Saturday 22nd February

It was a fantastic day in all respects with a large gang of 10, and perfect weather conditions with sun and blue skies. We also welcomed new member Tom, who joins us from the Watercress Rangers.

Ian J, Neil C, and Tom headed off to Alton on the line inspection, with Keith H, Peter J, and Ian R walking the Alresford section. This left Keith B and John to go straight to the Pway hut site, to start a bonfire and continue with the laying of the floor slabs inside the hut, and Eddie and Adrian to go in the van to Basingstoke to buy the felt for the roof.

The latter arrived on site with the felt at around 915am and proceeded to lay the first layer, before all four joined the line walkers when they came through an hour later, to walk to Alresford for refreshments. Whilst there,  Keith B came somewhat unstuck (or should that be stuck) when the Watercress Belle Manager taped his mouth up for asking several times for a complimentary ticket for the train!

Keith B gets his comeuppance

Returning to site and joined later by the line inspection teams, the day proceeded well with the first layer of felt finished and battened, and the floor 80% complete. Much of the waste material that had amassed around the site was also burned.

Adrian lays the final strip of the first layer of roofing felt

Whilst the gang dispose of waste on the fire in the background

The completed first layer

Keith B and John laying the floor

A special train hired by the Branch Line Society for the
day passes by, top and tailed by the two 08 diesel shunters