More details on the building phase

Just a very quick update today.

We've had some good discussions over the last few days on getting some details in place for the building phase of the project - heating, water, electrics etc.

We've also got approval from the local planning authority for the proposed cladding and roofing materials.

And we're starting to get things in place for actually starting to work - fencing and security arrangements, access for the contractors, sourcing equipment and materials, and pulling together a sign to go up on site to let passers by know what we're up to.  Here's a first draft.

The BIG 20/20

We had a Sea Scouts Group Executive meeting yesterday, where we discussed all the usual business, including an update on fundraising plans through the summer.

The campaign we are running is called the BIG 20/20.  If we can raise £20,000 by the end of September, our benefactors have pledged to double it - so raise £20k and get another £20k, hence the name.

So far we've raised approximately £3,000.  After a few big events and activities at the end of the year, we've slowed down, but we have a packed programme of activities through the summer to achieve our target.

The biggest 2 potential money earners in the programme are:

• The annual Donkey Derby on 2 July 2011 at Eling Recreation Ground, Totton.  Donkey racing, bouncy castles, stalls, rides and general good fun.  This year it is the climax of the Totton Carnival week, which kicks off the previous weekend with a Carnival procession.  We also have some early ideas of what else we can do at the Carnival, and we'll firm up those plans in the coming months.  Meanwhile, Donkey Derby preparation is going well - the small but dedicated team are getting it all in place and we're looking forward to a bumper year in 2011.
• The Aquativity Grand Draw, with a big cash first prize and plenty of other excellent prizes.  Tickets are being prepared now for selling at every opportunity through the summer, with the draw at the end of September to maximise the time we have for raising money.

Alongside these, we have a Barn Dance on 1 April, bag packing, litter picking, a family fun day at Ferny Crofts (a chance to drum up interest in getting involved in the fundraising effort) and a Group Boating Day in September where I am sure we'll take the chance to run some side stalls, food etc.  The members of the Group are also busy filling smartie tubes with 20p's, selling things on eBay, buying things through easyfundraising, and I'm sure more ideas will come along through the year.

We all owe a big vote of thanks to the fundraising team (including the Donkey Derby team and the Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer leaders of course) for getting all this arranged.  We have an exciting summer ahead - plenty of hard work, but plenty of reward.  More volunteers are always welcome!

The momentum builds

First, the headline news - we have formally received Building Control approval - the design is acceptable to the local authority so we can proceed to construction.  Hooray!

We're finally in the process of making the last few arrangements to start building - getting approval of the facing materials to discharge our planning condition, completing the necessary forms for risk management, Health & Safety Executive notification etc.

We've had some really helpful discussions with our building contractor to sort out who is doing what towards actually starting.  The momentum is building...getting quite exciting now.

Next step - Sea Scouts Group Executive meeting next week and then further detailed discussions about various aspects of the contruction phase.  Meanwhile, the fundraising team are driving through a number of great ideas to help raise the remainder of the money we need.

If you want to contribute to the project in any way (money, materials, any other support), now would be a great time to get in touch!

First post of the new year

Sorry for the delay since the last posting; Christmas, New Year and then getting back into the swing have interrupted normal service.  But we are very much back into the swing now...

We're within grasping distance of having building regulations approval!  We've been told we've done everything that is required, just the paperwork to get sorted, and that is in hand.

We've reviewed the planning conditions associated with our planning permission:

• We need to start work within 3 years of getting planning permission - this will definitely happen, we're on about 18 months at the moment
• We need approval that we are not disturbing any archaeology - we have a letter confirming that this is the case
• We need the Environment Agency to approve our drainage plans - we have a letter confirming that this is the case
• We need to comply with the Biodiversity Report prepared during the planning phase - we have a copy of that report and will work with our contractors to ensure we comply
• The building, once in place, must only be used in compliance with the Section 106 Agreement governing our use of the Lakes site - we are already obliged to comply with that, and will continue to do so
• We need approval of the facing and roofing materials before we start work - samples are being acquired and prepared as I write

So all of that is in a good state, and only the last condition (materials approval) needs immediate attention, which it is getting.

Detailed discussions are now well underway about actually starting building work - who is involved, when (weather and daylight permitting), what materials we need to choose, gain approval for, procure (and when we need them) etc.

Oh, and more fundraising going on, of course!

Yes, 2011 has really started for us.

Snow at the lakes

For the 2nd time in 2 weeks, we've had snow at Testwood Lakes.  This time the main lake has frozen and there is snow lying on the ice.  I got a few photos - here's a selection to show the beauty of this site.  A great place for the Aquativity Centre when it is ready.

Not much chance of swimming today!

All is well at the boat store

This will be the view from the building (without the container)

Plenty of wildlife, but much of it is out on the ice at the moment

PS We had our meeting on Monday - no big news to report, we just discussed some detailed business about building plans, finances, fundraising and status on the issues I've recently mentioned on this blog.

Next project team meeting

We're getting together tomorrow night for a pre-Christmas drink with our building contractor and a chat over everything that is going on - funding, building regs, utilities connections, Sailability and pontoon, equipment...

As usual, I'll post any news arising from this meeting here.

Kayaks

Back in the late summer, many of the Sea Scouts took part in a sponsored boating day on the lake.  They sailed, rowed and paddled all day and raised money for every lap they completed.  The aim was to raise enough to buy a kayak or 2, as a start to rebuilding our fleet to replace the old kayaks which have had their day.  It was a really successful day, and raised well over £600, so we were hopeful of getting 2 kayaks or at least most of the money towards them.

Then Martin, our Boating Manager, noticed a set of 6 second hand kayaks for sale on eBay.  They were of the type and size we need, and appeared to be relatively new and in good condition.  So, some tactical bidding and a trip to Oxford later, and we have 6 kayaks sitting in the boat shed behind the old hut, paid for by the Sea Scouts themselves.  It is always so much more satisfying to see equipment coming in as a direct result of the efforts put in by young members of the Group.

Well done and thank you to Martin and to the Sea Scouts, leaders and instructors who put the effort in to get these.

We are expecting 2 more kayaks soon as a donation from the local Rotary Club (just need to get the detailed quote from the supplier so they can be ordered).  So we are well on our way to getting the 20 kayaks we need for the Aquativity fleet, as well as looking forward to new sailing dinghies and rowing boats when we can get them.  We've still got some pretty good leads for securing some money for all this equipment; watch this space for news when these leads turn into cash!