Work in progress: 13th June

As our roving reporter Nigel Thompson is away on his travels , Thursday regular Dave Bloomfield is our scribe and photographer this week.

I left Pilton in Barnstaple for Woody Bay this morning with breezy winds and showers. When I arrived at Woody Bay half an hour later I was met with very strong winds and horizontal rain. Very unusual (T.I.C.) Our first task was a trip to Chelfham Station to move some equipment about. There the weather was much kinder due to the shelter of the trees. Task completed we returned to Woody Bay in time for lunch. The weather had improved while we were away the wind had dropped to dry and breezy with the sun out.

Lunch over we continued the fencing job we commenced before the Spring Gala. This time apposite the entrance to the car park area. This involved Martyn Budd and the digger with the auger attachment. Ten concrete fence posts were put in in the time it took us to do one by hand before. Thanks again to all those who contributed towards the purchase of this fantastic asset.

It was great to see AXE back in steam pulling the Thorpe Park carriages following its repairs and repaint. Once the lining has been completed it will look great again. Well done to all concerned.

The engine today was AXE.- Train Crew: Driver Pete Williams, visiting Fireman Geoff Loynes, Guard Bob Ayres and Trainee Guard Richard Jones.  Ticket Office and Shop Staff: Dave Tooke and Tony Cross. Tea Rooms: Judy Williams and Irene Cross

1. AXE returns from Killington Lane.

2. Tony Cross and Dave Tooke behind the counter at a quiet time.

3. Fencing team Jim McFarlane, Jim Pounds, Dave Evans, John O'Dell, Roger Bye, Martyn Budd in digger and myself Dave Bloomfield behind the camera.

4. Another view of the "fencing team" - not the Olympic Sport sort.

5. AXE departing with the last train of the day with a Shearings Coach Party.