The Dorothea engine was built in 1904 and bears a maker's plate for Holman.
It was one of the last such engines built, apparently new, although there is
some question as to Holman's ability to cast an 60" cylinder as late as
1904.
It was also one of the very last such engines to work in the extractive
industries c1954 although I think one or two in Cornwall might have beaten
it.
Outside of Cornwall it is one of only two such units to survive in situ
(extractive industries) and the only one in Wales. Indeed as far as steam
engines are concerned it is probably the only complete steam installation in
a North Wales slate quarry.
The Boiler house is in serious need of attention but to the best of my
knowledge the engine itself is in moderate to good condition. Doubtless the
building needs some money spending on it.
Having had a recent conversation with Dr. Jones I would support the move to
increase 'polite pressure' regarding this engine as it is a most worthy
beast. However it seems that rather than sending all of our supportive
letters en-bloc it might be more effective to spread out such responses such
that the planning officials received a steady trickle of 'encouragement'
rather than everything at once and then nothing :-).
Paul Stephens
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Waterhouse [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 12 March 2003 19:59
Subject: Re: Dorothea Quarry & Beam Engine
Perhaps it would be helpful to members if you could explain the importance
of the Dorothea Beam Engine. I've only vaguely heard of it, so would like
to know more. Are there any web sites which help?
>
> From: Andrew Hurrell <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Wed 12/Mar/2003 18:24 GMT
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Dorothea Quarry & Beam Engine
>
> I have been receiving news over the last couple of weeks that the Dorothea
> Beam Engine is under a greatly increase threat.
>
> Planning applications put in by the sites owner have been turned down at
> appeal and either as a direct result of this or by the owner withdrawing
> cooperation, the £40,000 or so, of grant money for conservation has been
> lost.
>
> The local historian and campaigner for the engine, Dr Gwynfor Jones, has
> asked me to circulate this news and his request for people to write to the
> local authority.
>
> Letters should be polite and encouraging, tinged with worry, but without
> putting the officials under pressure (we do not want to upstep anybody at
> this stage), and should make reference to the importance of the
> Dorothea Quarry site in terms of I.A. and possibly as a visitor
attraction.
> Letters should be sent to the Chief Executive and the Chief of Planning of
> Gwynedd County Council, County offices, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, with cc's to
> the local Welsh Assembly Member Dafydd Wigley AM, 8 Castle Street,
> Caernarfon.
>
> I hope this is not an unsuitable request to make through the list, I would
> not ask for this kind of help for anything less than the Dorothea site.
>
> Regards
>
> Andrew
>
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