I’m up early today because the blacksmiths from Teify Forge (passim) have added to their duet of generator and reversing truck; a quartet now, they have recruited a youth with a chainsaw and an ancient with a lump hammer.

Aware of the need for rehearsing their expanded repertoire they have gathered in Victoria Gardens for a 7.00 a.m start.

The chainsaw is restrained in the first bars, coaxed repeatedly into starting. As it catches and finds it’s place the mood settles allowing the sharp high attack of the hammer to be introduced.

The Hammer of the Sods.

I give in and get up.

Anyway in homage to the navvy here are four great books about railways.