Entry: 28th June 2016
After eight gruelling months of demolition we have now turned the corner and can see the rebirth of a lock which has suffered from over eighty years of neglect.
Lock 15, Woolsthorpe Middle lock, has posed many challenges for the GCS volunteers to overcome including some of the wettest weather seen for many years. Despite this, numerous volunteers have gained a new skill which, at long last, now includes bricklaying.
Part of the reason that the previous lock construction may have failed was the surprising lack of foundations. The lock walls were substantially buttressed but without there being equal pressure on both sides a number of them had fractured and hence the inner walls were leaning inwards.
The new walls will now have substantial reinforced concrete foundations which, as the inner walls are rebuilt, will be stepped so as to support the complete structure.
Fortunately the four thrust walls which will ultimately support the new gates are all now fit for purpose after having been thoroughly surveyed and redressed. These will be tied into the overall structure as the rebuilding progresses.
Significant support has been given to the project by local companies who have not only supplied materials at low cost but also offered their help during the project. The GCS are grateful to Newark Concrete, Tarmac’s Barnstone Works and John A. Stephens Ltd have all supported the project.
The next task will be the purchase and laying of approximately 37,000 bricks. These will be traditional bricks which will preserve the authentic look of the lock. As one can expect there is now a need for volunteer bricklayers to assist the newly trained GCS teams, so that this work can be completed during the summer months. If you can offer some of your spare time then please email Volunteering enquiry or take a look at our volunteer section on this website.
