Dredging Tuesday at Ryeford
by: Andrew Rendell
Found hidden from view but always heard a trickle of water above Ryeford Lock.
Today as fog lifted off the commons around Stroud the Dredging team started a training day for a new Dredging trainee.
First a Trainee Safety briefing, then daily routines before any dredging. Full greasing of 26 grease nipples, then clean the decks.
First main task was to pump out water from both hoppers. Team of four working well together to ensure efficient and safe pumping. Cup of tea and discussion about rest of dredging tasks for the day.
After the last few dredging sessions by different teams the Ryeford pound at the locks was full width and opposite the landing stages was clear of reeds and some brambles.
The new trainee was put straight to work with the basic task of hauling a hopper, he fully understood the method of using low energy to haul a hopper.
Bob as lead for the day, trainee Peter watching with enthusiasm as new trainee by his side wearing the safety lanyard and Tim at the stern of Annette2 controlling direction and positions with outboard. We started to hunt offside for a water outlet from the land drainage pipe. Firstly removing more read base around the area with coordinated guidance from me on radio spotted the appearance of concrete and a rickety fence Bob gradually removed some major brambles using many bucket operations to reveal !!
The next photo shows there is a concrete shelf over a metre from the outlet edge where bucket is sitting, note 6 inches below surface which will cause damage to passing vessels.
We continued east along edge of canal 3 metres and discovering another concrete outlet but worse still jutting out another metre into the canals width with a shallow, long cobbled shelf jutting into the canal. This is a more major obstruction of the canal.
We have left soil for present around this but should canal edge behind this outlet. There will be a need in short term some signage and markers to ensure vessels don't damage their hulls and propellers.
More healing of hoppers to reposition and leave one ready for Dry Dredging team tomorrow.
Whilst doing this Perseverance passed by with trainee/s on, practised in the locks and returned later in the day and gratefully thanking the Wet and dry dredging teams for such good work.
I think Wookie could now produce finishing touches in the removal of the rampant bramble and general weed control around this area to stop the outlets disappearing again and make a lovely approach to the locks as well as allow future maintenance.
Trainee Peter had a go at operating the Dredger doing the difficult task of cutting the bank at the correct angle and reed removal and clearly enjoyed the day. A very good session, could get through training fairly quickly although still lots of skills and knowledge to learn.
As Dredger Manager I was pleased with the approach of all members today and what a way for a trainee to start with lots of technical advice and some practical experience.
WARNING TO EVERYONE WHO USES A VESSEL JUST EAST OF RYEFORD LOCK. Keep centre or tow path side where these outlets are.
Andrew Rendell (Wet Dredger Manager)
