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Buckminster hard circle ready!

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The Buckminster hard circle is now in use – a major achievement.

Here’s how it happened …..

Having a hard surfaced circle has been part of the plans for the development of National Centre since its inception but it took such a large project time to plan, fund and start.

As shown in the project’s gallery the circle is located to the west of the pond and flyers car park.

The lockdown break gave time to get the next round of materials ordered – with around 200 tonnes of stone required, plus the associated woodwork for the perimeter edging for the final tarmac finish.
The project has been predominantly supported by the regular volunteer team at the Centre with Neil Tricker in particular spending many hours working on the circle.

Volunteers working on the security fence
Volunteers at work on the security fence

Whilst there had been a positive start in autumn 2019, the subsequent lockdown restrictions and wet winter weather which prevented heavy machinery on the site and the movement of any soil.

Work recommenced in May 2020 thanks to a very dry spring and the availability of machinery and workers. The initial dig created the correct level to accept the stone and tarmac. Work then commenced on drainage.
A work day was then organised, and very positively, control line flyers turned up in good numbers and put in a very productive days’ work; this allowed us to get the shuttering in place for the inner edge of the tarmac plus a multitude of other tasks that bring the circle a step nearer to completion, great work.

Moving on, the centre was top soiled and awaiting a final levelling and seeding. The digger came back in to lay and level the last of the stone. The control line team returned to complete the shuttering for the outer edge followed by the contractors to lay.

The 1500 tonnes spoil from the hard circle dig has now been levelled which will make the northwest corner of the site far better in terms of vehicle access.
Substantial safety fencing is in place.

Painted markings for the various disciplines are due to be put down in the very near future, again subject to an improvement in the weather. By May 2021 the bulk of the work was done.

The surface finish of the circle is spectacular and even the landscaping works are starting to look like it has been there forever, with the new grass growing very well.

Take a look at the gallery to see not only how good the site is looking but also the scope and progress on the circle project.