Sunday 11 February 2018

Wet and dry with a little wind

Saturday 10th February 2018


Now that seems to remind me of something?? Eleven volunteers today, everybody else tucked up in bed? We were soon jumping around trying to keep warm. A strong cold wind blew along the platform.



It was noticeable, over at The Caravan Club site that it was half term, with caravans booking in and backing out on to Station Road.

Coping Stones

Tony and John C had to reset three coping stones on the slope at the southern end of Platform 1. Using the mini digger the stones were soon removed and Robin, with hammer and chisel, soon chipped away the old cement and had them ready for resetting. (Robin was reminded of his brick cleaning days)!















Station Platform

Keith, John S, Vic, Phil, Robin, Peter K and Stuart were the team that set about clearing the last area for placing the platform paving. First job was to make sure the level was correct, using several wheel barrow loads of fine gravel. Next, selecting the right slabs from our stock. Peter K and Vic brought them to the work place. Peter K, in the cement producing area, started the mixer and Robin, Vic, Phil and Stuart moved lots of wheel barrow loads so that Keith and John could start laying the slabs.














Two rows were added today and the area is now ready for the Monday Crew. They will have to do a bit of cutting to get around the manhole cover.


Visitors

We had our usual large number of visitors, mostly from the caravan site, a few from the village and some from other departments on the railway. Below is one visitor from the Flag & Whistle, checking out the facilities? Peter Q showed him where our Tearoom would be in 2019.






Kerb Stone Laying

Building Services were also busy on the front of the station with our digger which they required. More stones were being added to the line of kerbs.
Are you sure this bit goes here? Um yep!














Room Tiling

Because tiling was almost complete, we had four in the tiling team today. When all the equipment and rubbish was removed and with a bit of 'spit and polish' it all looked pristine, as can be seen in the picture below.





Room Fixtures

Peter Q and Neal were both busy preparing items for eventual fitting up in the station rooms. Peter also went around the lamp posts getting them ready.



Blast from the Past


The Trackbed

The first three photos are from 2009, 2010 & 2013.





















We are now into the year 2014.























The next set are 2015.


















This last group of photos in 2016 show a means of access to the top of the embankment by installing a set of steps.

















Notices

Over the years we have been slowly purchasing railway signs which will be used around the station.


























































That's all folks.

Vic













The Garden Gnome

9 comments:

  1. Looks good to me! Especially the new tiled floor. Not to forget the progress with the slabs outside. Well done all.
    Regards, Paul.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I agree with St.Blazey. The stone paving outside the station building really is making all the difference. B&S are doing a magnificent job on the frontage. This is particularly important, as it is the first thing people will see.

      You're going to have to keep peoples' muddy boots of that new tiled floor in the Booking Office !

      Meanwhile, go to it , gentlemen. It's all looking splendid.

      Peter

      Delete
  2. The platform with the slabs down, and the tiled floors, both look amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. looking at the progress here as well as all that has been achieved to get to this position , not to mention the quality of the work and the attention to aesthetic detail, I am sure I am not alone in thinking that there shoold be some kind of industry award forthcoming post opening date - gwsr standards seem to far exceed what other preserved railways consider acceptable. A hearty 'well done' to all concerned, you are all outstanding in your fields of expertise, it shows in your achievements.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed, the quality of restoration is amazing and the tiled floor is just one of the items which set a new benchmark for other stations on the Line to follow. There is no doubt that, although not finished when it opens next month (yes!), Broadway Station will be, as much as it can be in the 21st Century, an example of Edwardian GWR at its best. There is no doubt that Toddington Station interior, for example, could mirror this in time but money is everything of course. That said, the money donated and the shares purchased so far have brought great results. Thank you.

      Delete
  4. Brilliant work in far from brilliant weather! Congratulations to all.
    I notice that one of the enamel signs on your blog of 10th February is for Heelas of Reading. I originally came from Reading and used Heelas frequently. The name has long gone now, but was part of the Reading of my childhood – like Huntley and Palmers and Suttons. Will you be displaying that sign, and also, how come it was at Broadway – way off axis for Reading?
    Thank you
    LS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The sign ws given to us some while ago, but is not in good condition. You might be able to buy it if you make an offer.

      Delete
  5. Re signage, forgive my ignorance, but what does DBO stand for?
    Mark

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  6. Like Phaasch, I was also wondering what DBO stands for?
    Graham H

    ReplyDelete