WAYNE'S GANG

Summer 2003 - work to restore the wooden lineside hut at Afflington

Photos and detail courtesy of John Drew.

On Sunday May 4th we had another struggle with the tree. It took till 12.30 before we had found all the remaining roots and cut through them with the aid of the loppers and the chainsaw. Once that was cleared away we dug down just over 2 feet to remove some badly rotted sleepers from the window area by the tree.

We then turned our attention to the rear corner where there were some wall sections missing and 3 uprights were badly damaged by a lineside fire some years ago. By digging down one side we managed to loosen the remains of a sleeper and then prised it out with a crowbar. Once one was out the remaining damaged sleepers could be pulled over to one side and pulled out relatively easily. Following that we then had to clean out the trench and then to set up the replacement sleepers.

It turned out that the base of the fireplace had also been built down to a depth of 2 feet and it seems the masonry below ground was in reasonable condition, although it had subsided slightly. It is proposed to rebuild from ground level after the timberwork has been completed.

With some help from Robin Brasher's photos and it appears the roof was a 45 degree, pitched gable type with some sort of felt covering.

I examined the top of the sleepers and it would appear that some sort of horizontal timber plate was nailed around the top. The rusty nails protrude about 1 inche, but I am guessing the height would be between 6 to 9 inches. I It also appears there was a similar plate inside but it is not certain whether that was just a tool rack or part of the roof.

Following a couple more work sessions we have secured the roof as can be seen in these shots. Thanks to those who have helped so far and we look forward to seeing what can be achieved on our next visit. When this will be I am not certain as Waynes Gang will be working during August and September with the Purbeck Mining Preservation Group to relocate the old clay mine buildings by Norden Farm over to the Park and Ride facility.

If you want to join in email Wayne at waynesganguk@yahoo.co.uk or write to Wayne Masters, c/o Swanage Railway, Station House, Station Road, Swanage, Dorset.