September News
RIDD RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 24th September 2025
Last week, despite fairly soggy conditions, the team succeeded in casting the concrete foundations for the central pier of the upper docking bays. This enabled us to make a start this week on laying the first courses of stonework. We used a wooden former constructed by our resident carpenter to create an accurate shape for the radius on the front of the pier. The photos show the outline of the pier taking shape with two courses of stone in place. The centre of the pier will eventually be infilled and capped with stone to create what we hope will be an accurate representation of the structure.
Last week, despite fairly soggy conditions, the team succeeded in casting the concrete foundations for the central pier of the upper docking bays. This enabled us to make a start this week on laying the first courses of stonework. We used a wooden former constructed by our resident carpenter to create an accurate shape for the radius on the front of the pier. The photos show the outline of the pier taking shape with two courses of stone in place. The centre of the pier will eventually be infilled and capped with stone to create what we hope will be an accurate representation of the structure.
Laying the first course of stone
Pier taking shape
While this work was taking place, two members of the team spent some time filling in the substantial crater left from the recently excavated giant tree stump. Although it took a massive effort by our volunteers, removing the stump has been worthwhile as it has greatly improved the appearance of the top of the incline which is now completely unobstructed.
Infilled stump hole
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 - 10th September 2025
Significant progress was made on the Ridd project this week with the installation of the concrete foundations for the central pier of the upper docking bays. Not wanting to let anything go to waste, we have creatively re-purposed a number of concrete slabs which were part of the infrastructure of the old railway. These will provide a sound base on which to build the external walls of the pier. Handily, the two large slabs have bevelled edges which roughly match the curved ‘snout’ of the pier. We hope to start casting concrete for this next week.
Significant progress was made on the Ridd project this week with the installation of the concrete foundations for the central pier of the upper docking bays. Not wanting to let anything go to waste, we have creatively re-purposed a number of concrete slabs which were part of the infrastructure of the old railway. These will provide a sound base on which to build the external walls of the pier. Handily, the two large slabs have bevelled edges which roughly match the curved ‘snout’ of the pier. We hope to start casting concrete for this next week.
Measuring the slabs
Concrete foundations in place
While this work was taking place, the rest of the team successfully removed the last two roots of the giant tree stump at the top of the plane. All that remains now is to find half a ton of soil to fill in the cavity!
Last roots removed
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.07557 478371) for more information.