johnreed Posted 15 November , 2013 Share Posted 15 November , 2013 I am afraid that the Yorkshire Trench is showing signs of neglect. Come on IFF get it sorted out, if fact it requires complete refurbishment. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurel Sercu Posted 16 November , 2013 Share Posted 16 November , 2013 John, I was in the team 10 years ago when we filled the bags with sand + cement. Soon it appeared that the quality of what had been delivered was very poor ... I'm afraid that renovating here a bit and elsewhere a bit later will hardly help. And that in the end ... :-( Aurel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnreed Posted 16 November , 2013 Author Share Posted 16 November , 2013 Aurel I know that you were part of Diggers and that you helped in the reconstruction of the trench, I also know that the City of Ieper bought the plot containing part of the Yorkshire Trench. What concerns me is that who is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance is it the City of Ieper or has this responsibility been handed over to In Flanders Fields Museum? I hope that this tourist attraction is not left to deteriorate even further as it is a very popular venue, I know that when in September 2009 when I was replacing the Trench Boards, 15 coaches turned up in one day to view the trench. I have Emailed In Flanders Fields Museum to ask what are their intentions regarding repairs to the Trench, I will post their reply. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnreed Posted 18 November , 2013 Author Share Posted 18 November , 2013 Today I received an Email frrom Peter Slosse Diensthoofd toerisme Stad Ieper, I quote " We are aware of the situation at Yorkshire Trench. The technical department of the town of Ieper will take the lead in the reparation and - if possible - a rebuilding of the entire trench. These works will be planned early next year", Good news. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roel22 Posted 18 November , 2013 Share Posted 18 November , 2013 Certainly good news. I have not visited Yorkshire trench (yet) and love to see it the way the Diggers left it behind. Roel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
303man Posted 21 November , 2013 Share Posted 21 November , 2013 The only real way to ensure it lasts is doing it the same as Vimy ridge with 100% concrete filled sandbags, Soil cement mixes tend to split and expand with frosts and seldom last. It should be a project for a Royal Engineer Unit but that would be wishful thinking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Tomlinson Posted 23 November , 2013 Share Posted 23 November , 2013 I looked at the photograph of the Yorkshire Trench with a real sense of sadness, 100% cement is the only way, and this must be coupled with a maintenance plan, as the actual Sand Bags have a limited life, this work as always may also depend on the activity of volunteers. Let us hope that the repair work can be started soon before further damage occurs. Bill Tomlinson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Tom Posted 23 November , 2013 Share Posted 23 November , 2013 I have seen this trench on two occasions some 6 or so years apart. The second time the number of modern industrial buildings around the site seemed to have increased. I suppose that the area was rural in 1914. As the reconstructed trench is overhauled I find I am reminded of the tale of the carpenter who said I have used this hammer for 4o years it has had three heads and five hafts. Old Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
303man Posted 23 November , 2013 Share Posted 23 November , 2013 Another option would to produce shuttering that looks like sandbags which could then have reinforcing steel and done in a pour. Rather than individually laid concrete filled bags. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RupertDubrecht Posted 24 November , 2013 Share Posted 24 November , 2013 is nice, in a way it looks like it is blown in, just like thewar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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