Report - The combined Backwell Derps - Quarry factory, Quarry, P.O Radio Laboratory - Mar 2014

[Styru]

There is something about sunny weather that makes average derps seem all the more worthwhile :

Putting these together, as they are all close together, and don't warrant reports of their own due to the level of derpage.

The Village of Backwell sits in North Somerset, with a population of just over 4,500 it also has more than it's fair share of abandonment.

So, we start with the industrial unit at Coles Quarry:

A little borrowed history:

Coles Quarry was opened in 1867 and was named after the earlier operators of the site, Joseph Coles & Son Ltd. It was acquired by the RMC Group in 1968. Until the early 1970s, quarrying was confined to the excavation to the south-east of the processing plant, which is now known as the Lower Quarry. During the 1970s, a new extraction area was opened up on the limestone plateau to the east of the Lower Quarry. This excavation is screened from views to the north by the wooded slopes of Cheston Combe, and is accessed from the Lower Quarry via a relatively narrow cutting.
Coles, however, has inherent environment problems that include poor access, close proximity to residential properties and visual intrusion. Consequently, the mineral planning authority (now North Somerset Council) was concerned that production should be transferred to Freemans Quarry within the shortest possible period.

The industrial unit on site was turned over to the mixing/packing of cement products for Rugby Cement in it's latter years:

The lower end of the site - the gates to the right in the above pic - are the local recycling center, and still very much active.

The final delivery rota - or rather lack of...

Miles of unused, uncut, Rugby cement packaging entwine the site...

And, of course, all good derps have ladders....

But not always with such good views....

Then, outside, to the quarry....​

 

[Styru]

Re: The Backwell Derps - Quarry factory, Quarry, P.O Radio Laboratory - March 2014

Despite it's entrance being right in the village, the narrow road to the quarry leads to a massive workings.

The above buildings are the ones you can see in the top center of the view below, the next destination was to be the P.O Radio Laboratory (bottom left)

Not far as the crow flies - but someone had put these in the way

Once the quarry is climbed - it's just a few fields across to get to the Radio Lab..​

 

[Styru]

Re: The Backwell Derps - Quarry factory, Quarry, P.O Radio Laboratory - March 2014

The P.O Radio Laboratory.

Built in 1957 this ex P.O (later B.T) site has been closed for many years, and despite attempts to sell it on it remains one of the most decrepit derps you will find - but with spectacular views..

There's always a chair..

But not always a lawnmower...

or, indeed, an outboard motor or two

(Just want to say, you're doing a great job guys )

All in all, despite the level of derp, a superb way to spend the warmest, sunniest, day we've had so far this year - however, my legs hate me - quite a climb

Thanks for looking ​

 

[Seffy]

Re: The combined Backwell Derps - Quarry factory, Quarry, P.O Radio Laboratory - Mar

A report from North Somerset - I think I may need to sit down for a minute

I love these places, despite them being basic/far gone, and have had many a good time here Very decent report Styru, good to see someone else's perspective on them!

 

[wellingtonian]

Re: The combined Backwell Derps - Quarry factory, Quarry, P.O Radio Laboratory - Mar

Well, yesterday I was also using a mower (although with my kit on )
However, I wasn't having fun like you.
Nice report as ever mate

 

[TranKmasT]

Re: The Backwell Derps - Quarry factory, Quarry, P.O Radio Laboratory - March 2014

There's always a chair..

That looks spooky as if theres no point of contact with the chair legs and floor.

 

[ZerO81]

Re: The combined Backwell Derps - Quarry factory, Quarry, P.O Radio Laboratory - Mar

Derpy, but still a nice little report, certainly does look like a nice way to spend a sunny afternoon

 

[Gorgi]

Nice report, however. Do you know what the concrete structures at 51.408208, -2.702810 are?

 

[Bomber Harris]

Hi all, I used to work for RMC when it ran this quarry as a packaging factory for cement/plaster/motar. A shame to see it go & to be in such a state. I always looked forward & enjoyed working down there, great bunch of people, great memories, very fond of the place & a haven for wildlife.