A superbly well-constructed and delivered presentation revealed that Hardstoft – near Tibshelf services – in East Derbyshire was the site of the first deep oil well in the UK – maybe the world – and we all thought it was in the Middle East! Sadly it has mostly run out now except for a little that is pumped up on the Duke of Devonshire’s estate which should help to keep his home fires burning! One of the deepest wells was Duke’s Wood, not far from Hardstoft, at over 7000ft. – a tremendous achievement! Cliff has spent a lifetime in the oil industry and it showed – his knowledge and presentation skills were an object lesson on how to do it!
- The deepest well to be drilled at Dukes Wood was No 146 to a depth of 7473feet. Pictured above are members of the drilling team involved in this achievement.