Saturday 22nd August

Fantastic weather conditions beckoned, albeit slightly foggy first thing, with a large gang of 10 at M&FM for the day's activities. Following the early morning catch up, John, Martin W, Adrian N, Brian, and Keith H set off  to Grosvenor bank to resume fishplate oiling, leaving Iain H and Pete to tackle the line inspection to Alton, and Eddie and Bill to head to Alresford. This left Adrian C to take the Company transport to Travis Perkins in Alton, to purchase the required sand, cement, and concrete blocks for the construction of The Grosvenor hut chimney.

On his return to M&FM, Adrian C unloaded the supplies while waiting for the return of the linewalkers, and was gratefully assisted in this task by Corina from the Wagon Group. When they arrived, Eddie, Bill, and Pete departed to fulfill other engagements off the Railway, leaving Iain and Adrian (now joined by Martin R) to go down to The Grosvenor hut site, where they managed to cast the chimney foundation despite soaring temperatures.

At the end of the hot and exhausting day, both factions were very glad to arrive back at M&FM for refreshments, which included a slice of Mrs Wood's exceptional Lemon Drizzle Cake (many thanks-Ed). The oiling team had reached Rookwood Lane bridge, with a commendable  60+ pairs of plates processed.

A highlight of the afternoon for both teams was the appearance of the Vulcan bomber, which in its final display season, crossed the line close by on its way to display at the Shoreham Air Show (in the event only a flypast was made due to the tragedy that took place at the Show shortly before its arrival, with the crash of the Hawker Hunter jet onto the A27-Ed).

The Late Shift

The teams had been greeted on their return to M&FM by our western correspondent, Jes Mania, who following a day at 'work', had decided to do a spot of lineside strimming. His report follows......

Today saw your scribe at his day job. But with such good weather, I decided to turn in late, very late, for some strimming.Carrying on from last week I returned to Northside View hut, this time with the bigger bladed piece of kit. Trying to open up the ground from the site of the hut, I started by going east from the hut which proved too much and will need a chainsaw crew instead. Pity as a run back to Ropley would look very good here. So I switched to the north side of the track and opened up in both directions. Two hours of work proved very rewarding, even with a few drops of rain. Next week I am in Somerset, on the trail of the famous S & D. More later.