As every schoolboy knows, the three sequences of carved grouse troughs on hallam moors date back to 1907. This is clearly evidenced by the carving on no.1 of the set of six on spring piece (sw of stanage lodge: ‘w. wilson, 1907’).
The other sets (1-75)run along Stanage Edge and Crow Chin rocks to S of the confluence of Black Clough and the conduit, and (1-27) by Oaking Clough to the Headstone and thence to Ash Cabin Flat.
I’m thinking about arranging a dpfr tour of the troughs to mark the centenary, at a convenient time before the nesting season begins. Anybody interested can contact me by phone (2681880) or Wednesdays at the Sportsman.
A special centenary prize is offered. Some 12 years ago I found no. 36 of the Stanage Edge sequence, then I lost it again and repeated efforts to locate it have failed. The trough and runnels were overgrown but I distinctly recall seeing the number on the edge of a flat boulder, with the number 6 having a very distinctive look of a ‘b’, ie 3b, just like 26/2b South from there. I also remember that it was where it should have been, that is between nos. 35 and 37, where the line turns NE along crow chin rocks. Please let me know if you find it and want to claim the reward.
alan yates