Work Days
 

        June 11th/12th proved to be more exciting days at the Basin.  Two local Swindon companies were coming along to work as part of their community involvement.   First was Intel on Wednesday followed on Thursday by Arval.  A total of 41 people!  It was surprising what an impact this number of people made.  Not only was a great deal more of the lock exposed, but also the Basin wall near to the cottage had a lot of vegetation removed.  Added to this was the magnificent job that was done on moving a large quantity of bricks and stone away from the lock chamber.  Our thanks go to all those who worked so hard and hopefully we can tempted them back again.

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Wednesday morning.  Early start to open up the site. 



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A surprise!  CCT John had been beavering away and had exposed more of the Junction bridge and aqueduct walls.



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We just need to join up the two sides and we're back in business.

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The first team from Intel arrive and get stuck in.
 



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With the debris removed the construction of the lock is revealed.

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Lunch Time.


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After lunch and team two get ready for work after an introductory talk from Ray.
 


We are considering adopting this design as our standard welly.
 


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That root took a bit of digging out.


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End of Wednesday.

Thursday and the Arval troops arrive.

Half the gang continue on the lock.

 


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The others start clearing the Basin walls.
 


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Not to be outdone, our regulars John and Vic worked in the opposite corner levelling the soil and clearing the weeds from the stone work.
 


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The wheelbarrow has many uses.
 


Tree roots provide endless hours of "fun".

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A job well done.
 


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The Team Photo.


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There was a sluice here that allowed the Basin to be emptied.

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End of the day, and Casper is not too pleased that we've cleared away some of his hunting grounds.