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2010
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Half Yearly Objectives
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1. Complete Platform Ramp 2. Repair failed Platform Edge Coping
3. Repair vacuum brakes on Dougal
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6. Realign and smooth curve prior to Oak Tree siding by 6’ to the East 7. Move points in that vicinity, eventually for Sidings to Oak Tree sidings. 8. Replace and upgrade all track to the proposed end buffer stop.
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4. Continue Works on Brake van and 5 plank Wagon. 5. Continue Works on Members BLCY
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June
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The month close on very positive news from the Eastern effort of RVR in that the track has now reached the B2244 Junction Road. The Trust, and Ltd company wish to extend a huge thanks to those involved including a few KESR volunteers.
Despite the above good news and welcoming the enthusiasm of the those interested in us we have to make the statement - The entire railway between Bodiam and Junction Road is private property and may not be walked. Permission may only be given by the duty manager at reception@rvr.org.uk and they will be a member of the RMC (Railway Management Committee) ->
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 (GC)
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As the RVR we do hope to be able to offer a guided tour of the new trackbed, subject to appropriate permissions being obtained, with a target of the Hoppickers weekend (11th-12th September).
The Outside Events Organiser will post details by this website.
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A Day out at Birchley
The RVR SA was pleased to join the Club2020 for a picnic day out at Birchley. The weather was very typical being sunshine and showers, but that did not suppress the bonhomie.
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Due to unavoidable circumstances the buffet has closed temporarily. The intention is to have a radical refurbishment. We expect the closure will be more than a month and may open in a different facility once a decision has been made.
The volunteers have taken this early closure to-> regroup in the GBLV and fitting out of volunteer comforts continues. The purchase and early start on renovation has been fortuitous.
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It should be mentioned that one volunteer is spending almost every day getting the vehicle up to scratch!
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 (PF)
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The newly elected Management Committee of the Supporters Association and
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The same shot as below, but taken 18th June. From Junction road B2244. Progress is being made.
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(TEDS)
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We have started a Facebook page to improve interaction with the world at large. Have your say, views and an alternative interaction if thats your preferred medium.
(Right) Starting of Phase 3b (Early June) of the RVR push towards Robertsbridge. More will be found in the Members area
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(TEDS)
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May
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The RVR-Supporters Association are pleased to announce the purchase of the GBLV with the money raised within the Membership by appeal. This has been an excellent achievement!
With thanks to all who made this possible.
In the meantime we hope to continue to receive those donations to assist with the fitting out for Volunteers comforts
West Side Facing the public car park-->
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<- Renovation of the East side (yard side), is still ongoing with new doors and access points being renewed as the first job.
Internal Works ongoing ->
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(TEDS)
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 (TEDS)
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<- The Bridge Sections located near oak tree sidings are now being cut up and removed. This will improve the general impression of the site. Six bridge sections will remain for further RVR reconstruction use.
The bridge sections themselves have their own noteworthy history. Being the replacement sections following the accident over the River Beult at Staplehurst in 1865 in which the famous author Charles Dickens was involved.
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Overhauling the Dougal’s starter motor.
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
Debating the placement of the new drill press
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 (SG)
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Official trip to the East Anglian Railway Museum to share vehicle knowledge) <- Attendees
Equivalent 5 Plank wagon preparation ->
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. (SG)
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The annual Modelers weekend was held in the month. Bottom line results on this were up.
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(SG)
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 (SG)
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(SG)
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April
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 (TEDS)
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Prepping for the next push....
In the grounds of Udiam clearing the trackbed top.
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 (RA)
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 (RA)
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Following the call for the Track Working Weekend significant progress was made to extending through to the first buffer, just short of the No1 bridge. New rails being laid with jacking and packing following on
Just 2 rails are now required t be replaced prior to the first buffer to complete this section of track.->
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(TEDS)
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March
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Late March. Over the last couple of weeks we've welcomed our new Sunday buffet manager Jon, fitted the dumpvalve on the 3-planker's braking system and begun cutting timber for the bodywork; and removed the winch from the brake van deck .
More ballast packing too. To remind the Track Working Weekend has been called for in April Easter Weekend.
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<- Many of the tasks undertaken during these late winter months are finishing off tasks. The platform Ramp and steps nearing completion.
A carriage makers plate found broken on the site is-> being cleaned and readied for repair prior to refitting
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Continuing the Bodiam West Working Days a crew has been finishing off plantings required to fence -> the new area of track completed last year.
New progress means further preparatory works are required and a call for volunteers is called for 11th April 2010. More in the Members area.
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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February
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Late February the long awaited fence realignment was performed using outside contractors.
Some landscaping was required, but we hoped to keep this to a minimum
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(TEDS)
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(SG)
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 (TEDS)
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 (TEDS)
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 (TEDS)
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The Third track tidy weekend to the North Quarry Farm area.
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 (TEDS)
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 (TEDS)
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Further works are being performed to the BLCY. The Supporters Association is attempting to buy this vehicle from private owners (also volunteers) by appeal. In the meantime works are ongoing to renovate the East side to the same standard as the West.
<- New access to vehicle.
Helen uses the doorway for the first time in 50 years -->
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((PB)
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The Railway Management Committee = RMC
From Left to Right Geoff Wyatt Steve Griffiths - Secretary David Felton - Chairman Helen Brett Trevor Streeter
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January
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Late January
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 (TEDS)
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After being snowed off for the weekend of 10th Jan Volunteers were able to pull together for 24th,
The next Bodiam west weekend is 7th February 09.30 from Robertsbridge where all volunteers are welcomed, or if you are only interested to see what we are upto come along.
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 (TEDS)
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The very supportive and usually coordinated Julie who is ever ready with steaming mugs of coffee and biscuits, Tks Julie>
<- Peter getting to grips with the fencing straining tool
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 (TEDS Video)
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<- A few snippets from Working at Bodiam West.
Trundle trolley being put to service ->
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 (TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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Early Jan
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Being the worst year for wintery conditions for some time the opportunity to take photos was hampered by not being able to get to the site. Following the snows came the floods No.6 bridge
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(TEDS)
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 (TEDS)
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View from A21 looking East shows the Rother flood plain in all its glory. the clump of trees brush trees on the grassy knole is the remains of the abutments for No 7 bridge, in good condition. Just visible in the far distance is Salehurst church
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No 2 bridge completely flooded. This is normally a footpath into the Council park
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(TEDS)
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(TEDS)
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Further progress being taken on the 5 plank wagon
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To help move pway equipment around at Bodiam West one creative volunteer fabricated a “trundle trolley”. The trolley being light enough to be carried in a light van
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(TEDS)
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Photo Accreditations in this section (PB) = Peter Brown (GC) = Gardner Crawley) (PF) = Peter French (SG) = Steve Griffiths (KH) = Ken Hammond (RA) = Roy Austen (TEDS) = Trevor Streeter
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