Saturday 16th November

From Jes Mania, Western Correspondent:

Saturday started bright and sunny and after the usual meet up with a cup of Tea at Headquarters, the Gang loaded up the Company van and proceeded to site (the site being the embankment by the old A31 bridge just east out of Alresford).

We are building a new PWay lineside hut out on the embankment. Adrian, John M, Neil, Ian, Keith H & Eddie worked the tools out to site, a good half mile walk. Ground was broken and cleared, and the new Petrol disk blade strimmer produced the results. Keith H disappeared down the bank for the rest of the day into the Buddleia with the Chainsaw, and 5 Hours later he had the upper hand and his results lay all around! John M undertook fire duties, more a Smokey bonfire, just right for a November day.

The site of the new hut is cleared,

 the position of the chimney foundation is set out

....and then the trench dug out

A break is taken to watch Cheltenham come past

hauling a private charter

With the site stripped,  Adrian and Neil started to clear, and dig the hole ready for the foundation of the fireplace. By the end of the day the site was level, the hole dug and squared up for a hopeful pour of Concrete next week. Refreshments were taken mid-morning, and thanks to Alresford Buffet for enabling us to enjoy their usual fare. Wildlife is stunning out here, with the draw being the wetland created by the adjoining farmer. We also saw 2 Red Kites who were very interested in our work!

We hope over the coming months to work at this location, building the hut and clearing the banks, to open up again this well-known location for Photographers from the early days of the Preservation Society.