Pond Dipping Platform and Path Construction
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Anglesey Abbey - 5th to 8th August 2008

Occasionally CNTV get asked to support larger tasks, and this task was for us quite a challenge.
Rather than actually "doing" the task, we were asked to lead two groups of volunteers
daily for 4 weekdays. Since many CNTV members have regular work, this type of task requires time out
from work. Here is a record of our progress with the many enthusiastic Goldman Sachs'
Community Teamworks Programme volunteers we had the pleasure to meet and work alongside.

Over four days, 500 Goldman Sachs Interns from many countries will be involved in construction projects
in The Hoe Fen Wildlife Area at Anglesey Abbey. Each day, approximately 125 volunteers will be on site.
CNTV members, who are all volunteers themselves, were tasked with leading the construction of a pond dipping
platform, and two paths to the platform, one suitable for wheelchair access.

We'd love to hear about your day, from your perspective. If someone would like to do
a short write up, I'll include it here. You can reach Roger via enquiries@cntv.org.uk

TUESDAY: DAY 1 - construction commences

Four of us, Val, Clare, Betty and Roger arrived at Anglesey at 8:30am to start preparing for the first group to arrive
by coach. We were briefed by Richard, the Anglesey Head Gardener whilst enjoying a pre-work mug of tea
provided in the restaurant by Chef Peter.
Val and Betty were allocated to the disabled wheelchair access for the Pond dipping Platform, whilst
Clare and I (Roger) were joined for the day by Jasper and responsible for the pond dipping platform
and the second access footpath.
Many of the volunteers would be unfamiliar with this type of work, so their safety and well-being was very important.
It was our responsibility as leaders to ensure they were properly instructed on the safe use of the many tools and were made
aware of the hazards present in the construction area.
Once briefed we set off to the car park to await the arrival of the three coaches bringing the volunteers from London.

On arrival each volunteer was provided with a pair of protective boots and socks:

(Photo: Roger) Left: Volunteers arriving........ (Photo: Roger) Right: changing into protective footware

After being welcomed by Richard and given a short introduction to Anglesey Abbey, the volunteers were split
into work groups and we then walked through the Abbey grounds to the Hoe Fen work area.
First stop was the water tent, each volunteer being provided with a bottle of water for the day and a museli bar for a snack!
Second stop was the tools tent, where our tools for the day were collected.
Third stop was the PPE tent (PPE=personal protection equipment) where each volunteer collected a hard hat, gloves
safety goggles and were appropriate ear defenders. Volunteers were also shown the first aid tent and reminded
of such things as sun tan cream - though for today none was needed - it rained most of the time!!

With safety clothing and tools sorted, we set off to the pond area for the days construction work.
Safety is very important, and so the activity starts, as always, with a safety talk about the hazards in
the work area, instruction on the safe use of the tools and for safe lifting.
Once completed Val set her volunteers to the task of clearing invasive weeds and levelling the disabled access path.
Rogers volunteers were tasked with clearing a path so that the timbers for the Pond Dippind Platform could be carried
to the construction site - a distance of several hundred metres away.


(Photo: Roger) Left: the "kit" pond dipping platform ........ (Photo: Roger) Right: path clearing

(Photo: Roger) Left: moving timbers, heavy!! ........ (Photo: Roger) Right: digging the first post hole

(Photo: Roger) Left: first post in place early afternoon ........ (Photo: Roger) Right: post hole 2 digging in progress

(Photo: Roger) Above: Day 1 platform construction group - all safe and well after a wet day.

(Photo: Val) Above: Day 1 path construction group.
Clare, Jasper and Roger thank you for all your work and efforts and hope you enjoyed your day.

WEDNESDAY: DAY 2 - path and platform construction continues

Another day and another group of enthusiastic volunteers. Today, there are four CNTV members again leading
the tasks, Betty and Sian working on path levelling whilst Clare and Roger continue with the Pond Dipping Platform
construction. The coaches arrived a little later than expected due to traffic, so the mornings work time was shorter.
Never-the-less, after the introductions, walk through the grounds to the work sites and the all important
safety briefings we set to work.

Post hole digging for the "backbone " of the platform commenced. Yesterday, one hole was completed. Digging by
hand was difficult, especially in the sticky clay soil present on the site. However with some speedy digging,
the remaining two holes, 1 metre deep, were just completed for lunch time. After lunch the three "backbone"
post were put into final place and then thumped down even further into the muddy soil using a mallet.
After levelling, the post holes were filled with soil which was tamped tightly into place.
Finally for day 2 the second beam was assembled and bolted to the "backbone" ready for the day 3
group to dig and fit two more supporting posts.

(Photo: Roger) Left: fitting the all important safety boot ........ (Photo: Roger) Right: getting down to path levelling

(Photos: Roger) Left: hole digging - hey two supervisors, one worker...hmmm?
(Photo: Roger) Centre: fast digger! Now where did that safety hat go?
(Photo: Roger) Right: more path levelling

(Photo: Roger) Above: end of day 2 and the platform is starting to take shape.

Thank-you to the day 2 Pond Dipping construction team for your hard work and enthusiasm.

THURSDAY: DAY 3 - path and platform taking shape

Good progress today on both the path and the platform.

(Photos: Roger) Left: team leader prepare ........ Right: waiting for volunteers to arrive

(Photos: Roger) Left: bolting brackets to floor beams.....Centre/Right: post hole preparations


(Photos: Roger) Left: second beam ready for posts.....Right: time for lunch


(Photos: Roger) Left / Right: time to relax over lunch


(Photos: Roger) Left: Sledge hammering posts solidly in position .....Right: collecting soil for ramp infil

(Photos: Roger) Left/Right: Clearing and levelling the disabled access pathway

Day 3 team - five of the nine floor beams are now in place

FRIDAY: DAY 4 - end of the week


(Photos: Roger) Left: Assembling beams .....Right: view from pond and bird hide

(Photos: Roger) Left/Centre: hammering support posts into position.....Right: platform at end of day 4


(Photo: Roger) Above: day 4 platform construction team.

(Photo: Roger) Above: end of day 4, platform supports and beams nearly complete.
Decking and handrails stacked ready for assembly.