A CAUTIONARY TALE OF OUR TIMES Once upon a time, in a sleepy Conservation Area somewhere in the West Midlands, lay a little building. Nothing special, you understand, but a nice piece of vernacular storage space in local Bastard Bond, no different from many another unimproved structure nearby. Inside, all manner of storage from diesel drums to an ancient breakdown tender, and outside an honest if scruffy ambience punctuated by the passage of steel-laden juggernauts over the cobbles. Let's do up the little building, said the Watery Enthusiasts; it's letting down our wonderful scheme for the street. Good idea, responded the Conservation Officer, not knowing what he was letting himself in for. Leases and sub-leases agreed, the Good Architect drew up a wonderful scheme, all pitched roof and corbelling, to refurbish the little building faithfully. His scheme was begun with enthusiasm, and not a little public money, but unfortunately one morning one corner of the little building could be seen to have taken on a strange list, struck by a juggernaut all unawares. It'll have to come down, said the Highway Engineer. Much too dangerous. Hold on, wailed the Watery Enthusiasts; we can rebuild it. And so they tried. Unfortunately, as they proceeded, more needed replacing, leaving only front and rear walls teetering. But the front wall needs firm foundations to resist the vibration of forty-tonners over the cobbles, pointed out the Structural Engineer. It must be rebuilt! So be it, said Everyone. At this stage, enter the Archaeologist. Must investigate this site before rebuilding, said he, and so his team began work. For one year they laboured, frustrated Enthusiasts notwithstanding, and brought forth ... a "maybe". May this is the site of the 1660 wharf, maybe it isn't; the MSC lads had had a lot of experience, hadn't they? And the Dendrochronologist had had some fun too. So, the Archaeologist satisfied, NORTHERN WORRS: New Road Whaley Bridge via Stockport Cheshire SKl2 7JQ Tel, (0663) 733544 Fax, (0663) 734521 foundations were planned. But hold! Firm substrate on this river bank is fifteen feet down. Might as well demolish the rear wall, said the Structural Engineer. Oh, and while you're at it, added the River Man, reinforce the bank with concrete to resist scour at the bend. Yes, and root out that willow at the same time; it's bound to affect the building with its roots, volunteered the Good Architect. Not that nice big one that overhangs the little building and gives this bend of the river its special charm? That's the one! So out it came, after due application to the Planner. A monumental edifice was then constructed - a vast concrete bund and massive foundations, upon which finally stood the replacement little building looking strangely neat and erect. Everyone was happy then. Weren't they? Somehow, the Conservation Officer felt, something wasn't quite right ... Dave Piggott, ACO West Midlands. DOROTHREEASTORATIONS LTD SOUTHERN WORKS: Riverside Business Park St. Annes Road St. Annes Park Bristol B54 4ED Tei, (0272) 715337 Fax, (0272) 771677 Natural Fine-Sawn York Stone Paving Natural, Fine-Sawn York Stone paving available from Stock. ENGINEERING • CONSERVATION SPECIALISTSIN MUSEUM, ARCHITECTURALAND TRADITIONALMILLWORK. The paving from the Elland Edge & Haslingden beds of Flagrock is the hardest and most durable stone paving produced. Details from the Quarry Sales Office: CONTEXT24 Na.-shalls Marshalls Mono Limited Head Office: Southowram, Halifax HX3 9SY Telephone: (0422) 366666 Fax: (0422) 330185 Telex: 517087 MARSHL G Order Office Fax: (0422) 348079 Protecting Britain's Heritage . .. METALOCK-TFHIENESMT ECHANICAL REPAITROCASTIRONSTRUCTURES 5
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