>>>>
>>>17 April 1999 Field Visit - Hertfordshire
>>>
>>>A double field visit has been arranged affording opportunities to see an
>>>active quarry and adjacent landfill, plus an unusual RIGS in a quarry
>>>currently being transformed into a landfill site
>>>
>>>
>>>Thames Diverted - Westmill Quarry, operated by RMC Aggregates (Greater
>>>London) Limited
>>>, is an active deep sand and gravel quarry to the north west of Hertford,
>>>where the local Ware Till Ice was considered to have diverted the course
>of
>>>the proto-Thames.  The active landfill on the adjacent site will also be
>>>open for the party visit.
>>>
>>>Tunnel Vision - Howell Quarry Near Hitchen was, until recently, a disused
>>>sand and gravel quarry.  Biffa Waste Services Limited are now carrying out
>>>site works in preparation for the commencement of landfilling.  Howell's
>>>geological claim to fame is that it is the RIGS displaying tunnel valley
>>>deposits unique within Hertfordshire.  Palaeocurrent vectors indicate
>>>drainage up-gradient into the Hitchin-Stevenage Gap.
>>>
>>>Itinerary - The party will assemble inside the entrance to Westmill Quarry
>>>at 10am, then remove at circa 12 noon to a local hostelry for light lunch
>>>(at members own expence), before arriving at Howell Quarry.  Travel will
>be
>>>by personal car.  Please would members provide personal protective
>>equipment
>>>where possible.
>>>
>>>If wishing to attend please contact either Martin Isles, Quarry Products
>>>Association Tel: 0171-730-8194  Fax: 0171-730-4355 e-mail [log in to unmask] or
>>>Peter Thorn, Johnson Poole & Bloomer Tel: 01384-444-800  Fax:
>01384-444-008
>>>e-mail [log in to unmask]
>>>
>>>The Environment Group is indebted to Dr Allan Cheshire of the University
>of
>>>Hertfordshire who has kindly offered to attend and share his specialist
>>>knowledge of both sites.
>>>