Steam power
The Steam Box
Steam-box Saturday at Green Dragon Barn saw eleven Wood Sisters gathered on 14th April to build the steam box that will steam the Red Tent Poles, ready for bending in the former.
Huge thanks to Martin Whitlock, self-builder of Grand Designs fame, who helped us to source free wood for the steam box and develop a design for the formers that could be reused afterwards, substantially reducing costs and environmental impact.
Box interior
Toby Fairlove, yurt-maker, was there, too, to help us advance work on the poles and to discuss finer details of the frame, roof wheel, cover, groundsheet, doorway and internal arrangements. We ate a scrumptious and wholesome bring and share lunch (with a delicious contribution from Sam who couldn’t be there) and considered everything from public liability insurance to the aesthetics of a curved lintel.
Spoke shave contraptions
Ellie, a Wood Sister for the day from London, proved to be a fast worker with the electric planer……thanks for helping out in the middle of your AS revision, Ellie!
Ellie on the planer
Alice and Ronnie worked with Martin on the steam box which was ready by lunchtime.
Building the box
And was tested in the afternoon. Feeling a little like coffin-bearers, we manoeuvred the box into place….
Box on the move
…plumbed it into the little radiator attached to the small header tank….
Outdoor plumbing
….and lit the fire….
Cooking the radiator
Steam was produced!
Boxful of steam
Izzy, Linda, Sarah, Kes and Sue all worked on poles and the afternoon saw a section of the former finished, too. Even with power tools, it is clear we have at least two days work to do with 10 people each time to have the poles ready for steaming on 13th May, so watch out for dates being announced shortly.
Pole and plane
We will then have the five weeks while the poles are in the former to finish the roof wheel. We’re on target to test-run the Red Tent at Quest Festival at Newton Abbot 12 – 15 July – JUST!
Despite forecasted rain, we spent all day outdoors in the sunshine, sometimes in our own worlds with ear defenders and power tools
Sarah, planing
and sometimes chatting as we used spoke shaves to finish the poles.
Alice spoke-shaving
We were tired at the end of the day but proud of our endeavours and clear that we still have a challenging, if rewarding, path ahead to make the Red Tent a reality. To work together in community, with such fantastic support, makes working fun, less daunting and empowering. When the tent frame is finished it will have been co-created and will feel co-owned. The memories of sunshine, aching muscles, laughter, learning new skills, becoming friends and meeting challenges will all be part of its structure, its strength and its beauty.
Plane sunshine