Growing Well Tebay
The Problem - A Need for Mental Health Support
In August 2023 UERC paid a visit to the Growing Well kitchen garden site at Tebay and were all mightily impressed by the work they are doing to provide specialist mental health support.
Whereas they have been able to obtain financial support to construct the various polytunnels and growing beds etc the site is short of any outdoor communal facilities and compost bins and this was felt this was an area where we could perhaps help them. It fitted well with Rotary's areas of focus and it would be good to have such a high-profile local project to promote the Club and hopefully secure additional members.
Following a detailed site survey a suitable area was identified and a plan drawn up for the following based upon the Club providing the manpower and covering the cost of the materials:
- 4 x Large concrete compost bins complete with roofs
- 1 x Outdoor seating booth
- 1 x large outdoor communal table (approx. 18 seats)
- Various tables and seats
- Numerous planters to mark the perimeter of the communal area constructed from pallet
So having allocated funds and applied for a District Grant work on site started on Monday 20th May 2024.
Day 1. Getting Started
First Delivery of materials to site...
With a good turnout of 9 Members plus a couple from the Appleby Club work soon got underway in breaking up pallets and setting out the concrete blocks for the compost bins.
After lunch part of the team moved on to the erection of rabbit proof fencing around one of the large outside beds
Whilst the blocking team made excellent progress with the compost bins
Day 2. Block Laying
The block laying team of Ray, Roger and David G were back in action on Monday 27th May in order to complete the block construction prior to holiday commitments. Despite being wet underfoot and the odd shower work soon got underway.
By lunchtime the construction was complete but the team were flagging with a 2-man lift required for the last block.
Completed block work which will form the compost bins. These will cure over the next couple of weeks prior to the concrete filling of the blocks.
Day 3. The Concrete Pour
With the blockwork now set the team were back in action on the 10th June with 9 Club members (including one from Appleby) back-filling the blocks with concrete. Starting promptly at 9am the team soon established roles as mixers, bucket carriers and installers and the task was duly completed by 11:30am. An excellent morning’s work.
Day 4. Start of the Roof Construction
On a damp start to Monday July 22nd 2024 Club Members were back in action at Tebay making a start on the compost bin roof construction and fabrication of the long planter and associated trellis supports. As the morning progressed the weather improved and by early afternoon the planter had been completed and the roof supports cast into place.
Day 5. Compost Bin Roof Completion
On the dry summer morning of Monday 29th July 2024, the Clubs skilled craftsmen were back on site with the aim of completion of the roof. The spars were added followed by the guttering and purlins before the roof sheets were attached securely into place – Tebay can be a windy spot. 3 of the compost bays are now available for use by Growing well.
Day 6. Bench Repair
On a bright and sunny 18th September 2024, 3 benches kindly donated by Michael Metcalfe-Gibson were checked over by our own Master Craftsman Brian. Previously, the benches had been pressure-washed to remove years of grime and Brian set about strengthening them and replacing a cross-member. They were then filled where required before being sanded and made ready for a varnish.
Day 7. Finishing projects
The team gathered up at site on Mon 30th Sept but the rain was such that outside work was limited however it proved possible to complete the end boarding on the compost bins and added the palings to the 3 planters.
Meanwhile part of the group moved to Raisbeck where the supports for the large outdoor table were cut from tree trunks and the benches varnished.
Day 8. Large Table and Seats
Part of the brief we received from Growing Well at the start of the project was the provision of a large communal table and seating for up to 18 folk.
A rustic design was chosen and following off-site preparation of the logs forming the supports the task of the day was to assemble the 5.4m long table and associated bench seats.
Day 9. Completion of the Trellis and Table
After a frosty start, work soon got underway completing the trellis and plugging the hold down bolts holes in the large table and seats.
With a warming sun the table and seats soon dried and it was possible to seal them plus also stain the pailers on the 3 planters.
Day 10. Erection of the Gazebo Frames
On a half decent November day, the flat-packed, pre-formed Gazebo frames were delivered to site and ground assembled before being set into the desired location which had been prior cleared by half the Rotarians.
Once aligned and braced, one side of the roof was added, as were the seat backs for added stiffening before darkness descended.
Day 11. Gazebo Roof
On a slightly damp December morning the team were back on site for the addition of the roof to the gazebo. Good progress was made which allowed time for the floor to be put in place and the unit well fixed to the ground. It can get very windy in Tebay!
Day 12 & Day 13 Project Completion 20th Jan 2025
It took a further 2 sessions to add the gazebo side and install its bench seats & table with progress not helped by the inclement weather over the festive period and start of 2025.
So, with a brief final site tidy and the additional of a plaque this very worthwhile community project was complete. Some 306 manhours had been expended involving 18 individuals ( 14 Upper Eden members, 2 from Appleby Club and 2 guests ). The project came nicely within budget which was supported on a 50/50 basis from our Rotary District.
Finishing Touches
Our Master Craftsman Brian has been busy in his shed producing a wonderful Owl Box and a name plaque that now adorn the gazebo and nicely bring about the completion of the project.
