[Matty P (Matt)]

We have been working extremely hard to get as much done on the Observatory as possible this weekend. Our plans for this weekend was to get the RIO bars welded together, pour the concrete for the base of the pier, collect the bricks, and lay the footers.

My Uncle welded the RIO bars together for the pier. We used 12mm threaded rod for the main bars and standard RIO bars for the rest, to hold it together. We went for the threaded rod instead of bolts as we found it easier this way. The rods are 2200mm long and once the Observatory is complete. The top of the Pier will be 1M from the floor. While my Uncle was welded. My father and I went to collect the bricks for the footers from our next door neighbours who generously donated 100 bricks to us, free of charge.

My Uncle finished welding in the morning and we spent the rest of the morning resting and replenishing our energy for the rest of the day.

We returned outside and prepared the RIO bars for the concrete. The pier hole which was 600mm x 600mm x 700mm took a total of 12 x 20kg bags of concrete to fill. It would have been more if it wasn't for all the large rocks we put in.

Once it was in and leveled, we spent the rest of the day plotting where the footers where going to go and put the bricks in place.