Phase Two is really beginning to take shape
Phase Two is really beginning to take shape, and there has been plenty of progress on site this week.
On Monday, Blewers delivered the balance of the external cladding and the fireproof cladding to the back of the outside of the build has now been completed. It has made a huge difference to the appearance of the building and we think it looks fantastic. It’s another stage of the project that makes it much easier to imagine how the finished kitchen and link building will look.
Inside, the teams have continued with the first fix, with plumbing, electrics and other essential services being installed before the walls and ceilings are finally finished. The new accessible toilet has now been tiled, ready for the toilet suite and fittings to be installed.
Outside, the area around the new kitchen back door has been tarmacked to create the new bin store area, making this part of the site much neater and more practical.
Improving Access to The Swan
Another important change this week has been at the old rear entrance to The Swan. The existing back door has been removed and the opening made wider to improve wheelchair access. A new floor has also been laid in the old rear lobby, transforming what was previously a rather tired area.
David K. has been working hard to get the first-fix electrical work completed this week, with cables and connections being installed throughout the new areas. Once these essential jobs are finished, we can really start moving towards the next stage of the build.
Looking around the site now, it is becoming much easier to see how everything is coming together. What started as foundations, walls and a collection of building materials is gradually becoming a proper extension to The Swan.
Meanwhile… Norman is Back!
Our volunteers haven’t been quite as busy around the back of The Swan this week, simply because there has been so much going on with the building work, but there is one very welcome return — Norman is back!
After some time away, Norman has returned and gone straight back to work on our historic windows. This week he and Ray have been carefully tackling some of the more challenging timber repairs.
Rotten sections of timber are being carefully cut out and replaced with new pieces of wood, using traditional inlay and scarf, joint techniques wherever possible. It is painstaking work, but the results are well worth the effort.
The restoration of the windows continues to be a real labour of love. Each one requires patience, skill and an incredible amount of attention to detail and thanks to Norman, Ray and our other volunteers, these important original features of The Swan are being given a new lease of life.
Another Big Step Forward
Week Seven has seen another important combination of practical progress and skilled craftsmanship. From the new cladding and improved access to the ongoing first-fix work and window restoration, Phase Two is steadily moving forward.
A huge thank you to everyone working on site and, as always, to our wonderful Swan volunteers. There is still plenty to do, but it is fantastic to see the project developing week by week