March 2nd - Well, we are almost there! Sorry for my absence over the past few weeks but life has been very hectic, what with launching the cell groups and getting all the equipment and furniture ordered for the new building.
So what's the latest on finishing? I have just spent the afternoon with the architect and contractor snagging the building - that is, going round to see how many problem areas there are. I am pleased to say that it is mainly a question of touching up the paintwork. There is a delay on the arrival of the floor vinyl for the main worship area and all the internal glass is currently stuck in Germany. We now expect the contractor to complete his work on March 16th. Then the fence will be gone and it will definitely feel like our building.
From the outside the car park is complete with white lines all down ready for the first visitors. The main rendered wall is having trouble drying out due to all this rain we are having but the painters will return with the sun!
Will we be ready for the first service on Easter Sunday - YES!
To whet the appetite, here are a selection of photos taken today .....
Looking from the main hall down the Lounge towards the entrance. Meeting rooms are on the left.
The entrance to the Worship Area from the Lounge. The ceramic tiles on the floor have already been much admired.
This is the creche viewed from the Worship Area. Services can be viewed through the window while the sound is relayed through a speaker. No need to miss a sermon ever again!
Looking from the creche across the back of the Worship Area. The main entrance doors are straight ahead with Meeting Room 4 access on the left.
In Meeting Rooms 2/3 a servery unit has been installed to allow users to make (and wash up!) their own teas and coffees without having to open up the main kitchen. When not in use it all disappears behind the doors.
The view from Meeting Room 2 into Meeting Room 3. The white line on the floor is the track for the acoustic screen that allows the two rooms to be used simultaneously by different groups. Alternatively, the room can be opened out as one large room.
The pink room! Meeting Room 4 has a vinyl floor for easy clean, we have tried to guess the users of each room and provide an appropriate floor surface. If we have failed at that, we have a variety of floor finishes and will have to mix and match.
March 8th - Now we are really rocking and rolling! The sound system was switched on for testing today and for a short while the room throbbed to the sound of U2. Three 'air guitarists' did their thing and pronounced the system satisfactory. (Just wait until the next Ashburnham concert - there could be a repeat show!). Then things quietened down as we sat back to watch a short excerpt from Lord of the Rings using the video projectors. Roll on Easter Sunday - just don't let Rob near the sound desk!
March 16th - Wow! It's ours, all ours!! Today the contractor handed over the keys to the new building. The last bits of cleaning and painting were hurriedly completed and then I had six hours of having systems explained to me - just hope my notes are detailed enough to refer back to. I think Dave the Site Manager was a bit emotional at the end as it took him ages to finally leave the site. He's promised to be back for the first service on Easter Sunday though, and woe betide anyone who has marked 'his' walls.
About an hour after Dave left, the kitchen supplier declared the kitchen fully fitted out and ready to roll. Only the av side to complete then!
A welcome telephone call completed a memorable day - the chair supplier rang to say delivery of the 200 new chairs was on track. Phew, I did have visions of everyone having to bring their own chairs.
And for all those waiting patiently to see the kitchen, here it is .....
From the internal door looking towards the main hall shutter.
From the outside door looking towards the hob and oven.
The main hall taken from the position to be used by the music groups with the creche on the left. The vinyl floor covering is down and the back light bar can just be seen suspended from the ceiling. The folding screens to Meeting Room 5 are in the open position.
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