August News
GUIDED WALK – TADDIPORT AND TORRINGTON COMMONS – Sunday 3rd September 2023
The headquarters of the Rolle Canal Company was at Taddiport and several of the associated buildings and structures can be seen here. From the entrance of the old milk factory, the route proceeds along the "Rolle Road", a bridleway which is actually the fairly intact bed of the Rolle Canal, through Torrington Commons. Then, via the back street "ginnels" off Mill Street, down to the beautiful Torridge-side meadows and back to Taddiport Bridge. A fascinating mixture of nature, past industrial sites, proposed developments and efforts to safeguard ecology.
No booking is required – all are welcome. A £2 donation will be requested towards the work of the Rolle Canal Society.
Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 3rd September at the entrance to the Old Dairy, by Taddiport Bridge. The walk will be led by Tony Barnes and Mick Reynolds. The distance is about 1.5 miles.
The headquarters of the Rolle Canal Company was at Taddiport and several of the associated buildings and structures can be seen here. From the entrance of the old milk factory, the route proceeds along the "Rolle Road", a bridleway which is actually the fairly intact bed of the Rolle Canal, through Torrington Commons. Then, via the back street "ginnels" off Mill Street, down to the beautiful Torridge-side meadows and back to Taddiport Bridge. A fascinating mixture of nature, past industrial sites, proposed developments and efforts to safeguard ecology.
No booking is required – all are welcome. A £2 donation will be requested towards the work of the Rolle Canal Society.
Meet at 2.30pm on Sunday 3rd September at the entrance to the Old Dairy, by Taddiport Bridge. The walk will be led by Tony Barnes and Mick Reynolds. The distance is about 1.5 miles.
ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 30th August 2023
We were unable to do much at Rosemoor last week as a result of an HGV catching fire on the A386 just outside Torrington. The road was closed which meant substantial detours via either Taddiport or High Bullen/St Giles in the Wood. Only a handful of volunteers managed to navigate their way through the labyrinth of back lanes to site so the day was fairly unproductive. Thankfully, this week there were no obstructions and we had a reasonable turnout. Our focus continues to be the rebuild of the lime kiln wall. Progress is being hampered by the scarcity of good stone but we succeeded in laying another course during the morning. A further supply of stone is expected next week.
We were unable to do much at Rosemoor last week as a result of an HGV catching fire on the A386 just outside Torrington. The road was closed which meant substantial detours via either Taddiport or High Bullen/St Giles in the Wood. Only a handful of volunteers managed to navigate their way through the labyrinth of back lanes to site so the day was fairly unproductive. Thankfully, this week there were no obstructions and we had a reasonable turnout. Our focus continues to be the rebuild of the lime kiln wall. Progress is being hampered by the scarcity of good stone but we succeeded in laying another course during the morning. A further supply of stone is expected next week.
Repairing the lime kiln wall
Another course laid
Elsewhere, we mowed the ‘lawn’ in front of the kiln which was becoming quite unkempt. Whilst not of Wimbledon quality, the cut has definitely improved its appearance. The towpath along the lower basin was also mowed in an effort to keep Nature at bay and we carried out some much-needed hand weeding on the wharfside path.
RHS Rosemoor have kindly put in place a layer of substrate/hard core on the tow path adjacent to the upper basin. This will eventually be filled with finer chippings to make a pleasant walkway alongside the canal basin.
RHS Rosemoor have kindly put in place a layer of substrate/hard core on the tow path adjacent to the upper basin. This will eventually be filled with finer chippings to make a pleasant walkway alongside the canal basin.
The 'lawn' after mowing
The towpath after mowing
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Weeding the wharfside path
Substrate in place on towpath
Working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information. |
GOING UP AND GOING DOWN! - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 30th August 2023
There was a flurry of activity at Sea Lock on Tuesday (29.08.23). Steve and Nick arrived bright and early as usual. We were a little concerned about the weather forecast since rain was due to start falling later in the day. By the time we had walked to the site we were joined by Mick, followed not long after by Michael and Tony.
Before we could begin any rebuilding a pile of facing stone delivered, a couple of days earlier, had to be moved since it was blocking access to where we needed to be. Once that was achieved, mortar was mixed by Nick and brought over in the Kubota front bucket and Steve and I got down onto the scaffold lift to start laying stones. Mick continued removing debris from the wall and had to lift off another monster stone, which was very loose. It was hoped that we would not have to disturb it from where it was, but it had other ideas.
Before we could begin any rebuilding a pile of facing stone delivered, a couple of days earlier, had to be moved since it was blocking access to where we needed to be. Once that was achieved, mortar was mixed by Nick and brought over in the Kubota front bucket and Steve and I got down onto the scaffold lift to start laying stones. Mick continued removing debris from the wall and had to lift off another monster stone, which was very loose. It was hoped that we would not have to disturb it from where it was, but it had other ideas.
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Eventually all the crumbling mortar had been removed from where this stone was, so all we had to do is to provide it with a bed of mortar and put it back! It took both Mick and I to lift it back onto the wall. The task being made much more difficult because not only was it very heavy, it was wet and slippery. Finally, it was reinstated and soon surrounded by new masonry.
While Steve and I were rebuilding, Nick and Mick kept us supplied with mortar and sorted suitable stones for our requirements when necessary. Michael and Tony had retired to the far end of the wall where they continued the process of uncovering the copers we had discovered there.
Unfortunately our suspicions about the stability of these stones are proving to be correct. They are delaminating badly and are severely fractured in places.
While Steve and I were rebuilding, Nick and Mick kept us supplied with mortar and sorted suitable stones for our requirements when necessary. Michael and Tony had retired to the far end of the wall where they continued the process of uncovering the copers we had discovered there.
Unfortunately our suspicions about the stability of these stones are proving to be correct. They are delaminating badly and are severely fractured in places.
Later in the day, we were joined by our digger driver who arrived in his tractor towing a dumper trailer. He set about digging out the spoil heaps he had made along the bank of the wharf area and filling the trailer, which he then emptied further down the wharf on the field side, widening the bank.
One draw-back of his work was that he had to operate the swing shovel and the tractor and trailer which meant keep swopping from one machine to the other, a rather tedious and time consuming process.
However, by the time he knocked off for the day he had removed 20 loads (about 5 tons each) and made a very good job of it.
One draw-back of his work was that he had to operate the swing shovel and the tractor and trailer which meant keep swopping from one machine to the other, a rather tedious and time consuming process.
However, by the time he knocked off for the day he had removed 20 loads (about 5 tons each) and made a very good job of it.
The wall was going up and the silt was going down. The weather mucked us about during the day, but we didn’t get too wet and never-the-less great progress was made.
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A BIT LIKE REMEDIAL DENTISTRY - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 28th August 2023
A large cavity in the upper wharf wall at Sea Lock has been the cause for concern for a while. It resulted from the removal of a substantial tree boll, which had been growing out of the side of the wall. The roots of this tree had undermined the masonry, loosening it dramatically and in some cases causing the faces of some of the front stones to split and flake off. How this cavity was going to be filled was something of a quandary. On Tuesday (22.08.23), Steve and Nick duly arrived at my house ready for action. The first task of the day was to lay and mortar into place not one but three coping blocks. I had cast these a few days earlier and had already placed one of them on the wall, ready to be levelled and mortared in. Nick got busy with the cement mixer and Steve levered the first block into its final position. While they were involved in this, we were joined by Mick, who normally works with the RC&NDWS volunteers on a Wednesday, at Rosemoor. Finding some spare time on his hands, he decided to help out at Sea Lock for the day. Since the section of wall we are now working on is so far away from the cement mixer and aggregates, rather than tediously trundle wheelbarrows full of mortar all the way over, it was decided to empty the mixes into the front bucket of the Kubota and drive them. The Kubota was being used to carry the copers over anyway so two jobs could be done together, saving time and a great deal of effort. |
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Mick set about removing crumbling mortar and loose stones from the cavity, making it even bigger! As has been mentioned before, it is an unfortunate fact that much unstable masonry has to be demolished before rebuilding can be undertaken.
The cavity was getting bigger and deeper so eventually the scaffold board nearest it had to be lifted off so access to the lower part of the hole was made easier. A decision was made to place some shuttering along the front edge of the cavity and fill it with concrete. This would fill some of the very awkward spaces and would provide a strong, stable platform on which to build upwards. Since this is very low on the wall, it will not be very obvious as cast concrete rather than stonework especially once it has been inundated with muddy water a few times.
The cavity was getting bigger and deeper so eventually the scaffold board nearest it had to be lifted off so access to the lower part of the hole was made easier. A decision was made to place some shuttering along the front edge of the cavity and fill it with concrete. This would fill some of the very awkward spaces and would provide a strong, stable platform on which to build upwards. Since this is very low on the wall, it will not be very obvious as cast concrete rather than stonework especially once it has been inundated with muddy water a few times.
Two scaffold boards were temporarily wedged into place and the space behind filled with concrete. The concrete mix was quite stiff and setting quickly, which enabled Steve to lay a course of stones on top. I was working a little further along the wall, laying stones back towards where he was working. Although we are running short of suitable facing stones, we do have some very large ones which we will be able to lay on the newly concreted section and will help fill the cavity quickly. Getting these stones on to the wall will prove to be a little taxing though, methinks! But that’s for another day.
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This day had proved to be satisfying and very productive. A solution to the problem of the cavity has been found and it is hoped that now it can be quickly filled in.
ORIGINAL PAINTING OF SEA LOCK BY PETE NEWELL
The well-known professional local artist Pete Newell has generously donated a painting of Sea Lock, valued in excess of £300, to raise money for the Rolle Canal Society. We are using it to raise funds by inviting sealed bids, the process to run until 30th November 2023, just in time for Christmas.
The well-known professional local artist Pete Newell has generously donated a painting of Sea Lock, valued in excess of £300, to raise money for the Rolle Canal Society. We are using it to raise funds by inviting sealed bids, the process to run until 30th November 2023, just in time for Christmas.
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Pete exhibits widely, including at The Burton Gallery and recently had a one man show at RHS Rosemoor. You can visit his website at www.petenewellpaintings.uk The framed and ready to hang acrylic painting is on canvas, with good quality stretchers 45cm by 30cm. Sealed bids marked ‘Painting’ should be sent to the Society Secretary: Tony Nicholls Valderia Torrington Lane Bideford EX39 4BT Don’t forget to include your contact details with the amount you are willing to pay in your envelope. 
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 16th August 2023
After last week’s working party at Sea Lock, we returned to Rosemoor this week to continue our restoration of the west wall of the lime kiln.
The wall at this point is about three feet thick and it is evident that a great deal of infill will be required to pack the void behind the finished wall. The scale of the task is quite daunting and will require several tons of stone to complete. The stone we are using is not the best quality walling stone but we are making steady progress and further courses of stone were laid during the morning. Only another six feet to go!
After last week’s working party at Sea Lock, we returned to Rosemoor this week to continue our restoration of the west wall of the lime kiln.
The wall at this point is about three feet thick and it is evident that a great deal of infill will be required to pack the void behind the finished wall. The scale of the task is quite daunting and will require several tons of stone to complete. The stone we are using is not the best quality walling stone but we are making steady progress and further courses of stone were laid during the morning. Only another six feet to go!
Footnote: an environmentalist from RHS Rosemoor has observed spotted flycatchers nesting in crevices of the lime kiln wall a little further down from where we are working. We are considering creating some purpose-built holes at the top of the repaired wall which may encourage other flycatchers to nest in the structure.
Working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information.
A LITTLE BIT OF THIS AND A LITTLE BIT OF THAT - Sea Lock report by Adrian Wills - 16th August 2023
The first task undertaken by Steve, Nick and me at Sea Lock on Tuesday (15.08.23) was to dismantle two gazebos, which had been erected for the Rolle 200 celebrations. Having done that, attention was returned to rebuilding walls. Nick organised the supply of mortar for Steve and I began filling shuttering I had already prepared, for casting another coper. Next, I sorted through our dwindling stone pile for pieces suitable for facing. Our stock is now very low and a visit to a quarry is imminent. Having produced a barrow full of mortar, Nick then started up, drove over the Kubota tractor, and began filling the void behind the wall where we had laid the last two copers.
The first task undertaken by Steve, Nick and me at Sea Lock on Tuesday (15.08.23) was to dismantle two gazebos, which had been erected for the Rolle 200 celebrations. Having done that, attention was returned to rebuilding walls. Nick organised the supply of mortar for Steve and I began filling shuttering I had already prepared, for casting another coper. Next, I sorted through our dwindling stone pile for pieces suitable for facing. Our stock is now very low and a visit to a quarry is imminent. Having produced a barrow full of mortar, Nick then started up, drove over the Kubota tractor, and began filling the void behind the wall where we had laid the last two copers.
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By this time, Tony and Michael had arrived and continued investigating stonework at the far end of the wharf. Having removed a substantial amount of debris from the top of the wall, it became obvious that the top stones were indeed copers. They are very large. However, the quality of the stone is very poor. When we eventually reach the point of repairing the wall around them, they will require lifting and rebedding to level them. Whether we can do that without the copers shattering is unlikely so I will probably have to cast even more replicas.
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The afternoon was spent dismantling the large marquee, which had also been put up for Rolle 200. We couldn’t take the gazebos and marquee down earlier since we had to wait for them to dry out, following the heavy rain fall over previous days. The weather now was very bright, sunny and very warm which was very pleasant.
The site is now back to normal and awaiting delivery of more stone.
The site is now back to normal and awaiting delivery of more stone.
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'ROLLE 200' SEA LOCK OPEN DAY Report by Adrian Wills - 14th August 2023 On Saturday (12.08.23), an Open Day was held at Sea Lock on Lord Rolle’s Canal to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the beginning of construction of the canal, as well as the 20th anniversary of the formation of the Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society. Volunteers from the RC&NDWS had spent time on previous days to prepare the site for visitors, by assembling a marquee and gazebos as well as mowing grass, erecting displays and putting up information signs. Much advertising of the event had gone out to the public in the form of fliers in nearby towns and villages. Copy was provided for local newspaper coverage and for inclusion on the society’s Facebook page. There was some last minute work to do on the day, but by the time of opening at 2.00pm, visitors were arriving thick and fast. At 2.30 the event was begun with a medley of music performed by a group of players from the Bideford Pipe Band, looking resplendent in their kilts and tartans. |
Hilary & Adrian Wills
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Ready for the celebrations to begin
At 3.00 the chair of the RC&NDWS, Ian Harrison, formally welcomed all attending and introduced them to Cllr. Doug Bushby, Chair of Torridge District Council, who unveiled a small plaque commemorating the occasion. Also attending were the Mayor of Bideford, Cllr. Jamie McKenzie and the Mayor of Great Torrington, Cllr. Doug Smith.
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Lord Clinton, a descendant of Lord Rolle, was invited but due to other commitments, was unable to attend. However, John Varley, his Land Agent was present as his representative. John was very impressed and took many photographs to show Lord Clinton.
Similarly, representatives of the Bude Canal & Harbour Society, as well as the Stover Canal Society were invited, but for various reasons were unable to attend, which was a pity.
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As well as displays of images of the canal being on show, there was a Powerpoint slide presentation showing aspects of the canal, historic and present day.
A Ruston Bucyrus 22 and a Priestman Cub crawler cranes were on view at the site, as were an old ‘Grey Fergie’ and T35 Ferguson tractors. Underneath the interpretation loft / museum is a Crossley Reed Cutting Launch. All these vintage machines attracted a great deal of attention and interest.
Members of the Tarka Valley Railway had a small display as well as volunteers from the Appledore Maritime Museum. The proprietors of Heritage Lime and Cob were present and provided a demonstration of the uses of lime putty. Their company supplies the Sea Lock restoration work with hydraulic lime.
Members of the Tarka Valley Railway had a small display as well as volunteers from the Appledore Maritime Museum. The proprietors of Heritage Lime and Cob were present and provided a demonstration of the uses of lime putty. Their company supplies the Sea Lock restoration work with hydraulic lime.
The early part of the day was not promising due to very strong winds blowing and frequent squalls of rain. Despite the weather being somewhat contrary, most of the afternoon remained fairly dry and there was plenty of shelter available when the rain did fall. Over 120 people attended the event and provided a great deal of interesting conversation. Many complimentary comments were made about what an informative and fascinating event had been put on.
Although there was no entry fee charged for the day, the RC&NDWS benefitted by a considerable amount of financial donations.
All in all, the day was considered a great success and very productive in terms of promoting Lord Rolle’s Canal and the work of the RC&NDWS.
Although there was no entry fee charged for the day, the RC&NDWS benefitted by a considerable amount of financial donations.
All in all, the day was considered a great success and very productive in terms of promoting Lord Rolle’s Canal and the work of the RC&NDWS.
DAMP BUT NOT DISHEARTENED - Sea Lock report from Adrian Wills - 10th August 2023
The weather on Tuesday (08.08.23) tried hard to disrupt work at Sea Lock. Although not heavy, the rain fell as drizzle for most of the day. Steve, Nick and I began work by manoeuvring two copers on to the wall nearby where we are slowly rebuilding a very badly damaged section. A large tree root had been removed from here leaving a big hole, a lot of loose soil and dislodged masonry. While Steve and Nick bedded down the copers, I began the process of dismantling the first lift of scaffolding that was no longer required. Tony, who had arrived shortly after us, spent the morning clearing a load of brash, which I had created the previous day when cutting down an area of invasive vegetation and overhanging branches along the perimeter fence. This area seems so much larger now.
The weather on Tuesday (08.08.23) tried hard to disrupt work at Sea Lock. Although not heavy, the rain fell as drizzle for most of the day. Steve, Nick and I began work by manoeuvring two copers on to the wall nearby where we are slowly rebuilding a very badly damaged section. A large tree root had been removed from here leaving a big hole, a lot of loose soil and dislodged masonry. While Steve and Nick bedded down the copers, I began the process of dismantling the first lift of scaffolding that was no longer required. Tony, who had arrived shortly after us, spent the morning clearing a load of brash, which I had created the previous day when cutting down an area of invasive vegetation and overhanging branches along the perimeter fence. This area seems so much larger now.
Once the scaffolding was dismantled and removed, I was able to get down into the basin and begin repointing some large gaps between the stonework where mortar had leached out. Steve continued rebuilding and Nick got an enormous amount of exercise mixing mortar and then trundling it in very full barrows, over to where it was required. This is not an easy task because as the rebuild of the wall continues the working area is getting further and further away from the mixer and aggregates.
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Unfortunately, it is necessary at times to demolish parts of the wall in order to get back to a stable foundation on which to rebuild. Steve had reached a point where a stone had to be lifted off the wall before he could make good. This was no mean feat since the stone was very large and heavy. In excess of 30kg at a guess. Replacing it back on the wall is going to be interesting!
Despite the rain earlier in the day, the weather improved and it was relatively sunny by the time we finished working. Progress continues to be made and we were pleased with our efforts.
On the following day (Wednesday 09.08.23), a number of RC&NDWS volunteers who would normally be working on other parts of the canal, joined my wife and me at Sea Lock to help prepare the site for the forthcoming ‘Rolle 200’ event on Saturday (12.08.23). Gazebos were erected, grass was cut, picnic tables moved and displays of pictures arranged. Things are looking good. Just a few more bits and pieces are needed to be done before the extravaganza.
COPING OR OTHERWISE? - Sea Lock report from Adrian Wills - 5th August 2023
On Tuesday (01.08.23) a variety of activities were undertaken at Sea Lock. Steve Nick and I organised the moving of another coper over to the wall where we were working. While they finished of laying the block and mortaring it into place, I cut up an old railway sleeper to be used as a bench for visitors to sit on.
On Tuesday (01.08.23) a variety of activities were undertaken at Sea Lock. Steve Nick and I organised the moving of another coper over to the wall where we were working. While they finished of laying the block and mortaring it into place, I cut up an old railway sleeper to be used as a bench for visitors to sit on.
Tony and Michael carried some scaffolding poles and boards back to the storage shed since they were superfluous. I then strimmed an area where the bench was to be while Tony and Michael cleaned up the lengths of sleeper before finally setting them in place.
Having completed that job, they tidied away some fencing rails and turned their attention to the far end of the wharf wall where they thought some coping stones had been uncovered when the contractor last used his excavator there. They cleared a considerable amount of ivy and bramble which was growing and over hanging these stones. These stones are without a doubt very large and sitting on top of the wall.
Having completed that job, they tidied away some fencing rails and turned their attention to the far end of the wharf wall where they thought some coping stones had been uncovered when the contractor last used his excavator there. They cleared a considerable amount of ivy and bramble which was growing and over hanging these stones. These stones are without a doubt very large and sitting on top of the wall.
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What is difficult to determine, at the moment, is whether they are copers. They certainly appear to be at the correct height and size, but they are of a very poor quality of stone – very slate like, unlike the very hard stone at the outer end of the wharf. The question will only be answered once they are fully exposed.
While all this was going on, Steve, Nick and I continued rebuilding. Steve was working on filling a very large hole, which was just below scaffold level, making him have to spend much time on his knees. I was working on a higher, much more comfortable level.
By the time we had had enough, a very pleasing amount of progress was made despite often awkward working conditions. As is ‘par for the course’ we are once again running short of cement, lime and good facing stone.
While all this was going on, Steve, Nick and I continued rebuilding. Steve was working on filling a very large hole, which was just below scaffold level, making him have to spend much time on his knees. I was working on a higher, much more comfortable level.
By the time we had had enough, a very pleasing amount of progress was made despite often awkward working conditions. As is ‘par for the course’ we are once again running short of cement, lime and good facing stone.
ROLLE CANAL SOCIETY AT HISTORY ALIVE! Report by Michael Elliott - 3rd August 2023
Last Saturday, three rough-looking navvies from the canal society, Tony, Ian and Michael, kept in order by young boatwoman Eliza in a fine bonnet, could be found at the Puffing Billy. Both morning and afternoon, visitors to the Great Torrington History Alive! day were escorted along the Furzebeam section of the canal, and regaled with tales of yore concerning the building of the canal, its principal cargoes of culm (coal) and limestone, and the mysteries of aqueducts, stop planks, passing places and roving bridges. As if to confirm the fine construction of the bonnet, only two days later, at the infamous Wolsey Show, it won first prize for its creator Kate.
Last Saturday, three rough-looking navvies from the canal society, Tony, Ian and Michael, kept in order by young boatwoman Eliza in a fine bonnet, could be found at the Puffing Billy. Both morning and afternoon, visitors to the Great Torrington History Alive! day were escorted along the Furzebeam section of the canal, and regaled with tales of yore concerning the building of the canal, its principal cargoes of culm (coal) and limestone, and the mysteries of aqueducts, stop planks, passing places and roving bridges. As if to confirm the fine construction of the bonnet, only two days later, at the infamous Wolsey Show, it won first prize for its creator Kate.
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ROSEMOOR RESTORATION REPORT by Tony Nicholls - 2nd August 2023
It was a decidedly wet day at Rosemoor today with steady rain for most of the morning. As it was impossible to do any masonry work on the lime kiln, we decided to make a start on installing the metal edging strips for the wharfside walk along the upper basin. The strips have been kindly donated by RHS Rosemoor. The ground is fairly uneven here so getting the level right proved rather difficult. However, after a bit of careful adjustment, we succeeded in pinning the first two edging strips. When finished, the area will be infilled with graded chippings to form what we hope will be a pleasant walk along the upper basin to the tucking mill.
It was a decidedly wet day at Rosemoor today with steady rain for most of the morning. As it was impossible to do any masonry work on the lime kiln, we decided to make a start on installing the metal edging strips for the wharfside walk along the upper basin. The strips have been kindly donated by RHS Rosemoor. The ground is fairly uneven here so getting the level right proved rather difficult. However, after a bit of careful adjustment, we succeeded in pinning the first two edging strips. When finished, the area will be infilled with graded chippings to form what we hope will be a pleasant walk along the upper basin to the tucking mill.
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Working parties are held every Wednesday morning, meeting in the main car park at RHS Rosemoor, Torrington at 9.30am. Please contact Project Manager, Ian Harrison (tel.01237- 475707) for more information.