Oh dear! What a wet day!! Phase One of the reconstruction in the Buried Lock site is complete so the volunteers assembled there full of enthusiasm to start on lining the newly constructed by-wash with stone. However, their enthusiasm was soon dampened – literally – by an almost continuous downpour. It was immediately obvious that stone laying would not be possible as the rain would wash the mortar away before it had a chance to set. Undaunted, they got on with many important tasks, dodging the rain as much as possible.

Gordon continued to build shuttering that will be filled with concrete in order to create a divide between the two sides of the sluice. He will include a paddle to permit passage of water from side to side as necessary.

Martin and Pete cut away excess liner from the edge of the by-wash.

Alan W, Chris and others trundled stones from a large pile to where they will be needed to line the by-wash.

The jumble outside the cabin was sorted and either piled neatly if needed or taken to the skip if not.

A early tea brought the day’s proceedings to a halt. What a relief to shelter from the rain. Ronnie was this week’s baker. Her Simnel cake was particularly delicious.

Rain stopped play, but we will be back next week. Apparently, a heatwave is forecast so we should be able to lay lots of stone.