The station building extension is progressing well. The slating of the roof is now complete, the plastering and floor screed complete, although there is still quite a bit of 'spar dash' to be finished outside. Inside, architrave has been fitted round the windows, and the skirting fitted in the dining area, together with the picture rail.
Right:
Good progress on the new station building extension, early 1998.
Geoff Jenkins
The electrical installation has reached the stage where there is now operational lighting (although obviously not yet finally completed), and the walls and ceiling have had the first coat of paint. The fire and burglar alarm systems have also been installed.
The ventilation system has been installed in the kitchen, and it is huge. Soon a start will be made on the plumbing, and the lino will be laid. The kitchen units and worktops are due to be delivered shortly, for assembly in advance of the floor being finished. The last few days before Easter will then see a mad panic to get the units installed and the final fittings, tables etc in place before the season starts. It should be completely finished and operational by Easter Friday. Much work was carried out on the block paving outside. Existing materials were removed and set aside. Slate waste was then used to bring the formation up to the required level. This was completed along the whole length of the building and round the car park end. Soon the end of the site will have been cleared (again) and the fill placed across the end of the building. Then the remaining paviors can be layed. The manhole near the bridge has again been exposed and its level raised about six inches to m eet the intended level of the paving. The paving itself has been replaced, bedded on sand, as far as the end of the building - that's as far as the materials reached at the time of writing. Further materials are on order to complete the drainage and the paving. It is anticipated that by Easter there will be enough paving down to allow customers to reach the shop, trains and café, but probably not enough to complete the paving at the car park end of the building. This can be completed over the Easter weekend if necessary.
Further along Porthmadog station, some work was done tidying up the platforms and fitting some more fence palings. In preparation for the start of the season there is still much work which needs doing. There would probably be enough work to keep several people busy for some days working through the site generally clearing up rubbish etc. The grass in the car park/frontage area needs cutting, and the area alongside the Cut needs a good deal of tidying up. The paved areas need spraying with weed-killer t o get rid of the grass growing up between the paving blocks, and there are a number of similar jobs further along the Railway.
There will also be much general work of moving furniture etc from the shop to the café, and helping with getting both places ready for the start of the season.
Volunteers offering help will be particularly welcome.