Fabric (St M)
St Mary’s Church : Report from the Fabric Committee
It has been another very busy year, which has seen many projects either commenced or completed.
The North West entrance gates were widened in January 2007 to accommodate vehicular access, the scheme has been well received by users.
Further to a detailed survey, asbestos was removed in April 2007, mainly within the under floor heating ducts.
In May 2007 the Garden of remembrance plaques were replaced with honed black granite stone.
Damaged sections of the stained glass were replaced May 2007. A grant from the Nottingham Historic Churches Trust was obtained by Clair Chilvers, this provided the funds for the work (£1180).
The lightning protection to the Church was upgraded in September 2007. The work involved earth bonding of the conductor to the bell tower.
The lead roofing was stolen from South Porch and Chapter house during Nov/Dec 2007, an insurance claim was successfully made by the Church. These areas of roof have now been protected with ‘smart water’, the appropriate signage has been displayed.
Following problems with pigeons roosting adjacent to the flat roof area above the vestry, bird deterrent netting was fitted in December 2007. The work involved covering the arched windows and the light well.
A new burglar alarm was fitted to the Church in December 2007, the system is now operational via a key fob.
Following the poor performance of the PA system, remedial works were undertaken in March 2008 and the system is now working well. Thanks to Martin Mosebury-Smith for his assistance with this.
John Brydon is running the War Memorial project. Planning, Listed Building and Diocese approvals have all been achieved. John has raised the funds for the project with the contributions of War Memorial Trust (£7100), Nottingham City Council (£3000), Lady Hind Trust (£3000) and from businesses in and around Nottingham. The rededication of the War Memorial is proposed for the 11th November 2008, the 90th anniversary of the armistice
The proposed construction start date for the internal redevelopment of the toilets and kitchen is the 9th June 2008. Diocese and English Heritage approvals are in place, Planning consent is not a requirement. Clair Chilvers has been successful in obtaining a grant of £50,000 from Wren towards the cost of the project, a fantastic achievement! Presentation boards of the scheme are due to be placed on display within the Church shortly.
Since their appointment in February 2007, Clegg Small Projects have undertaken many items of general maintenance in and around the Church.
The Quinquennial Inspection will be undertaken by the new Church Architect, Peter Rogan, of MS Architects on the 13-14th May 2008.
Once again, my sincere thanks to my Fabric Committee Members, Peter England, Andrew Abbott, Kevin Hancox and Martin Mosebury-Smith, and for attendance from Gordon Solway and Tony Mitchell.
Special thanks to Jason Evans for all the leg work in getting these projects done, and to Clair for being so very successful in raising funds – a truly tremendous effort by you both!
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