Hebden Bridge: Wicken Hill on the Golf Course Boundary.
The forecast predicted: "Will feel like -2 Celsius.". It wasn't wrong as Paul and Frank H worked in a light but chill breeze on the misty, finger-freezing, edge of Hebden Bridge (Mount Skip) Golf Course (see map).
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| 1. Worksite location. Chilliest spot in town! |
The day had started slowly. The inevitable traffic roadworks on the main valley road made for extended journey times . . . although it wasn't without literary entertainment (see picture 2).
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| 2. Sign of the times? |
Although we were able to park at Wicken Hill 'Farm' there was still a slippery, uphill carry of tools and materials to the stile that needed essential repairs.
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| 3. Earlier inspection: Rot in treadboards and in both step-legs on the golf course side. |
The Detail.
Rot in the step-leg timbers was extensive.
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| 4. Rotten leg! |
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| 5. More rot! |
The plan was to replace both legs (on the golf course side of the stile) and both treadboards. The only obstacle to this was the deeply and firmly buried rotten stumps of the old legs. However, enthusiastic excavation (Well done, Paul!) and use of lifting straps soon revealed two useful holes . . . ideal (with a bit of extra deepening) for the new legs.
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| 6. New legs being packed. |
The legs on both sides of the stile were cross-braced and the top barbed wire strand of the fence (very rusty!) near the stile side-upright protected with a plastic sleeve.
Some time later we could make the downhill return carry pleased that the stile is now safe, secure and easily negotiated.
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| 7. End result: Stable, two-step stile. |
Many thanks to Wicken Hill 'Farm' for allowing us to park as close to the job as possible and thanks to Midgley Community Forum for funding the work.
More in the coming weeks where stiles and steps will continue to feature strongly!
