Work in Progress - Thursday 19th March

The main task today for the Thursday gang was to demolish and remove the temporary toilets from site. These buildings had served us well as the disabled and ladies toilets from 2003-2008 but have now been superseded by the permanent toilet block which was completed recently. Exmoor National Park planning agreement had required the toilet cabins to be removed as soon as possible.

With everyone standing well back, Martyn Budd demolished and flattened the 'ladies' toilet cabin in minutes with the mini digger. The gang then had to gradually strip and separate the polystryene and plasterboard insulation from the aluminum and steel frame before carrying it to the skips to be taken away off site tomorrow. After an early lunch in the glorious sunshine sitting outside for a change, the 'disabled' toilet was similarly dealt with by the gang. Then the laborious task of tidying up the site removing all the small pieces of insulation and preparing it for landscaping in the future.

1.  The portable cabins prior to their destruction.

2 & 3.The digger demolishes the former 'ladies toilet' cabin.

4.  A pile of rubble ready to be separated for disposal

5. Gradually clearing the remains off site

6. Nearly finished, the gang take a breather on the base remains

7. The gang pose by the cleared site

Other work on site today included further signalling work by the volunteers from the Talyllyn Railway. 
 

8. Installing concrete bases for the point rodding turn cranks

9  The TR gang working near the signal cabin

Inside the signal cabin a new track diagram has been installed reflecting the recent changes and current and near future signalling arrangements. The point and signal levers have all been painted and given their new label plates.

10. The Woody Bay Track and Signalling diagram

11. Inside the signal cabin and 

12. Close up of the levers and their label plates

Next week the friendly Thursday gang will be constructing a wooden fence with rail posts along the bank opposite the coaling stage. This will form the shed visitors'viewing area.

As always, new volunteers are welcome to join us, any time from 10am, with a relaxed lunch break possibly sitting outside like today!

13. The Thursday gang enjoying their al fresco by the site hut

 Photos: Nigel Thompson