Soapy Shrove Tuesday

Bob investigating

Our dedicated team of volunteers have been busily cutting back thick scrub at Tenerife farm to uncover the remains of a soapstone Quarry which hasn't been seen for over 100 years. Local soapstone expert, Bob Felce, has been along to help out and cast his eye over the findings. Bob has estimated the quarry to date back to the 1700's when soapstone was being extracted in this area for use in fine bone china production. Although a relatively small quarry compared to nearby Wheal Foss, the remains of soapstone within the spoil confirms that it was indeed quarried here. Further archaeological surveys of the area will be carried out by our archaeologists in the coming months.





Pancakes National Trust style



Tuesday was a particularly special day at work for our volunteer team for several reasons, one being that it was Shrove Tuesday so of course we had to attempt cooking some pancakes on the fire for lunch - success! And secondly it was Tom's birthday, Tom has been volunteering with us for almost 2 years now and is a reliable and valued member of our team. We celebrated in style not only with pancakes but a huge sticky chocolate cake too. Well, we needed the energy for all that hard work!




The birthday boy

We will be holding an open day at Tenerife farm later in the year so keep tuned if you'd like to come and see for yourself what has been uncovered.

If you'd like to join our volunteer team on Tuesday's, please feel free to contact me on 01326 291174 or send me an email elle.parsons@nationaltrust.org.uk

Elle