ACWA Working Party

On 15-Apr-2009 a Working Party installed two new kissing gates, a few new steps and a new signpost on Circular Walk 7, south of Weston Lane, Bubbenhall.

Site 1 - First new k/g (viewed from the lane) : 15-Apr-2009

April Achievements

The first new k/g is located where the path south leaves Weston Lane, Bubbenhall (GR 362 711).  This replaced a stile, but required construction of three new steps to connect from the k/g to the sleeper bridge across the ditch. 

Note: In the longer term, it could be sensible to replace the steps and sleeper bridge with a higher sleeper bridge so that the path slopes up gently from the path through the k/g to the grass verge by the road.  This would avoid the steep slope down to the bridge from the verge (seen starting "going over the edge" on bottom-left of photo), and make the site easier and safer for users.

Site 2 - The new signpost (viewed from south) : 15-Apr-2009

The new signpost (a tall waymark post) was installed by the farm track gap after the first field (GR 361 707).  This gives clear direction to the south down the field edge.   

On the side shown in the photo (view from the south) the WM indicates the "Veer Left" towards the first stile, visible in the distance hedgerow towards the left (the "Red Arrow" in the sky points also towards the location so you can find it - but on the ground, with the naked eye zooming on the distant headline, the first new k/g with the bright yellow topped signpost is clearly visible!).

Site 3 - The second k/g, withe end of s/b in foreground (view from north) : 15-Apr-2009

The second k/g was fitted by the exit from the second field (GR 360 705).  This was previously a gap, but requested by the farmer who will be using this field for stock in a year or two. 

Exact positioning proved tricky due to ditches located in front and to the right (as viewed from the north in the photo), the entry having to be linked from the sleeper bridge, and the exit linking to the path which veers left.  Four of us tried various locations and finally agreed on the one used.  The end result seems excellent, and we hope all who use it will agree!

The new trolley, and the usual packhorse, returning tools to the parking space : 15-Apr-2009

The day was very interesting.  The farmer delivered all materials and tools to the sites in his large JCB Wheeled Loader (not sure of model - will check next month!?).  First stop at site 1, and he demonstrated the JCBs versatility by dropping off the loaded shovel, then using a hook on the lifting arm to drag out the stile and step - giving the team at this site a clear lead!  At site 2 we agreed the exact location for the signpost to be clear for farm operations but excellent for giving directions.  At site 3 work starting was delayed, with delivery a bit later due to distance but start installation much later (c.10:40) due to time taken to determine exact position.

No real setbacks after that, but weather dull & damp till lunchtime then hot sunshine, hard digging - and with a team of only 6 available we were not finished till c.14:45.  John Green had however rescheduled lunch to The Oak at Baginton where meals and drinks are served all day! A long but satisfying day - we will return next month.

Plans

The next full session will be on:

Dates for the rest of 2009 will be mostly on the third Wednesday in each month from Jan-Nov, with work expected to be in Warwickshire.
We are also planning three extra dates for work in Solihull, carrying out tasks on the Benton Green to Carol Green improvement project.  Details to follow soon.

The expected dates are therefore:

Wednesday 20 May Wednesday 3 Jun Wednesday 17 Jun Wednesday 1 Jul  Wednesday 15 Jul

Wednesday 5 Aug Wednesday 19 Aug  Wednesday 16 Sep Wednesday 21 Oct Wednesday 18 Nov

Why not volunteer to join us whenever you can?

Please contact Bob Carey on 024 7645 5251 for further information.
 

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