a long-standing zoogeographical puzzle will have been solved at last!

Hoping you can help.

Best wishes,

Andrew Duff, Ph.D.
andrew.duff.norfolk@gmail.com


7th August 2020
Warwick (Emscote) Power Station. My uncle, Jack Peel, drove the steeple-cab overhead electric loco here for many years (end of WW2 through to closure?). One thing that he told me that I have not seen mentioned elsewhere is that one of the 3 sidings was unusable due to subsidence – I believe this was from 1948 onwards! He also told me that when the last loco (fairly sure this was the BTH one) was scrapped the brush gear was acquired by ‘a museum in Leicestershire’ because of its historic significance. I have been unable to pass this on to anyone, perhaps you know someone who might be interested in it.
Dave Peel

(Does anyone know where in Leicestershire the remains might be?? Please email the webmaster if you know at enquiries@warwickshireias.org).


29th July 2020
I am trying to identify the mark in the photograph attached. The mark dates from 1898 and is on the underside of the footplate of an old car owned by my grandfather. Do you think it could be related to Ansley Hall or Ansley Hall Coal and Iron Co.

Yours faithfully,
Richard Smith
flica@mac.com

Ansley Hall Coal and Iron Co. ??


13th May 2020
A request from WIAS member Peter Stanworth – I wonder if the society might be able to help with identification.  I am attaching photographs of two items that appeared when the foundations for the water tower were excavated.  One is a hollow copper ring with a much smaller ring riveted to the circumference near the join.  It is 5″ in diameter.  The other is a plastic (?Bakelite) disc with a face embossed on one side.  On the underside it has a moulded centre which looks as though it took a dowel for mounting.  It is 3 1/2″ diameter.  I have asked many people and none has any idea about them.

If you can help please email the Webmaster – enquiry@warwickshireias.org


3rd May 2020
A walking friend of mine has posed a question I cannot answer. She would like to know something of the history of the quarrying operations that took place prior to the formation of the Ryton Pools and specifically the reason for the enormous stones that are situated  on the footpath from Bubbenhall to Bubbenhall Wood. I wonder if this could please be placed on our website under “requests for information”? There is bound to be somebody who knows something!

Best Wishes and Keep Safe,
John Willock,
johnwillock4522@yahoo.co.uk


Mining the Seams at Warwickshire County Record Office – Can you help? Mining the Seams, our remote volunteering project, is still very active and we are looking for new people to join us. We’re transcribing compensation ledgers from the Midland Colliery Owners’ Mutual Indemnity Company to create a searchable database of information from compensation claims from 1899 – 1940. Everything is done remotely with documents shared via the internet. If anyone is interested in joining us, then all they would need to do is email us at miningtheseams@warwickshire.gov.uk and we’ll be able to tell them more and sign them up fully from there. Click here for a profile of this role.

(You can see an example of some of the maps we are also working with on the short You Tube video Hall End Colliery map). This is also available on the WIAS ‘FILMS’ page. 

Sarah Hann, 
Volunteer Coordinator, Heritage & Culture Warwickshire, 
Warwickshire County Council, 
Resources Directorate, 
St John’s House, 
Warwick, CV34 4NF.

Email: sarahhann@warwickshire.gov.uk Tel: 01926 736422 30th April 2020


19th April 2020
I have been looking for any information on the Shipston-on-Stour Power Station.  This seems to have opened in, or about, 1912 and to have lasted into the 1930’s.

John Brace,  jj.brace40@gmail.com


10th April 2020
The question arises from time to time among members of the Milestone Society as to what to do with the archive material some people accumulate. For example, a member has just revealed that he has a collection of photos (mostly with negatives) of 1930s fingerposts going back 40 years. He now wants to find a home for them. Are you aware of any Industrial Archaeology repository that would be interested in housing such material? I am also aware that the author of the Shire book on milestones has a photographic archive going back decades, recording many milemarkers now lost to road improvements and theft.

Best wishes
Robert Caldicott
Milestone Society
robcaldicott@fastmail.fm
https://warwickshirewayside.co.uk


18th January 2020
I am trying to further some research on a building ( 1970) that was where  Woodville Court, Coventry Rd, Warwick is today. Going back from 1970 it was various, VW – FIAT and petrol station garage. During 1970-1974 it was leased by The Donald Healey Motor Co whose book I am writing is all about. I wondered if anyone has a photo of when it was a Shell Petrol station in 1970 – 74?
Thank you
David Matthews
01892784629
davidmatthews641@btinternet.com


8th January 2020
I am researching garages in Warwick in the 1960’s and 1970’s and wondered if you had any records regarding the following companies? Warwick AutoCar Ltd, Coventry Rd, 1960s to early 1970. Jensen-Healey House, Shell garage run by the Donald Healey Co. about 1970- 1973. The Shell Garage had a windscreen sticker, copy drawing attached, trying to find a photo of the garage or details etc. It is believed this was one and the same location later demolished for housing in the 90’s.

Thank you
David Matthews
01892784629
davidmatthews641@btinternet.com


18th July 2019
Not sure this is the type of Industrial Archaeology you do, but I am researching history on Jaguar Tools and one of the items that has come up is a Pink Lockheed Bleeder tin. Jaguar include various Bleeder Tins in their tool kits, but I have not been able to narrow down who used this Pink tin. I have contacted a number of British auto clubs to see if any of them know of any of their tool kits that might have used such a tin, but no luck yet.  Here is a sample page from my book. Any information would be appreciated.

Steve Kennedy, Denver, Colorado, skennedy@ecentral.com


8th December 2017
Hello, I wonder if you can help. I’m looking into the history of the gas network in Stratford-upon-Avon. I noticed there are some references to it in a WIAS publication- WIAS leaflet 4 ‘History underfoot in Stratford-upon-Avon by J Brace, published in 1998. Is this leaflet still available and would it be possible to buy a copy? Also, would you happen to know of any other sources of information on this subject?
Kind regards,
Sara Wilcox
Sara.wilcox@cadentgas.com


7th November 2017
Dear all, many of you will know Anthony Coulls, son of Peter, and great enthusiast for the industrial heritage, particularly where steam is involved! He is running a project to try and raise funds to restore an 1894 Aveling and Porter steam roller. I feel sure he would be glad of any support you would feel able to give.

He writes …
The Aveling & Porter steam roller 3315 was built in 1894 and weighs 15 tons. It worked until the late 1950s and then stood idle until 2003 when it started a new life with the founders of the Hephaestus Trust. Over the next nine years it was slowly returned to working order and made a debut in steam in 2012. Initial trials showed up a number of problems that the restoration team had not forseen and since 2013, it has lain dismantled awaiting a new axle and gears. These are major repairs which the Trust cannot afford, and run to £5000 including the cost of recertifying the boiler for use. The rest of the roller is in excellent condition after the initial restoration. Once complete, the roller will be shown at events, schools and gatherings in County Durham and Northumberland, where it once worked. It will be reunited with the roller driver’s living van and a classic water cart to make a full road train able to tell the story of roadmending across the UK. It is the hope that funds can be raised to allow the repairs to be undertaken in 2018 to enable the roller to attend a number of events in 2019 to mark its 125th anniversary. Should the appeal not reach the full target, it will still allow a lot of work to be undertaken towards the repairs. We appeal to friends and enthusiasts to help make that happen and a number of incentives are offered to supporters. EVERY DONOR WILL RECEIVE AN INVITE TO THE 125TH BIRTHDAY PARTY!


Details are here: On a Roll or members can email Anthony on ajcoulls@yahoo.co.uk or ring him on 07833194286 if they would rather not give via the internet. There are a number of incentives offered if folks give via the internet appeal page.

Many thanks, Martin Green, Chairman, WIAS

UPDATE – TARGET REACHED AND RESTORATION IS NOW UNDER WAY. MANY THANKS TO ANYONE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS PROJECT! DECEMBER 2017


8th September 2017
I was given two small keys (By Mr. Pike head of the water supply for L. Spa) which were part of many that held the main fly wheel to the crank on this pump when it was dismantled about mid to late 50’s. I would like to pass them on as they may be of interest to someone. If you know anyone would you please let get in touch. Do you know of any pictures of this pump as I would love to see them. I am one of Mr. H. C. Kemp’s sons, you may remember the Ironmongers in Bedford Street. I look forward to your reply.

Simon
john.kemp4@btinternet.com

Reponse 9th September 2017
Dear Mr Kemp, the two steam pumping engines situated at the Campion Terrace waterworks were made by Young and Co, Eccleston Foundry, London and were installed about 1879. They were named after two Leamington Mayors/ Aldermen of the period, viz, The Wackerill and The Harding. There were two sets of pumps each located upon a circular cast iron curb and steel girders capping the wells. The pumps were driven by the engines via spur gearing, either engine being able to drive either pump set (which were of different bore and stroke). The Flywheels were 12′ 6″diameter and cast in two pieces with only two bolts at the hub and internal spigots and cotters at the rim. George Watkins in his book (Steam Engines In Industry Vol 1) records that the gearing ran quietly when he possibly photographed them in 1956. This is slightly surprising if all the gears were cast, although I suppose by then they been running for seventy – odd years and had fully bedded themselves in!  Perhaps the gears were actually machine cut, although I am not sure in the late 1870s if true involute form gears could be cut by machine. Very possibly, but I will have to check this point. The engines were supplied with steam at 60 psi and the pumps delivered 1.4 mgd. Two photographs appear in Watkin’s book, mentioned above. I could possibly get them scanned if you wish. Years ago I remember descending the borehole at Campion Terrace- quite an experience.

Hope this may be of interest.
Regards,
John Willock. 


29th August 2017
Hi, I’m Faye Irvine, Wildlife Engagement Officer at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. As you may be aware, the Trust purchased Bubbenhall Wood and what was part of Wood Farm, just outside the village of Bubbenhall. As part of a larger project to engage local people and open up the site to our members we are conducting an Oral History project to capture people’s memories and photos of the site and how it has changed in living memory. I wondered if anyone in your organisation may have knowledge of the wood, lived near the wood as a child, or have recent memories of the wood as it went through it’s quarrying phase. Likewise, do let me know if you have further questions. Click here to view the Information Sheet.

Kindest Regards,
Faye Irvine
faye.irvine@wkwt.org.uk


25th June 2017
I am researching the history of the Willoughby de Broke Estate, Chesterton, South Warwickshire. I am interested in a Private Estate Water Scheme for 10 farms and 18 cottages on the Estate which was given grant approval by the Ministry of Agriculture in 1948 and completed in 1951. All that now remains of the scheme is a pump house at map reference SP 368 571, some old filter beds and a series of ponds stretching down the valley in a north westerly direction towards Chesterton village. (please see enclosed maps for location). I have contacted Severn Trent Water but they tell me they have no record of the scheme because it pre-dates the formation of the company in 1985. I have visited the National Archives and obtained minutes from the meetings of the Warwickshire War Ag. Drainage and Water Supplies Sub-Committee which approved the 50% grant on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture in 1948. Southam RDC had been shown details of the scheme in 1947 (see enclosed newspaper cutting). I have dates,costs but no details of the scheme itself. Could any of your members suggest whether there is likely to be a plan of the scheme still surviving or where I could make further enquiries. If Warwickshire County Council holds such records, can anyone suggest which department I should contact. The contractor was G. Lines & Sons Ltd, Water Supply Engineers, Solihull.

Many thanks for your assistance,
Peter Johnson
peter.johnson.56@googlemail.com



16th October 2016
I am starting to research the Alveston Manor Hotel in Stratford for a self published book- I write on various hotels and houses and my website may be of interest: www.johnrichard.fast-page.org  I am hoping you may be able to help me with my research. I am looking for documents, plans, maps, photographs etc of the Hotel and its grounds which may be of interest to the book. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.

Yours sincerely
John Richard Hodges
richardjhodges79@gmail.com


6th October 2016
I am trying to find where the surviving metal distance marker in Shipston on Stour, Church Street (A3400) was made. I have been told there existed around that time an ironworks/forge in the vicinity of Stratford- this from an employee of a current forge in Banbury whose father worked in such a place in Stratford which allegedly included lampposts in its wares. Any help welcome.

Mervyn Benford
mervynbenford@gmail.comshipstonsign


9th September 2016
Dear Sir or Madam, I would be most grateful if you could tell me anything about the company Greves & Co Ltd. Coten End Works,  Cherry Street, Warwick. It was in existence in 1955. Many thanks.

Mike Barnes
mikebarnestracker@gmail.com


10th June 2016
I am hoping to create a scale model of the aerial ropeway as an attachment to an N gauge model of the railway sidings at Burton Dassett Platform, and have discovered that there is a reference to this in one of your newsletters (NL No 49, P3). I have two requests:
1 – Would it be possible to get hold of a copy of this article?
2 – Is there anyone in your society who has a particular interest in the ropeway and who would be happy for me to contact them in order to discuss this project in greater detail. I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Best wishes
Mark Reader (Leamington and Warwick Model Railway Society)
mark.reader@team-r.co.uk
Mark – the article is available and will be emailed to you – Webmaster 


11th November 2015
One of the surviving mileposts, at Shipston on Stour, is illustrated in your database, and referred to as one of the six which the Milestone Society is hoping to restore.  Despite much research we have not been able to trace who made them, or exactly when they were installed. The turnpike dates from 1730, and they are later than that. Can any of your members shed any light on the mystery? I have attached a photo from 1908 showing the Shipston milepost in a postcard of the Shipston Picture House, long since demolished.

Robert Caldicott
robcaldicott@fastmail.fm

ShipstonPeriod

Shipston on Stour Mile Post


8th June 2015
Bit of a cheek, but we’ve recently moved into a new property and have been trying to find out about its history (to no avail – other than the date on the wall – 1924); the address is – The Old Pump House, B79 0JS. We’re not expecting everything on a plate and we’re willing to put in the work, but as this is all new to us, some guidance on how to go about finding its history would be wonderful. As a minimum, everything we find out, we’d be more than willing to share. If you can assist and wish to discuss, please give me a call, or drop me an email. The best we’ve found so far is ‘South Staffordshire Waterworks Company’ from this web link  http://southstaffswaterarchives.org.uk/SSHISTRY2.pdf , however this doesn’t cover “Atherstone District Waterworks – 1923” area and therefore the Old Pump House is not mentioned.  It’d be nice if it had some wonderful ‘steam’ history, but having any information to pin to it would be great.

Thanks in advance.
Ian Callender
ian@callender.cc


12th November 2014
Dear Sir,  My grandfather John Roper worked at Ford’s Foundry in Leamington Spa during WW2. He wasn’t called up due to a hearing problem. I was hoping you could give me insight into a) what it was like to work there during WW2 and b) what they were likely to be making, i.e. were they helping the war effort?

Regards
Claire Cobb
clairecobb@btinternet.com


6th March 2014
Hello, I am writing to you regarding a newsletter (number 33) which you released in January, 2009. I was very interested by the information about Bluemel Brothers, as I am doing some research on it and was wondering if you had any more information on the company? If you do, please let me know at: francescacollier@ymail.com

Thank you,
Francesca Collier.


6th October 2013 
I was competing at a local ploughing match a couple of weeks ago. After I had completed my plot, Ferguson class, I went to see my nephew who was ploughing with his two shire horses. He was using my grandfather’s or great grandfather’s plough. It has a wooden main frame with metal fittings. He reminded me that it was locally made, known as a “Langley Plough”. He said there was a book written about the history of these ploughs and their makers. I would love to purchase or borrow one of those books. On searching the internet I see you had a lecture at your club by a Ken Chapman, April 2004, on this very subject and I suspect he could also be the author of the book about “Troth and Hillson” the plough makers. I would be very grateful if you could supply me with any information and help me locate a copy of the book.
 
Yours Sincerely
John Morris.

johnmorris5@hotmail.com

Langley Plough

Langley Plough


 19th March 2013

Below is a photograph of a Coventry Corporation Steam Roller – the gentleman in the middle of the three is Jack Frost, who was a Steam Roller driver for the corporation. The location has not been identified, and I wondered if any member might be able to throw any light on where the photograph was taken?
 
Many thanks
Cliff Jones
http://cliffjones.zenfolio.com/coventry_in_photographs
cliffjones27@gmail.com
Coventry Corporation Steam Roller

Coventry Corporation Steam Roller


27th January 2013
As a member of the Leamington History Group would it be possible to email  all members to ask  if they have got any photographic record or any  information of a factory called COV RAD that was built in School Lane, Radford Semele during 1941 as a ‘shadow factory’ for the Coventry Radiator works  in Coventry. The building was demolished around 1973-4.  It was a major employer of local people but after much research I have been unable to trace any photographic record of the building. I hope someone may be able to help.
 
Kind regards
Bob Saunders
01926 332439
07778866026

info@bobsaundersphotography.co.uk


12th July 2012
Dear Sir/Madam,
As part of some research into the life and work of the architect Fred Rowntree I am trying to find out as much as possible about the White & Pike factory (later Austin) built at Longbridge in 1894-5. I know a little about its history but am particularly seeking early photographs or other documents relating to the original buildings.
 
Do you think any of your members would be able/willing to help? I should, of course, be willing to offer a donation to the Society for any enquiries done on my behalf.
 
Hoping to hear from you.
Peter Robson
Scarborough

petrov37@btinternet.com


9th July 2012
Dear Sir / Madam
Rock Mill Cottage, Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa
I am trying to find photographs of Rock Mill cottage in rock mill lane as that is where my Mother grew up and my Grandfather worked. I would appreciate it if you could assist me in finding photographs as I am currently compiling a photo album for my Mother and the inclusion of her childhood residence would be perfect.
 
Many thanks
John Sullivan

jsullivan@trustpro.co.uk


6th June 2012
Leamington Spa Iron foundry
I am a memeber of the South Glos Mines Research Group and the Bristol Insustrial archaeology Society. I am currently researching the Frampton Cotterell Iron mines. One of the mine managers (in the 1850s) was called Smith Tibbits. He also hade connections with Devon and Somerset. The link to Warwickshire is that he was born at Flecknoe and his fatherin law was Samuel Wagstaff Smith – who was “ironfounder” at Leamington Prior. If you could forward this to anyone who might know more and be willing to liaise with me I would be grateful.
 
Regards
David Hardwick

David@dhardwick.co.uk


3rd November 2011
I would be most grateful if you could pass on my belated thanks to Mr L F (Toby) Cave for his piece in your September 2003 Newsletter, which I have recently read on-line by the wonders of a Google search! I am not an archaeologist but an amateur ‘family historian’ who has been trying to understand John Morris’ tracks from Garrison Lane Aston Warwickshire (1841); to the brickyard at Star Hill Harbury (1848); to Wollescote Worcestershire (1851) near to and maybe employed in the brickworks at Netherend, Cradley; and thence to Leamington where by 1871 he described himself as “millwright and engineer” and had appears to have come up in the world somewhat. My hypothesis is that he was an inovator in the brick making industry and I now have in mind to investigate Websters of Coventry to see if he was associated with that business.
 
So, thanks to Mr Cave and to your Society for publishing on-line.
 
With kind regards,
Paul Miskin

miskin565@btinternet.com


12th October 2011
Hello – I was wondering if this email can get passed to an appropriate person. I have been researching a set of historic gates in Savannah, Ga. They were crafted by Juliette Gordon Low (found of Girl Scouts of America) for her home in Warwickshire, England around 1899 and then were brought to the US in the 1920s. Four of the stock piece used have what I will call maker’s or manufacturer’s marks on them. Two pieces show a “BC[with a “royal crown” to the right side]” and two have a “PS[with a similar crown symbol]”. My interest is in seeing if anybody is aware of companies in history that these marks may have been associated with. I have been attempting to form inquiries to steel and iron associations in the UK, but have been having difficulties getting any responses. If you can provide any assistance/dire ection, I would appreciate it so much.
 
Thank you, Tracy

tdbakic@yahoo.com


25th October 2010
John Wise – Newcomen Engine Builder – Hawksbury C 1738
John Wise of Hawksbury and Coventry is alleged to have “built” a number of Newcomen Engines in Bristol ( and presumably in the Warwickshire Caolfield too) around the late 1730s. The Newcomen Society have only one reference to him – do any of your members have any knowledge of the subject or the individual?
 
Regards
Steve Grudgings – Chairman South Gloucestershire Mines Research Group

steve.grudgings@btinternet.com


17th October 2010
Harris Edge Display Models.
During the 1970s I was a member of the Warwickshire Steam Engine Society and through the good offices of another member I bought several sets of H.E. Showcase Models including 1900 Showman’s Traction Engines. Each consists of the engine parts, numbered, and marked out in appropriate colours on thick good quality paper and accompanied by assembly instructions. By following these, the model is created using a sharp knife and clear glue. The finished engine is 12 inches long x 9 inches high. I have 2 traction engine kits to sell @ £10 each and would welcome enquiries from your members. Photograph of made up models of Traction Engine (as well as of ‘Flying Scotsman’) can be transmitted to anybody interested.
 
Regards.
W.V.Gorman

w.gorman@mypostoffice.co.uk


10th August 2010
Vacancy – Chedham’s Yard.
We currently have vacancies for volunteer researchers, a role I thought members of your group may be interested in. Information is available from me or from our website below.
 
http://www.chedhamsyard.org.uk/showcontent.php?structureid=57
Many Thanks
Emma Banks
Heritage Project Officer (Chedham’s Yard)
Parish Council Office
2 School Road
Wellesbourne
Warwickshire
Tel: 01789 841434
Fax: 01789 841166

www.chedhamsyard.org.uk


24th June 2010
Industrial Archaeology Magazine
I have a set of the David & Charles magazine Industrial Archaeology from vol 3 (1966) to vol 18 (1988) when I believe publication ceased. It occupies about 2 feet of shelf space.I am having to have a clear out – before I consign them for recycling would your society be interested? I would be happy to deliver to anywhere in the Warwick/Leamington/Stratford area. I will quite understand if you say no.
 
Best wishes
Arthur Owens.
arthurgowens@yahoo.co.uk

Please contact Arthur direct if you would like this IA magazine collection.


19th February 2010
Subject: earthworks on GW near Southam
Curious to know the origin of earthworks leading NNE from the GW Banbury – Leamington line just SE from Bishops Itchington (grid ref c 407563). Plainly visible from the train and marked on the 1:25000 OS. Seems at the wrong side and elevation to be linked to the Bishops Itchington cement works but I’ve seen odd references to KAye & co works at Little Itchington.  Can anyone help with info on this small vestige?  Is it remains of an incomplete project?
 
Many thanks
Andy Spiceley

andy@spiceley.net


21st February 2010
The Oxford and Rugby Railway.
It was originally intended to build a railway from Oxford to Rugby via Banbury and Southam. The Southam and Rugby section was abandoned and the railway was diverted to Leamington and Birmingham. At Knigtcote two miles north of Fenny Compton a short section of the formation of this railway was constructed. Its on the upside of present railway and extends for several hundred yards.  There used to be, and perhaps are still there GWR boundary posts along this section. Kay’s cement works was originally served by the Warwick and Napton Canal Co. and later by the LNWR.  Marton Jcn. and Daventry line. I hope this is of help to you.
 
Peter Chater.

Member of Warwickshire  IA.


25th October 2009
Nr. Bull & Butcher Farm
Hello
I wonder if you could have an answer to our problem.  At Grid Ref SP 395719 there are 15 or more very old posts in the ground along the public footpath that goes south-west from the A423 from Bull & Butcher farm.  We assume the landowner has obtained them from some old industrial site to use as gate posts etc.  But they obviously had another quite specific function initially.  They are very roughly 8” square, some with a metal collar at the top and a hole in the end of each post, at least one has a metal spigot still in the hole.  Supposedly the other ends could be the same, but of course, they are buried in the ground.
Any light you could shed on the possible origin of these posts would be really appreciated.
 
Yours faithfully
Tony Kirby

tonyk37@btinternet.com


20th October 2009
Leamington Spa
Some 30+ years ago I was given the attached photograph by an engineer working at the water pumping station at Campion Terrace, Leamington Spa. It was amongst a batch of others showing stationary steam engines in pump stations in the locality. I have shown the picture to numerous people, so far none have come up with an answer as to what process is being carried out. If this could be determined it might just give me a clue as to where the photograph was taken.
 
Regards 
Peter Coulls
petercoulls@btinternet.com
Leamington Spa

Leamington Spa


12th October 2009
Avon Power Station, Warwick
Have had replies from my uncle but one further photocopy he sent has raised a question……..he sent an anniversary copy of the Courier (170 yrs , therefore I think 1998 ) which had a 1971 piccie of the power station being reflued, ( sounds like the railways – paint it just before closure ). But six flues are shown being replaced by two – but there is no sign of the wartime built boilers or flues ( per the 1947 photo ). Were they unreliable?, and removed, say, even as early as the 1950s, or in the 60s. Know anyone who might know? Gordon had been long away to Scotland.
 
Christopher Capewell

chriscapewell@googlemail.com


22nd July 2009
Tanworth in Arden Tramway / Waggonway
Hope somebody can help me over this tramway, having real problems finding any information about it.
 
David Constable

djconst2003@hotmail.co.uk


26th May 2009
The Bowling Green Pavilion, adjacent Warwick Power Station 2/1/1973. Possibly One of the six number Leamington and Warwick Tramway cars built by Brush for the 1905 electrification. Has it survived? There is no mention in the Oakwood Press book of 1978 nor the July 1981 Courier article. The ‘possibly’ is because the fenestration details are different from some photographs. I’ve been looking at the photographs on the Crich website and will comment shortly.
 
Christopher Capewell
chriscapewell@googlemail.com
Warwick & Leamington Tram Car

Warwick & Leamington Tram Car


26th May 2009
I have a working radio with the original Transformer/Speaker box out of a Lancaster bomber. On the front there is a number of dates. What I would like to know, if you can help, is can you tell me where I can get any history about the radio.
 
George Robinson

gv.robinson@virgin.net


13th May 2009
I think this is Warwick Power Station. (Possibly even pre Great War).  Possibly from an advert for the loco manufacturer? (details of which I am chasing up ). I remember the overhead wire shunting loco. (and rode on it), and the topography looks correct. Power station on flood plain below the GWR main line, canal on embankment with two arch viaduct over river.
Can anyone you are in contact with confirm?
 
Christopher Capewell

chriscapewell@googlemail.com


11th May 2009
Dear Sirs
I have recently completed writing a book. Set mainly in Coventry and the Westwood Heath area, it recounts the life of my father from his birth in 1929, spanning the Second World War through to the early 1950’s.  The story tells of his life of a working class lad including his school days, his experience of the war (including that of being an evacuee), national service and his love life.  I am interested in getting the story published and I was wondering if this would be of interest to you especially given the local content?
 
Regards.
Barry Cooper

barry.cooper70@tesco.net


27th March 2009
I wondered if you could help me.
I am resident in the Rock Mill and have seen the two photographs that you have in your library of the rear of the Rock Mill before its development. The photographs were taken by Hugh Jones and I wondered if he had any others of the Rock Mill.
 
Regards
Dr Bruce McInnes

mcinnes9@btinternet.com


25th Feb 2009
Dear Sirs/Madam
I am writing to you, to see if you could help me with some, hopefully – local knowledge. At the moment, I am researching my family tree, and I have a slight problem. Do you have any knowledge of an gas works explosion in 1924(?), in which a gentleman was killed.  I know the surname would be Owen. He was my late grandmothers father and he died before my Nan and Grandad married in Kidderminster in 1924. I am visiting the national archives, in London on Saturday, and I would love to try and solve who my grandmothers parents were, as I have had more luck researching my late grandfathers side.
 
Yours Hopefully
Miss S Barr

stella.barr@ntlworld.com


23rd December 2008
Good afternoon
I am helping to research a large scale model railway project for a friend. The model is based on Leamington Spa in the 1950’s. One of the buildings we are hoping to include in the former malterers/maltings building in Clapham Terrace, Leamington Spa. It stood alongside the Grand Union Canal opposite the School and at one time was served by the railway. According to the Kelly’s directories it was in the ownership of of W Thomas malterers up to circa 1900 when it may have been used by Ballinger’s Builders Merchants. Subsequently it was used as a repository by a furniture removers. The site was redeveloped in the 1980’s/90’s I believe and is now known as Waterside Court. Do any members of your society have any knowledge of this building and better still any photographs? I am more than happy to pay for any copies.
 
Many thanks in anticipation
Richard Elbourne 
(01926) 412076
Environment and Economy
Warwickshire County Council
richardelbourne@warwickshire.gov.uk
www.warwickshire.gov.uk