Water channel in old tailrace

Message to Phil, HydroGeneration Ltd:

Thanks for the reply. I’m glad to hear some of these funding agencies can be flexible if presented with real, legitimate cases for extension.

I hope to talk to Phil Jackson tomorrow and also your Tim re measurements, depths and methodologies (apparently you’re on-site elsewhere at the moment – empire building, I trust?).

We’ve done more excavation today in the tailrace outside the Mill, working inwards. It’s VERY interesting! We’ve uncovered an extended deck base set on timbers which, though extremely fragile, is largely in-tact. We now have to carry on with this until the whole lot is uncovered for the archaeologists to take a view. Obviously, these findings have little to do with this version of Crabble Mill but one of it’s predecessors, probably not ancient but definitely pre-dating our current records. Therefore we are obliged to see this through and record it, it’s a one-off opportunity!!

The submerged ‘wooden deck/base’ in the pit (inside the building) appears, at first sight, to be significantly LOWER than the submerged ‘wooden deck/base’ in the exterior tailrace. This, obviously is contrary to what one would expect. We would be anticipating water to be flowing downhill not uphill!!!

I think it’s highly unlikely we’ll be able to put a concrete base for the turbines in the pit now and will have to probably work out some other method of fixing, perhaps a framework anchored into the side walls with anti-vibration pads so that the turbines are suspended (in water) at the same level?? My other practical issue is whether or not the external tailrace will achieve your required depth for water discharge? Other issues are financial …. i.e. are any variances alterations absorbed or additional? Also, our Educational/Interpretation panels as off-set costs (previously discussed)? I need dialogue and some advice, please.

I’d like to take some more measurements, photos and may be do some more excavation to give you a fuller, more complete picture so that there are no more hidden secrets left to be revealed, prior to your next visit.