Dear Andy,
Yes, this is true. I can tell you for a fact that the Eastgate Cement Works
in Weardale used to use the process of 'Kiln Shooting'. Jim Peart, who
actually helped build the works (a steel erector), and continued working
there for a number of years explained the process to me many years ago. There
was a special bolted down stand by the main kiln access ports (x2 x 120' x
15' dia. I believe), a 'gun' of about 15 to 20mm calibre was mounted on this,
with the operator/firer then systematically targeting build-up points along
the kiln walls gradually breaking away the unwanted deposits. Many rounds
would be used in this process, which, I believe was conducted every few
months or as an when required. Jim Peart, because he was an ex-RSM was the
shooter, and it was also necessary for the firearms license to have a
responsible/knowlegeable person to carry out this important function. I
believe this process had been in use for many years, so I am not surprised to
hear this 'old' reference to it.
For the record: Jim Peart (now sadly deceased), first started work in the
iron mine behind Lanehead, then went into the army for WW2 (quickly rising to
RSM). He then worked on the Govt. dam building projects in Scotland in 1946
for a couple of years, and then moved back to Weardale. He worked on the
construction of the Eastgate cement works, continued working there after
completion, and then moved into the fluorspar mines in the late 1960's -
Barbury Mine, Lanehead. Due to his considerable competence he quickly rose
through the Weardale mining ranks of most of the succession of Weardale
companies, eventually becoming Manager for Swiss Aluminium (UK) Ltd (SAMUK),
of three of their mines (Redburn, Stanhope Burn, and Burtree Pasture). In
1982, he left SAMUK to take up the post of General Manager for my Honister
Mines & Quarries in Borrowdale, nr Keswick (Buttermere & Westmorland Green
Slate Co.Ltd). He continued with Alfred McAlpines after I sold same (1985),
until 1988, when ill health and his reaching McAlpines retirement age
arrived. He sadly passed away some three years after this date. His Family
had been involved in mining in Weardale for generations, both his sons worked
in the mines tho' one (Ian), fully qualified as a mine electrician and has
been working abroad for 20 years or more now. Jimmy, the eldest, continued
with the mines nearly until their closure, and then worked on quarry drilling
for a while until arthritis forced him to stop work. Both Ian & Jimmy worked
for me at Honister as well. If anyone is writing anything on Weardale spar
mines sometime this info. might be of use I hope.
Regards, Bernard
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