A postcard from Cornwall
Members of the Rotary Club of East Kilbride had a very interesting presentation from Robert Rollo.
Robert, a member of the Rotary Club of Bothwell and Uddingston, spoke about the industrial heritage of Cornwall.
His illustrated address started with an account of the clay mining industry.
The clay from Cornwall was almost exactly the same as the clay used for Meissen china in Saxony and as such was in great demand.
Robert outlined the process for the extraction of the clay, its drying and subsequent distribution by rail and sea to destinations all over the world.
Clay mining still goes on and the Eden Project is situated in what was once an old clay pit.
Robert then went on to talk about tin and copper mining, which was carried out for some 2000 years.
There were 340 mines at one time, 40 per cent tin, 20 per cent copper and 40 per cent both tin and copper.
Geevor tin mine – which was the last to close in 1990 – extended well out under the Atlantic Ocean.
Robert then spoke about the history of communications via Cornwall, starting with beacons and progressing through the telegraph, wireless, radio, satellite and up to the present day using fibre optic cable.
Following a Q&A session, the vote of thanks was proposed by rotarian George McGraw.