Work in Progress: 17th July

Ten years ago today...

Today marked the tenth anniversary of the re-opening of the railway at Woody Bay.

1. Retrieval and cleaning of the original 2004 headboard - and some cunning improvisation by the operations staff - provided a headboard for today's commemorative trains.

Meanwhile, at Rowley Moor...

2, 3, 4. The great wall building project at Rowley Moor Farm proceeded to completion today thanks to the continuing efforts of last week's wall building team aided by Jim who had returned from an extended holiday.

5. Next door to Rowley Moor, another task today carried out today - by Jim, Dave (in the middle distance) and Brom - from early morning to the early evening was a survey of the use of the Blackmoor Gate car park to gather more information for the planning application for the proposed extension. This necessitated asking those in the car park why they were using it. As can be seen many trade vehicles stop here for driver and natural breaks as well as tourists.

6. Another view of the land adjoining Rowley Moor Farm - the track bed runs along the line of trees in the distance - looks like a good crop of hay this year!

Meanwhile, a few miles North...

7, 8. Trains were busy running to Killington Lane - perhaps a less frequently photographed location.

9. It was hot work today for the train crew - here the ever caring Pete mops Andy's perspiring brow!

10. Back in the shed, John steamed AXE in readiness for a tour of duty. We're not sure how Jim felt about the sooty smoke on the newly painted buffer beams and smoke box door though!

11. Other painting was underway by another Jim!

12, 13. As the day came to a close, ISAAC, displaying the anniversary headboard, steams in to Woody Bay.

Words and pictures by Roger Bye