Charlestown: fencing
Ray and Frank H in Knott Wood again to continue Monday's work. Here's the problem:
*the original massive footings are unstable and sloping both down the path and down the bank!
*there are no spare building stones, through stones or capstones!
Time for Plan B ... which is to construct post and rail fencework.
The picture shows three fence posts across the gap and one fence post on the downslope side of the stone block.
Getting these in place was extremely tough work! The position of the middle post was exactly over a stone block (about the size of a small asteroid). However, strenuous efforts with bar and spade did the trick and cross-rails could then be attached.
The end result produced a 4-rail section of fence along the former boundary line and a short side-section parallel to the stone stoop . . . and here it is . . .
There's a slight confusion of perspective. The cross-rails are parallel but continue the slope line from the wall (out of shot) to the left. A cross-piece (just visible) has been added to brace the single post beyond the block because this post will be use as an 'assist' for walkers negotiating the right-of-way.
We were pleased with the end result- it 'ticked the boxes' of being safe, secure, functional and durable . . . . . and it was not unattractive.
There is a small amount of tidying up to do and later in the year some holly growth etc on the downslope side of the fence will be 'laid' to create a green hedge. This will be done in Oct/Nov at the end of the 'growing' season.
This was a long and strenuous day for Ray and Frank. It involved a lot of carrying, a lot of digging, a lot of heaving and a lot perspiration! Thankfully we just got the vehicles loaded for the return journey before the torrential downpour started!
Today's work was funded by the landowner.
