30 people made the journey to Bulmer where they were met by Peter Minter, the head of the Bulmer Brick and Tile Company. He gave two-and-half hours of his time to conduct a tour of the premises and explain the complicated process of making bricks by hand The company is very unusual as there are few others involved in this business. About thirty workers of both sexes are employed on the site, which is on a seam of clay that runs from Reading to the East Coast and is eminently suitable for handmade bricks. Interesting finds in the clay include shark’s teeth, proving that this part of the country was once under water.Peter demonstrated making a brick with clay, sand and a mould.Bulmer bricks have found their way to Holland and Switzerland, and can be seen at Hampton Court, St Pancras Station, Oxburgh Hall and St Edmundsbury Cathedral.

Next Meeting is a visit to Hawstead Church with Clive Paine on Wednesday 19th July, leaving the MSC Car Park at 5.40pm, or meeting at Hawstead at 6.30pm. The cost is £3 if booked in advance, or £4 on the night. Please call Dorothy or Gillian for more information.