Half term visits
Emma Fozard
I see the School holidays as an opportunity to get away and this October half term I took my children to stay with my aunty and uncle in Ulverston, Cumbria.
My uncle Nev has worked in the quarry for 45 years, as director since his father retired in 2003 and has been joined by his son Richard in recent years.
I hadn't been since I was little and saw it from my perspective as a maker on our visit.
Nev polishing the slate
View over the Lake District with quarried slate in foreground
Richard cutting floor tiles from lump of slate
This machine was built in the 30s and is still going strong with the addition of replacement discs; Richard cuts several tiles at once, gradually increasing the depth of cut each time. It's a slow process and takes a lot of patience.
Muted autumnal shades on an overcast day; the slate when honed is a green grey colour
Keren, Emily and Oliver watching the slate being machined; Oliver liked wearing the ear defenders but Emily was keen to escape to the warm tea shed!
Whilst the children will never forget their ride in the pickup boot along the windy steep track to the quarry, I enjoyed seeing two craftsmen at work using their skills to enhance the qualities of a natural material.
#High Fell Green Slate