October News
RIDD RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 8th October 2025
The team was fully occupied this week with a number of important tasks at Ridd.
One of the first jobs was to secure the big railway-type sleepers in place at the back of the central pier. This was done by tying them together with aluminium plates and cementing further plates into the stonework of the central pier. While this work was taking place we continued to build up the wall of the central pier which is starting to take shape nicely. As noted in last week’s report, we are getting through a considerable amount of material. Further quantities of stone were brought up from Sea Lock to keep our masons supplied and by the end of the morning we had successfully laid another course of stone. During the excavation of the site, we uncovered what appears to be a section of stonework between the boundary wall and the central pier which we think may be the remains of the ‘ramp’ at the top of the incline over which the tub boats - once attached to the endless chain – were hauled prior to starting their descent.
The team was fully occupied this week with a number of important tasks at Ridd.
One of the first jobs was to secure the big railway-type sleepers in place at the back of the central pier. This was done by tying them together with aluminium plates and cementing further plates into the stonework of the central pier. While this work was taking place we continued to build up the wall of the central pier which is starting to take shape nicely. As noted in last week’s report, we are getting through a considerable amount of material. Further quantities of stone were brought up from Sea Lock to keep our masons supplied and by the end of the morning we had successfully laid another course of stone. During the excavation of the site, we uncovered what appears to be a section of stonework between the boundary wall and the central pier which we think may be the remains of the ‘ramp’ at the top of the incline over which the tub boats - once attached to the endless chain – were hauled prior to starting their descent.
Constructing the central pier
Remains of the 'ramp'
Our resident ‘greenkeeper’ spent the morning tidying up the site and mowing the incline. This is an ongoing battle but absolutely essential to keep the site in good shape. The ‘before and after’ photos show the importance of this ongoing maintenance.
Incline before mowing
Incline after mowing
Next week we are going to split the team with some members going to Rosemoor to carry out maintenance on the canal basin.
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.07557 478371) for more information.
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.07557 478371) for more information.
RIDD RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 1st October 2025
The team enjoyed ideal working conditions this week as we continued to construct the central pier of the upper docking bays. After a timely delivery of materials from our local supplier, we were able to start mixing mortar for the pier wall and aggregate for footings at the back of the pier. After some discussion last week, we decided that it would be a good idea to close the gap at the back of the pier where it abuts the protective fence with some railway-type sleepers. This will provide strong support for the structure.
The team enjoyed ideal working conditions this week as we continued to construct the central pier of the upper docking bays. After a timely delivery of materials from our local supplier, we were able to start mixing mortar for the pier wall and aggregate for footings at the back of the pier. After some discussion last week, we decided that it would be a good idea to close the gap at the back of the pier where it abuts the protective fence with some railway-type sleepers. This will provide strong support for the structure.
Preparing footing for the sleepers
Because we are constructing a ‘double skin’ wall for the pier, we are getting through a tremendous amount of stone. We are very grateful to Hilary Wills for allowing us to use surplus stone from the middle wharf project at Sea Lock as this is saving us the considerable expense of buying in material. By the end of the session we had laid a further course on the lower side of the pier.
Central pier taking shape
View from the Tarka Trail
While this work was taking place another member of the team spent time mowing the access to the stable block and the canal bed south of the wheel pit. This is vital work as weeds are still growing abundantly. Soon, we will have to have another scrub-bashing session on the area around the lower incline before this is reclaimed by Mother Nature.
Tidying up the upper canal bed
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.07557 478371) for more information.