This week is actually hugely significant for our church as we start to lay the foundations not only for our building but also what it will be called, how it will be managed and what will take place in it.
As I stated in my previous post, the foundations will shortly be covered up and building 'on top' will commence.
On Friday we have a members meeting where we will be having a bit of fun trying to fathom a new name for the church and also get some ideas of what people want to see the building used for i.e. what activities we will have.
We will also be appointing a new church secretary (although a skirt is optional I believe) who will oversee the administrative side of the church with a team of people including a facilities manager (caretaker) and others to ensure that we are legislatively compliant, charities commission compliant, the building is maintained and so on. This is an exciting opportunity for the church because it will enable us to have a strong infrastructure and allow members of the church to actively participate in its running whether leaders or not.
This week we have submitted forms for CRB clearance for a number of our members to allow them to drive a bus to be chartered weekly from Dial a ride. This will allow us to pick people up who may otherwise not be able to get to church.
We have a bright future with many new opportunities and this week really plants the seeds for growth.
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Your last chance to see what lies beneath
This week the builders are completing the steel grid which forms the basis of the floor and frame. The basic outline of the building is becoming more clear. The next phase of construction is to but the floor in and the steel skeletal frame.
This week is the last chance to see the foundations before they are built upon.
Sadly enough I have taken to visiting the site daily to see the progress because I find the whole thing fascinating ! Yep I need to get out more.
This week is the last chance to see the foundations before they are built upon.
Sadly enough I have taken to visiting the site daily to see the progress because I find the whole thing fascinating ! Yep I need to get out more.
Thursday, 16 October 2008
Happy from Northampton
Our Architect called me at work on Wednesday to say that 'he was on site and he was very happy'. A good sign i thought because as interesting as piles are to the untrained eye the verification that they were good from a professional is good to here.
Over the last few days the newly installed piles have been cut down to uniform height and are now being interlinked with steel beams. That Ladies and Gents is the biggest bit done we can lay the concrete and build the steel structure.
The bricks are ordered and should be on site in 6 weeks by which time the frame should be ready to be built around.
Over the last few days the newly installed piles have been cut down to uniform height and are now being interlinked with steel beams. That Ladies and Gents is the biggest bit done we can lay the concrete and build the steel structure.
The bricks are ordered and should be on site in 6 weeks by which time the frame should be ready to be built around.
Monday, 13 October 2008
What a difference a day makes
12th October 2008
13th October 2008
The piles are now in place and for the first time we can appreciate the boundaries of the building. In the second image the piling machine and forklift are sitting in the foyer and toilets !
The Main worship area is clearly visible whilst on site as are the shape and size of the classrooms and office.
Next stage is to bind the beams with steal girders which will spread the weight of the building evenly by distributing it across the entire foundations.
Once this is done its down with the concrete floor and up with the steel skeletal frame.
13th October 2008
The piles are now in place and for the first time we can appreciate the boundaries of the building. In the second image the piling machine and forklift are sitting in the foyer and toilets !
The Main worship area is clearly visible whilst on site as are the shape and size of the classrooms and office.
Next stage is to bind the beams with steal girders which will spread the weight of the building evenly by distributing it across the entire foundations.
Once this is done its down with the concrete floor and up with the steel skeletal frame.
Not another church
I was down at the site yesterday evening admiring the plot that will soon be our new church. A couple walking behind were talking and one said to the other 'what are they building there' to which the other replied 'a church'. 'What for ?........' I smiled.
At church yesterday Mike asked how many people had gone past the site to take a look at what was going on and there were many smiles. Certainly I have diverted my route home to travel past and see what is going on. Conscious of the fact that I know what is going on probably better than most its my job to let you know which is what this blog is all about.
The blog address is on the sign on site so anyone who really wants to know 'what are they building there' can find out.
As to the answer to the curious passer by's question the answer is simple.
There has never been a time when people have been so isolated an disenfranchised by the things of the world, crime, soaring fuel costs, credit jams and so on are troubling to everyone. What we will offer is a different way, a way to receive the good news of the gospel from cradle to grave.
When we open the building I will make it my personal mission to ensure that every passer by has the opportunity to make an educated decision as to why we exist.
Who knows I may even start a 'Now Were Open What are we here for' blog :-)
CB
At church yesterday Mike asked how many people had gone past the site to take a look at what was going on and there were many smiles. Certainly I have diverted my route home to travel past and see what is going on. Conscious of the fact that I know what is going on probably better than most its my job to let you know which is what this blog is all about.
The blog address is on the sign on site so anyone who really wants to know 'what are they building there' can find out.
As to the answer to the curious passer by's question the answer is simple.
There has never been a time when people have been so isolated an disenfranchised by the things of the world, crime, soaring fuel costs, credit jams and so on are troubling to everyone. What we will offer is a different way, a way to receive the good news of the gospel from cradle to grave.
When we open the building I will make it my personal mission to ensure that every passer by has the opportunity to make an educated decision as to why we exist.
Who knows I may even start a 'Now Were Open What are we here for' blog :-)
CB
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Cotswold and Lindley Moor
The brick selection has been made and subject to approval from the council the building will be constructed using Cotswold stone and Lindley Moor Quoins (Think Sandstone and the front colour of the TSB and you won't be far wrong.
Slate is provided by www.chinaslate.co.uk and the link to the brick place is http://www.bradstone-structural.com/
CB
Slate is provided by www.chinaslate.co.uk and the link to the brick place is http://www.bradstone-structural.com/
CB
Friday, 10 October 2008
Operation Crusher :SUCCESS!!!
Arguably the most concerning part of the project has always been the actual state of the land. I can now confirm that the plot has been completely cleansed of impediments to piling which means that on Monday work can start on the foundations. After 11 years owning the land its finally ready for the building.
Tonight there is a Deacon's meeting and one of the items of AOB (Any other business) will be looking at the colour of the brickwork and making a selection !
Strange but true we actually get a choice !
CB
Tonight there is a Deacon's meeting and one of the items of AOB (Any other business) will be looking at the colour of the brickwork and making a selection !
Strange but true we actually get a choice !
CB
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Crush
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The big yellow object in this image is the machine we have hired to sort out the foundations once and for all. Its job is to crunch up the hardcore into manageable chunks....and its working. In addition to masonry a skip full of steel has also been unearthed.
Piling proper starts Monday
CB
Tuesday, 7 October 2008
Brick Crumble
The crusher (or whatever the technical term is) is on site today taking care of crushing the foundations of the old Co-Op ready to start piling for the new foundations. So far that cant be crushed appear to be a safe, steel girders, tyres and assorted wire !
CB
CB
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Those who have gone before
I received the following message on Friday from an old friend of the church and really brought home to me just how much this project means to friends of the church who are no longer in fellowship with us
Dear Chris
Having co-pastored Melbourne Street with Richard Priestley prior to Mike coming I was part of the planning and dreaming for the day we would see the building going up.
I'm so delighted to hear the news and send my best wishes and prayers to you and the new building team - I'm sure there are lots of hurdles to overcome yet. I guess the old Co-ops cellars caused some difficult issues reading between the lines! Our vision in starting things off was exactly what you have in the blog - to be a significant influence in the very centre of the town!
I'm now minister in a baptist church in Aylsham, Norfolk. Busy and quite some distance away, physically and socially. God has been at work blessing and saving and building here too. But the work there in Ossy has continued to be important to me. It does my heart good to here how it is developing.
Many blessings
Rev Robin Wilding
In addition to this it was Joan and Les's 80th birthday today and the whole church and many old faces came together for a celebration ! Former Pastor Richard Priestley and his wife were also present. It was good to catch up with Richard who was really pleased that having acquired the land in 1997 we were finally building.
Work will recommence this week on Piling which will enable foundations to be be laid down so we can put the framework up and complete the build.
More later
CB
Dear Chris
Having co-pastored Melbourne Street with Richard Priestley prior to Mike coming I was part of the planning and dreaming for the day we would see the building going up.
I'm so delighted to hear the news and send my best wishes and prayers to you and the new building team - I'm sure there are lots of hurdles to overcome yet. I guess the old Co-ops cellars caused some difficult issues reading between the lines! Our vision in starting things off was exactly what you have in the blog - to be a significant influence in the very centre of the town!
I'm now minister in a baptist church in Aylsham, Norfolk. Busy and quite some distance away, physically and socially. God has been at work blessing and saving and building here too. But the work there in Ossy has continued to be important to me. It does my heart good to here how it is developing.
Many blessings
Rev Robin Wilding
In addition to this it was Joan and Les's 80th birthday today and the whole church and many old faces came together for a celebration ! Former Pastor Richard Priestley and his wife were also present. It was good to catch up with Richard who was really pleased that having acquired the land in 1997 we were finally building.
Work will recommence this week on Piling which will enable foundations to be be laid down so we can put the framework up and complete the build.
More later
CB
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Piles - not nice things
Work will start shortly on Piling works. Effectively this is approximately 30 'sticks' roughly 10 meters in length which are pounded into the ground. They are then bound together with steel beams and fancy locking mechanisms designed to distribute the weight of the floor and the building evenly. Once this work is completed, the main frame can start.
We are running a little behind because of problems with the piling configuration which the builder and architect have had to resolve. These problems were due to the previous building on the site but after a stressful 48 hours for all we've sorted it.
Once the foundations are in we anticipate a smooth build to take place. Speaking to the site foreman we are coming through the toughest bit,
Please continue to pray for our builders, architect and building team. At the rate we are going we will all have grey (or greyer) when we open the doors to the public.
The building team will be meeting tomorrow to run through the financials and legals.
If you ever feel the urge to build a church - my advice - think very carefully !!!
CB
We are running a little behind because of problems with the piling configuration which the builder and architect have had to resolve. These problems were due to the previous building on the site but after a stressful 48 hours for all we've sorted it.
Once the foundations are in we anticipate a smooth build to take place. Speaking to the site foreman we are coming through the toughest bit,
Please continue to pray for our builders, architect and building team. At the rate we are going we will all have grey (or greyer) when we open the doors to the public.
The building team will be meeting tomorrow to run through the financials and legals.
If you ever feel the urge to build a church - my advice - think very carefully !!!
CB
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