Bernard, Gerald, Graham and RJ, the signposting team, installed finger posts to indicate the two possible rights-of-way up to Gaddings Dam. These high quality, beautifully produced signs also suggest the length of time that it could take to get there; information that may deter the unprepared, casual visitor!
Thanks to Simon and Jason from the Countryside Service Team for delivering the posts to site. Thanks also to the Countryside Volunteers for their skilled use of the Pantograph Machine to carve the destination and time detail on the fingers:- a quality product such as this is a boon to any responsible user of the local footpath network.
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| After delivery. |
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| A long carry but the posts are in. |
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| On the floor and in the ground. |
Frank H, Fred, Paul, Ray and Stella formed the high level team that carried, in addition to their personal kit, substantial loads of timber and tools up to the Jail Hole and Langfield Edge paths.
Task 1. A marker-post, steps and drainage
Paul, Stella and Ray, after replacing some of the RoW markers on a path-side post, turned their attention to step building and drainage work.
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| Start of the task: stobs being driven home for the first step. |
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| The same again from Ray and Paul! |
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| Later in the day: progress with the steps, but two more needed down the slope. |
Stella meanwhile sorted out the drainage for this part of the path. No photo, unfortunately, of her either in turn-by digging mode or in load carrying action. Her build might be slight, but she has an impressive strength-to-weight ratio!
Task 2. Meanwhile, higher up on Langfield Edge, Frank H and Fred tackled the 'boulder' problem.
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| An awkward boulder exactly where the path should go! |
By lunchtime the boulder had been moved, stone steps built and the approach path to this area made more obvious.
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| Boulder dug out and stone slabs barred into place to create steps. |
After lunch they added revetment to stabilise this area and blocked off traces of a path that was becoming an erosion problem near the edge of a steep drop.
Task 3. They then moved down to the Jail Hole path and installed some steps.
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| Section needing steps |
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| Same section with one stone step embedded and two wooden steps constructed. |
All in all, a most satisfying session for both teams. Although the early mist rolled back and the sun threatened to break out, it was cold with a stiffish breeze out of the south-west:- ideal conditions in which to keep warm by working!
It's our last Wednesday session of the year so as an end-of -year summary and with apologies to William Blake (1757-1827) we have this parody. It's based on Blake's untitled four verse poem, more familiar to all as the two verses of 'Jerusalem' (And did those feet, in ancient time . . .' etc).
And Did Those CROWS . . .
And did those CROWS, all in a line,
Walk over Pennine moorlands green;
And was a ruined right-of-way
Through field and wood so often seen?
And did those very wobbly stiles
Hinder the way to rugged hills?
And did some brambles block the path
Above those old abandoned mills?
Bring me my spade of stainless steel,
Bring me my azad sharp and bright,
Bring me my bar; its weight I feel,
Bring me the axe that tests my might.
We shall not cease from building steps
Nor shall my drill sleep in my hand
Until we have re-built that route
In Calder's fair but soggy land!
Give generously! . . . as did the Crook Wind Farm Community Fund and Calderdale Small Grants who supported this work (ie the paths, not the parody!).
