Working Weekend January 2012 - Updated - Even More photos!

posted by Pete Snashall on Tue, 31/01/2012 - 14:45

Tuesday 31st January Chelfham -The aftermath

Nigel Thompson went to Chelfham to photograph the views after the successful clearance weekend.

1. The rear view of the original station building looking back to the viaduct.

2. Higher up the path the viaduct view looks even better. Roll on the day when LYN, YEO or whoever hauls a train over Chelfham viaduct and into the station.....

3. Glimpsed through the trees is the whole station site - sheds and storage areas by the station looking towards the viaduct.

4. Rear view of the original station building from the cleared bank.

5. Behind the station all the laurel was cleared and burnt, so creating the view looking up the woodland path to the summerhouse.

6. The remaining trees above the shed roofs and the path leading to the summerhouse.

7. From the path looking down onto the trackbed in the down direction (Bratton Fleming)

8. Looking back to the station from the cleared trackbed.

9. A view east along the trackbed with a laurel pile ready to be burnt (This cut pile was later burnt on the bonfires on Wednesday 1st Feb- Nigel)

10. On the parts of the lower (road) side of the trackbed the overgrowth has been cleared from around some of the surviving fence posts alongside the trackbed.

Words and pictures by Nigel Thompson.

Pictures from the Working Weekend; Around 25 people on site each day. Always pleasing to see the ever growing number of new faces at these weekends.

The following photos taken on Sunday by Nigel Thompson:

1..........

& 2. Bonfires on the trackbed near the station

3..........

& 4. Bonfires burning the cut down laurel.

5. Tea break for all by Chelfham Station Bungalow.

6. Everyone on site today poses for the camera (taken by Judy Williams)

7. Bonfire flaming well.

8. Everyone enjoying their "Sunday Roast" lunch thanks and courtesy of Judy Williams.

9. A large tree from above the path is felled onto the trackbed.

10. The afternoon bonfires continue well.

11. New local volunteers, Felix & Val enjoy their outdoor country work.

12. The clearance opens up more views along the trackbed.

13. Karen & Andy's bonfire was the furthest from the station.

And these from Pete Snashall:

1. Hugh Bland, Graham Degan and Martyn Budd discussing the finer points of arboricultural standards!

2. Chelfham enjoying some winter sunshine

3. Ever-smiling Judy Williams preparing lunch for the volunteers

4. Steve Orchard helps himself to a roll, whilst Malcolm Hector looks on

5. The view from the footpath behind the station.

6. Looking north - the original signal cabin to the right is shortly to be refurbished. It is now over 100 years old .

7. Looking south - Julia Snashall (orange hat) is in charge of the branch loppers