I decided to write a Diary of the Thealby Grange Development as an aide memoir of what has been done and when but also, a testimony to the trials and tribulations that we have faced along the way. I hope that this page will be a record of achievement. With the use of modern technology i.e. the weird & wonderful world of the World Wide Web (try saying that three times quickly) I hope that this Diary will be of interest to potential purchasers of the barns and anyone that may be embarking on a similar conversion themselves.

Please excuse any errors that you may come across, I don’t profess to be an expert on the build, I will leave this to my husband, father and other professionals but I can give you my “layman’s” account on our monthly activities.

Before you read further I would like to introduce the McKinley Family and our commitment to The Thealby Grange Development.

After completing our own Conversion of a 200 year old Stone Barn in West Yorkshire, myself and my husband Andrew made the decision to move back to North Lincolnshire (an area that I know & love) to be nearer my parents. Wanting to undertake a larger conversion project using the knowledge and expertise within the family, we thankfully came upon the Barns of Thealby Grange.

My husband Andrew has embraced the role of Onsite Project Manager. Andrew has an eclectic mix of experience and talent, he was educated principally as a Structural Engineer, he is an experienced joiner and more recently was very successful in the project management of the implementation of large and complex business systems. Although not the most diplomatic of people, Andrew’s attention to detail, artistic vision, and very much a hands on approach is driving the project forward and making it every bit of a success.

My father Terry was brought from retirement to design the Thealby Grange Development. With more than 50 years experience spent in the drawing office designing anything from Nursing Homes, BP pipelines to Barn Conversions. We knew my dad was the best man for the job (he often comments that he had more spare time when he was working!)

Liasing with suppliers, looking after the accounts, marketing and general dogsbody was very much part of my previous job in the Project Management of large, International Conferences and Events. Surprisingly there are many similarities between neurotic, paranoid non-English speaking Psychologists and Lincolnshire builders. I have fitted into my role with ease and very much enjoying the role. Gone are the smart suits, manicured fingernails and coiffed hair, out comes the high-vis jackets, smelly hardhat and navi-hands (very authentic).

Site Security is managed by Mr Clyde (the most attractive member of the team) His previous experience has been chasing squirrels, cats and eating spiders. Like all of us Mr. Clyde is well qualified for the role and what he lacks in thumbs he more than makes up for in enthusiasm. After terrorising the neighbours for the first few weeks (in their own garden!!) he has now settled down to his role. Everyone arriving and leaving the site is dealt with the same level of suspicion “guilty until proven to be carrying innocent biscuits”.

It goes without saying that this project will not succeed without the commitment, expertise and hard work of our core sub contractors. Check out the TEAM Page to meet the extended family. If we didn’t believe that each delivered value for money and passion for the job we wouldn’t have them on our web site.

Now that you have been introduced to the McKinley Family please take the time to read the rest of the Diary (this will be updated frequently but not necessarily to any strict interval).

Many thanks

Rachel McKinley (Aged 30 years and some months).