Weeks 7 – Week 11
Our last update left you with the roof structure completed, and since then the last few weeks have just flown by with a steady stream of activity on site which has been keeping us all very busy.
Works continued with Andy finishing off the last of the blockwork and Roofers Ian and Adam fitting the membrane and battens to the newly constructed roof, followed soon after by a start on the tiles. Unbelievably this was our first day of bad weather on site, and the dedicated pair braved the relentless driving rain for 6 hours while pushing on with the roof. Assisting in this heavy rain was Daddy, frequent volunteer Kate and her husband Lee (who had been roped in under the lure of a cooked breakfast) Long after they reached the point of complete saturation they eventually called time on site. I couldn’t help but wonder why then didn’t put on a handy all in one dinosaur rain suit and wellies! I mean, I wouldn’t dream of going out in that weather without mine!!!
A short break from the rain!
Daddy, Kate and Lee move a few thousand tiles in the heavy rain – and all before breakfast
Luckily their next visit was ideal weather and they were joined by Wayne and with the extra pair of hands the roof was very soon fully tiled and looking incredible.
Finished roof
That weekend we had another family visit from Uncle Wilbur who came for a flying trip to lend a hand. After 3 long, no, VERY long days, working long after dark with some help from Mummy the roof was now insulated too, with a floor drain constructed and floor ready for the screed. This drain is an important part of my Indoor Garden, and it will mean that Mummy won`t have to bust a valve if I tip over a watering can and I can have a paddling pool during the summer, and maybe even build an indoor snowman in the winter, all without fear of us being water logged.
Uncle Wilbur gets stuck in
Uncle Wilbur starts to get delirious working into the night!
The next job was for Paul (digger man) to return and help Daddy lay the floor screed, assisted by me carrying out spot checks on the levels.
Just doing a quick check of Paul`s levels
We had lots of assistance from Trevor, Brian, Penny and Kate who helped barrow the cement and with Brian on painting duty getting the weather boarding all ready for the wall.
Me and Kate load the wheelbarrows
Brian flies through the painting
Unfortunately due to an injury Lesley was out of action, so Mummy had to revoke Lesley`s Permit to Work and insist she sat on the sideline helping me supervise, and I made sure she rested up (after a couple of jigsaws that is).
Tea time, under Lesley`s supervision
Resting up under Doctor Mummy`s orders
This week Daddy and neighbour Richard finished the last of the roof insulation, Andy returned to lay a coping to our rear wall, and we watched with great excitement as Adrian and Joe from AP Bourne Carpentry came and fitted the first of the window frames, whilst helping out further by fitting battens for the plasterboard.
Adrian and Joe fit the first frame. My window between my indoor and outdoor garden
So all in all a hectic, busy and very productive few weeks.
After working Uncle Wilbur so hard it got me thinking about all the help we have had to achieve the progress so far from my family, whether on site or behind the scenes with the continued hard work in fundraising, without which none of these works would be possible. But beyond that, this project really has been a family affair with many other families really immersing themselves in the works.
We have been supported throughout by husband and wife team Trevor and Lesley, and with continued and ever ready assistance from husband and wife Brian and Penny. The project started with the two brothers Ashley and Jake from DNA Property Services and neighbour Richard along with son Josh have stepped in to lend a hand when called upon. We have also been lucky enough to meet some of the mini`s behind the scenes, with visits from many of our tradesmen and volunteers children and families. Our star volunteer Kate Stevens has been on site many times, to break hardcore, shift blocks, barrow cement and carry tiles joined by both her daughter Emily and husband Lee.
And so in every sense of the word this project has been a real `family` affair, and in fact it is starting to feel like one big family!
Project Managers Comment of the Week (Eddison)
Trevor and Lesley took a well deserved break and so as Deputy I had to step up and take over the Project Management role, and so my Comment for this week really is more some valuable advice for the big people or for anyone working on similar projects….
“Get yourselves an all in one rainsuit, then rain never needs to stop play”
Opps, wrong picture (naughty Mummy)..
Seems I am the only one who appreciated the heavy rain and site mud
Ah…that`s more like it!!
Acknowledgements
There are so many people to thank, but our particular thanks to the following who have really moved the project on over the last few weeks:
Ian Dickens (Roofer)
Adam Matthews (Roofer)
Wayne Town (roofer)
Raven Roofing Supplies, Hawkhurst (roofing supplies and materials)
Paul Ingleton (Floor works)
Uncle Wilbur
Richard and Kat (for giving us….more….than a couple of hours on Saturday and for allowing us to hog their garage)
Kate Stevens and family
The usual crew: Trevor, Lesley, Brian and Penny
Adrian Bourne and Joe (AP Bourne Carpentry)
Travis Perkins (for keeping up with our stream of orders and tight delivery requests – VERY much appreciated!)
Mummy and Daddy`s Final Thought
“In addition to the above we would like to thank Eddison`s God Father Paul, who gave up a day to come and chop through an epic pile of wood to help clear the site, which as it happens has been invaluable in this week of colder weather until our heating supply is connected!
Before
and after
We have also had fun turning out thoughts to the play equipment for Eddison`s garden and would like to thank Jane Stacey at Just Outdoor Toys (www.justoutdoortoys.co.uk) for helping answer all our many questions. We received delivery of some of the play items this week which has been very exciting and a big thank you to Jane for including a number of additional fun goodies which we will put to great use!”
teddington trust 