Day 30 February 27th

Well, one month in and things are feeling pretty positive today. It helps that its Friday and that its a nice day but any which way there is certainly a lot of tuneless whistling going on in our Narnia today, recognisable only to builders I think. They probably have a special book or induction ceremony before they pass out as fully fledged. 'Your brick laying is fantastic but that whistling leaves a lot to be desired.......'

Anyway, a good week. The Asbestos people have gone!!!!! Asbestosgate is over. Interestingly work went on round about the asbestos removal which surprised me but that was a bonus. The removers were typical of those people who work in dangerous situations - very professional, but masked with a 'don't care' casualness - 'I laugh in the face of danger' sort of thing. We now know far more about asbestos than we ever wanted to know but at least its sorted and we await removal of the sealed container out the front.

Heatinggate seems to be coming to its end but some fairly big decisions had to be made. The biggest was a switch away from re-using the floorboards and flooring with chipboard which is a better conductor of heat. It raises all sorts of issues but to be honest the effectiveness of the heating system is paramount so we go with what is offered as the best solution. The floorboards have some monetary value and we will look to sell as salvage.

As progress is made on the heating so it guides the team on what to do and you sense a happier sense of purpose in the place as there are specific tasks to be completed. The builders do seem to drop in more labour as and when it is required which is good and the renewal of the joists is completed (all level!) and wooden trays are laid between them to rest the heating pipes on them (the pipes are very close to the surface of the floor). The renewal of the dry-rotted joists has taken time and this was not allowed for in the schedule so we'll see where that leaves us.

Deciding where to install the workings for the platform lift (installed as and when it can be afforded)becomes rather farcical. We are offered 3 choices, 1,2 or 3 and, for Simpsons movie Afficionados, it is rather like that scene where the President is offered the chance to make the decision on what happens to Springfield but is guided all the way by the receiver of the decision - 'I choose 1' - 'higher' '4?' 'lower' '2?' 'higher' '3?' - 'as you wish Sir'.

Long story short choices 1 and 2 for the platform lift are not choices at all so 3 it is!


PULPITGATE! Goes ON!
The gentleman from the listed buildings committee came on Thursday as promised. He went out of his way to visit and for that we are grateful.
He arrived immaculately suited,tied and shiny shoed and as he wobbled over the joists I would lieing if a tiny part of me did'nt hope for a little slip! However he made it, took photos and will make his report to the committee on Monday so we wait with bated breath!

The day ends, the men all go home and we wait to see what next week brings.