They flush, it runs, work really starts

I started the day by carrying a full urn of water over to the hall - intended for hot drinks. I plugged in the new mini water boiler and it took an age to get to hot drink temperature. Outside, the road was a sheet of ice, with no grip from council gritters available. The bus route had been missed. Cars and the school double decker slid along Draycott Road.

At 08:20 our intrepid band of decorators arrived. Risk assessment, safety brief and a discussion about order of works 'the batting order'. My suggestion that we eat a small bit of the elephant, at a time, met with approval.

Andrew popped by to lend and hand and took some photos prior to cleaning and decoration commencing. He also supplied additional portable lighting, as the back rooms (boiler and office) do not have windows.

Rob Hall arrived about nine o clock. He and Ashley (plumbers mate) soon got on with sorting multiple toilets and basins with cold water. It was just as well that I didn't turn the water on last night. I could have been aquatic, given we found disconnected pipes! We have a few minor drips (leaks), but at least those working in the hall can now use the toilets and that makes the experience a practical and sanitary one. I cant extol the virtues of Rob Hall plumbing enough. The man has never let me down and he does what he says he will do. Combine that with his community spirit and its great to have him on our team. Robs details can be found at: http://www.yell.com/listings/DoFindListings/3551516/Rob-Hall-Heating/Plumbers

Our intrepid band of decorators did as I suggested. They started on painting our Scout office and painting the boiler room (both white). Lots of masonry paint was used, as the walls are rough and have not been treated before in the boiler room. Aside from a wasps nest, I understand the day was uneventful.

The front wall of the building was treated to a slow and careful jet wash. We want to protect the bricks with initials on them, as families in the village have links with those who bought the bricks (a subscription was use to fund the construction of the hall). Our intention is to respect the history of the hall.

I think we had eight man days applied today and we have started to scratch the surface. The team plan to be with us on 16th February for a week, but if the weather gets bad, they might be back earlier.

Before Cubs tonight, I went across and had a look at what had been done today. I'm really chuffed we are on the way, but I am clear that our aspiration of a May function and opening of some kind is quite a big ask.

On the way home I noticed that some windows and front door wood work had had the paint removed. Maybe we can make a May function after all... (famous last words).