THE close ties between Forest of Dean mine owners and the watermen of the Wye will be explored and explained to local historians this week.

The expert insight into a long-gone way of life when the Wye and its ship owners were at the heart of the area’s role in the industrial revolution, will be given to members of the Forest of Dean Local History Society by well known author and historian Heather Hurley.

Heather says that while little of substance remains by way of buildings and boats, there are still quays and wharves to explore — if you know where to look!

Her talk will include stories from Brockweir — once an important and vital trading centre where many vessels were built — Lydbrook, Symonds Yat and Monmouth. She will highlight the difficulties in navigation and talk about the vessels and their cargoes as well as the location of wharf sites, ship-building and the men who made a perilous living sailing the river.

Heather began her working life in public and college libraries and has taken a huge interest in local history. Her work includes books on the old roads of Herefordshire, the story of Ross, and Herefordshire’s river trade.

She has also produced many guides to Herefordshire and the Wye Valley and leads walks in various parts of the county. She is much sought as a speaker.

Her illustrated talk to the Forest Society will take place at the West Dean Centre, Bream, on Saturday (3pm). Visitors are welcome.