Two teams out today working in the Gaddings Dam area above Todmorden.
The 'lowlands' team of Bernard, Dick, Gerald, RJ and Stuart worked enthusiastically on revetments, path repair and drainage along the path below Jail Hole. So keen were they on the task in hand that they forgot to take any photos!
The 'highlands' team of Frank H, Fred, Ray and Stella did a heavy carry of timber and tools up (and up . . . and up . . . ) to the breach area just beyond Gaddings Dam. The work was to further improve the path by installing steps.
Shortly after starting work, the area looked like this:
 |
| Stella (working with Ray) contemplating angles, elevation and direction. |
 |
| Slightly further up the slope, the section that Frank and Fred will be tackling (with risers placed approximately). |
The day was cloudy. The sun threatened to break out but never quite made it as mist rolled in and out across Langfield Edge. The chill wind encouraged vigorous work in this bleak, but curiously attractive, landscape.
'Oh, the lonely moors, the breezy moors
And the stormy hills so free.
Oh the wild, wild moors; the wild, wild moors,
The sweet wild moors for me!'
{Edwin Waugh (the Lancashire Poet:- 1817-90); Poems and Songs}
However, some hours later, we have this:
 |
| Steps in place . . . and yes, the perspective is deceptive . . . the tops of the risers are exactly horizontal! |
 |
| Fred runs a critical eye over the day's work:- surely it merits a 'pass' mark . . . at least! |
Next week there is more to do in this area:- some path widening, a marker-post to re-site, steps to construct and an awkward, path-blocking boulder to sort out. Nothing the 'dream team' (Stella's description) can't handle!
The Gaddings work is funded by Crook Wind Farm Community Fund and Calderdale Small Grants.
