One month after starting work the main trees having started the work, trees were removed from the lock walls. (See
left).
From August 89 through to December of the same year the lock was emptied and trees removed until the base (invert) of the lock was clearly visible.
The picture (see right) shows the stage reached by December '89. Note the silt lines on the lock walls showing just how much material had to be removed. Also, note the bridge in place at the head of the lock.
With the Christmas break and a very wet month causing some delay, progress slowed at the start of 1990.
February saw construction work start in earnest. The existing brickwork was examined and any damaged or suspect items were removed exposing the lock walls.
This is the stage where many volunteers say it seems things have become worse rather than getting better. However, it is a necessary process in order to return to a sound basis on which to build. All locks on the Wilts and Berks go through this process, it is only the degree of restoration which varies from site to site.
The terraced effect of the lock walls shows how far back this process extended and how much material was lost (albeit temporarily) in the reconstruction.
Having said this is a narrow lock, the length can be seen well in this picture. It shows how easily six members and a bucket lift can be accommodated with little impact on the available space.
The modern construction process has one additional significant consideration to the original method - health and safety.
For that reason, all our restored locks have a safety ladder installed which means a slight amendment to the original design. Hopefully everyone agrees its a change that adds to the original.
The picture on the right (March 1990) shows the process of installing a cut to cater for the ladder which will be installed in full at a later stage of the restoration process.
One month later in April 1990 laying of the replacement brickwork was started, making a real difference to the appearance of the lock.
The Trust has to consider the best time to lay new bricks so that frost damage doesn't compromise the work undertaken. Also. the winter is often too cold to guarantee a good result. - Not to mention the fact that it stops our volunteers from freezing ! - Not too much of a problem in April though.
Where possible, we reuse any salvageable materials which explains why some of the bricks look old.