Work in Progress: 26th June

Our first ever work party at Rowley Moor Farm!

The recent purchase of Rowley Moor Farm will provide some original trackbed and shed space for future rolling stock sheds. The farm itself is in need of attention. Much tidying has already taken place with Martyn Budd using the railway's excavator to good effect. Some of the surrounding fields now need new stock-proof fencing to keep the neighbouring farmers' cattle safe and secure in their own fields and away from Rowley Moor Farm, enabling further tidying and clearance of years' accumulation of farm rubbish to continue.

Don't forget Martyn Budd's recent plea for assistance with a very useful item CLICK HERE to read more.

1. The gang begin their fencing project at a line of posts under this hedge on the farm

2. Some posts are clouted into the ground using this post whacker.

3. The excavator was on hand to scrape earth away between the posts to allow easier wire fitting.

4. The stockproof netting fencing was laid out, strained and secured to the posts.

5. Finally a line of barbed wire was fixed above, here by Dave Robinson and Roger Bye.

6. After lunch another line of fencing was completed. This runs across a field at the 'eastern' boundary line at Rowley Moor. Very scenic views across to Parracombe from here - one could even see the steam from AXE in the distance as the train departed from Killington Lane!

7. The fencing is secured onto this fence line.

8. Today's project completed - looking up to the sheds near the road.

Not forgetting all the activity at Woody Bay today...

9. Earlier the gang had creocoted the fence leading to the toilets. New volunteers Graham and Les (right) assisted to complete this job..

10. Dave Evans found another picnic table to repair - this one allows wheelchair users to access the table.

11. Dave Bloomfield and Jim Pounds were also on hand to assist when necessary.

12. Barbara and Rick Sayers, who travel down to North Devon regularly throughout the year, have been helping to assemble the 2014 Christmas Card packs ready for sale.

13. ISAAC and AXE outside the shed.

14. AXE was in use on the train all day and performed very well with the heavier three-carriage train, despite damp and drizzly conditions leading to slippery rails on the climb up to Woody Bay.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson