Near Cheetham Laithe; another stylish day!
An increasingly sunny day for Paul, Frank H and Graham L (trainee stylist) to work on the footpath (Ripponden 137) that runs through Upper Cockcroft Farm to join the path (Ripponden 135) that leads on to Rishworth New Road.
Here's the problem:
Start of Session
A much patched-up old stile with missing step, some rotten uprights and a mishmash of cross-rails. The Hawthorn bush, however, is attractive, robust and just starting its vigorous Spring growth.The working space was limited because of a low wall and Holly tree to the left and the Hawthorn bush to the right. Our aim for the day was to construct a one-step, cattle-proof 'step-through' stile.
All the old stile removed and new side uprights in place. The ground was extremely stony but eventually succumbed to energetic effort with bar and spade.
The side uprights are firmly in place, vertical, parallel and lined up not only with each other but also with an existing straining post (just out of shot to the left). Doing this was an interesting, but frustrating, three-dimensional exercise . . . surprisingly, no-one swore!
We were pleased with the outcome. It looks neat and 'ticks' our standards of being safe, secure, durable, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
We have managed to fit a dog-gate with 'lift-rail' for those less than agile canines . . . owners will still have to climb over in the traditional way!
