Oral History
One of the most useful sources for the more recent history of quarrying is oral history. Interviews with former workers in the industry, with or without the aid of a tape recorder, can give information on the development of a quarry, its working practices, transport, personalities, etc. Some of this may be followed up by looking at manuscript or printed sources. When interviewing, it can be useful to take along copies of old photographs and Ordnance Survey and other maps. These can be a stimulus in prompting recollections, and those interviewed may be able to shed light on what is shown on them.
Interviews with former employees may also direct you to records and photographs that are still in private hands. It may be possible to have these copied, and to encourage the deposit of the originals in a record repository, where they will be safeguarded for future use by others.