The Simon Stoker Archive
Restoration Work
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(ADS) )
Bridge 1 as it was found after initial clearance, and before the big excavator reached it. (circa 1973). (ADS) |
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The Smith 14 excavator having passed safely through Bridge 1 (1973/4). (ADS) |
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The bed of canal is cleared by the Smith 14 excavator driving along the bottom. The mud is disposed on both sides. (ADS) |
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The Smith 14 excavator approaches Bridge 1, with Simon Stoker driving and Toby Banks assisting. (ADS) |
25th February 1989 on the morning the canal overtopped. This was taken approximately 200yds east of the Iron Aqueduct. Only the new steel piling installed in late 1988 prevented a complete disaster. The small boy is my son, David. |
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An early 1970s working party, who were usually called in to clear the towpath. The van in this photo is my father's motor caravan, which was used to provide refreshments. (ADS) |
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The 9 ton Smith 14 excavator having just arrived. It was driven across the fields above the canal and into the canal bed through the entry point just visible behind the machine. (ADS) |
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The Smith 14 excavator enroute to High Peak. The bed was too soft to drive on at this point, so we used the towpath instead. This unfortunately reduced the reach of the bucket. (ADS) |
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The excavator working mmediately west of Bridge 2. The steep bank at this point required many sleepers to keep the machine upright. There was considerable mud to be removed, caused by outflows of slurry from the Pisani marble works into the canal. (ADS) |
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The same location as above, but looking towards Bridge 2. It was possible to walk right across the canal here without getting your feet wet! (ADS) |
Tree trimming just outside Cromford Wharf. c.1973 with Desmond Stoker standing on the bucket. Note the thickness of dried mud just outside the winding hole! |
The original long-reach Smalley excavator was converted to a floating dredger by the manufacturer. This was a very effective aid to clearing the canal. The pontoon had to be made narrower than their standard 6ft 10in in order to get into the drydock and through the Gregory Tunnel. |