July News
RIDD RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 31st July 2024
Volunteers endured a very hot and muggy day at Ridd this week which made working conditions difficult to say the least – certainly too hot for a bonfire!
Despite the heat, we made good progress on a number of fronts. We continued with the clearance of the canal beyond the upper pound by removing a number of young saplings growing in the bed. We plan to extend the current ‘cutting’ for perhaps another 100 metres or so until we get to the point where it meets the Tarka Trail and to define the edges of the canal where possible.
Volunteers endured a very hot and muggy day at Ridd this week which made working conditions difficult to say the least – certainly too hot for a bonfire!
Despite the heat, we made good progress on a number of fronts. We continued with the clearance of the canal beyond the upper pound by removing a number of young saplings growing in the bed. We plan to extend the current ‘cutting’ for perhaps another 100 metres or so until we get to the point where it meets the Tarka Trail and to define the edges of the canal where possible.
Clearing saplings in canal bed
We also made a start on improving the access to the inspection chamber of the wheel pit by constructing some solid stone steps at the entrance to the footpath. As part of the project, we will install some signage here to better publicise this interesting feature of the incline – at present largely hidden from public view.
Constructing the steps
Work continued on the laborious task of digging out the earth above the perimeter wall of the upper pound. We managed to remove two troublesome tree stumps growing out of the wall and have now exposed most of the earth bank above the foundation stonework. Our aim is to rebuild this although getting stone to the site will be a challenge. Interestingly, as we dug down to the base of the wall we revealed a patch of lighter coloured earth which we think is probably puddling clay. If this is the case, it suggests that the perimeter wall was constructed on top of a foundational layer of clay which would also have formed the bed of the canal.
Digging out the earth bank
Bank with tree stumps removed
(Footnote: as we were excavating the earth bank, we disturbed a lovely juvenile slow worm. Thankfully, he (or she) was unharmed and was swiftly re-homed in a safe place!)
Slow worm
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday morning at Ridd. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237-475707) for more information.
FILLING THE MISSING BITS - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 31st July 2024
Tuesday July 31st 2024 was another glorious day although perhaps too hot for rebuilding wharf walls. Never-the-less, Steve, Nick, Tony and I did just that. Steve and Nick first concentrated on laying the coper left over from last week whilst Tony spent time repointing gaps in the wall. I had reached a place on the wall which was in a very sorry state and had to remove considerable amounts of loose stone work. One particular stone, that was hanging somewhat precariously out of the wall, was left to Steve to lift off since I couldn’t manage it (wimp!). A short while later, he had to lift it back onto the wall after I had prepared a suitable place for it. It did make him puff and blow a bit!
Tuesday July 31st 2024 was another glorious day although perhaps too hot for rebuilding wharf walls. Never-the-less, Steve, Nick, Tony and I did just that. Steve and Nick first concentrated on laying the coper left over from last week whilst Tony spent time repointing gaps in the wall. I had reached a place on the wall which was in a very sorry state and had to remove considerable amounts of loose stone work. One particular stone, that was hanging somewhat precariously out of the wall, was left to Steve to lift off since I couldn’t manage it (wimp!). A short while later, he had to lift it back onto the wall after I had prepared a suitable place for it. It did make him puff and blow a bit!
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Having temporarily run out of mortar, Tony turned his attention to extracting a significant bit of dead tree and root from the wall. It put up a real fight, but Tony got brutal and eventually ripped it out.
We were puzzled by the lack of mortar in this section of wall, which appears to have been built with just mud between the stones, providing a very good opportunity for plants to invade. A great deal of soil had to be scraped out and stones removed, revealing large hollows behind. Eventually, I reached a point of stability and began rebuilding the large hole that I had made. By this time, Steve had built up and levelled enough wall to lay another four or five copers which unfortunately we didn’t have. Casting more is a job for me over the next few days.
By the time we had had enough for the day, we had progressed the wall considerably. Nick, operating the Kubota, had backfilled behind the copers previously laid and levelled off more of the towpath. Everything was looking good and we were well pleased with our efforts. Still a lot to do though!
POWERHEAD AHEAD - (TOWARDS THE NEXT PROBLEM) - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 30th July 2024
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In anticipation of the working party at Sea Lock on Tuesday July 23rd 2024, I had previously managed to cast not one but five more copers and was keen to see them placed on the wall. Following last Tuesday’s efforts, space had been prepared to accept that number of coping blocks which would extend the finished wall considerably. Once again there were six of us working on site. Steve and Nick were kept busy with moving and laying the copers whilst I continued repointing and rebuilding the wall further along. Jeremy got down and dirty (?) into the basin floor and mud dismantling scaffolding which was no longer required and re-erecting it at the other end of the lift. Michael and Tony were tasked with moving a substantial pile of facing stone from where it had been dumped, getting in the way, to a place much further along the wall where doubtless it will be in the way again later on! |
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Having completed moving the stone, Michael gave Jeremy a hand with modifying the scaffold lift whilst Tony cleared more debris from the top of the wall.
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By the end of the day, four of the five copers had been mortared in to place so apart from some repointing to be undertaken low down on the wall where the scaffolding had been restricting access, we have successfully reached the half way point of the upper wharf wall.
Unfortunately, the section we have now reached requires a great deal of work. Invasive tree roots have dislodged a number of stones and they will have to be lifted off and replaced once a stable foundation has been reached. I suspect that this will take quite some time since the damage here is quite extensive. This should keep us/me out of mischief for a while! However, all is moving on and looking good. |
RIDD RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 24th July 2024
We were back at Ridd this week with virtually a full team of volunteers. Our main aim was to open up the original route of the canal beyond the upper docking bays and to follow the line of the canal to the point where it intersects with the Tarka Trail. We have not had the time or resources to properly explore this area in the past which has become badly overgrown. The prospect of opening up this section clearly motivated the team who set to enthusiastically with a variety of cutting tools to take on this considerable challenge. While this work was going on, the rest of the team made a start on clearing the area around the picnic table which provides access to the upper docking bays and the inspection chamber behind the wheel pit.
We were back at Ridd this week with virtually a full team of volunteers. Our main aim was to open up the original route of the canal beyond the upper docking bays and to follow the line of the canal to the point where it intersects with the Tarka Trail. We have not had the time or resources to properly explore this area in the past which has become badly overgrown. The prospect of opening up this section clearly motivated the team who set to enthusiastically with a variety of cutting tools to take on this considerable challenge. While this work was going on, the rest of the team made a start on clearing the area around the picnic table which provides access to the upper docking bays and the inspection chamber behind the wheel pit.
Cleared area above wheel pit
Our volunteers had clearly had an extra portion of Weetabix as, by the end of the morning, we had cut our way through some 50 metres of dense vegetation to reveal the old canal bed. The earth embankment on the right hand side is clearly visible and for the first time in many years it was possible to see the full curve of the canal leading away towards Torrington – a remarkable achievement in such a short space of time.
Into the jungle!
Exposed canal bed
We were also very please to see that the Environment Agency has made a start on repairing the damaged floor of the former stable building. The repair has been effected with compacted earth and lime and has substantially improved the condition of the building.
Repaired floor of the stable building
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday morning at Ridd. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237-475707) for more information.
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APPRENTICE CRANE OPERATORS IN WAITING? - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 20th July 2024
On Friday July 19th 2024, Trevor arrived at my house ready to get to work at Sea Lock. It was our intention to sort out the problem with the safety pawl on the RB22 which was not functioning. Last week we had started the RB’s engine and rattled various controls and levers in an attempt to get it working to no avail. The lever which activates the safety pawl is set to the left hand side of the operator’s cab. At the bottom is a linkage which passes through the side of the cab into the engine’s interior. We had given this lever a good waggling one way or another making a considerable racket but had not solved the problem. On Thursday (18th) I decided to have another go to see if, by any remarkable chance, anything had changed. I started the engine and drove the crane forwards and backwards a few times, raised and lowered the boom and rotated the cab. All very noisy and bumpy. Still no change. 
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A few years ago, an adventurous bird had built a nest inside the cab on the floor right next to the safety pawl’s linkage. A robin, I think. Sadly, but hardly surprisingly this was soon abandoned. Having fiddled with the lever, I glanced at the old nest site and was astonished when a little beak opened wide from inside it! The nest had been reoccupied.
I switched everything off and locked up the crane. On the Friday morning, I told Trevor about the nest and said that it had probably put paid to our intentions to sort out the mechanical problems. However, when we quietly had a look at the nest, there were no signs of life within it and we guessed that the parents had abandoned it and their chicks.
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I wanted to cast another coper so whilst I set about that, Trevor continued removing the assorted furniture from the damaged gates. This highlighted just how rotten the timbers had become.
Having finished casting my block, I suggested that we check the nest once again and if the fledglings were dead then we could resume repair work. To our amazement, not just one open beak was showing but two others. The fledglings were alive and well! Once again we quietly left the crane.
Having finished casting my block, I suggested that we check the nest once again and if the fledglings were dead then we could resume repair work. To our amazement, not just one open beak was showing but two others. The fledglings were alive and well! Once again we quietly left the crane.
The question of what species the fledglings were was soon answered as we watched a pair of Pied Wagtails flitting about and eventually going into the crane to feed their chicks. I think there are actually five chicks in total!
The adults were kept very busy and we watched them go into the crane and fly out again many times. By this time in the afternoon, the temperature had risen considerably so it was pleasant to sit in the shade of the loft/museum and watch these little birds go about their business.
The problem of the safety pawl has not been resolved yet, but I am delighted that the crane is providing a safe nesting site for the Wagtails.
The adults were kept very busy and we watched them go into the crane and fly out again many times. By this time in the afternoon, the temperature had risen considerably so it was pleasant to sit in the shade of the loft/museum and watch these little birds go about their business.
The problem of the safety pawl has not been resolved yet, but I am delighted that the crane is providing a safe nesting site for the Wagtails.
ROLLE CANAL REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 17th July 2024
In a welcome change of scenery, the team assembled at Beam this week to undertake clearance work around the roving bridge and along the towpath in preparation for the next guided walk on 12th August. This is an area which has often been neglected in the past as we have focussed our efforts on Rosemoor and Ridd. However, with our restoration work at Rosemoor now complete, we hope to be able to spend more time maintaining the Furzebeam section.
In a welcome change of scenery, the team assembled at Beam this week to undertake clearance work around the roving bridge and along the towpath in preparation for the next guided walk on 12th August. This is an area which has often been neglected in the past as we have focussed our efforts on Rosemoor and Ridd. However, with our restoration work at Rosemoor now complete, we hope to be able to spend more time maintaining the Furzebeam section.
Roving bridge prior to clearance work
Roving bridge after clearance work
The area around the roving bridge was very overgrown although perhaps not as badly as we expected, largely thanks to the efforts of Clinton Devon Estates who carried out some much needed clearance work in the Spring. Some of the team set to work cutting back the vegetation which had encroached onto the access paths to the bridge and removing the bindweed which was threatening to overwhelm the north parapet. The rest of the team concentrated on strimming the towpath towards Torrington, cutting back vegetation and removing some of the young saplings growing in the canal bed. This is a perennial problem as, unfortunately, the canal bed provides a fertile growing environment for sycamore, holly, hazel and the like.
Clearing access path to roving bridge
We encountered one more major problem in the shape of a large oak which has fallen and whose roots have damaged another section of the embankment wall. This will require repair at some point. Photos of the canal taken in the late nineteenth century show that the valley sides around Furzebeam were completely devoid of trees. The difference over the last century and a half since the canal closed is striking. The wooded slopes of the river Torridge are beautiful but trees growing in – and falling over – the canal are a real nuisance. Something the original navvies did not have to contend with!
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday morning at Ridd and at Rosemoor. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237-475707) for more information.
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday morning at Ridd and at Rosemoor. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237-475707) for more information.
Parapet of roving bridge before clearing
Parapet of roving bridge after clearing
Tow rope grooves in bridge
NOT WHERE WE THOUGHT IT WAS! - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 17th July 2024
On Wednesday July 10th 2024, the 360°excavator operator returned to Sea Lock to continue removing silt from the upper wharf basin. Whilst doing this he removed material from where we assumed the wharf finished and the canal proper began. This proved not to be the case. The buried wall continues further into the woods with no sign of coming to an end. More excavating is required but also a tree will need to be felled first. That’s for another day.
On Wednesday July 10th 2024, the 360°excavator operator returned to Sea Lock to continue removing silt from the upper wharf basin. Whilst doing this he removed material from where we assumed the wharf finished and the canal proper began. This proved not to be the case. The buried wall continues further into the woods with no sign of coming to an end. More excavating is required but also a tree will need to be felled first. That’s for another day.
On Tuesday July 16th 2024, there were five of us working away on the site. Previously we had prepared space for at least another four copers to be laid but I had only had the opportunity to cast three beforehand and they were still very ‘green’. Nevertheless, Steve and Nick gave their attention to bedding them in place. I carried on rebuilding damaged wall whilst Jeremy spent more time down on his knees, repointing stonework lower down the wall.
Michael, having returned from his wanderings, worked with Tony moving a pile of facing stone much further along the top of the wall to where it would be required later on. The wheelbarrow that they were using was in rather a sorry state. Having spent much time in transporting concrete, stones rubble and silt, it was very battered and the bolts holding the tub to the frame had rusted through. Later in the day, a moment’s silence was held when the faithful old workmate finally gave up the ghost and the tub parted company from its frame. This is the third wheelbarrow to have expired whilst working on the site.
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Work continued at a pace throughout the day and a great deal was achieved. Having completed most of the repointing reached from the end of the scaffold lift, Jeremy set about extending it, helped by Michael. Tony had to depart early due to another commitment.
Although there is now even more wall to be repaired, we have just about reached the halfway point and space for another five copers has been prepared. All I need to do now is cast them!
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NOT SOFT ROCK BUT CERTAINLY HEAVY METAL! - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 13th July 2024
On Friday July 12th 2024 I was joined at Sea Lock by my friend, Trevor. While he spent time sorting a mechanical problem with my sickle-bar mower, I put together the shuttering for another coper and began the process of filling it with mortar. Having completed his task, Trevor then had a go at working the mower to ensure that all was properly operational. He soon discovered what a beast it is! Since my back was twinging rather unpleasantly, I decided not to cast a second coper but turned my attention to the Ruston Bucyrus crane. I had not run it for a while but had recently had to recharge its batteries. It started easily so I then decided to move a bag of concrete ballast from where it had been stored, to next to where the mixer was normally worked. Between us, Trevor and I hooked up the bag and began moving it. This was not a problem but I discovered that the safety pawl, which when engaged prevents the boom from lowering or accidentally falling, was not working. This has to be investigated and rectified soon since it is a potential hazard. |
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Following lunch and a light shower of rain, we couldn’t decide what to do next. We didn’t want to start anything major but thought that we could dismantle some of the winding gear on the gates which had been lifted out of the lock chamber.
Some very large ring and socket spanners were employed to loosen the nuts and bolts holding things together. Surprisingly most of the nuts unscrewed quite easily. However withdrawing the bolts, which retained the gearing, proved to be rather more difficult. Steel and oak do not make for good friends! The tannin in oak reacts with steel making it rust. Rusted steel expands so the bolts were very tight inside their holes. A large and heavy hammer, along with steel wedges and big crowbars eventually overcame the difficulty and the winding gear was finally dismantled and removed. This was only from one gate. The other still has to be done but that is for another day!
Some very large ring and socket spanners were employed to loosen the nuts and bolts holding things together. Surprisingly most of the nuts unscrewed quite easily. However withdrawing the bolts, which retained the gearing, proved to be rather more difficult. Steel and oak do not make for good friends! The tannin in oak reacts with steel making it rust. Rusted steel expands so the bolts were very tight inside their holes. A large and heavy hammer, along with steel wedges and big crowbars eventually overcame the difficulty and the winding gear was finally dismantled and removed. This was only from one gate. The other still has to be done but that is for another day!
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RIDD RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 10th July 2024
A small team assembled at Ridd this week to continue with work on our restoration project.
Our Chairman arrived in a very gung-ho frame of mind intent on removing a huge tree stump growing out of the western boundary wall of the canal near the wheel pit. We had done a little exploratory digging around the stump last week and decided that this was a job which required horse- rather than man- power and our Chairman gamely volunteered to bring his Landrover onto site to do the job. Reversing the Landrover onto site proved tricky but, once in position, we wrapped a sturdy strap around the stump, attached this to the Landrover and then stood well back! Against all expectation, the stump was hauled out with surprising ease leaving a large crater behind. Above this we found what seems to be a decent coping stone – evidence that the top of the wall may have been properly capped originally. We think, however, that most of the good stone was, sadly, purloined for the construction of the railway.
A small team assembled at Ridd this week to continue with work on our restoration project.
Our Chairman arrived in a very gung-ho frame of mind intent on removing a huge tree stump growing out of the western boundary wall of the canal near the wheel pit. We had done a little exploratory digging around the stump last week and decided that this was a job which required horse- rather than man- power and our Chairman gamely volunteered to bring his Landrover onto site to do the job. Reversing the Landrover onto site proved tricky but, once in position, we wrapped a sturdy strap around the stump, attached this to the Landrover and then stood well back! Against all expectation, the stump was hauled out with surprising ease leaving a large crater behind. Above this we found what seems to be a decent coping stone – evidence that the top of the wall may have been properly capped originally. We think, however, that most of the good stone was, sadly, purloined for the construction of the railway.
Pulling out the stump
A job well done
Removed stump
Stump hole with coping stone above
The rest of the morning was spent digging out the earth above the wall and exposing the foundation. Much of this is in reasonable condition and it may be possible to re-build on the base stonework.
Foundation wall exposed
We were delighted to see that the Environment Agency had cleared more of the vegetation at the base of the incline and around the stable block consolidating the work we had done previously. The site now looks terrific. The challenge will be maintaining it in this condition!
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday morning at Ridd and at Rosemoor. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237-475707) for more information.
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday morning at Ridd and at Rosemoor. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237-475707) for more information.
Front of stable block
Back of stable block
Base of incline
NOT COPING WELL TODAY! - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 10th July 2024
But moving ahead just the same.
Following a night of continuous heavy rain, Tuesday morning on July 9th 2024 had a distinctly damp feel to the atmosphere first thing and I was concerned that I might have to cancel the day’s working party at Sea Lock. As it happened, the rain held off and although it was still very humid and overcast for much of the time, restoration work on the upper wharf wall was able to be continued.
But moving ahead just the same.
Following a night of continuous heavy rain, Tuesday morning on July 9th 2024 had a distinctly damp feel to the atmosphere first thing and I was concerned that I might have to cancel the day’s working party at Sea Lock. As it happened, the rain held off and although it was still very humid and overcast for much of the time, restoration work on the upper wharf wall was able to be continued.
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Steve, Nick and I were ready to get to grips with tasks to be undertaken but ‘breaking the mould’, we did not start the day by manoeuvring and laying into place new copers. This was due to the fact that I had not previously cast any and the top of the restored section of wall was not ready to receive any.
Nick prepared a batch of concrete mix so that I could back-fill a large cavity in the wall and then the rest was used to create a buffer behind the previously laid copers.
Nick prepared a batch of concrete mix so that I could back-fill a large cavity in the wall and then the rest was used to create a buffer behind the previously laid copers.
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Despite the heavy and humid weather conditions, a great deal of wharf wall was repaired and repointed. Whilst Steve and I worked on the masonry, Nick used the Kubota to transport mortar to us and to level the track behind the wall.
Having the Kubota has proved to be a vital piece of equipment for our needs. As the wall repairs progress, so does the distance from where the cement mixer, sand and cement are stored. Moving mortar and concrete from where it is mixed to where it is required by barrow, would now be exceedingly time consuming, tiring and tedious. The front-end bucket of the Kubota makes all this relatively effortless! 
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At the end of a hot and sweaty day’s work, the repaired wall has been extended considerably and will accommodate another 4 or maybe 5 copers. I will have to get busy over the next few days casting more.
ROLLE CANAL SOCIETY GUIDED WALK - SEA LOCK AND THE CANAL MUSEUM, ANNERY KILN - Saturday 6th July – 2:30pm
From the car park next to the Annery lime kiln the walk goes along the line of the canal to Sea Lock where the canal joins the tidal River Torridge.
This is an opportunity to see the restoration work on the lock where in the nineteenth century river barges could enter the canal basin. A specially constructed traditional canal-side building houses an archive of photographs and canal artifacts. The walk will be led by Adrian Wills.
This site was the subject of an article in the last edition of the Crier and which describes the catastrophic failure of the inner lock gates. Come and see the damage for yourself.
The distance is less than 2 miles. Please be at Annery Kiln by 2:30pm. Individuals take part at their own risk and must take responsibility for their own safety at all times. The income from the small charge of £2 per person on the guided walks makes a valuable contribution to the Society's work in improving access along the canal and providing interpretation of the major features.
Please note that dogs, even on leads, are discouraged.
From the car park next to the Annery lime kiln the walk goes along the line of the canal to Sea Lock where the canal joins the tidal River Torridge.
This is an opportunity to see the restoration work on the lock where in the nineteenth century river barges could enter the canal basin. A specially constructed traditional canal-side building houses an archive of photographs and canal artifacts. The walk will be led by Adrian Wills.
This site was the subject of an article in the last edition of the Crier and which describes the catastrophic failure of the inner lock gates. Come and see the damage for yourself.
The distance is less than 2 miles. Please be at Annery Kiln by 2:30pm. Individuals take part at their own risk and must take responsibility for their own safety at all times. The income from the small charge of £2 per person on the guided walks makes a valuable contribution to the Society's work in improving access along the canal and providing interpretation of the major features.
Please note that dogs, even on leads, are discouraged.
ROLLE CANAL REPORT FROM SEA LOCK - by Tony Nicholls - 3rd July 2024
It was all hands to the pump (or - more accurately – Allen scythe, strimmers, lawn mowers and sundry sharp tools) to prepare Sea Lock for Saturday’s guided walk.
The principal task was to mow and strim the grassed areas open to the public and to give the site a general ‘spruce up’. Some careful hand weeding was done around the lock walkways to expose the pale Marland brickwork and a concerted attack was made on the sedges which have gradually invaded the northern end of the site.
With a full team on site, it is amazing what can be achieved and, by the end of the morning, the site was looking ‘ship shape and Bristol-fashion’ and ready to receive visitors.
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday morning at Ridd and at Rosemoor. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237-475707) for more information.
It was all hands to the pump (or - more accurately – Allen scythe, strimmers, lawn mowers and sundry sharp tools) to prepare Sea Lock for Saturday’s guided walk.
The principal task was to mow and strim the grassed areas open to the public and to give the site a general ‘spruce up’. Some careful hand weeding was done around the lock walkways to expose the pale Marland brickwork and a concerted attack was made on the sedges which have gradually invaded the northern end of the site.
With a full team on site, it is amazing what can be achieved and, by the end of the morning, the site was looking ‘ship shape and Bristol-fashion’ and ready to receive visitors.
Working parties are currently being held at 9.30am every Wednesday morning at Ridd and at Rosemoor. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237-475707) for more information.
Mown area around lock gates
Hand weeding brickwork
Strimming around outbuildings
Tidying up eastern side of lock
Cleaned Sea Lock sign
Spruced up site
BULGING BICEPS AND MUD WRESTLING - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 3rd July 2024
It was another very productive day at Sea Lock on Tuesday, July 2nd 2024.
Although there were only four of us working on site we have progressed the rebuilding of the upper wharf wall considerably and have certainly reached the half-way point. The day started with a tidy-up in that scaffold boards and the recently delivered load of facing stone had to be relocated, in order to clear the top of the wall for access of the Kubota. While Steve, Nick and Jeremy were involved in this, I was down in the wharf basin, moving scaffold poles which had been dismantled last week, to where they were next to be reassembled. Fortunately, the surface was very dry and with no sticky mud.
It was another very productive day at Sea Lock on Tuesday, July 2nd 2024.
Although there were only four of us working on site we have progressed the rebuilding of the upper wharf wall considerably and have certainly reached the half-way point. The day started with a tidy-up in that scaffold boards and the recently delivered load of facing stone had to be relocated, in order to clear the top of the wall for access of the Kubota. While Steve, Nick and Jeremy were involved in this, I was down in the wharf basin, moving scaffold poles which had been dismantled last week, to where they were next to be reassembled. Fortunately, the surface was very dry and with no sticky mud.
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Nick soon had a load of mortar mixed and brought it and one of the two copers I had cast last week, over to where we were working. Steve and Nick took little time in laying the coper and mortaring it into place. The second was shortly to follow. I spent time rebuilding holes in the wall whilst Jeremy continued repointing gaps between stones in a variety of places.
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Sticking out of the bed of the basin nearby was a very large stone, which was showing a good face on. I decided to retrieve it and duly dug it out. It proved to be a good shape on all its faces but too heavy for me to lift. We debated attaching a lifting strop to it and use the Kubota to raise it but the tractor was already in use on other tasks. I managed to move it a short way but ‘rolling’ it end over end at which point Jeremy flexed his muscles, walked over to the stone and calmly picked it up! Having carried it over to the scaffolding, he and Steven then lifted the stone onto a bed of mortar that Steve had just prepared. It filled a considerable gap. It was followed by some other large stones although not quite so big and heavy. What with this and the laying of the second coper, the restored wall was progressing rapidly.
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With the bed of the upper basin being so dry and hard, I suggested to Nick that if we could get the Kubota down onto it he could move some of the spoil heaps that were waiting there. Having supplied us with plenty of mortar, he then set about preparing a ramp down from the side of the wharf utilising a pile of dredgings. Having spent quite some time shifting these spoils around he discovered that the underlying material was still very soft and the Kubota got well and truly bogged down.
Following a break for lunch, Steve, Nick and I tried extricating the Kubota, initially with little success. However, having tried various different approaches, with the pulling power of the little grey Fergie tractor, the Kubota was eventually pulled free. Now we will just have to wait patiently until the contractor arrives to finish the job with his tracked excavator.
While we were involved with this distraction, Jeremy doggedly continued filling holes. By the end of the day, much progress was evident and we were well pleased with our efforts.
Following a break for lunch, Steve, Nick and I tried extricating the Kubota, initially with little success. However, having tried various different approaches, with the pulling power of the little grey Fergie tractor, the Kubota was eventually pulled free. Now we will just have to wait patiently until the contractor arrives to finish the job with his tracked excavator.
While we were involved with this distraction, Jeremy doggedly continued filling holes. By the end of the day, much progress was evident and we were well pleased with our efforts.
