End of Week 3

The Phase 2 build continues on track. Quite a visible difference this week due to the wall. The work completed was as follows:

  • The walls were completed to ceiling level
  • The foundations were back-filled ready for under-floor insulation and floor
  • The drain is in for the sink
  • The door opening between the social area and the “Phase 1” Workshop is broken through and initially boarded up

Next week we expect to see the foundations completed for the front fittings, the  underfloor insulation installed and the floor concreted, plus the start of the timber framing

  • Reminder - Alan's model

Another Few Bricks in the Wall

Update – end of the 2nd week

The builders have completed about 25% of the work, and the build is on target:

  • Excavation work is complete
  • Strip foundations are complete
  • The sub-structure is built up to adjoining floor level
  • The drain tie-in is installed
  • Lighting for the back corridor is complete
  • Completed the floor for the new back lobby between the Legion and our room

Next phase of work is to back-fill the foundations and start building the Phase 2 interior / corridor walls

Phase 2 footings

Quick update: foundations dug out as per plan last week, this week the concrete for the footings is in place and blockwork started, picture is Tuesday 19th Nov, a.m.

Phase 2 footings

Phase 2 footings

Phase 2 is happening

On Tuesday 12th November, we started on the build of Phase 2 – the social area.

The final formalities were completed in the preceding days leaving the coast clear for the builders to move in.  The first stage is to remove the current undercroft base area and to dig down to provide the new foundations.  The slabs were lifted on Tuesday and breaking up the sub cement began, with this continuing on Wednesday.  The design of the existing columns now exposed was inspected and construction details agreed, then excavation continued on the Thursday … and we did find granite, as partially expected! The good news is that enough can be removed to meet the architectural requirements of the new base and floor, so one big what-if is settled.

By Friday late morning, progress was good (photo) with the expectation that most of the foundations will be dug out by the evening.

It’s really heartening to see this work started after several years in the making.  We’ll keep you updated

Phase 2 under way – from behind the safety barriers!

Phase 1 Opening Day

Saturday 2nd November 2019, the official opening of the Banchory Men’s Shed.  After much work over several years by a lot of people, we finally got there, with the opening of the Phase 1 Workshop section.

Firstly, many thanks to all those who have input to the fruition of the Banchory Men’s Shed – the Board of Trustees all the way from from 2015, all the members – present and those sadly passed – the Banchory Legion Scotland, all the donors and supporters from all walks of life, the Scottish Men’s Shed Association, and Bruce McCombie Builders.

Following our opening day, and with the Phase 1 area organised into a combined social area and workshop (until Phase 2 is complete), we held our first social in our new premises on the following Tuesday, with an already increased turn-out.

Here are a few photos of this momentous occasion!

  • The essentials for a Men's Shed - a Tea Urn

We are hoping to hear imminently about the commencement of the Phase 2 build (see here for how the phasing works) and will update you as soon as things are confirmed.