On Saturday 7th there was outstanding work by the big crew (around 20) who turned out at 9am and worked through till sunset. First order of the day was to move the whole runway off to one side so we could fill up some more hollows and holes. We reckon about 4 tons of soil were moved in to fill up hollows by one gang, while the others, rolled the strip, set out a centre line and tentatively laid the first few rows down.
By the end of the day, around 80-95 metres had been set down and the process was speeding up on better ground.
The filling-in crew then turned attention to the west end and set up runway side markers and the numbers for 08, using paving slabs - tough (turf) work! The grass we lifted to set in the slabs was then taken up the field to fill in some hollows around the front of the clubhouse and fuel store.
A fantastic day's efforts by all concerned, but we need a reasonable turn-out tomorrow as well, to make the most of Trevor's expertise before he sets off south in the early afternoon.
After an astonishing weekend (and the week leading up to it) of dedicated hard graft, we're very proud to show off the new Perfo reinforced runway 26 at Easterton. It's around 280 m x 6 m and will give us proper use of the airfield on what would otherwise have been unflyable days due to soggy ground, as well as a great kick start to all aerotows. Heroic work by the whole crew, who laid down around 200 m today, ending up at 5.30 working by car headlights in the pitch black. Special thanks go to Billy for taking on the role of foreman, butt-kicker and Perfo adjuster while keeping good humour going when the rest of us were finding the going a bit tough. Also to Robert, who took over on the main roller from Trevor (Mr Perfo) when he had to leave at lunchtime to head south. And finally to Robbie, a steadfast supporter of the club over the years and major driving force behind this project, who had the honour (champing at the bit!) of the first power take off, circuit and landing on the new strip, as the sun was setting. He was absolutely delighted with the end result. But really, thanks go out to everyone from the club who turned out at some point over the weekend and the days leading up to it to lend a hand. A true club effort! Look out for many more photos and videos over the next few days in the latest album.
See the Runway Diary for Roberts final update and the gallery for a full set of pictures. Videos are available in Video section.