Getting to know… H.G. Clarke & Son
Angus and Sheridan Clarke of H.G. Clarke & Son use two Volvo 4400 wheel loaders in their operations extracting and cutting Totternhoe Clunch Chalkstone directly from their quarry. The stone is predominantly used for building and restoration work.
The firm, started by Angus’ grandfather – just shy of 100 years ago in 1920 – has supplied Clunch since the 1970s which has been used on famous buildings such as Windsor Castle, St. George’s Chapel, Lulworth Castle and Woburn Abbey, to name a few. Most churches throughout the southern half of Great Britain use the stone and they have even provided the stone for use in displays at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and the Tate Modern. Angus began quarrying the stone himself 40 years ago after the quality of
stone from his suppliers deteriorated. The stone is cut from the quarry and loaded into transport lorries by the first of his Volvo 4400’s. The stone is then brought to their nearby yard and with help from the second Volvo 4400 is cut into smaller pieces before being delivered to, or collected by their customers.
The young boy on the left is the current Managing Director, Angus Clarke
Angus comments: “The Volvo 4400’s are a brilliant piece of kit and can easily lift three tonnes. I have had the machines for around 14 years and they have proven to be reliable and hardworking.” The quarry itself is an interesting site; Pyrites (fools gold) and sharks teeth are often found and scenes for the film Superman IV were filmed at the quarry. ■
26 THE VOICE MAGAZINE No27 2016
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