Editor's Note: It is so easy to take for granted the assets held by our association so we are delighted that this slideshow/report shows the tremendous amount of work put in by volunteers in 2012. A new group of volunteers is doing more work on the shed over the current winter and we shall post photos when the work is finished.
During 2012 there was a proposal that we repaired the 3 existing EDAA sheds using wood panels as cladding on the exterior at a cost of £3000.
We had 2 builders on the committee, Alan Bentley and Eddie Cowley, who suggested that we could build our own brick built building using plot holders for labour and with over 450 members we must have sufficient experienced volunteers.
This was followed up by the secretary and a rough estimate of £10,000 was calculated for a building using the existing floor area of 8 mtrs by 8 mtrs.
It was agreed to apply for a lottery grant of £ 10,000 and the form (many, many questions ) was completed over a few drinks in the Beacon Vaults.
While waiting to see if the application was successful we had the plans drawn up by a contact of Alan Bentley and a planning application submitted which was successful.
When we received the £10,000 from the Lottery we asked for volunteers and were delighted with the response.
Work started with the Demolition Derby which was very quick and enjoyable and the serious work then started with Debs (HL 253) turning up in all weathers to photograph the work.
The foundations were dug and due to the horrendous weather we then had to hire pumps to move a lot of water before we could start pumping concrete.
RGB and Toolcare were our main suppliers and once the foundations and floor were laid we could move forward.
We asked for suggestions to name the building and had some superb names put forward.
but it's a SHED
There is a board in the shed which lists all the volunteers and the committee agreed at the AGM to grant a years free rental as a thank you.
The Grand Opening was performed by the Exmouth Mayor, accompanied by the Town Crier and was well attended.
Report by Arthur Anderson HL252
