Conservation of the WiIllow Court fence continues

A working bee by the Friends of Willow Court Committee, yesterday applied a second coat of special heritage approved paint and a first coat of a sandstone coloured finish to the concrete wall below the fence at the town entrance to Willow Court. Planned works to finish the job were delayed because of ill health to the heritage restoration expert, Mr Rod Quarrel, but yesterday he supervised a small number of the Friends of Willow Court to continue this vital works in keeping the Derwent Valley’s heritage in a condition to be enjoyed for future generations. Many members of the public came to see the works, share their stories and thank the volunteers. The first visit was Councillor James Graham who stopped to talk to Ann Salt, Chair woman of the Friends of Willow Court committee and a candidate for the next Council elections to be held next month. The friends of Willow Court are seeking new members at the moment to assist in the up coming open days and events that are planned for the partly preserved heritage site. Another coat and days work is planned for the near future to complete the task. The missing gate will soon be replaced after recent repairs. The lost fence up rights bars have been replaced and fixed in place by a local blacksmith, employed by the Derwent Valley Council and are indistinguishable from the original bars. The large cast iron upright pillars absorbed the paint finish and when wet took on a gloss finish, but will settle to a faded black when fully dry. Special thanks go to the workers, Chris Salt, Ann Salt and Mark Krause, but the job wouldn’t have proceeded without the good health and dedication of Mr Rod Quarrel.