Current Status and Next Steps

You will have noticed that pages keep being turned on the calendar and you haven't yet seen an announcement that building has started!  So what is going on?

We have had some further to-ing and fro-ing with Building Control to sort out various details.  We have also had a series of discussions between overall design engineer and the timber frame builders to ensure we have every detail right before they actually start making the timber frame.  The last thing we want is a frame that doesn't quite fit on the footings, or that doesn't quite meet the needs or fit together right.  So we're very frustrated by further delays, but resisting the urge to start work on something that could yet prove to be wrong.

The good news is that these discussions are looking very close to completion.  The issues we've recently been sorting out with Building Control are now resolved (and we have written confirmation of these).  That's not to say there will be no more, but we believe all current issues are resolved and we don't expect any further significant issues to be raised.  We expect the timber frame design details to be finalised this week so they can start construction off-site ready for erection once built.  And the building contractor doing the foundations will therefore start digging about 3 weeks before the timber frame is ready for erection, to minimise the time we have empty trenches in the ground or foundations sitting idle (and vulnerable to anyone who wants to cause damage).

Security and insurance arrangements are in place ready for the build phase.

Meanwhile, the Scout Group have just participated in an excellent weekend's camping with New Forest North Distrct, including St George's Day celebrations.  Thanks to everyone who helped organise and lead this camp; I'm sure lots (300+) of children across the district had a great time.

And coming up on 15 May, we're having a Group Fun Day at the Lakes.  Boating will be the central focus, to let the wider group's families see what the Sea Scouts (older sections) are all about, but there will be other activities, food on offer and a chance for everyone to find out more about what is going on around the Sea Scouts Group, the building project, fundraising activities and how they can get more involved.