Continuing BCS efforts to improve the towpath below lock 4, ther first task party in September addressed the poor performance of the french drain that BCS constructed last April. The turf covering the drain was removed and replaced with gravel that had been transported to site using workboat ‘Skippy2Sheds’.
Lock maintenance that should have been completed in August was the focus of the second task party. This entailed greasing the gate collars and paddle racks along with oiling the paddle mechanisms, painting the ‘CILL’ markers and edging the coping stones and bollards. Rain stopped play so several ad hoc task parties were required to complete this task for all 6 locks. The painting of the tops of the lock beams of locks 1,2 & 3 and completing the painting of locks 5&6 was also achieved.
In a departure from normal business BCS agreed to a request from Braunston Primary School to brighten up their 4m narrowboat play equipment with a fresh coat of paint. As well as the addition of some bright colors the damaged wooden seat in the cabin was replaced.
Other ad hoc task parties this month included supporting CRT engineers by strimming the junction island so they could carry out an inspection, primarily of the damaged coping. Maintaining the grass at the Stop House, including the Gongoosler garden, gave BCS the opportunity to try out our new battery powered hedge trimmer obtained with sponsorship from the Braunston Community Café.