I know that I promised the ’up-time’ story of the larger dogs, however, like a Magpie, I am easily sidetracked by other shiny objects. In the interim, you might like this little story?.
Staff Space
Once upon a time (particularly if the wind was icy or as hot as Hades) the purple people would squeeze into our tiny NBKC office to consume their lunch in the comfort of the air-con.
Or, on pleasant days, a chair outside in the shade or sun was a great choice – providing ample space to spread elbows.
Side note: Prior to the Scadden’s taking over the business, staff would hang out in the Manager’s house for lunch. But, life and habits evolve to suit the want of the current inhabitants.
This story comes about because Fay (current owner) and Maddy (previous owner) are a little on the compulsive side.
As is Fay’s want, her brain functions in the realm of ‘eclectic’ and mentions to Maddy that “perhaps a re-furbished old caravan may make a great staff room for the purple people?”.
As is Maddy’s want, her brain flies into ‘do’ mode and she quickly finds, online, an old van for sale. Sold!
Who knew that one has to purchase a permit from Vic Roads to move an old van. We did, and, do.
Long suffering David (who finds our impulsive decision a little unfathomable) and his father Alec, tow the van to Maddy’s next door neighbours yard – and backs it in. Here it awaits it’s gutting and re-fitting.
Maddy’s back yard, no matter how you measured things, was simply inaccessible and door-facing-ly incorrect for the project. So, bless Peter, the next door neighbour, for jumping on board with our weird project and agreeing to host the van.
A gate between Maddy and Peter’s property makes access to Maddy’s array of tools and equipment for the renovation far easier.
Foreman Maddy recruits several local ‘helpers’ to assist with the remodelling. Her little band (Rohan, Chad, Pete, Holly & Andrew) spend almost 170 man hours teasing the van into shape.
A number of factors delay the project. For example, extreme heat, finger nipping icy wind, wet stuff from above and the pesky viral Covid. The decision to incorporate very old timber boards for wall and ceiling lining – was a time absorbing factor, but oh-so worth it. The creation of shabby chic floors caused moments of frustration but the end result is, mwah!. The hunt and repair of leaks chewed up a few hours. The delay list is long, but this does not deter Foreman Maddy!
Finally – the van’s transition – from pupae (early May 2021) to butterfly (Mid Feb 2022) occurs. And the van traverses it’s final journey to nestle under the peppercorn trees at the kennels.
Some finishing touches onsite occur. eg. connection of electricity (Ash) and plumbing (Scott). And whilst water is still awaiting (sink) the van is usable and used.
The verdict? The purple people LOVE their one-of-a-kind purple lunch-time retreat. (I hear that they aren’t adverse to sneaking a favourite four-legged guest, or two, into the van at lunch time with them, but shhhh, don’t tell anyone!).
Thanks so much to Maddy and her team for creating this little bit of eclectic heaven. It is a fabulous addition to our countrified pet resort.
We are eternally grateful to Maddy for her hard work, perseverance, vision, excellent & exacting workmanship and team management skills.
Amazing!
Here is a short video of the project.