Saturday 1st August

Perfect dry and sunny weather conditions greeted a gang of eight as they arrived at M&FM for the day's activities (although it was a bit chilly first thing). Keith H, Eddie, Martin W, and Matt departed for Alton to carry on with the fishplate oiling (joined  by Tony later on). This left Ian J and Bill to undertake the line inspection to Alresford, and Brian and Adrian C to head to Alton. The former were met at Alresford Station by Jamie, and the latter at Alton Station by Neil and Paul, who had travelled in by South West Trains.

Following the return train journeys to M&FM, Ian J spent the afternoon at Arleside hut, strimming the grass and undergrowth. Unfortunately, during his endeavours he discovered a wasp nest, the occupants of which were not best pleased by his perceived attack on their home, and gave chase (only one sting though, so he was lucky!). 

Bill, Jamie, Brian, Neil, Paul, and Adrian C meanwhile, set off to the site of The Grosvenor hut, where they carried out an initial site strip, and set out and started to excavate the trench for the chimney foundation.

By the close of play both teams had had a productive day, with the foundation trench nearly complete (half a metre deep), and the fishplate oiling reaching Alton signal box.