By the time you read this report on our new building, it will be out of date. This is a good testimony to the speed and efficiency with which our building contractors, Robertson Northern, have conducted the operation. From the beginning of the project, an accurate timeline was drawn up, with a large chart of all the individual operations, when they began and finished and how they overlapped with each other. Over the course of the past few months, delays were incurred owing to the weather and failures of suppliers and subcontractors; but an immediate update would ensue, with a revised timeline. Since the spring, there have never been fewer than 10 workers on site, and frequently there have been more than 20.

At the time of writing, the building is very nearly weathertight, lacking only the lead ridging on the dormer windows, the slating having been completed. The electricians, plumbers, joiners and even painters have been at work for many weeks inside the building, which every day gives assurance that the overall design will result in a very pleasant living space. On the outside of the building, all the carvings by Philip Chatfield are in place, culminating in the placing of the 2 gable crosses at the east and west ends of the roof. Interior furnishings have nearly all been purchased and colour schemes decided.

As a result of all this concentrated effort, the current projection for the completion is 18th October this year. However, we have yet to decide upon a date for the official opening, since there are numerous possible mishaps which would make such a decision nonsensical. We are, indeed, not even allowed entry to the new building until it has achieved final approval from the planning authorities. We are aiming at a date as soon after completion as possible for a grand opening and blessing ceremony, and this will be announced on our web site when it is decided. You are all invited!