The new Clubhouse moved a step closer this week with the casting of the concrete base. Peter K and Bernard had started to prepare the ground last week by putting in timber pads to ensure that there was a level on which to lay the shuttering timbers.
Peter and Bernard returned yesterday when the timber was delivered to set up the shuttering for the concrete
So came the day of the big pour. At 10:30am this morning an army of people had arrived to push barrows, lay concrete and help with any job that was necessary. There were also members on hand to keep the labourers plied with tea and coffee. There were 4 people from the bowls club led by John Edwards, students Jai, Holly and Callum (special thanks to them for being up before lunch – sorry that was a studentish joke!). Club members who were on hand were Phil R, Keith N, Keith T, Peter K, Mike C, Tony N, Mike J, Bernard, Chich, Barbara & Judith. Steve H turned up to help but unfortunately had to leave when he found that the start had been delayed from 8am to 10:30am.
The arrival of the lorry with the concrete revealed the first problem – we had asked for and been promised a 5 metre chute to get the concrete to the bottom of the steps and straight into the barrows. Straight away we found that the chute on the lorry would only reach the gate!. John Edwards came to the rescue and with a piece of metal roofing, a couple of pallets and some plastic crates an improvised extension to the chute had been rigged up and we were up and running.
So at about 10:45am the big pour got underway
Bob on the hose wetting the ground for the concrete
Jai on the barrow as the concrete starts to flow
The first concrete goes in
Wheelbarrows at the ready
The first bay is well underway
Phil takes time out to pose!
Callum adds his barrowload
Holly takes a turn on the shovel
Mike with a shovel – a sight not often seen!
Then after about 50 minutes we had a base for our new Clubhouse.
A great big thank-you to all who gave up their time and put in a great team effort. We look forward to the installation of the building (under wraps in the background) now scheduled for 1 August.
