WEST Devon and East Cornwall could soon share billing with the Taj Mahal if a current bid for World Heritage status is successful ? and fascinating facts surrounding the area?s mining history are the subject of a public meeting being held in Tavistock next week.
The bid is concerned with the influence of the area?s mining and engineering industry on the rest of the world.
Guest speaker at the meeting on July 15 is Stephen Gill, planning chief at West Devon Borough Council, whose grandfather was a Cornish miner.
He said the region?s mining industry had influenced countries all over the world.
?We had a map of the world showing all the various places where this mining technology has been transported.
?You see pictures of Cornish engine houses there, then you look and realise they are all places where rugby is played.
?You had the industrial revolution happening all over the world and there are so many interesting stories behind it.
?They didn?t just transport the inventions, they ended up transporting little Cornish communities as well.?
Stephen said the talk was aimed at anyone interested in the area?s rich history ? and what a successful bid for World Heritage Status could mean for the future of West Devon, seen as an important gateway to the region covered by the bid.
The talk, which takes place in the town hall at 7pm on Thursday July 15, will be informal, entertaining and illustrated ? all are welcome to attend.