Report on Progress 2008-9Progress during the past year has not been quite as spectacular as was reported at the last AGM. However, I am pleased to report that the second semaphore signal has been completely refurbished and is linked to a leaver in the signal box and the inside redecoration is virtually complete. The old buffer stop on the cattle siding has been rubbed down and primed and awaits its final coat of paint and the fitting of a timber bulk. Though work has been continuing at a gentler pace on the monthly work days things have picked up apace recently with the return of the team from the probation service community payback unit. Their task is to create a signalling display area around the semaphore signals which will include a working set of points and also to create a new pathway linking the steps by the permanent way hut with the signal box and the display area. It has involved shifting tons of topsoil and turf to level the area. To enable this a temporary scaffolding ramp was erected so that the earth could be barrowed onto the cattle dock platform and redistributed. It has also allowed them to barrow 20 tonnes of ballast down to the lower level and spread it. This looks really good and has given the area the authentic industrial look of a working railway yard. The probation team has also begun the laborious task of burying a new water pipe in a trench from the signal box to the Holt Road gate. The other main area of progress to report is the preparation and submission of a bid for a grant from the Railway Heritage Trust. This was designed to enable the completion of the renovation of the signal box, permanent way hut and the toilet block and their fittings. It would include the reconnection of water and power supplies, replacement of missing instruments and the relocking and renovation of the lever frame. It was estimated that this would require £16,500 for materials and external labour and an input of approximately 1000 hours of CRSS voluntary labour. We have received a formal offer of a grant to the value of £10,750 provided we comply with certain conditions but more of this when we come to item 7 on the agenda. We have had 2 open days again this year. We tried a member’s open day in October and repeated a public open day at the beginning of this month. This one was a success again. Visitors were impressed with the progress and many commented on the way the site is maturing after the ground works and landscaping were completed last year. The member’s open day however was a little disappointing with fewer members visiting. In conclusion I would like to thank members for their continuing support, to thank the committee for their hard work and to pay tribute to Dr Ken Lee, one of our founder members, who died earlier this year. Though unable to be involved practically he always showed great interest in society and it’s progress and regularly attended our AGMs.
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