CLA Devon AGM 2023 will take place at Branoc Hall, Lockseys Lane, Branscombe EX12 3DB. Followed by a tour of the Beer Quarry Caves.

The caves were first excavated by the Romans in around 47 AD. The earliest workings were carried out in open quarries, during which time the estuary of the River Axe provided a safe harbour for the removal of the stone by boat. Extraction was particularly intense during the Norman and Middle Ages, by which time it was necessary to quarry into the side of the hill because of other rock strata above. Quarry men worked long hours by candlelight with hand tools such as picks and saws. The quarrymen were also often supported by child labour. Skilled stonemasons would then work on the stone in the caves because it became harder to carve when exposed to the air. The stone blocks would then be lifted by hand-operated cranes after the connection of Lewis lifting devices to be loaded onto horse-drawn wagons. They would then usually be taken to barges which would sail from Beer Beach.

PROGRAMME
11.00am Registration, tea and coffee
11.30am AGM
11.50am National Officer 
12.30pm Two-Course Buffet Lunch
2.00pm Tour of the Beer Quarry Caves
4.00pm Refreshments
5.00pm Depart

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS
Directions: The main road down through the village from the A3052 begins near the Donkey Sanctuary (for people coming from west of Branscombe) What3words for this junction is lively. thatched.pillows. For people travelling from the east of Branscombe probably the best route you can use is to leave the A3052 directly onto Lockseys Lane (straddled.splints.coats ) but this route is not advisable for people who aren’t too confident driving in reverse as it’s a little narrower than the main route into Branscombe with less passing places
What 3 Words: pioneered.glance.shortens
Parking behind the village hall.

Please dress for the weather, the caves can be cold.