Saturday 5th September

A smaller gang than usual today, with six at M&FM for the 8am start. Ian J, Iain, and Pete undertook the line inspection to Alresford, leaving Tony, Keith H, and Adrian C to head to Alton (who were then joined by Paul and Neil).

Keen to make as early a start as possible with bricklaying on The Grosvenor hut chimney, Paul and Neil stayed on the train beyond M&FM, having arranged with the loco crew (sorry Neil couldn't the driver's name.....you can't get the staff!- Ed.) and the guard to drop them off at the hut site. Many thanks.

Following refreshments in the mess, the others also set off for the hut site, taking with them the recently cast fireplace lintel and a couple of extra shovels for the work in hand. Ian and Iain in the Company transport took a slight detour after dropping off the above items at Grosvenor Lane, travelling to Alresford to replenish the oil supplies for lubricating the pointwork, and to drop off two timbers at a certain gang members house, for which we are to receive a substantial sum of money (the invoice has been issued).

On their return to join the others at the hut site, a good afternoon's work took place, with Neil and Paul laying 7 courses of bricks, Ian and Keith making significant progress with bank clearance, and Iain, Tony, and Adrian almost finishing the digging out of the ground within the hut footprint down to floor level.