Saturday 21st August 2021
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Report written by Emily Kitson
Not put off by the ter-rain, 8 GoodGymers (Meyrick, Mary, Aaron, Emily K, Emily M, Jamie, Laura and Richard) braved the elements and rocked up at Claverton pumping station one wet Saturday morning.
Here we were met by two of the station volunteers, who explained our task of moving stones to fill in some steps, which will form part of a footpath joining the canal towpath with the pumping station below.
Down next to the ter-rain tracks, were several sacks of solidified soil/stones, which needed breaking up first. So we set to work, reminiscent of scenes from the Shawshank redemption, using mattocks and spades. We then shovelled stones into wheelbarrows, taking turns to wheel uphill to the steps.
In the process, we uncovered some of the local wildlife, which we carefully moved to safety.
Some of us also headed further down the hill to pick up more stones, to be used as the top layer.
As we finished up, the showers eased off and we were kindly treated to a much needed cup of tea, followed by a fascinating guided tour of the pumping station museum, by one of the knowledgeable volunteers.
Thanks everyone and welcome to Bath, Laura!
The Claverton Pumping Station is a rare surviving example of the technology of the Georgian Regency period. The pump started work in 1813, the year Pride and Prejudice was published. This amazing pump uses the power of the River Avon to drive a massive waterwheel, this then lifts water up 48ft into the Kennet and Avon Canal. Burning no fuel and making no waste it is the ultimate in environmentally friendly technology. The pump is Grade I listed, and is operated by volunteers as a living museum.
See moreSun 22nd Aug 2021 at 9:04pm
Great to see you getting stuck into GoodGym in your new home Laura! We miss you in Windsor and Maidenhead. This task looks like it was a really good workout in a cool location!