Merehead, Somerset
The Foster Yeoman quarry known by many as Merehead, is actually properly called Torr Works Quarry and located at East Cranmore. The rail depot, operated at the time of writing (2019) by Mendip Rail, is known as Merehead.
Now owned by Aggregate Industries since 2006, the Foster Yeoman company and its limestone quarrying has a long history. Of course, for rail enthusiasts, it was the introduction of American-built locomotives in 1986 (the Class 59) that raised the profile of the operations out of this busy limestone quarry. Their haulage capabilities and brand new image certainly impressed people whit were possibly getting tired of the old corporate image of BR. For me, this was at the same time as my interest in photography was in rapid ascent and I am happy to have witnessed plenty of rail operations out of the Somerset quarries (we mustn't forget the ARC operation out of Whatley too!) during the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1989 and 1998 the Foster Yeoman company opened its doors to the public and the two fantastic and memorable open days remain fresh in my mind. Many of the phots in this section recall those memories.
Now owned by Aggregate Industries since 2006, the Foster Yeoman company and its limestone quarrying has a long history. Of course, for rail enthusiasts, it was the introduction of American-built locomotives in 1986 (the Class 59) that raised the profile of the operations out of this busy limestone quarry. Their haulage capabilities and brand new image certainly impressed people whit were possibly getting tired of the old corporate image of BR. For me, this was at the same time as my interest in photography was in rapid ascent and I am happy to have witnessed plenty of rail operations out of the Somerset quarries (we mustn't forget the ARC operation out of Whatley too!) during the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1989 and 1998 the Foster Yeoman company opened its doors to the public and the two fantastic and memorable open days remain fresh in my mind. Many of the phots in this section recall those memories.
Return to: UK - South West England (ex-GWR) or Gallery
Return to: UK - South West England (ex-GWR) or Gallery