23rd October 2009

IT'S ON IT'S WAY!!

Our Archimedean Screw has left Ritz Atro in Germany this morning and will now be slowly making it's way to North Yorkshire.

The picture below gives a good impression of the size of the screw.

You can see that it comes complete with the trough within which it will rotate.

This view from the rear of the low loader shows the generator and the gearbox which are all part of the package. These items will be installed in the Powerhouse and connected to the end of the Screw.

Back on site, Richard's team continue to make excellent progress. They have started backfilling around the trench that will hold the screw. They have also started reinstating the walls that face the river.

The trench that will hold the screw is now complete.

A dam made of substantial wooden planks has been positioned at the river end of the trench. This should keep out all the water we are expecting to come down the river as a result of the heavy rain that has been forecast for this weekend

This picture shows the steel screen that will be installed in the inlet channel to prevent any large debris from entering the screw.

At great expense (1/2p) we employed a local model to pose alongside the screen in her sexy hard hat and fluorescent jacket.

This is a great picture taken from the opposite side of the river.

The screw trench and Powerhouse can clearly be seen. You can also how the outflows from the screw and the fishpass will converge.

The wall in the river that we were asked to built by the Environment Agency can be seen in front of the screw outlet.

The work to install the cable that will connect us to the National Grid is making good progress.

This picture shows Duke Street adjacent to the cenotaph - looking towards Settle.

We are SO excited!

The screw will be delivered and installed on Wednesday 28th November. It should arrive between 8.30am and 9.30am. You are very welcome to come and witness this exciting event but we would ask you to view it from the opposite bank. The hydro site is very small and for health & safety reasons we cannot allow people on the site during the unloading and installation.

Ann & I will be present on the day, so if you have any questions, please seek us out and we will be very happy to have a chat.

We are also pleased to announce that we have just been told that we have been successful in our bid for a grant from LEADER. This will provide us with funds to enable us to provide the finishing touches to the scheme which will greatly enhance the schemes educational value and visitor impact. More about this in a later blog ....