Here is a summary of numerous activities from around the site.

Below: Last week trial excavations were made at Pockerley (below the Old Hall) before the imminent re-erection of St Helens Church, from Eston. This is a Medieval church that was taken down in the mid 1990s to save it from eventual destruction by vandals – it had lost parts of its walls, the roof and all the internal features. It is to be placed in the field opposite the pond and Gin Pit, at the crossroads in this area of the site.

Below: Progress continues on the Colliery track and the completion of the headshunt to enable us to run-around trains. This will be an important part of the demonstration as it will enable two-engine two-train working to take place and give a meaningful sense of operation in a colliery.

Below: Alan Milburn has completed the chaldron flat waggon. Once Coffee Pot returns next week we will carry out some shunting to liberate the waggons completed and re-order the shed, which also needs a very good clean before the new season.

Below: An arty shot from last week when Coffee Pot was steamed in order to get it to the loading/unloading area. Rays of sun penetrate the smoke filled atmosphere as the other Coffee Pot, No.17, looks on.

Below: For many years we have had the remains of part of the island platform canopy from Malton Station (on the York – Scarborough line) in store. They had been purchased from a scrapyard but have no future use at Rowley. As a result of a conversation with the project team re-covering Pickering Station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway the remains have been collected by the NYMR for use in this exciting project. Here is the HIAB which came for the rather tricky to reach components!

Below: While Newcastle 114’s truck is in pieces, the opportunity is being taken to completely repaint this inside and out. Here it is seen rubbed down and ready for priming. The aim is still to have this tram ready for the GNSF…

Below: The Friends have been making good progress on various projects, and I for one am looking forward to seeing the SOS bus make an appearance at the GNSF! Here is the roadsweep, complete with trial section of shaft in place.

Below: One of the two trolleys overhauled for use in the Colliery, seen here drying. In the background is a North Eastern Railway cast sign (and post), the Friends currently refurbishing several items of station furniture for the Museum.

Below: The other trolley, complete and awaiting relocation to the Colliery.