Work in Progress: 14th February

Although it is St Valentine's Day today, most of the regular 'attached' volunteers were still able to escape the demands of their respective 'other halves' to attend yet another successful work party on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.

Several tasks were completed today, including a transfer of some restored signalling equipment to store away from Woody Bay, some access paths construction alongside the transhipment and headshunt sidings, some points and signal maintenance, some overhanging branch cutting down along the hedge between the car park and A39 road, and not forgetting the all important administration work involved in running the railway.

1. In the mess room Company Director Brom Bromidge works on the marketing strategy for 2013 by listing the SW based coach companies that offer day excursions possibly to include a visit to Woody Bay during the trip.

2. John Heys tips a barrowload of chippings to build up the pathway to the headshunt whilst John Villers sorts out a stick for Fred the dog, prior to tipping his barrow.

3. Dick Gunn and Martyn Budd wait for the points to be operated to check that adjustments made have been successful. Dick wonders why he always gets to work in the coldest spots on the railway!

4. Graham Bendell and John Heys finish off spreading new chippings over the drain in the disabled car park.

5. In the deserted car park, the gang move several cut down overhanging branches down to the end.

6. A pile was made of these cut down branches for a future bonfire.

7. Martyn Budd cuts down another tree overhanging the miniature railway above the car park and access drive.

Words and pictures by Graham Bendell (2, 3, & 4) and Nigel Thompson (1, 5, 6, & 7)