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MiningOrange & District Historical Society

Geological and mining heritage in the Orange district

By October 2, 2014No Comments
A striking example of columnar basalt near Orange

A striking example of columnar basalt near Orange

The third of the popular Wentworth Mine tours and talks will take place next Sunday, October 5th at  11am at the Wentworth Main Mine, Lucknow. The talks are held in conjunction with Orange City Council.

Guest speaker this time is retired geologist and palaeontologist  Lawrence Sherwin who has had almost 50 years of experience working in the broader Orange district particularly in the field of geological mapping. Lawrence has a special interest in preserving geological and mining heritage both here and overseas and will highlight the incredible variety and richness of such sites around Orange. Many of these can be threatened by development or ignorance and access is often an issue.  Whilst some of these sites are of specialist interest many are of great interest to the general public, and we can do much to capitalise on such unique attractions. Ophir, Byng, Lucknow, Cadia, and Borenore Caves are just some of the more obvious examples.  Few people know the geological and mining history in the district as thoroughly as Lawrence and you are sure to be entertained with an interesting and informative talk.

The guided tour will start at 11am from beneath the poppet head/headframe and the talk will take place in the old blacksmith’s shop at noon. Participants are welcome to join us for coffee at the Two Fat Ladies, Lucknow, before the event from 10am and at the Goldfields Tavern after the event for lunch.

Parking is available at the Two Fat Ladies Coffee Shop or at the picnic area on the northern side of the Wentworth Mine in Emu Swamp Road.

The site requires a medium fitness, 300 metre round trip with about 30 steps on gravel surface.  The $5 entry fee for adults is payable at the bottom gate (free entry for children and pensioners). There is a limit of 30 people for the talk.

Bookings are essential.  RSVP Phil Stevenson on 0402 412 188, email ibiswines@bigpond.com