Old Town: stile repair
Paul and Frank H embarked on the repair of a stile where footpath Wadsworth 082, leading to Old Town Farm, branches to the East off footpath 081.
The task was to brace an existing side-post, replace a creative but wobbly step with something more substantial and then add cross-rails that would have the benefit of being horizontal!
The work was funded by donations from the landowner and Wadsworth Parish Council. Many thanks.
The Detail
1. Before work began:
a) The left-hand post is not braced so if the cross-rails were to be removed the tensioned fence wire would pull the post even more out of line!
b) The step consists of slats in a state of decay. They are fixed by being wedged into the wall and nailed to a cross-rail which is not horizontal!
c) Originally there were three cross-rails but the central rail is now a broken remnant.
2. The progress
a)
The hole is being created for a step-leg. A new treadboard will be inserted (and pinned) into the wall as were the original slats, but also nailed to the new step-leg. An additional support block will go between the treadboard and the large 'through' stone which is just visible in the picture.
Frank H is using a bar and lump hammer to break into the stony ground where the step-leg will go. Good technique - body well positioned, an upright stance, a vertical bar and eyes on the strike point. 9/10 score. One mark deducted for a minor discrepancy . . . but can you spot what it is?
b)
Stile side-post has been braced (front left of picture). Step-leg, support block (just visible) and treadboard are in place. One cross-rail has been fixed and another is in preparation.
3 End of session
The completed stile with diagonal bracing, re-tensioned fence wires, new step and treadboard, three parallel and horizontal cross-rails . . . and Frank content with the morning's work. Photographs were courtesy of Paul who also did a lot of digging, sawing and hammering!
