We obtained an old modular building to use as our new premises, and while it needed a lot of work, it was delivered to the site on 4 June 2021. With great excitement from all involved, it was swung into place by an expert truck / crane operator, and the real fun started as we refurbished it. This work remains ongoing however we are close to having a functional Shed workshop and meeting place.
Here we see the cabin being hoisted out of its position at the Mariott Hotel.
It wasn’t the easiest of lifts – there was an electricity substation that had to be avoided!
The cabin was secured onto the truck, ready for delivery.
Here it comes! The first view of our new premises for most of the members.
Ready to start offloading. Impressive truck…Can we really lift this into position?
Here we go!An expert makes it look easy.Incoming! Look Out Below!
Touch-down! We have premises!
Lookin’ Good from the street
It needs a bit of work inside
Or maybe more than a bit…
Let the refurbishment commence!
The wrecking crew get to work
Time to remove the old ceiling
Things progressed quickly although there is still a lot to do
Some bits look relatively OK
Unfortunately, under the surface we found some serious damp in places. The better news is that the external skin is metal and in good condition
Undaunted, we were prepared for a few issues. All of the interior of the cabin will end up here.
Activity continues in preparation for the new construction
However some new build work has already started. The windows are now secure.
Landscaping is also part of the project – Here we see a bit of early preparationIt’s amazing how a bit of turf can improve the site!
23 July – Repositioned tarpaulins on the roof, and ongoing work outside the Shed while the preservative that has been applied to the inside is allowed to dry off.
John hard at work on the path, with the new drainage clearly visible.
Stewart testing the new path!
06/08/2021 – Geoff has done a sterling job of laying the new floor. Here he is fitting panels around the edge of the Shed.
Meanwhile, John and Bing were screwing the new floor panels into place accurately, based on a template that Geoff provided.
Outside hasn’t been ignored either. Hugh had cleared a big area of weeds and overgrown brambles during the week, and we put down some salt to inhibit re-growth.
The west end gable frame being built – Geoff on the tools.
Installing and trimming the breathable membrane
The west end gable frame in position. Craftsman built by Geoff, with just a bit of help from John, the oldest apprentice in town.
3 October. The interior framing has all been completed, and the frames are ready to accept the roof. Roofing is a priority given the approach of winter. These are the rafters being cut to shape. Who let Iain get hold of that saw?
Showing the shape of the roof line – morning of 13 October 2021Later the same day, with most of the rafters in placeAnd here are some of the team installing the rafters.
All the rafters (cross-beams) in place and purlins (longitudinal roof supports) in position – 14 October 2021Seen from below. Note that the steel mesh on the windows is to keep intruders out, not to lock members in!Rab demonstrating his ladder-climbing technique while installing the purlins.The synchronised ladder-climbing team needs a bit more practice, Ali and Rab!
15 October: Once the purlins were attached, the roof boards (OSB) could be fitted. This was a team effort, taking advantage of the good weather.
Fitting the galvanised facings along the edges of the roof.Facings / edgings to seal the join between roof and walls, then plastic sheeting over the whole lot to provide a further layer of water protection.
Then late into the afternoon, the roof sheets were attached. Not long until we are fully waterproof!The sourcerer and his apprentice. AliMac looking a bit confused at being on top of the World. That’s the roof almost complete, with little more than the final fix of the ridge panels to be done.
The roofing may have been the most visible priority, however keeping the site safe and clear of rubbish is also vital. Stewart organised a bonfire to dispose of combustible rubbish.
Hot stuff at the Men’s Shed!
22 October, showing the progress made over the past short while. Rhones to manage the rainwater are still needed, but the shed is basically watertight now.
10 December: rainwater drainage is now installed around the roof.
10 December: we capture some of the rainwater for watering plants, etc. The remainder flows into drains which channel it away from the Shed building.
21 December and getting close to being finished for the year. The Shed is now insulated and ready to accept the wall lining.
The ceiling is also looking good, as a result of a lot of hard work from John, with support from many others.
27 December, and we have a proper door! And if you look closely enough, you can see the photographer reflected in the glass.
25 January 2022 – Ready for painting the walls and ceilings. And some dodgy characters looking through the window,25 January – John finishing the preparation for painting.
28 January 2022 and painting well under way. More dodgy characters through the window!Meanwhile, Jim and his assistants are continuing to make progress with paving round the Shed.
28 January – John hard at work on the walls28 January – Alastair demonstrating the professional’s technique for painting the ceiling
12 February 2022 and the electrical installation work has started.Many thanks to Grant and Graham for their expertise, as the installation gets close to completion. And also to the Shed members who have helped to take this forward.
16 February and the work continues.
A very impressive installation, that will give us all the electrical power, heating and lighting facilities that we need to operate as a Shed.
21 February 2022 and we now have steps leading up to the Shed.25 March and the window blinds are installed. Nice job lads!
Well done to Ali and the boys for a lot of hard work.
21 March and we have nicely finished workbenches.
We were given some great flooring as a donation by James Erskine Interiors – Much appreciated!
All we need to do now is tidy the place up a bit!
11 August 2022 and we got a container to use as a wood store.Positioned to within a hairsbreadth of the desired spot.
Swung into position by an expert driverWell impressed!
Although we did use a lot of the road…!And not too visible from the road. Good work, lads!
We are building a woodshed as an add-on to the woodstore container. After a substantial amount of work, the base is almost complete.
15 January 2024 – Jim and Jan are the main builders. Here they are starting to put up supports for the walls and roof, with a bit of extra help.
Very impressive