Open days pull in the crowds

Open days at Ketton cement works and Chipping Sodbury quarry pulled in the crowds and gave local people an insight into what goes on at the sites.

Almost 2,000 people attended the Ketton event which included steam train rides and plant tours.

It was opened by Andrew Brown, High Sheriff of Rutland, who said: “The Ketton works has been a significant landmark on the Rutland landscape for more than 80 years. The site provides vital raw materials and makes a substantial contribution to the local economy. If you were curious about what goes on here, now’s your chance to find out and ask lots of questions.”

Plant manager Stewart Jones and his team won praise for the hard work they put into making the event such a success. Almost £6,300 was raised for three local charities with a substantial contribution coming from the Branch Line Society, who organised steam train trips for visitors.

The Chipping Sodbury open day was run as part of the town’s 2015 festival. Visitors were taken deep into the quarry in shifts in a 50-seater coach to watch machines at work and were also shown the development within the disused Barnhill quarry where a housing estate is being built.