David Pollard, who owned Hartham Park Bath Stone underground quarry where Lovell Stone Group took over the lease in 2016, sadly passed away unexpectedly in the Bristol Royal Infirmary in September this year.

Known to so many in the stone industry, he was born in Trowbridge but lived in Bristol for the early part of his life, where his Father’s job as a railway signalman led to David's life-long fascination with trains and all things mechanical.

He took a five year apprenticeship as a Boiler Maker with the G.W.R’s Swindon Works, not leaving until it closed in 1968.

In the 1980s he bought Hartham Park Underground Quarry in Corsham.

With an encyclopaedic memory he quickly became an expert on the history of Bath Stone quarrying and his dream was well and truly realised when his quarry was brought back into stone production in 1999. It is still working today, operated by Lovell Stone Group and producing large amounts of stone. It is a testimony to his vision and determination.

In the last few years of his life he set about writing a book on Bath Stone Quarrying, finishing it just before going into Hospital. On publication, this will stand as a lasting legacy of his hard work, determination and passion for Bath Stone. It is hoped it will be published before the end of the year.

A kindly man with a huge wealth of knowledge, he was well known and respected for helping others when they needed it.

He is succeeded by his wife Nina and his son Thurstan.

In memory of David, the new drive-in adit currently being constructed by Lovell Stone Group at Hartham Park Underground Quarry will be named the Pollard Shaft.