Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Tuesday 26 April 1921
Sorby Scientific Society
A geological excursion of this society to the Conisborough-Doncaster coalfield was well attended. The party were fortunate in having the expert leadership of Professor Fearnsides, of the University.
Meeting at Conisborough, the Professor first described the chief characteristics of the Don Valley in that district, a notable feature being the Conisborough Gorge. The remarkable section of the “Upper Coal Measures and Permian” rocks in the quarry of the brick works was next visited; the party spent considerable time here examining fire clays, coal seams, and special clays for pots and bricks. The excellent example of unconformability in the rocks was pointed out.
Passing on to the Warmsworth Quarries, the Don Faults were noticed, and the chief characteristics of the magnesium limestone carefully explained, also its important bearing upon the local steel industry. Not the least interesting part of the excursion was the way the economic value of the various rocks was enumerated.
Passing by the famous Conisborough Railway cutting, the party finally examined the excellent deposit of glacial clay at Balby, where many far travelled rocks were obtained.
The society was greatly indebted to the Professor for his most able leadership, and also to the numerous owners for permission to visit their quarries.