Our building site
This picture shows our Community Building site as it was in April 2007.
The sign proudly announced that we were on the way! The building seen right at the back of this picture is Temple Cowley Library.
Waiting to build
This image gives some idea of the width of the plot. It stretches from the United Reformed Church on the right (and we're extremely grateful to the Minister and congregation of the church for all the help and encouragement they have given us over the last few years) to our house, 169 Oxford Road, on the left. Our office is at the rear, with most of the house let out to provide us with much needed cash for running costs. As you go further back, the plot widens - there is space to build the 24 Companion rooms, with plenty of communal areas too! Of course it all looks rather different now!
Archaeological Survey
Fortunately, the obligatory archaeological survey, undertaken in the spring of 2007, DIDN'T unearth the headquarters of the medieval Knights Templar. It did however give a foretaste of the excitement we would feel when the diggers arrived for real!
Firm foundations
The site was made secure in March 2008
and they were soon digging in earnest!
By the end of April, we could see concrete in trenches
and during May the foundation walls rose rapidly
By August, the building was clearly visible from the main road.
Raising the roof
During September, the 'tower' at the front was the first part to be roofed