Dawes Twine Works project

Before the scaffolding all went in you can see how badly the building was leaning.

Yes this really is a very long building! Each tie beam is supported on scaffold towers with individual turn buckles so that it can be cranked back up.

Here's the problem: the building was built without braces as the post feet were dug into the ground, but as they rotted out, the building slowly slumped over to one side

Knitting! Ratchet straps criss cross the building as we begin to pull it back to its original line

"Oh what a beautiful morning!" Steve Turner and James Stubbs get kitted up

The trusty Tirfor winches were attached to trees in the back field and used to pull the building across into place

Planing meeting with site co-ordinator Charley Brentnall, Kevin De Silva, and Dave Taylor

Joe Thompson and John Russell measuring to the string line to see how far we need to move the building

A lovely before-and-after shot: we are half way along the building, so you can see the near end is nice and straight, and the far end is still really wiggly!

We were generously fed by the enthusiasts of the Coker Rope and Sail Trust: hands up who's had too much lunch?!

The site was opened to visitors on the last day, and we had a really good turn out.

The twine works team.

A close up of the before and after effect

Men at work

At first we tried to pull the building with just ratchet straps, but it didn't really work

We opted for Tirfor winches attached to the trees…

…And pinned into the ground

John Russell cranking on the winch

A lovely view of the back of the building from the adjacent field

We were lucky enough to fit in a visit to the 'other' twine works in Coker, who similarly have a building in disrepair.

They are at least still making twine, but with modern machines and no walking!

Jealous eyes devour the sight of a ball of original West Coker twine from OUR twine works, owned by the opposition! 10 seconds later James stuffs it in his pocket and tries to make a run for it…

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