Work in Progress: 25th July

A bumper selection of photos this week from our resident reporter Nigel Thompson.

1. The classic shot from the photographic viewpoint showing AXE approaching Woody Bay with the passenger train.

2. Seen between the up starter signal and diesel loco PILTON,  AXE departs from Woody Bay.

As usual the regular volunteers in the Thursday gang were seen around the site carrying out a variety of odd jobs.

3. Graham Bendell and John Villers adjust the wooden railings fence by the toilet block after the regular wear and tear and occasional misuse.

4. Graham and John work on the fence whilst the first coach of the day is parked by the station.

5. Mike Corner works on wire brush cleaning the steel railings fence by original 'Gents' toilet.

6. On the scaffolding Dave Evans and Martin Williams remove the old flaking paintwork from the upstairs outside wooden window frames.

7. Dave works on the wooden panel between the windows upstairs.

8. The scaffolding around the back of the station building temporary gives this unusual birds eye view of the station as AXE arrives back at Woody Bay.

9. Another view from the scaffolding looking towards the shed as AXE runs towards the coaling stage past stabled diesel HEDDON HALL.

10. Dave Bloomfield carries out another useful job of grinding off some sharp edges from the top of the new rail built fence posts above the car park.

11. This week young volunteer Matthew James from Hampshire and the Talyllyn Railway as been gaining more experience helping out both as a fireman/cleaner on the footplate and today he was the assistant Guard.

12. John Uphill has been working on Maffei steam locomotive SID and today SID was steamed and taken for a test run at lunchtime. HEDDON HALL was taken along for insurance and braking purposes.

13. SID returns from the test run and brings HEDDON HALL back to the down platform.

14. Later SID was given a chance to haul the passenger train with AXE tucked inside for braking purposes. SID with AXE on the train round the curve as they approach Woody Bay. With the advent of the heritage carriages SID is now up for sale. If interested in purchase please contact us at Woody Bay.

15. A special presentation was made to regular volunteers Tony and Irene Cross - celebrating their wedding anniversary with yet another day of volunteering at Woody Bay.

16. Tony, who works in the booking office/shop, and Irene the tea rooms, received flowers, a present and a card signed by everyone on site today.

17. Later fellow tea rooms staff June and Toby Manfield arrived with more flowers as Irene as Tony enjoy their moment in the limelight.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson