Marple Website Community Calendar

Updates and Announcements => News and Announcements => Topic started by: admin on February 27, 2005, 09:29:39 AM

Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on February 27, 2005, 09:29:39 AM
The Iron Bridge Restoration Project Diary has been updated with the latest news on progress and fundraising.

Click here to visit the Diary
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on May 15, 2005, 11:50:33 AM
The Iron Bridge Diary has been updated again, and hopefully explains why things have been quiet again recently.

Click here for more
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on May 28, 2005, 09:44:48 AM
The Iron Bridge Diary has been updated again to advise of the Gift Aid received from the Inland Revenue and the Community Raised Funding passing through the £10,000 barrier :D

Click here for more
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on July 19, 2005, 07:09:40 PM
The Iron Bridge Restoration Project Diary has been updated with the latest news on the gas pipe and fundraising.

Click here to visit the Diary
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on September 27, 2005, 11:05:50 PM
We've made some significant progress in recent weeks on the Iron Bridge Project. At long last we have a design solution and we can now begin to move forward towards the next stage. There's still a way to go but we've definitely turned a corner recently. The big challenge for us now is to increase the rate of fund-raising to meet our targets as soon as we can, so that by the time we're ready to make the next HLF bid we have enough match funding. We need another £10,000. If you think you can help, even in just a small way, please get in touch. Read about all this in more detail in the on-line diary.

Click here to visit the Diary
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on November 27, 2005, 06:47:52 PM
Good progress is being made on fund-raising and on the detail design for the repairs to the bridge. Although estimates have increased, with a commitment from SMBC to provide at least 5% of the costs and significant contributions from Marple Area Committee and the Jubilee Amateur Dramatic Society, we are making in-roads into the balance of match-funding needed. If you think you can help, even in just a small way, please get in touch. Read about all this in more detail in the on-line diary.

Click here to visit the Diary
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 10, 2005, 05:17:10 PM
More good progress on match-funding for the bridge with another excellent contribution from the MacNair Trust. If you think you can help, even in just a small way, please get in touch. Read about all this in more detail in the on-line diary.

Click here to visit the Diary
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 27, 2005, 07:30:33 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with the latest news, including the profits on our 2006 calendar sales, which will be donated to the match-funding for the next phase.

We've also added a new on-line consultation form - please fill this in to help us to demonstrate local support for the project to the Heritage Lottery Fund when we make our application to them for up to 90% of the funds that will be needed to carry out the restoration.

Click here to go straight to the diary & consultation form
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on January 28, 2006, 10:55:18 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with the latest news, including generous contributions to the matchfunding from Marple Business Forum and The Rotary Club of New Mills, Marple & District.

We've had a good response to the on-line consultation with 50 replies so far, but it would be great if we could get more, so please complete the on-line consultation for if you haven't already done so.

Click here to go directly to the Diary.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on January 31, 2006, 12:37:13 PM
We have just learnt that we have been granted Listed Building Consent for the planned repairs/strengthening of the Iron Bridge. This is a significant milestone and a major step towards achieving the bridge's restoration. :D
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on March 26, 2006, 09:46:49 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with the latest news and fund raising developments.

The on-line consultation is now closed and the results, which were overwhelmingly positive, have been compiled into a report that will go to the HLF. We'll convert this to a web friendly version and add it to the site in the near future. Thank you everyone who took the time to reply to the consultation.

Click here to go directly to the Diary.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on April 04, 2006, 08:05:34 PM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated again to record submission of the completion report for the Project Planning phase.

The results of the consultation are also now available on-line.

Click here to go straight to the diary or here to see the consultation results.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on February 03, 2007, 08:39:25 AM
We are pleased to announce that the Iron Bridge Restoration Project full grant application was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund in January 2007.

Our thanks go to the extraordinary number of local people and organisations who have helped us get this far.

The HLF will advise their decision in June this year and, of course, you should learn of it here first. Cross your fingers everyone!

Click here for more details in the Project Diary.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on August 15, 2007, 12:09:42 PM
The Iron Bridge Construction Diary has been updated with news about the CGI model now in production, the early stages of which can be viewed on-line.

In addition it included details of our appeal for people with interesting memories and stories about the bridge that we may be able to include in the documentary film being produced by Fusion Films. If you have any interesting or amusing tales to tell about the Iron Bridge or strong feelings about why it is important to you - or if you know somebody else that does - please do let us know.

As usual you can use the link http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge to go straight to the latest news.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on August 27, 2007, 04:47:47 PM
The Iron Bridge Construction Diary has been updated again with the latest news, which is that the bridge will close to the public tomorrow. There's also a copy of Dew's schedule for those who would like to know exactly when things should happen.

Use this link http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge to go straight to the latest news.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on September 02, 2007, 10:23:39 AM
The Iron Bridge Webcam is now online.

The direct link is http://www.marple-uk.com/webcam

The webcam gives streaming video or updated stills and is ready just in time for the excitement of the Bailey Bridge being removed tomorrow, so if you want a front row seat to this event from home or work make sure you view the webcam today!
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on September 16, 2007, 08:09:04 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with the latest news.

Use this link http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge to go straight to the latest news.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on October 13, 2007, 05:28:31 PM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated today and we now have a second webcam inside the encapsulation.

The direct link is http://www.marple-uk.com/webcam
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 29, 2007, 11:47:09 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with the latest news about the delays and the construction drawings are now available to view on-line.

Use this link http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge to go straight to the latest news.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on January 16, 2008, 07:08:02 AM
The Iron Bridge web cams have been down for a while due to an electrical problem but they are now back on-line.

Now that the design is resolved things are now starting to pick up on site again and there should soon be some interesting stuff to see in the near future.

Click here to go direct to the web cam page.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on February 24, 2008, 08:40:51 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with the latest news now that work has restarted and fabrication of the modern intervention that will house the re-routed gas main is underway.

Use this link http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge to go straight to the latest news.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on March 29, 2008, 08:04:12 PM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with the latest news and work is expected to pick up next week with delivery of the first hollow box-section beam (with gas main fitted).

We've also had a new web cam fitted, although there's a piece of loose canvas flapping in from of it now but we hope that will be sorted out soon!

Use this link http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge to go straight to the latest news.

Click here to go direct to the web cam page.
Title: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on April 05, 2008, 09:14:42 AM
The diary has been updated with news about the installation of the first steel hollow box section beam on Wednesday morning.

Use this link http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge to go straight to the latest news.
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on May 03, 2008, 04:14:08 PM
The diary has been updated with latest news about the gas main diversion and the arrival of the second hollow box section on Tuesday 6th May.

Follow this link to go straight to the latest news http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on May 06, 2008, 09:23:28 PM
Another diary update with news regarding the work completed today and, unfortunately, some more delays too.

Follow this link to go straight to the latest news http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on May 31, 2008, 08:24:24 AM
The project diary has been updated this morning with details about the opening ceremony on 22nd June, some great new CGI "animatics" and the fact that we are now back to a single web cam because the scaffold is due to be removed at any moment. The opening ceremony will be added to the events section soon, just waiting for a couple of details to be finalised.

Follow this link to go straight to the latest news www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge

Also here are direct links to the web cam: www.marple-uk.com/webcam and the CGI: www.take27.co.uk/ironbridge/
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on January 25, 2009, 04:47:45 PM
The project diary has been updated this afternoon with details of the bronze commemorative plaque that was fitted to the tree stump near the bridge just over a week ago.

Follow this link to go straight to the latest news www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on March 07, 2009, 08:39:57 AM
The Iron Bridge Project diary has been updated this morning to announce the publication of a brand new version of the Brabyns Park Discovery Trail. Only 1,000 copies have been printed and they will be distributed thinly right across the borough, so local people be warned, you will need to be quick off the mark to get your hands on a copy! Distribution is expected to begin next week.

Follow this link to go straight to the latest news www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: Tricky on March 07, 2009, 08:43:53 AM
Can't this be available as a PDF download? - People could print off their own copies
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on March 07, 2009, 08:55:05 AM
That would be my plan in the longer term when they're all gone, yes.

Printing a copy yourself will not give anything like the quality of the proper booklet though, with its glossy illustrations and fold-out map.
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on March 11, 2009, 04:34:16 PM
Fifty copies have been delivered to Marple Library today!
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on March 22, 2009, 09:12:57 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated this morning to give you a sneak preview of the new interpretation panel that will be installed soon. Visit www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge to learn more.
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on April 08, 2009, 08:43:39 AM
The Brabyns Park Discovery Trail booklet can now be downloaded from The Marple Website so that you can print your own copies. See www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge

PS - I understand that 200 copies of the booklet were recently delivered to Marple Library, so you can still get an original copy from there at the moment.
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on April 24, 2009, 06:27:35 PM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with details of the Mersey Basin Campaign Unilever Dragonfly Awards for 2008. Go to the diary to see why: www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: Barbara on April 25, 2009, 09:05:20 AM
Many congratulations, a well deserved recognition of all your hard work!   :)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on July 02, 2009, 08:44:59 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with news about "Bridge Detectives" a week long twinning of schools in Marple Bridge and Salford inspired by the restoration of the Iron Bridge in Brabyns Park. Use this link to go straight to the diary: www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on July 05, 2009, 08:44:39 AM
Further to our recent Dragonfly 2008 Award from the Mersey Basin Campaign, they now have the details of this and the other 2008 winners on their web site: http://www.merseybasin.org.uk/page.asp?id=3148
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on August 12, 2009, 09:52:40 AM
The Iron Bridge Project Diary has been updated with a photo of the new display panel installed in the park as part of the Iron Bridge Project. Use this link to go straight to the diary: www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on August 24, 2009, 12:00:44 PM
The Iron Bridge Project Dairy has been updated this morning with viewable / downloadable versions of the short documentary created by Fusion Films charting the progress of the project from the start of our campaign to the opening ceremony last June.

To go direct to the diary use this link: www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge

Let us know what you think and also if it works ok or if you have any problems.
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on August 26, 2009, 06:45:03 AM
We have now been able to add the Iron Bridge Documentary to youtube in fairly high definition. It's had to be split into two parts as it is longer than the maximum 10 minutes allowed.

To view, follow these links:

Iron Bridge Restoration Project (Part 1 of 2) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geabP_bxpDw

Iron Bridge Restoration Project (Part 2 of 2) : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sek6PSP1uk

Now embedded in the main site too, see www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge and follow one of the links to the Documentary.
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on October 30, 2011, 11:03:43 AM
It's been some time since there was any news on the Iron Bridge Restoration Project but at last we can report that long-planned improvements to the viewing platform near the bridge will commence on 7 November 2011.

To read more and to see the design visit www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: Lisa Oldham on October 30, 2011, 02:36:14 PM
Excellent Mark !! look forward to seeing it.  how long will it take?

Shame the roads totally wrecked again now :(
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on October 30, 2011, 04:15:37 PM
Excellent Mark !! look forward to seeing it.  how long will it take?

Shame the roads totally wrecked again now :(

I don't know how long it will take yet - am waiting for an answer to that myself.

Do you mean the road from the bridge to Compstall, or in the park itself?

Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: Lisa Oldham on October 30, 2011, 11:35:22 PM
in the park itself.. leading from the rec centre to the bridge.  Regular events and some very large caravans and trucks (huge ones from the recent sales show to the forces and emergency services.. cant rem what they were selling!) have destroyed it!
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on November 19, 2011, 07:59:33 AM
Some photos of the work in progress on the Viewing Platform have been added to the Virtual Tour this morning. The lads doing the work reckon they'll be finished by next Thursday but that won't included the railings, which are being fitted by others:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-52
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on November 25, 2011, 02:15:24 PM
The Viewing Platform is nearing completion with just the railings to install next week:

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-52
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 04, 2011, 12:23:50 PM
Iron Bridge Viewing Platform railings are now installed and awaiting final paint and scaffold removal.

http://visitmarple.co.uk/photos/thumbnails.php?album=lastup&cat=-52
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 23, 2011, 01:50:10 PM
The Iron Bridge Viewing Platform is now completed and yesterday was the first opportunity to take some photos. I must admit to being very pleased with the result: www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: Lisa Oldham on December 23, 2011, 10:46:58 PM
its lovely... and has the "stump" been recoated?  was going to suggest something be done as it was looking a bit tired!

Can you tell me how it was financed Mark? I'm an everyday user of Brabyns and I've had a lot of comments about it.. in particular the use of money on it when things like the dog bins have been removed and the road is so worn out. Theres a lot of frustration amongst park users there at mo and i suppose _to a degree_ ..human nature and all that.. theyve forgotten how awful it all was before you and yours got your hands on it!
 

Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 24, 2011, 07:18:17 AM
The stump hasn't been retreated yet but I have a tin of the stuff we use on the tree sculptures in Memorial Park ready for a suitable weather window.

Most of the money spent on this is from the HLF grant of £427,700 we were awarded to restore the bridge and wasn't available to spend on something else instead. I did put an explanation in the Diary:

A design for the improvements was agreed way back in September 2009 but allocating the funds to implement the works has been a problem because it was never in the original budget for the project. This is because the opportunity for a viewing platform only arose following the unfortunate demise of the large beech tree near to the bridge and our decision to mount the plaque on it.

The total cost of the improvement works is £16,391 and it has largely being funded by the reallocation of money in the original budget for the proposed short drama film by Fusion Films. This ran into difficulties with escalating costs and it was eventually agreed with the HLF to cancel it and divert the funds of £12,491 to the Viewing Platform. The balance is made up from the 2008 Unilever Dragonfly Award of £2,500 given to Peter and me by the Mersey Basin Trust, £250 was contributed by Marple Civic Society and the £1,143 shortfall was covered by Stockport Council.
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: Lisa Oldham on December 26, 2011, 10:33:31 AM
thanks Mark.. i ll read that a few times so i can quote it chapter and verse!  :)

Guess the workmen much have brushed the growths off the stump!
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on October 06, 2012, 08:25:35 AM
I'm pleased to report that a significant step forward has been made on the final outstanding task of the Iron Bridge Restoration Project this week with the production of a sound recording by the Carver Theatre for a listening post that will be installed at the bridge.

The post should be installed in the coming weeks (before Christmas I hope) but in the meantime you can listen to the recording on-line in the Iron Bridge Project Diary:

www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge

A very big thank you to Elizabeth Galloway, who is the lady speaking, and John Woodruff for the technical aspects of the recording, done in his studio. Elizabeth and John are both members of the Carver Theatre and are also involved in Marple Moments, who have a community page on The Marple Website.

This has been a fine example of local community groups helping each other out in Marple.

www.carvertheatre.co.uk
www.marplemoments.co.uk

Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on October 24, 2012, 06:52:18 PM
The Iron Bridge Listening Post has now been installed:

http://www.marple-uk.com/ironbridge/

Who will be the first to listen to it?
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on February 22, 2019, 03:44:46 PM
It's a long time since I posted in this thread!

Removal and refitting of the Iron Bridge Bronze Plaque

As many people will know, the Marple Website was the driving force behind the restoration of the Iron Bridge in Brabyns Park. This lengthy project began in 2001 and restoration was completed in 2008.

The web site is pleased to now be working with Friends of Brabyns Park and the Council to secure the future of the Bronze Plaque installed in 2009:

https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html (https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0BQ2MFWkAAMf0j.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0BQ6vbWkAIRhnF.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0BRAw2WoAA88h9.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0BRIHxX4AME5ZT.jpg)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 22, 2019, 07:27:47 AM
Friends of Brabyns Park apply to the Manchester Airport Fund

The article on the Marple Website about the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform has been updated with the great news that Friends of Brabyns Park have submitted a grant application to the Manchester Airport Fund towards a project to tackle the refurbishment of the viewing platform.

As well as repairs to the platform and new railings to fill the gap and remount the plaque, the group plan walks and talks to encourage people to to see the bridge and the plaque, and also to learn more about the history and wildlife of the whole of Brabyns Park. They even hope to re-issue the Discovery Trail Leaflet that was produced as part of the Iron Bridge Restoration Project several years ago.

There is a commitment from Stockport MBC to provide some of the funding for the major works, and the Friends of Brabyns will also contribute through their existing funds. The Marple Website has made a donation of £100 to this project and if you would like to make a donation too, you can do so via the Friends of Brabyns Park's page in the Community Directory.

The Friends will welcome any groups (e.g. schools, Scouts, Guides etc) who might want to get involved in this wider project, and encourage them to get in touch too.

https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html

Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on February 04, 2020, 06:31:59 AM
More news expected in April 2020

Friends of Brabyns Park's application to the Manchester Airport Fund was considered by the fund's trustees in January and they have asked the group for further information. This was provided at the end of January and the application will be reconsidered in late April 2020. More details here: https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html (https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on July 15, 2020, 07:40:27 AM
Viewing Platform Project: Update July 2020

In November 2019 the Friends of Brabyns Park submitted a grant application to the Manchester Airport Fund towards a project to refurbish the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform. It was considered by the fund's trustees in January and they asked the group for further information. This was provided at the end of January but unfortunately the application was refused in late April 2020. We believe, despite our best efforts, we struggled to give the trustees a full understanding of the project aims.

(https://www.marple.website/images/IMG_1623ya.jpg)

Project restructured

Following this, and in response to the Covid19 outbreak, the project was re-examined and restructured. It was pared down to the key physical works needed to restore the viewing platform only, with plans for walks, talks and reissue of the Discovery Trail put on hold for the time-being. The works were divided into two stages to take advantage of the partial funding already available and in the hope that it would be easier to raise further funds locally. The two stages defined were:

STAGE ONE Making the platform safe and accessible
Budget Cost £2,661

STAGE TWO refit the refurbished plaque on new bespoke railings
Budget Cost £1,588

Stage One funded successfully

We are pleased to advise that in June 2020 an application to Marple Area Committee for £1,000 of Area Flexibility Funding was successful. Coupled with contributions of £900 from Stockport Council, £561 from Friends of Brabyns Park, and £100 each from The Marple Website and Marple Civic Society, this means that Stage One is now fully funded and can go ahead.

Stockport Council has been requested to place an order for Stage One with their landscape contractor and we are currently waiting to learn when the works will take place.

Once this is underway the next step will be find ways to fund Stage Two and complete the project.

Read the full story: https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html (https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on October 05, 2020, 11:48:49 AM
Viewing Platform Project: Update October 2020

The Marple Website and Friends of Brabyns Park are pleased to report that Stage 1 of the works to refurbish the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform has been completed. Stage 1 included the installation of new steel lintels and new matching stone work and kerbs to bridge the gap in the viewing platform left by the removal of the decayed tree stump. The wooden deck on the platform has also been fully renewed.

(https://www.marple.website/images/viewing-platform-stage-1.jpg)

Stage 1 was funded by a £1,000 Flexibility Award from Marple Area Committee, £561 from Friends of Brabyns Park and £100 each from The Marple Website and Marple Civic Society. The council has contributed too - this was to be £900 but they have also absorbed some cost increases too.

We now need to find a further £1,600 of funding for Stage 2. This will include the fabrication and installation of new bespoke matching decorative railings at the back of the platform to bridge the gap left by the removal of the tree stump. The bronze plaque will also be cleaned and refurbished before being remounted on the new railings, returning the viewing platform to full use.

Read the full story: https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on November 22, 2020, 07:30:10 AM
Viewing Platform Update November 2020: Stage 2 Funding awarded by the Macnair Trust

Fantastic news this month is that the Macnair Trust met on 4th November and approved a grant application from Friends of Brabyns Park for the sum of £1,656 needed to complete Stage 2 of the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform refurbishment. This award will pay for the fabrication and installation of new bespoke railings to bridge the gap left by the tree stump removal and refurbishment of the bronze plaque itself by the original manufacturers.

The new railings will include a mounting on which the bronze plaque will be secured.

Stage 2 works will be completed as soon as circumstances allow, so check back for updates.

It looks like a small Stage 3 to this project will be required to get everything ship-shape:

During a recent visit to review the completed Stage 1 works it was noticed that the top of the support post holding the audio listening device near to the platform is rusting quite badly. The council's maintenance team will be temporarily removing the listening device soon, so that they / we can have a closer look at what is required to remedy this situation.

Read the full story: https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 25, 2020, 06:14:10 AM
Iron Bridge Bronze Plaque Refurbished for Christmas!

Latest news is that the Iron Bridge bronze plaque has been collected just before Christmas from Leander, the original manufacturer. They've done a brilliant job of cleaning, re-patinating, polishing and lacquering the plaque so that it looks just like when it first came out of their factory in 2009.

(https://www.marple.website/images/iron-bridge-plaque.jpg)

We are also pleased to report that the rusty audio post has been repaired by Stockport Council.

Fabrication of the new infill railings by Wayne Chaisty is expected to start in the New Year.

https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on April 16, 2021, 03:43:47 PM
Iron Bridge Viewing Platform

This afternoon we completed the first trial fit of the bespoke railings being fabricated for the Viewing Platform by Metal Artist Wayne Chaisty.

Delighted to report that it all went well and, as expected, Wayne is doing an excellent job for us.

https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html (https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html)

(https://www.marple.website/images/banners/iron-bridge-raillings.jpg)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on May 01, 2021, 06:31:05 AM
Iron Bridge Viewing Platform

Yesterday we completed the second trial fit of the bespoke railings being fabricated by Wayne Chaisty.

We also tried our mock-up of the bronze plaque and hopefully you can see how well the job is coming together now.

We have a few more adjustments to make before getting the railings galvanised and painted ready for final install, so watch this space for more news.

https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html

(https://www.marple.website/images/iron-bridge-viewing-platform1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on May 19, 2021, 04:42:29 PM
Iron Bridge Viewing Platform

Final trial assembly of the new railings and bronze plaque at the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform was completed today.

Next step is for Wayne to fully weld the brackets then send for galvanising.

We currently expect to complete the final installation some time in June if things continue to go to plan.

https://www.marple.website/community-projects/relocation-of-iron-bridge-plaque.html

(https://www.marple.website/images/iron-bridge-plaque-trialx.jpg)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on June 14, 2021, 02:20:25 PM
Iron Bridge Viewing Platform refurbishment completed!

I'm delighted to report that we completed the final installation of the bespoke railings and refurbished bronze plaque at the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform this morning. Wayne Chaisty of Ironwood Metal Art has done a brilliant job fabricating and fitting the railings to turn the vision of mounting the plaque on the existing railings without welding on site into a reality.

All that is left to do now is fit a small plaque onto the backing plate that you can see in the first photo. This will explain a little bit about the project and acknowledge funding sources. That has been ordered and should be available for fitting in around 2 to 3 weeks time.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E32HTR2XMAMEV3z?format=jpg&name=large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E32HWO7XMAAqiVI?format=jpg&name=large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E32HYmtWQAUBk1g?format=jpg&name=large)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E32HbJaXwAA4Xhy?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on October 16, 2021, 06:46:59 AM
Acknowledgement plaque fitted to Iron Bridge Viewing Platform

I'm pleased to report that the small plaque explaining a little about the refurbishment of the Iron Bridge Viewing Platform has now been fitted. This had been delayed at the manufacturers and also required a bit of fettling before it would fit nicely on the mounting plate.

(https://www.marple.website/images/viewing-platform-small-plaque.jpg)

The plaque acknowledges the help and support of Friends of Brabyns Park, Stockport Council, the Macnair Trust, Marple Area Committee, Marple Civic Society and other private individuals who donated towards the cost of the works. It also acknowledges the wonderful skills of Wayne Chaisty of Ironwood Metal Art, without whom the project would simply not have been possible.

This means that the project to refurbish the Viewing Platform and Bronze Plaque begun by The Marple Website almost exactly 3 years ago, in September 2018, is now fully completed.

But this is not the end of the Iron Bridge Story!

Unfortunately this is not the end of the Iron Bridge Project story because the council has been neglecting the bridge's maintenance for many years since it was restored. I began corresponding with them almost 12 months ago about bringing the next principle inspection forward from the date they had it scheduled (which was this December and already one year late due to Covid). I'm pleased to report that it was conducted in September, although I had been pushing for much earlier than this so it can only be regarded as a partial success so far. Reports from the inspection are now awaited and will be followed by discussions on the remedial actions to be taken.
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on January 11, 2022, 09:51:00 AM
Iron Bridge Project Diaries Migrated to new web site

Migrating the Iron Bridge Project from the old web site was a task I'd put off due to the daunting amount of material generated during a period of more than 11 years. However, with the bridge discovered to be at risk again in the winter of 2021 the time seemed right to get the job done.

https://www.marple.website/brabyns-park-iron-bridge.html

This new section of the web site now pulls together the pages created during the huge community effort of the Iron Bridge Restoration Project, the more recent Iron Bridge Viewing Platform Refurbishment and the disappointing news that the Iron Bridge is at risk again only 14 years after Peter Clarke, the late Anne Hearle and I concluded 7 years of hard work to secure its future.

To read more about why the bridge is at risk again, follow this link:

https://www.marple.website/brabyns-park-iron-bridge/iron-bridge-at-risk-again.html

(https://www.marple.website/images/iron-bridge-paint-flaking1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on October 18, 2022, 10:27:02 AM
October 2022: Remedial works to the Iron Bridge start soon!

Stockport Council have advised that remedial works on the Iron Bridge in Brabyns Park is provisionally due to commence on the 24th October 2022 and the main contractor is expected to be on site for 8 weeks. They say that the scope of the current project has been developed from the prioritised recommendations contained within the Principal Inspection Report referred to below, and following consultation with Stockport Council's Conservation Officer.

https://www.marple.website/brabyns-park-iron-bridge/iron-bridge-at-risk-again.html

(https://www.marple.website/images/iron-bridge-repairs-to-start-soon.jpg)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 02, 2022, 05:36:52 PM
December 2022: Delays and works on hold until after Christmas

Remedial works to the Iron Bridge on hold! Stockport Council has advised that limited progress has been made over the last month and the works are now on hold until the New Year.

The bridge will be open until such time that the works restart: https://www.marple.website/brabyns-park-iron-bridge/iron-bridge-at-risk-again.html
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on December 15, 2022, 09:21:44 AM
CGI of Marple's Iron Bridge in Brabyns Park
Fly-through 200 years of the bridge's history in 3.5 minutes

The film below was originally created in 2007/8 by Take 27 Ltd as part of the Brabyns Park Iron Bridge Restoration Project, a partnership between The Marple Website, Marple Local History Society and Stockport Council. Back then files were too large for normal Internet download and storage but broadband and data connections today means that those problems are no longer an issue.

https://youtu.be/5CBgWidrEtw (https://youtu.be/5CBgWidrEtw)

So at last the film can be shared as part of the Iron Bridge Restoration Project Diaries on The Marple Website:

https://www.marple.website/brabyns-park-iron-bridge/iron-bridge-cgi.html
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on March 27, 2023, 07:46:01 AM
A catch-up with progress on the Iron Bridge:

Read in more detail on the main site: https://www.marple.website/brabyns-park-iron-bridge/iron-bridge-at-risk-again.html (https://www.marple.website/brabyns-park-iron-bridge/iron-bridge-at-risk-again.html)

27 March 2023: Paint protection to the Iron Bridge is underway. The council has kindly shared some progress photos following application of the primer coating.

(https://www.marple.website/images/com_osgallery/gal-29/original/primer4BD537F40-6561-B884-1470-13F98833F612.jpg)

14 March 2023: I was pleased to join the council's Conservation Officer for a site visit to inspect the Bridge during the final stages of blasting and paint removal.

(https://www.marple.website/images/ironbridge/iron-bridge-2023-03-14a.jpg)

13 February 2023: Stockport Council advise that work is about to restart on the Iron Bridge repairs.

Also.....

This video inspection of Marple's Iron Bridge in Brabyns Park was conducted on 13th November 2003, during the early stages of the campaign to restore it and was submitted to the HLF in the funding bid. The film wasn't shared at the time as the file was too large. It was added to the diary after being rediscovered in Marple Local History Society's archives during March 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd_9PLkLiJU (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xd_9PLkLiJU)
Title: Re: The Iron Bridge Project Diary
Post by: admin on April 14, 2023, 01:38:04 PM
13 April 2023: Repainting of original structure completed

The council's Conservation Officer and I caught up with progress at the Iron Bridge today.

Unfortunately we were not able to inspect the paintwork under the bridge as expected because the scaffolding removal was started before we were notified. That's frustrating as it was probably the last chance in my lifetime to see the bridge structure up-close from underneath. Happier news is the council have shared the photos below of the finished paintwork taken before the scaffold was removed.

(https://www.marple.website/images/com_osgallery/gal-31/original/20230331-1243401CA87BAD-FB16-EB72-C95F-BAAEAB7203A8.jpg)

Remaining work

There is outstanding work to do on the top-side of the bridge, including more vegetation removal, cleaning and repainting of the original railings and touch-up and maintenance works to the modern intervention (the green parts). It's planned for this to be carried out during the coming week or so and it is anticipated that the bridge will remain closed for at least another week.

What's next: scour remedial works

The inspection report identifies that a large stone block has been washed out of the south abutment below the waterline.

Water levels are too high to tackle this issue at the moment but later in the year a temporary dam will be built around the abutment so that the engineers can investigate properly and develop solutions. The stone block will be replaced and other works are likely to include installation of "riprap" stone to protect against future scouring and erosion on both north and south abutments.

https://www.marple.website/brabyns-park-iron-bridge/iron-bridge-at-risk-again.html