In 2016 we finally got around to rebuilding our very old Trading Hut, which had begun to sink and leak. It had no running water and only one socket so wasn’t really fit for modern trading. A large team of volunteers was involved in the whole project and we pay tribute to their hard work here with the history of how we built the Hut.
After years of investigating options, fundraising, planning, applications to the Council, and detailed project discussions, we are finally on our way. We wanted to be able to carry on selling goods while we are doing the project, so we decided to get two large shipping containers in for storage. This means we can move all our stores from the old Trading Hut and Barn. The idea is that we demolish the Hut, and while we are rebuilding it, we can trade from the Barn and get large goods from the containers.
Preparation began on Sunday 19th July 2016 when Ryan Perry, Richard Perry and Steve Sydee prepared the location for the containers. The containers need to be on reasonably flat ground, but because they are so heavy, it is best to rest them on paving stones rather than directly on the ground, so this is what we set up.
Felicity Ford had done a lot of research and found us two brand new containers, and negotiated a great deal for us. Then, on Thursday, July 23rd, she supervised the delivery and placement.
We chose to get the containers in green so they blend in a little more with the surroundings (if you’ve ever seen a container ship you’ll know there is a rainbow choice of colours). The delivery lorries bring them right to the location, and can place them with surprising precision.
The containers will remain in place throughout autumn and winter while we complete the replacement of the Trading Hut. We’re on our way!
