Wednesday 27 June 2018

NOAH DALE (BLACKSHAWHEAD/HEPTONSTALL and CRAGG VALE

Several groups out today prior to the afternoon meeting.

Frank H and Gerald carried timber into the wilds of Noah Dale setting a new CROWS' time record from the county boundary on Long Causeway to the worksite in Noah Dale. Eight minutes off the previous time was quite good going (even though Gerald could not be encouraged into a jog) but a long way short of Mick C's imaginary half-hour!

The aim was to get a supply of cross-treads on-site so that, early next month, work could continue on the shorter of the two footbridges.

End section of footbridge showing bearer and one stringer
The recycled bearer has 'impossible-to-remove' bolts passing through them Fortunately the bolt stops sideways movement of the stringer and two screw nails were added to pin the stringer firmly in place.

One stringer now firmly anchored at both ends

Every structure should have a stability test, so here it is.

Frank H confident in the stability of his own handiwork!
It should be mentioned that, even though the stringer (aka beam) was a generous 12.5 cm in width, Frank declined to execute a forward cartwheel with a half-twist dismount . . . something to do with health and safety!
Meanwhile, Gerald, got on with the more sensible task of pre-drilling the cross-treads to make future assembly easier.

Gerald in drilling mode.
Some cross-treads from the old bridge were sound enough to be re-used.
Any shortfall will need the new replacements.
A useful morning's work on summer's day that was bright, fine, very hot and virtually bone-dry underfoot. . . a rare combination of factors in this area!

A second team, Bernard, Ian, Graham and Paul tackled a drainage problem adjacent to Withens Clough Reservoir.  A blocked pipe was found and cleared to remove surface water from the access track. Resetting a waymark post pushed over by grazing cattle on the moor made the Permissive route around the reservoir more clear to users.
Searching for the pipe.

Bernard rods the pipe, albeit with a crowbar.

Water running away from the path.
Giant Horsetail fossil we found when looking for flat stone suitable
for stepping stones.
in the gateway.