Dorset Ball Clay

[@kateeliza1]

My father is Charlie Gover and can be seen drilling for clay with Bill Marshallsay he worked at the clay mines from 1927 -1982 when he passed away.

[@ballclayheritagesociety2435]

Thanks for your information - that will be useful information for the Ball Clay Heritage Society.

[@mikegiles6423]

I remember your Dad and his Wife, I used to stay with Les and Queenie during the school holidays.

[@juleshathaway3894]

A fascinating film. Being a Wareham boy (58 yrs) I know the area and history well with an especial interest in the railways. I'm currently reading Chris Legg's excellent book Fayle's Tramway about the Middlebere Tramway and Fayle's Tramway to Goathorn and the pits and mines served by the tramways. Next is his second book Pike's Tramway which deals with the pits and mines out Creech and Povington and their railways to Ridge. Thoroughly recommended.

[@kateeliza1]

The man working the shaft lift at the end is Les Gover Charlie's brother, also the one with the stick pushing clay through the machine is Len Gover their Uncle,and Len's brother Frank can be seen on the left diging clay in the open quarry, they all lived at Sunnyside cottages at ridge which were pike company house's for working men and their family's.

[@beckystares2262]

My Great Uncle, Lou Gover, also lived at Sunnyside - I assume they must be from the same family.

[@johnrowley9324]

If you wish to learn more about the clay industry visit the Purbeck Mining Museum at Norden near Corfe Castle BH20 5DW, and the website www.purbeckminingmuseum.org/

[@technicalvault]

Went to see it last week. Well worth a visit, especially the mine section. You recognise a lot from this video.

[@terenceretter5049]

Really interesting social documentary, as the Health and Safety has increased I wonder where all the 'yirrs' have gone from this part of Dorset!