Weston Adventures

The team of volunteers carried on with various jobs around the station site on Thursday, at least the weather was a little kinder. Andy G took the following pictures during the day.

Glynn fitted a new lifting hook to the bucket arm, this was going to see a lot of use during the day and will come in handy for the future.

Norman and the clearance team were busy on the stretch south of the river bridge down to the level crossing on the A483. That will open up the view of the track to allow passing travellers to see when the railway is in action and maybe stop for a ride.

Here the longer branches are being made ready to turn into shorter ones.  If you look closely you can see the level crossing in the distance with a tractor making it's way along the A483.

Whilst others drag up the longer branches Noel concentrates on the smaller twigs and greenery

There is a fair pile of logs building up from all of the clearance works and there is still plenty to do.  Norman and the team would welcome anyone else who wants to get involved.  Keeping the vegetation at bay is an ongoing job all along the line and there's never a dull moment.

Down at the bridge a number of jobs were completed whilst the access was still possible with machinery, once the track is laid we will no longer be able to get wheeled access to the site.  The most urgent job was to install the guard rails for the deck and abutments.

Here are the railings complete with a view looking towards the Weston Road bridge, the station is just beyond the bridge.

The railings protect the open part of the abutment where the other bridge span used to be when the line was double track at this point.

Dave puts the finishing touches to the bridge identification 'plate'

When he's just about done Roy asks if it's the right number and Dave assures him that the number is correct or the plans will be changed to make it so.

On another note due to the restrictions in the neighbouring areas it has been decided not to run the Halloween event this year. This has quite a knock on the railway's income but the risk is high that the event could have been cancelled at the last minute, leaving the railway with a lot of expenditure and no income.

For the same reasons the Santa season is also subject to review, this is even more important for the finances of the railway, bringing in a significant contribution during the winter season when we still have bills to pay.  

Our Covid-19 appeal is still open and we are very grateful for all contributions. Donations can be made through the website at the link at the top of the page.

Until next time.