Four men went to mow

Thursday 14^th July

But it was not a meadow we went to mow, nor did we have a dog called Spot with us.

As the annual external inspections of bridges, culverts and other structures is planned to commence by the end of July, the task for the four team members today was clearing the access to the seven culverts to be inspected. This would make a change from chamber rebuilding at Dixton Cutting – helpful too as our two bricklayers were away.

First culvert was 39A by the foot crossing at Pecked Lane, Bishops Cleeve. This has the big cage over the downside inlet; whilst the upside outlet is a manhole in the footpath.

The cage on the down side of 39A requires some careful work when clearing with a brush cutter.

Next was 38A, on the low mileage side of Station Road, Bishops Cleeve. The up side outlet is not on railway land. The down side inlet is by the mobile homes, most of the flow comes from a stream that flows through the mobile home park.

Jonathan and Nigel clearing the top of the access path down to the down side of 38A.

Then on to Gotherington Yard for culvert 33B. We also cleared the edges of the yard to make it easier to bring the trailer with the mini digger or dumper in. Culvert 32A, the Tirle Brook flume was the next to receive our attention. The down side had been cleared a few weeks ago; so only up side needed cutting. There was very little water running in it; a sign of what a dry spring and summer it has been.

Usually it is impossible to stand here on the up side (exit) of 32A the Tirle Brook flume.

Culvert 27B between Townsend Farm Accommodation Bridge and Stanley Pontlarge Bridge cam next. Here there was a large growth of ferns on both sides. On the up side, we noted that one of the slip marker posts we installed in April 2021 when dealing with the boggy area in the garden of the White House was at an angle. There were some cracks in the embankment around it. As ther is possible movement still occurring, we will keep this under close watch.

Even though it has been dry, in some places there is deep water. A pallet makes a useful duck board on the down side of 27B.

Next the down side of 24C near Working Lane. Most of the growth here was nettles. In fact, almost all the clearance was of grasses, ferns, nettles – there were only just a few pieces of bramble. This just shows the benefit of regular clearance.

24C down side.

The upside of 24C and all of 25A at Working Lane were on our list. However, with the afternoon temperature over 25C we decided to call it a day. Certainly we do appreciate an end of day cup of tea from the station cafe at Winchcombe.

Thursday 21^st July

Back to Dixton Cutting chamber rebuilds. Well at least for five of the team. We lent our plant operator to assist with work on both sides in Winchcombe Yard in connection with resumption of the River Isbourne bank stabilisation.

Two team members first headed to Working Lane with brushcutters to clear access to culvert 24C up side and 25A. Amazing how tall the vegetation had grown, when the left 24C just a few months ago it was bare earth. The opportunity was taken to load some of the metal rubbish from the spoil which originated from the Toddington garden centre; destination the skip at Winchcombe.

Dave finishing off the trim around 24C up side.

 

Just a trickle of water flowing in 25A under Working Lane bridge.

At Dixton Cutting, it was more of the same – rebuilding cess chambers. One only required the addition of a concrete ring – good to have an easy one now and again! One required pumping out to enable the pointing of cracks inside to take place. Most require the top course of bricks to be rebuilt; or at least a few bricks to replace. The rubble generated is finding a good use; C&M have used it for infill around the Usk building in Winchcombe up yard.

An up side chamber that required part of the top course replacing. Note the Gotherington down distant signal wire running right across this one.

 

A downside chamber after repair; temporary blue mesh cover whilst the mortar dries out.

 

We have seen lizards like this in quite a few of the chambers in Dixton Cutting. (Photo by Roger)

 

In terms of distance we are now over half way from Gotherington Yard to Prescott Road Bridge (32); so approaching the Gotherington down distant signal. This will be a big bonus; as the wire to this signal won’t be in the way and the formation is wide enough to enable the mixer to be setup safely. So no more transporting of mixed mortar from Gotherington Yard.

Not quite so hot today - but still warm enough to enjoy a cup of tea on the platform at Winchcombe before heading home.