The boardwalk gang.
An experienced team of Frank H, Jerry, Billie, Ian S and Angus set up a production line for a triple-section, stepped boardwalk over soggy ground on the footpath (Blackshaw 059) that runs East-West at Blackshaw Royd (see map).
 |
| 1. The blue 'pin' marks the worksite. |
This task was funded by Blackshaw Parish Council and by a donation from the landowner. Many thanks.
The detail
In fine but cool conditions (numb fingers were a common feature!) the construction began.
 |
| 2. Picture taken last year of the problematic area which appears to be permanently wet with no escape route for the accumulated water. |
The drainage in this area seems to be complicated and it is not surprising that the nearby track is Marsh Lane - the clue is in the name! The plan was to build a boardwalk consisting of three, level sections with the sections being 'stepped' to compensate for the gradient of the path.
While Frank and Jerry installed bearers, established levels and constructed the first section of the boardwalk in situ, Billie, Ian and Angus worked on the second and third sections which could then be lifted wholesale into position.
 |
| 3. Construction of second section: Parallel stringers, with equally spaced cross-treads being nailed in place |
 |
| 4. All three sections of the boardwalk in place . . . but is it level? . . . |
 |
| 5. . . . never in doubt! Spirit-level bubble exactly central. |
The stringers (the lengthways timbers) were screw-bolted to the bearers (timbers that lie flat on the ground), each boardwalk section was anchored on both sides with stobs, and kickboards were fitted at the exposed ends of each section. All done before a brief spell of rain. Phew!
 |
| 6. It's drill and hammer time for the side-trims. |
 |
| 7. The work team (minus Frank who took the photo) feeling satisfied with a job well done. |
Boardwalks can be tricky! Levels might be difficult to establish, rising terrain can be an issue and ground conditions often inhibit the anchoring stobs. None of that today! Everything went smoothly with the pre-cut, pre-drilled, pre-treated timbers fitting perfectly and tasks following on almost rhythmically one after another.
More next week . . . but from a bleaker location!
