⛏️ Digging Deeper: Mines, Minerals, and the "Lost Boys" of Carbis Bay
As part of our "Pot Luck" evening at The Tubestation, we will be screening the award-winning documentary The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay. This moving film follows a daring band of Cornish mine explorers—the Carbis Bay Crew—who venture into the dark, forgotten shafts of our county to find connection, resilience, and a vital escape from the pressures of modern life.
Two of the crew will be at the filming to answer any of your questions.
Meet the Speaker: Chris Weight – Armourer, Miner, and Local Expert
If you attended Chris Weight’s 2025 talk at The Tubestation, you’ll know why we are so excited to have him back. For those who haven’t yet had the pleasure, Chris is a true Cornish "polymath"—a man whose expertise bridges the gap between ancient craftsmanship and modern environmental science.
The Master Armourer & Mineralogist
Chris is an award-winning retired military armourer, and his technical knowledge of metal is unparalleled. Last year, he stunned us with his research into the "Excalibur" legend, revealing how the high-grade magnetite and clay found near St Nectan’s Glen could have produced the high-purity steel required for such a legendary blade. He even challenged the famous statue on Tintagel Island—pointing out that the sword design is historically "all wrong!"
A Guardian of our Coast: The Port Quin Debate
Beyond history, Chris is a vital voice in protecting our modern landscape. Most recently, he was a key figure in the successful community campaign against the industrial seaweed farm at Port Quin. Using his deep understanding of mineralogy and local geology, Chris provided technical evidence to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) regarding the wave climate and the risks to infrastructure. His expertise helped ensure that our coastline remains protected from unsuitable industrial development.
Science with a Serious Side
Chris’s talks are always engaging, but they often carry a vital message for those of us who live and work on this land. As a miner and mineralogist, he has been working with the Camborne School of Mines to examine local specimens.
He has previously raised serious awareness for:
Foragers & Gardeners: The risks of heavy metal contamination (like lead and arsenic) in local plants like clover, carrots, and sloes.
The Building Trade: The dangers of developing on former mining land without proper geological oversight.
Local Health: Chris is currently investigating potential links between local heavy metal deposits and mystery neurological conditions in the area—work that shows his deep commitment to the Polzeath community.
Why you should come on March 13th:
Chris doesn't just "talk" about history; he unearths the truth. Following our screening of The Lost Boys of Carbis Bay, Chris will be responding with a local lens—explaining the specific minerals of our area and the hidden dangers and treasures that lie beneath the cliffs we walk every day.