Chris and Bev – Heads in the Clouds

The old oak gates have been removed from the west gate. The old hinges have totally seized up but can be freed up by the village blacksmith, Ian, who is making some replacement ironwork where it’s missing, as well as a lattice cover for the well. We’re salvaging the top half of the gates to use them as a feature somewhere in the new garden.

Whilst much of the 125 year-old oak looks in a bad way, the creased, algae-covered and gnarled surface conceals really dense wood underneath – you’d say it’s got harder with age.

There is some rot at the bottom of the side pillars, and Dave is cutting this back to the sound oak before he splices in new sections. The pillars have bowed slightly and will be refixed within the recess of the wall which interestingly was built around the oak frame to enclose it. It’s a pleasure to see real craftsmanship.

Speaking of craftsmanship – but on a different scale to Dave’s, the fencing is progressing well. With apologies, Bev says the blog is a bit fencing-heavy … Storm Christophe means it’ll now be tools-down for a couple of days. Storm Christophe could also describe our 30 year marriage!