Well, sometimes I thought we would never see the day, but at last we are there, Speckled Wood has been officially opened. Jane Cecil, National Trust General Manager for the South Downs, without whom the project would likely not have got very far, kindly agreed to open the building.
She cut a ribbon of bark from a Sweet chestnut tree and declared the building open. It was quite a moment, thanks very much to everyone who came along to help mark the occasion. As I tried to say at the time so many people have been involved and have worked so hard to make it become a reality, thanks very much to all of you.
After the opening Ben and I led a tour round the building, I hope everyone liked what they saw, they certainly seemed to like the look of the building as well as being interested in the processes and ideas behind the construction.
This all took place as part of our Green Woodworking Day, an event for all the family where woodland and countryside craft skills were on display for the public, it went really well, and there were lots of fascinating stalls and crafts for everyone to see. Particularly popular were all of the hands on activities where kids could get involved in making their own stools, pencils, woven willow decorations and much more besides, lots of fun was had by all.
There were all sorts of crafts and skills on display, from pole lathing, to spinning and dyeing, to willow weaving and even log hewing.
Before I forget, Amber, if your mum or dad read this we found the pencil you made near my spoon carving stall. I heard you were looking for it, if you want it back we have it here at Swan Barn Farm in our office.
The event had a really freindly atmosphere, and it was great to meet up with old freinds and new. If you missed out you could always look out for our Apple pressing event in October, or make sure you try and catch it next year.
Well done and stunning building. I know how challanging it is to do these projects. Its passion, enthusiasm, fun and bloody mindedness. Aspects usually not covered in project management frameworks but can be seen in the finish. Rob J is there on Fri and he asked if i would like to come? Would have loved to but was allready booked for hydro prospecting (again). all the best Keith
Thanks Keith, shame you couldn’t make it, maybe some other time. I like your list of requirements for getting the job done, deffinitely lots of passion and enthusiasm, and allthough I might not always admit it the bloody mindedness certainly comes in handy sometimes!
Cheers
Dave
Maybe I should have faced the camera!
I blame the photographer!
Thank you very much for a very enjoyable day.
Its a pleasure, glad you enjoyed it.
Cheers
Dave
Dear Dave
I enjoyed the chance to see how our efforts contributed to the overall project. I’ve just viewed this TED lecture and it seemed to complement what you’ve done. Hope you enjoy it.
Jason
Thanks for that.
Dave
Just to add, the link is here – http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_phillips_creative_houses_from_reclaimed_stuff.html
Ah, thanks! All makes sense now!
Dave
Yes, rather surprisingly it added the web link to my name… which wasn’t what I intended. So, the only way to see the TED link was to click on my name.
Anyway, sorted now.