The kiln-building course is in three weeks…today we visited the site to see how things are progressing. Bit of a scare when we were told there was not a hope that the “Welfare Facilities” would be ready in time, but – phew- we sorted it! The “facilities” might be a bit basic but there will be some! The kiln foundations – ie concrete base – are not yet laid, but are on schedule. The iron work will be fabricated offsite prior to building and brought in – so that adds an interesting twist – we will be bricklaying INSIDE the iron framework which means that will be our “former” in a way, so less margin for error – a good thing – I think! The chimney will be built after the kiln-building course and will consist of one metre of brickwork and then a metal flue. This is the only change to the original design and we’re hoping it won’t affect the heatwork through the kiln, though it may not last as long as a brick chimney.
We’re currently working on the Health and Safety and Risk Assessment for the course – luckily the H& S officer will be on site throughout. We also need to kit out the workshop space with tables, chairs, wheels, kiln(s), shelving and a sink.
We’re praying for good weather and that March will indeed go out like a lamb but who knows with this variable and unpredictable weather we are having at the moment!
