Work in Progress: 18th September

Woody Bay - all set for the GALA!

It was busy at Woody Bay today. Preparations for the forthcoming Gala really got underway with the gala signs being retrieved from the shed and moved to a position where they can be sorted out and modified as required. Fence erection and painting continued by the gate to Moorlands Hotel. This will prevent visitors from wandering into the shed yard.

Several areas were cleared of unsightly, but essential, items which were moved to less conspicuous locations. Graham Varney sawed up several pallets for lighting-up wood. The wood was then gathered up and placed in bins, with the damp pieces being stacked to dry out.

While all of this was going on, several members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers visited us and, in smaller groups, were shown around the shed and yard. Trains were well patronised with several visitors interested to hear more about the plans for the extension to Blackmoor..

All in all, a good day.

1. A busy yard with all locomotives out of the shed. AXE was the morning service engine, ISAAC was in steam undergoing maintenance  and  CHARLES WYTOCK was awaiting work to be done on it.

2. Graham Varney with PILTON shunts the well wagon to enable the brake van to be released from the headshunt.

3. Jim Macfarlane and John Villers stack the gala signs ready for action.

4. It wouldn’t be Thursday if Nigel Spencer wasn’t painting a fence somewhere on the site.

5. A busy platform as the passengers from the first train of the day disembark.

6. Jim Macfarlane fetches even more gala signs!

7. Today’s guard, Bob Ayres, watches the crossing as driver Pete Williams runs past with AXE.

8. Making a difference! Trevor Buck (nearest) and new volunteer, Jim Isherwood, polish the brass fittings on the coaches.

9. ISAAC receives attention from John Uphill and Nick Williams.

10. Having replaced AXE as the service engine, ISAAC makes a steamy departure. The weather was overcast and hazy for most of the day with temperatures on the cool side.

11. Jim Isherwood, John Villers, Graham Varney and Jim MacFarlane try out the new Woody Bay crèche as Nigel Spencer just gets on with the job!

12. General Manager Martin Budd (left) with a group of delegates from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

13. Fire lighting wood ready for the gala when 4 engines will be in steam.

Words and pictures by Graham Bendell