Frome Dam area near Derby, Weldborough.

[Joe]

Few years ago I was exploring the area around weldborough and derby and ended up at the Frome Dam. I arrived mid afternoon on a winters day so didnt have a lot of light left for exploring. The area is very pretty with quite a few interesting odds and sods around the place. The first I discovered was the grave of a man who died in the construction of the dam if memory serves correctly. The grave is tucked into a little alcove in the bush off the path...quite easily missed. Obviously this was quite a while in the past...but on top of the grave was a really well preserved acubra hat. I would love to know more of this story if anyone knows it.

After wandering around on the dam itself and up the top of the spill way I carefully made my way to the bottom. On the way I found an aerial tramway/ cablecar setup laying in the bush. Obviously there is or was something on the other side of the river which required transportation of large quantities of something. Once I reached the bottom at the river I found a small wooden bridge about 20cm wide with wire for crossing. At time the flow of water was *&%$#! heavy and the bridge itself really slimy so i erred on the side of caution and turned back. I have since been told that there is a water race on other side of that bridge which makes a great walk. The person telling me was telling 3rd hand though so I know very little...and the maps of area reveal very little. I would love any and all information anyone has on this area.

Cheers
Joe

[Flic]

Joe, I realise it is over 3 years ago since your post re Frome Dam. I have recently moved to the area and visited Frome Dam a few weeks ago prior to reading your post.
Frome reservoir has been drained, tree stumps prefail instead of water and the river runs through the middle. On my visit I didn't visit the actual dam but will do so next time and see if I can find the grave you mentioned, including Akubra hat perhaps. I do not know any details about the place but will try and find out more information and let you know.
Flic

[Neil Grose]

The Frome was pretty much the first hydro electric scheme in the north east and supplied the Pioneer tin mine with power. It was operating until several years ago when the power station was de-commissioned. What used to be a lovely trout water is now no more, including the water race beneath with was turned off for a period, killing all the fish including freshwater crayfish.
The area was a thriving tin mining region at one stage too, with many Chinese mines and mine huts dotted around the area. There are quite a few published histories of the area, and if you were keen the St Helens History Room has a wealth of information.