Bowdon CC
I
thought you may wish to have a summary of the work that
was done on the clubhouse earlier this year. It was decided
that a small committee would be formed to manage the
project. The
committee consisted of Colin Irwin, Christine Irwin, John
Saxby, Mike Sandler and Rupert Webb under the Chairmanship
of myself.
If
you remember we originally set out to consider various
general options ranging from essential repairs only, up to
demolition and a new build.
As stated at the EGM, the most appropriate action
was to refurbish the clubhouse as it stood with a small
extension. The
EGM agreed that the total budget should not exceed
£50,000.
It
was agreed that we would produce a shopping list of what
we wanted and get quotes for each item on the list so that
we could choose those we could afford. In producing the
list many options were considered, with input from the
membership. We had minor disagreements in the committee
over some of the items although we all signed on to the
final specification.
We
made one major change after the EGM when we decided to use
the services of an architect to produce the paperwork for
the planning application and the tender. He also handled
these activities on our behalf. This decision was made
because the committee felt it had insufficient expertise
to carry this work themselves and therefore could have put
the project at risk. Barry reckons that with the
experience gained this year he could do a DIY job next
time!
We
asked 5 builders to bid although only 2 responded in the
end. One of
them was the son of the builder who did the previous
refurbishment in 1980.
He actually built the seating in the Gents changing
room after school! He
provided the lowest quote and won the contract.
This
bid took the total projected spend to about £67,000
including 2.5% contingency.
The Committee then had to decide the way forward. We could have
trimmed back some of the work to keep within the budget
agreed at the EGM. As a matter of interest, if we had kept
the old windows we would not have been far out. However, as you
all know we decided to appeal for funds so that we could
carry out the list of work.
You all responded magnificently supported by a
significant contribution from Keoghs, which allowed us to
do all the work.
The
project was programmed to take 8 weeks from the start and
all the work except for some external painting was
completed just
3 days late with the remaining work completed the
following week which I consider to be pretty good.
The
work did not go completely smoothly. Firstly the drainage
at the front of the new build clashed with its foundation
so had to be re-arranged.
Secondly the method of supporting the new roof
specified by the structural engineer was not possible and
an alternative had to be used. Thirdly the design of the support
for the new opening in the tea room wall meant that the
whole wall would have collapsed side ways. (The new design
is very rigid and will be left standing long after the
main structure disappears!)
Finally, when we removed the kitchen units we found
the wall behind completely rotten from water damage from
outside. We
also found that when the kitchen was put in, the plumber
had removed most of the strength in the vertical
structural members to lay pipes there and these all had to
be replaced.
All
of the above items threatened to extend the programme but
the builder managed to keep to time. What they did
do was to add to the cost of the project and used up most
of the contingency.
I
referred to only being a few days over programme above. I now wish to
tell you that the final bill came in at £500 under
the tender price.
I
hope you all feel that the money was well spent and that
lack of clubhouse in March and April was well worth the
inconvenience caused.
I
would like to thank my committee for their tremendous
support during the project.
It would have been a very worrying and lonely job
without them and I am sure that you wish to show them your
appreciation