Yesterday saw the old kitchen units kick board painted gloss white. Akela cleaned both mens sinks (gosh they were mucky).
Andy and Akela moved cooker, units and fridge back into the kitchen.
The kitchen is starting to look good! All we need is water and electric and it will be useful.
Thursday 23 July 2009
Tuesday 21 July 2009
Site visit, loos and cards
The kitchen floor covering is currently being fitted by Martin Goodwin (thanks Martin). Earlier today, we met the electrician who will carry out the re-wire. We confirmed lots of details and corrected my mistake of requesting 6 lights in the hall, rather than 9. The Veveri will be the contact for the electrician and the chap also has a key to the hall.
Speaking of keys, Leo had keys cut for the hall external doors so leaders can use the hall when we start back in early September 09.
Two of the three ladies loo's had seats fitted this morning.
The Duke of Edinburgh was replaced by our favourite picture of Bayden-Powell and his lady wife. This was an enlarged version of the picture we currently use in the hall.
The first lot of invitations were handed out for delivery. The Veveri has the task of delivering to a number of cottages. Mr and Mrs Akela will deliver to Draycott Rd, Norris Close and Carisbrooke Terrace... Other delivery help is being sought to cover off all houses in Chiseldon. If there are any cards left we will deliver wider.
The fire risk assessment is in late draft and a health & safety guideline document for the hall is being written.
Speaking of keys, Leo had keys cut for the hall external doors so leaders can use the hall when we start back in early September 09.
Two of the three ladies loo's had seats fitted this morning.
The Duke of Edinburgh was replaced by our favourite picture of Bayden-Powell and his lady wife. This was an enlarged version of the picture we currently use in the hall.
The first lot of invitations were handed out for delivery. The Veveri has the task of delivering to a number of cottages. Mr and Mrs Akela will deliver to Draycott Rd, Norris Close and Carisbrooke Terrace... Other delivery help is being sought to cover off all houses in Chiseldon. If there are any cards left we will deliver wider.
The fire risk assessment is in late draft and a health & safety guideline document for the hall is being written.
Monday 20 July 2009
Floor covering in the Kitchen
Post the Fairford camp, the first tent drying session is underway in the hall. This is one of the things we really wanted the hall for.
After exploring a Scout contact getting us some cheap / free floor covering, we have had to pay out some money and now have anti-slip floor covering waiting to be fitted. The price is very close to what our Scout contact could supply for. Its being fitted at 09:30 tomorrow by Martin Goodwin (professional carpet and flooring fitter) - at no cost to the Scout Group.
The site meeting with the electrician is now going to take place tomorrow.
After exploring a Scout contact getting us some cheap / free floor covering, we have had to pay out some money and now have anti-slip floor covering waiting to be fitted. The price is very close to what our Scout contact could supply for. Its being fitted at 09:30 tomorrow by Martin Goodwin (professional carpet and flooring fitter) - at no cost to the Scout Group.
The site meeting with the electrician is now going to take place tomorrow.
Friday 17 July 2009
Grassroots grant outcome and stage curtains
A very wet letter arrived in the post this morning. Despite verbal agreement from a Borough Councilor to support our Swindon Borough Council 'Grassroots' grant application, written support didn't reach SBC in time and we didn't secure the grant. We have been invited to apply again in September 09.
The stage curtains have been ordered and paid for. They are unlined, will be fire retardent to BS standards and have gavanised chain installed inside the bottom. They will be 3 metres wide and will be 50% 'fullness'.
The stage curtains have been ordered and paid for. They are unlined, will be fire retardent to BS standards and have gavanised chain installed inside the bottom. They will be 3 metres wide and will be 50% 'fullness'.
Thursday 16 July 2009
Kitchen units now have tops... Another hour applied.
Sorry if this is more like 'twitter', but Leo and Akela have just cut and positioned the new kitchen unit tops. Thanks to Steve B for the loan of his circular saw etc. They need screwing in place, - screws and brackets are already in place. A nibble needs to be removed from the back of the bigger surface (near the pipe).
This gets the wood out of the kitchen and really lifts the kitchen.
Still no sign of cheap / free floor covering, so the search continues...
This gets the wood out of the kitchen and really lifts the kitchen.
Still no sign of cheap / free floor covering, so the search continues...
More storage
Some extra bread baskets for kit storage have been placed in the hall. Thanks to Mr Sunblest for his help.
With kit starting to go out of the hall for camp, this is a good time to prepare storage options. If you have large plastic containers, we would would appreciate them. With this in mind, Tesco food delivery baskets are very attractive...
The floor has been measured and Akela and Mrs Akela are on the scrounge for some nice new kitchen floor covering...
With kit starting to go out of the hall for camp, this is a good time to prepare storage options. If you have large plastic containers, we would would appreciate them. With this in mind, Tesco food delivery baskets are very attractive...
The floor has been measured and Akela and Mrs Akela are on the scrounge for some nice new kitchen floor covering...
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Rewire beckons
The electrician has been instructed. Work starts on the rewire next week and will be completed by 31st July 09. A site meeting on 20/07 will agree final details and make minor adjustments to the installation plan.
Next focus is to speak to the water board (via our tame plumber) and get a water meter fitted. In the mean time, written risk assessments on Scout use of the hall, a fire risk assessment by a 'responsible person' (is Akela truly responsible?) and move Scout indoor kit from the community building to the Calley Memorial Hall...
These sure are busy times.
Announcement was created and emailed to the Ridgeway Bell magazine. Text is below:
1st Chiseldon Air Scout Group is pleased to extend an open invitation to all, to an open afternoon in the Calley Memorial Hall in Draycott Road. These will take place on Sunday 9th August and Sunday 6th September 2009, between 2pm and 5pm. Refreshments will be available during these afternoons. The objective of the events is to allow villagers to view the recent and ongoing renovations undertaken by the Scout Group, to bring the hall back into use for the village.
The Scout Group is still seeking financial support from the Parish Council and the Memorial Hall Trust fund. At time of writing, no funds have been provided by these bodies, despite formal requests being lodged. Since our actions speak much louder than words, please come along and see what we have done to the hall to date and make your own mind up.
In late July, the Scout Group will be dropping postcard invites through all Chiseldon letterboxes. Please come along, check out progress and enjoy a cream tea.
Scouts, Cubs and Beavers will start to operate from the Memorial Hall from September 09. We look forward to seeing you and we thank you all for your continued support.
Next focus is to speak to the water board (via our tame plumber) and get a water meter fitted. In the mean time, written risk assessments on Scout use of the hall, a fire risk assessment by a 'responsible person' (is Akela truly responsible?) and move Scout indoor kit from the community building to the Calley Memorial Hall...
These sure are busy times.
Announcement was created and emailed to the Ridgeway Bell magazine. Text is below:
1st Chiseldon Air Scout Group is pleased to extend an open invitation to all, to an open afternoon in the Calley Memorial Hall in Draycott Road. These will take place on Sunday 9th August and Sunday 6th September 2009, between 2pm and 5pm. Refreshments will be available during these afternoons. The objective of the events is to allow villagers to view the recent and ongoing renovations undertaken by the Scout Group, to bring the hall back into use for the village.
The Scout Group is still seeking financial support from the Parish Council and the Memorial Hall Trust fund. At time of writing, no funds have been provided by these bodies, despite formal requests being lodged. Since our actions speak much louder than words, please come along and see what we have done to the hall to date and make your own mind up.
In late July, the Scout Group will be dropping postcard invites through all Chiseldon letterboxes. Please come along, check out progress and enjoy a cream tea.
Scouts, Cubs and Beavers will start to operate from the Memorial Hall from September 09. We look forward to seeing you and we thank you all for your continued support.
Update
A picture of General Calley now hangs in the memorial hall. The picture used to be in the hall and was removed for save keeping some years ago. Its great to see him in pride of place.
The war memorial plaque, a British Legion logo and a 'lest we forget' frame have been affixed above the main entrance porch doors.
We now have tents stowed in the boiler room and the pile of camping kit in the centre of the hall gets smaller with each day. The 'portable' (gosh its really heavy) cooker and troop cooking boxes are now in the boiler room.
The stage front has been recovered with new carpet and the area under the stage has been cleaned / swept. Thanks must go to Martin Goodwin (is is a professional carpet fitter) for help with this. The same grey carpet was used to carpet the Scout 'office' and to make two large mats at the entrance to the hall (stops those pesky wet feet leaving tracks into the hall).
A white board is on the wall in the office and the cupboard contents have been rationalised in prep for moving our kit in.
Akela has spoken to the Council and will get 80% off the business rates and can expect up to another 20% off (councils discretion). In any case, we will be visited by a valuer and the process will get under way.
After submitting an expression of interest to North Wessex Downs, Akela phoned NWD and discussed a grant for sustainable elements of the project. They have agreed to send a application form and lead time to access cash is circa 10 weeks from submitting an application!
Last night, parents and leaders sorted out cookware and we actually threw a few small items out! We cant put things in the loft yet as it would get in the way the electrical rewire work that should take place very soon. So the remainder of this kit is on the stage.
Stage curtains are being requoted, but should actually be ordered by the end of today. We are going with Blue stage curtains. Our Chairman has agreed to pay for these himself.
The big news is that we are having open afternoons on 9th Aug and 6th Sept from2pm to 5pm. All of the village will get an invite. I have mentioned our move date to Ridgeway District secretary - so the pressue is really on!
It is the last Cubs in the Community building tonight (school hols beckon) so we have a bit of time to pull this together.
The war memorial plaque, a British Legion logo and a 'lest we forget' frame have been affixed above the main entrance porch doors.
We now have tents stowed in the boiler room and the pile of camping kit in the centre of the hall gets smaller with each day. The 'portable' (gosh its really heavy) cooker and troop cooking boxes are now in the boiler room.
The stage front has been recovered with new carpet and the area under the stage has been cleaned / swept. Thanks must go to Martin Goodwin (is is a professional carpet fitter) for help with this. The same grey carpet was used to carpet the Scout 'office' and to make two large mats at the entrance to the hall (stops those pesky wet feet leaving tracks into the hall).
A white board is on the wall in the office and the cupboard contents have been rationalised in prep for moving our kit in.
Akela has spoken to the Council and will get 80% off the business rates and can expect up to another 20% off (councils discretion). In any case, we will be visited by a valuer and the process will get under way.
After submitting an expression of interest to North Wessex Downs, Akela phoned NWD and discussed a grant for sustainable elements of the project. They have agreed to send a application form and lead time to access cash is circa 10 weeks from submitting an application!
Last night, parents and leaders sorted out cookware and we actually threw a few small items out! We cant put things in the loft yet as it would get in the way the electrical rewire work that should take place very soon. So the remainder of this kit is on the stage.
Stage curtains are being requoted, but should actually be ordered by the end of today. We are going with Blue stage curtains. Our Chairman has agreed to pay for these himself.
The big news is that we are having open afternoons on 9th Aug and 6th Sept from2pm to 5pm. All of the village will get an invite. I have mentioned our move date to Ridgeway District secretary - so the pressue is really on!
It is the last Cubs in the Community building tonight (school hols beckon) so we have a bit of time to pull this together.
Sunday 12 July 2009
Sunday kitchen frenzy
Two kitchen units fitted by Akela and Leo. Top still to be fitted. We need some screws for the door hinges... need to obtain / buy them.
Oven moved into correct position, same with fridge freezer. This means we need to relocate the fire blanket.
Doors fitted to old kitchen units and wooden tables (not needed) readied to remove from hall.
Next step is to remove trash and fit the unit tops - needs a fine motorised saw, so will do that on Monday.
Oven moved into correct position, same with fridge freezer. This means we need to relocate the fire blanket.
Doors fitted to old kitchen units and wooden tables (not needed) readied to remove from hall.
Next step is to remove trash and fit the unit tops - needs a fine motorised saw, so will do that on Monday.
Sunday kitchen frenzy
Two kitchen units fitted by Akela and Leo. Top still to be fitted. We need some screws for the door hinges... need to obtain / buy them.
Oven moved into correct position, same with fridge freezer. This means we need to relocate the fire blanket.
Doors fitted to old kitchen units and wooden tables (not needed) readied to remove from hall.
Next step is to remove trash and fit the unit tops - needs a fine motorised saw, so will do that on Monday.
Oven moved into correct position, same with fridge freezer. This means we need to relocate the fire blanket.
Doors fitted to old kitchen units and wooden tables (not needed) readied to remove from hall.
Next step is to remove trash and fit the unit tops - needs a fine motorised saw, so will do that on Monday.
Saturday 11 July 2009
Toilet progress
The third loo has been fitted to the ladies. Just two tanks, three overflows and three seats and we have a 'facility'!
Thanks to Rob Hall Heating and Plumbing for helping us with this job.
Thanks to Rob Hall Heating and Plumbing for helping us with this job.
Friday 10 July 2009
Another loo arrives, plus coats can be hung
The third loo has arrived for the ladies toilets. Skip has been busy and we now have lots of coat hooks in the front porch. These are now at a height that makes them reachable by all of our your people.
Thursday saw another (final) visit by the electrical people to tidy and seal the trench tarmac. It stands out like a sore thumb (black and new) but looks fantastic. They appear to have had a little tarmac left over, - because they filled in a rough area at the front of the car park. - Many thanks to electric people!
Thursday saw another (final) visit by the electrical people to tidy and seal the trench tarmac. It stands out like a sore thumb (black and new) but looks fantastic. They appear to have had a little tarmac left over, - because they filled in a rough area at the front of the car park. - Many thanks to electric people!
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Moving on the project - 'O day'
The barriers have been removed from the hall car park and the trench has been filled in. Earlier today, five gentlemen used a heck of a lot of tarmac and filled in the hole and trench that houses the electric cable.
Last night, the Scout Executive met and resolved to work towards a 1st September 09 occupation of the hall. This is ambitious and demanding given we don't have access to all the funds we need. The Scout Group believes in this project so strongly that we agreed to start work and use our own reserves to carry out critical path works.
This does mean we will open with only part of the hall in play, but this should be OK...
We also agreed to hold 'open afternoons' in August, to give members of the village an opportunity to see the insides of the hall, ask questions and generally nullify resistance (if there is any - I have seen none) to the project. We will snailmail mailshot the whole village in the next week, with the invite.
The count down to 'O' day (open day) begins.
Last night, the Scout Executive met and resolved to work towards a 1st September 09 occupation of the hall. This is ambitious and demanding given we don't have access to all the funds we need. The Scout Group believes in this project so strongly that we agreed to start work and use our own reserves to carry out critical path works.
This does mean we will open with only part of the hall in play, but this should be OK...
We also agreed to hold 'open afternoons' in August, to give members of the village an opportunity to see the insides of the hall, ask questions and generally nullify resistance (if there is any - I have seen none) to the project. We will snailmail mailshot the whole village in the next week, with the invite.
The count down to 'O' day (open day) begins.
Friday 3 July 2009
Fire signs and exts hung
The water, foam, Co2, dry powder extinguishers and the fire blanket have all been hung. Signs have been affixed to the wall above each fire extinguisher station using 'no nails'. I realise we are short by three 'fire exit' signs. I didn't order them and can't think what I was thinking of. As a penance, I will take a trip to a local sign shop and buy 'em my self on Monday.
I need to hoover the dust up from drilling, but the fire extinguishers being hung, add to the professional way the hall looks.
Ivor delivered the wood he will use to create racks in the boiler room and this is currently sitting in the hall - along with far more camping kit than I thought we had... Could be a challenge stowing it - but I expect we will resolve this in the next week.
That little red light on the power board isnt half good! It really makes me feel like we are doing this and that we will overcome financial challenges brought about by lacklustre (read potentially no) support from local fund holders.
I need to hoover the dust up from drilling, but the fire extinguishers being hung, add to the professional way the hall looks.
Ivor delivered the wood he will use to create racks in the boiler room and this is currently sitting in the hall - along with far more camping kit than I thought we had... Could be a challenge stowing it - but I expect we will resolve this in the next week.
That little red light on the power board isnt half good! It really makes me feel like we are doing this and that we will overcome financial challenges brought about by lacklustre (read potentially no) support from local fund holders.
It's Alive! Day 3 of the elect supply work
Here are pictures from the installation, including the red 'live' light - showing power is 'on' and all the zeros on the new style meter (I expected an old fashioned monster of a meter). In any case a significant mile stone has been attained as we work to bring the hall back into use.
Here we have a very wet Akela proudly posturing over the trench, post a wet play session with Cubs...
Thursday 2 July 2009
Day two of the digging
Work restarted this morning, with the electricity supply trench being extended across Draycott Road. We are clearly getting a lot of value from our £230, as we have a mini digger, pneumatic drill and two men on site... I will try and post some pictures later today.
It's great to see the project moving on - in such a visible manner.
Pictures from the past show a grass area at the front of the hall and a white fence. What surprises me is the fact that the trench is very much digging into solid clay, rather than ground that might have previously been cultivated.
What ever my personal thoughts about local fund holders perceptions of our project, this work is a very visible sign that we mean business and will open the hall as we said we will. We really do need everyone to attend the next Parish Council meeting and convey support for this project.
It's great to see the project moving on - in such a visible manner.
Pictures from the past show a grass area at the front of the hall and a white fence. What surprises me is the fact that the trench is very much digging into solid clay, rather than ground that might have previously been cultivated.
What ever my personal thoughts about local fund holders perceptions of our project, this work is a very visible sign that we mean business and will open the hall as we said we will. We really do need everyone to attend the next Parish Council meeting and convey support for this project.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Electric Supply inbound
Update: 13:50 the trench digging begins!
A (second) 25mm hole has been drilled in the hall, this time in the wall of the porch (the electric board changes their mind where they would enter the building), in preparation for the electrical cable being installed over the next three days.
The Veveri and I moved scaffolding and other 'stuff' from the boiler room as the Rabbit has bought wood to build shelves in the boiler room. I am a bit worried about the lack of storage space available to us... (this is underlined to me as we now have all of our camping kit in the hall).
Negative waves from local funding sources about their willingness to support us financially. This is just another challenge and does not mean the project is on hold, on the contrary, this means we MUST make sure the hall is brought back into use for the community. This will come to head in July when the Parish Council meets. For me, I am already reconciled to the fact we will have to beg, borrow and fund raise. Its a fact that the same people who are blocking our access to funds are the same people who failed to progress the hall for circa 13 years - go figure.
Finally, my ears will be on alert today, as I listen for the arrival of the electric board and works starting to dig across Draycott Road and introduce an electric supply into the hall. This is a three day job and excellent value at £232!
A (second) 25mm hole has been drilled in the hall, this time in the wall of the porch (the electric board changes their mind where they would enter the building), in preparation for the electrical cable being installed over the next three days.
The Veveri and I moved scaffolding and other 'stuff' from the boiler room as the Rabbit has bought wood to build shelves in the boiler room. I am a bit worried about the lack of storage space available to us... (this is underlined to me as we now have all of our camping kit in the hall).
Negative waves from local funding sources about their willingness to support us financially. This is just another challenge and does not mean the project is on hold, on the contrary, this means we MUST make sure the hall is brought back into use for the community. This will come to head in July when the Parish Council meets. For me, I am already reconciled to the fact we will have to beg, borrow and fund raise. Its a fact that the same people who are blocking our access to funds are the same people who failed to progress the hall for circa 13 years - go figure.
Finally, my ears will be on alert today, as I listen for the arrival of the electric board and works starting to dig across Draycott Road and introduce an electric supply into the hall. This is a three day job and excellent value at £232!
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