John S ponders his next move - reds behind me, and mortar to my right - what to do next?

The first Wednesday in the month is usually an extra day at CRC, with additional volunteers coming over from Broadway. However, the forecast for yesterday was so poor that we decided to reschedule for today, Thursday. The weather was better, but not much. There were a total of 7 volunteers, with your scribe unfortunately absent due to his car being in for repairs.

Our appeal for help with backing up was answered by John S and Peter Q. We thank Mrs. Q for releasing her husband on two days in succession, Wednesday at Broadway and Thursday at CRC2 ! In this way we had four brick layers working today, which was really conducive to fast progress. Supporting them were Brian, Keith and John O, who were kept on their toes with a stream of demands for more mortar. Slowly, the distance to barrow it is diminishing...

Keith is ready with a big shovel full of extra mortar for Peter. Wooly hats all round, the weather ain't no picnic round here.

On section 4, Peter and John S laid a row of backing reds, which enabled John C to add the second row of corbelling. The blues for this, solid unlike the ones with the holes acting as temporary counterweights on the first row laid on Monday, are surprisingly heavy. Keith has made a series of big stacks trackside, ready for John to help himself. More mortar, anyone? Want some muck on your spot?

Peter Q got a soaking for his troubles at Broadway on Wednesday. Today, it's the turn for back ache....

On Monday we laid out the concrete blocks for the next section, and today Peter Q laid a total of 97 of them end-on on a bed of mortar all the way along the new 10m stretch. Next, a row of blue headers...

Here, Peter has finished the row of blocks. Now it's time to consume vast quantities of mortar by filling in between the blocks, and putting on a finishing layer of mortar on top. Glad to be able to stand up for a mo, Peter manages a wide grin for the cameraman. John O and Keith work the barrow shuttle - a full one has just come in, while the empty is about to return northwards to the box.

So, a day of solid results. We could have done even more, but at lunchtime the rain came and we had to cover up the work. Back on Monday !