Building work was the order of the day this week! Will Brownless joined the team and has begun the process of creating the cafe counter and expanding the foyer for greater viewing.

First came the rather surgical removal of the block work separating the foyer from the previous staff kitchen/rest room. Those of a certain vintage (including Will as it happens) may remember that there was previously a counter there serving sweets etc. What made the job a bit easier was that the blocks were thinner than anticipated and came down quite quickly. Not so the block work separating the foyer from the old male staff changing room. These blocks in contrast, were thicker than previously thought, suggesting that they may be load bearing. A call to our structural engineer followed and as a friend of the project from its inception Joe, from Lawson Cook Ltd was on site within half an hour to reassure us that all was well. He did though specify a small steel beam as a “belt and braces” measure which we have gone with. Work will continue here in a week’s time.

Meanwhile in the plant room, Ian from DR Heating fitted the specially commissioned pipework to establish the connection from the new water main to the building’s domestic plumbing. It is from this that the new showers will be fed with mains pressure hot water. This is an area we have chosen to invest in by refurbishing the heat exchanger, replacing the water softener and upgrading the pipework. We as former users, know the issues with the previous showers, particularly in the Ladies changing room and by making this commitment, we intend that this area will be far better than before. 

Sam from Home and Office Fire Extinguishers Ltd was on site too this week. He serviced and upgraded the extinguishers and replaced a couple of the older ones, so we’re up to date in that regard.

The week was rounded off by us (including Bobetta, see above) welcoming many prospective Freman College students and their parents during Freman College’s open evening. They had the opportunity to view the pool, some for the first time and Trustees were on hand to explain progress to date and plans for the future. The College House swimming competition is already on the calendar for the New Year I’m told. Go Moore!