POURING rain and a stiff wind last Thursday did not dampen the spirits of a group of West Devon volunteers who are keen to restore part of Dartmoor?s rich heritage. Members of Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group worked at a site near Brimpts Farm at Dartmeet to replace a wall, which used to be part of buildings belonging to a former 19th century tin mine. The nine members restored the granite wall using traditional dry stone methods and aimed to complete a part of the project in two days. The remnants of the wall?s foundations were from the 1850s when the mine was worked,although the mine only lasted around 10 years. Three buildings were believed to be situated there, including a blacksmith?s and workshops - and the work DTRG is doing is part of a back wall. Anne Whitbourn, a retired teacher and one of the organisers, said the group was founded more than 10 years ago by Dr Tom Greeves to carry out research into all aspects of tinworking on Dartmoor. Work began with an excavation of the Upper Merrivale Tin Mill . It has been involved for some years in a trail based at Brimpts Farm, which takes visitors around the mines both near the farm, and on the open moor. The trail was set up some 10 years ago by Peter Hurst, and DTRG are now carrying out conservation work to ensure it is kept in good repair for visitors. Anne said: ?The mines at Brimpts extend onto the open moor, and are included in the extended trail, so we have been making sure they are in good condition too. As part of this work, we have been helping to repair part of the Newtake wall, where it formed part of some buildings related to the mine between Huccaby Ring and Dunnabridge. ?The work we have been doing has been carried out entirely by volunteers, with help and advice from organic beef farmers Andy and Rick Bradford from Brimpts Farm, as well as Andy Crabb from English Heritage and the Dartmoor National Park Authority. ?More work is planned for 2007, mostly on the mines near the farm, but also some around the North Mine.? Anne said when the work was complete, there would be interpretation boards at discreet sites, and a self guided trail leaflet available to buy at Brimpts. One of the trail?s centrepieces would be a old watermill which was used to help crush tin. There were two mines in this particular area ? the South mine which was on open ground near the farm and the North mine on the open moor. Anne said DTRG was funded by the members themselves, although some monies have come from English Heritage. Among their members, many of whom are retired, are a physicist, marine biologist, railway worker and staff nurse. l DTRG are looking for volunteers, of any age and ability, to join a work party to carry out repairs. For details call Anne on 01752 696257.
