Tuesday, 21 October 2008

Building more than a building....building a church

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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