Daisy Bank Clough
A fine day in a sheltered spot for Ken, Mick, Ray and Frank H to build a bridge.
The 'Barrow Boys' - a trio of Mick, Frank H and Ray ... so you can guess who took the photograph!
The stringers for the bridge have been unloaded ... and Mick is wondering if he'll be able to push the wheelbarrow back up the slope!
The sites for the bearers selected. Bearers dug into place and levelled.
Both stringers lifted into position. Adjustments made so the stringers are level both lengthways and laterally.
Cross-rails half nailed into position at the ends and middle of the bridge
Stringers screwed to bearers.
Bridge framework given a stress test by putting a heavy weight on it (aka 85 kg of Frank H)
Well! We're all looking at (or for) something but none of us can remember what! . . . it's an age thing!
Pilot holes being driven into very rocky ground for the long support stobs that will help to keep the bridge stable.
Several cross-rails half nailed in place, but .... will we have enough for the complete length of the bridge? In other words .... has Frank done his calculations correctly? Mmm!
More support/bracing stobs being added at critical points along the stringers.
Bridge nearly completed .. and yes there were exactly the correct number of cross-rails!
Ray fixing a kickboard to far end of the bridge. Near-end kickboard yet to be positioned.
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| The finished bridge undergoing load testing! |
Overall, it was a very satisfying work session that went exactly to plan to give an end product that 'ticked' the boxes of being: safe, secure, durable and aesthetically pleasing.
As 'Lockdown' restrictions have gradually been eased, CROWS have been able to resume construction work involving stiles, bridges and steps. Here's a little parody to celebrate their recent efforts:
CROW-FEVER
{Any resemblance to 'Sea-Fever' written in 1902 by John Masefield (1878-1967), is coincidental!}
We must go up to the moor again, to the muddy moor and the sky,
There's a stile that needs a new tread - we'll get there by-and-by:
But the day's wet and the wind's chill and the dead grass's shaking
And the grey mist's o'er the moor's edge and a weak sun's breaking.
We must go down to the stream again, to the stream that's in full flow.
There's a footbridge that needs building - but where will the bearers go?
And then we'll need two stringers and cross-treads straight and true
And shiny nails and staples so the crossing's safe for you!
We must go down to the wood again, to an ancient wood on the bank
And we will need some sharp stobs, and risers made from a plank,
And a long bar and heavy hammer and a strong arm's might,
And hours of time and patience so the steps are put to right.
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Today's work on this right-of-way was funded by Calderdale Council. The parody was free!
