Retired builder Don Cutler suggests that this photo was taken in 1952 when, as a 15 year-old apprentice bricklayer, he and twenty other men were laying a 12 inch diameter sewer pipe down Gold Hill. Mr Cutler recalls that it was necessary to lift and stack a great many of the cobbles. Deep trenches were dug manually with pick and shovel to ensure that the pipe descended in a series of broadly horizontal steps. Otherwise, there was a danger that the pressure of the fluid in the pipe at the bottom of the hill might be so great that it would lift the manhole covers in St James.

The popular series of Reminiscence Afternoons resumes at Shaftesbury Library on Tuesday 27 June between 2.30 and 3.30p.m. when the theme is Fun and Games, or how our leisure activities have changed. Tea and cake will be served.

If you have information about the photo, or want further details of the Reminiscence Afternoon, please email enquiries@goldhillmuseum.org.uk or phone Gold Hill Museum on 01747 852157