Bob's Mellor Mill Diary

Bob (Robert Humphrey-Taylor) is leading the excavations at Mellor Mill.
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Bob's Mill Diary - November 24, 2011

Sorry I missed you both this afternoon.  I went home for a late lunch and got back about 30 minutes after you left.  I am planning to get the chestnut paling fencing done over the next two weeks and to get the rest of the viewing platform cleared.  I think I will need to overlay the steps down to the viewing platform with a set (I can provide) of steel steps with a handrail. The going and risers of the stone steps will never comply with even basic H & S rules!  I will email Stockport College and try to get a meeting set up with the Construction Department so that I can make an appropriate presentation.  I am meeting Judith Wilshaw at the WWP at about 10am on Wed 7th December.  She will be bringing down about 15 volunteers from Etherow Country Park to look at the Mill Site and get a short appraisal from me on our progress and aspirations.  Are you sure you will not be needing an assistant on your antipodean trip - I'm sure it is time I went to visit my brothers in NZ again!

On second thoughts maybe not as I'm enjoying myself so much down at the Mill especially if the weather continues like today. Yes I think we have uncovered the portico area at the front of the mill and beyond that will lie the paved frontage for the whole length - but that will have to wait for another day.

Bob's Mill Diary - November 1, 2011

Here are three photos showing the latest progress (I think Kevin must have had the whip out).   Rachael tells me there were plenty of volunteers to hand on both weekends.  I'm pleased with the steps on the right hand side of the pit.  You've never seen those before Ann!!

Projection

The central projection.

Projection
Area below

Uncovering the area below.

Area below
Area below

Uncovering the area below.

Area below
Wheel Pit

Progress round the wheel pit.

Wheel Pit

Bob's Mill Diary - October 17, 2011, to volunteers

I will not be down at the Wellington Wheel Pit for the next two weekends - 22/23 and 29/30 October.    However Bernard Sewart and a colleague of his, Kevin, have kindly agreed to ensure the trailer is down at the entrance as usual and there you will find everything you need to carry on with the tasks.  We are now working our way across the left hand side (as you stand with your back to the road) of the site clearing undergrowth and digging/scraping down to good masonry.  If there are too many volunteers to work in that area then you will find an area of the cobbled forecourt exposed.  That area also needs clearing.  Good luck, I hope the weather is kind.  I will be taking a rest by carrying on with restoration work at my house in France!! It's called "A Busman's Holiday".

On my return - 1st November a decision will be made on the possibility of working in November.   It will be mainly weather dependent and in any case the work is meant to be enjoyable and not a penance!

Bob's Mill Diary - October 16, 2011

Tony Wright (Wright Hire) came down to see me today and was awed by what he saw.  More importantly he suggested I go and see him during the week with a view to them lending us some scaffold for free.   So I'll deal with that.

Bob's Mill Diary - September 28, 2011, to volunteers

We need to have a big push on the work at the Wellington Wheel Pit over the next couple of weekends.  The weather isn't going to be this good for long and it will likely soon get too cold and wet for much meaningful work to be achieved.  So please make every effort to come down during the next 2 weekends.

Looking forward to seeing you all.