Delay in obtaining charitable status has delayed launch date for the Meryemana project to 30 November at the Novotel, Grayfriars.
Lt Cdr Sir Godfrey Style CBE DDSC RN has agreed to be President of the Appeal
To Dr Runcie reminding him that he appreciated Mr Smith's volume "The Madonna of Ipswich". Outlines the Meryemana intention to create an ecumenical centre in Ipswich. Invitation to become a patron of the appeal
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Accept budget increase to £1800. The "Vestry and Chapel" plans was your idea in discussion with Mr Mellamphy. Need to get started as people will only give when they see things happening. IHCT lease dependent on planning application within 3 months
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Providing Appeal Launch details - date, time and venue. Formal invitation to follow, but hopes that his commitments will allow him to attend.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Writing about end of the St Nicholas Project; obsessed with the building; lost momentum and credibility.
However, if St Mary Elms should be considered for redundancy / shared use then the Guild would be interested - it's the one they'd chose to re-establish the shrine of Our Lady of Grace.
Company owns the wall on Lady Lane where the plaque is to be installed replacing an exisitng plaque. Mr Mellamphy, the artist, has been in contact and will continue to act as liaison officer.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)The Meryemana appeal for an ecumenical centre and restoration of a shrine is a project which Dr Heley considers would benefit form the patronage of Cardinal Hume.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Writing to Jocelyn Stevens. Provides the history of the Meryemana project for St Nicholas and the engagement with English Heritage. Critical of EH involvement resulting in the Foundation withdrawing from the project and starting again. Asks why EH allowed the Foundation members to spend 20,000 and three and half years of their life before "delivering the coup de grace" when it had full information from the start?
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)News of the available redundant church, St Nicholas; Meryemana Foundation's proposal for its use; well suited; flexible adaptation: restored chapel, lecture hall, library, reading room, toilets, refreshment area, graveyard re-purposing. Valuable to Ipswich. Supported by both Anglican and Roman Catholic Bishops, three MPs, anticipated support form Russian Orthodox.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Introduction to the background and objectives of the Meryemana Foundation. Inviting Miss Smith to join the Appeal Committee
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Apologises for the delay in replying - due to Mr Mellamphy's continuing illness. Sets out the background to the hope for an Ecumenical Centre in St Nicholas Church. "Naively unaware of the obstacle race before us..." the project proceeded, funds raised, a launch event. Removal of pews a precursor for the project; with #52,000 raised it was a shock to receive your letter and realise the differences in vision for the use of St Nicholas. Invitation to meet and discuss.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)The Press release tells a sad tale of a project thwarted by officialdom. English Heritage requirements to protect the pews in St Nicholas would involve inappropriate use of donated funds. No virtue in being bitter and will "go back to the drawing board". Donors can request their money back, else it will be used to further the promotion of Christian Unity.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Need to get assurance that the damp problems will be sorted out; reluctant to sign a lease otherwise. Robert Mellamphy asks for you to obtain a copy of the Council's report on the drainage at St Nicholas.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Unlikely that English heritage will change its attitude; no point in continuing; withdraw application for lease; close Appeal.
Problems exist as the Charity had registered with its objectives centred on St Nicholas as an ecumenical Centre. IHCT has always been honest and supportive towards Meryemana's scheme but it is ending.
Quotes Hatcher's letter about flooding via vestry door; this has to be cured before a new floor is constructed; similarly rainwater entering through south Vestry door is reaching the Chancel. This is a problem outside the church, notwithstanding that medieval churches are prone to such difficulties, and has to be addressed before Meryemana Foundation expends donated funds. If IHCT gives assurances that the damp problem will be addressed, then can progress the lease and phase 1. In the meantime, hope to hold a "Blessing of Pets" and afterwards show people around the church.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Cover letter for - programme of work; meeting notes; planned events. 3 year lease requested, pending the re-launch of the Meryemana Appeal next year
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Robert Mellamphy in touch with Mr Hatcher for a programme of work. Cash is available for the vestry work, but need to fund raise to do more. Cannot launch an Appeal until seen to be using it. Bibleway are no longer in contact.
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)Dr Heley imagines that IHCT's proposed rent of 2,500 was based on subletting to Bibleway Church being 2,000 per year. Following Meryemana Council meeting, she suggests:
- Bibleway cannot start until Meryemana has completed its work programme
- Bibleway's rent will include a heating element
- Cannot embark on improvements with a 2 year lease and no security of tenure
- define the phrase "real progress"
- cannot meet rent until work complete and events programmed
- what does "we will control any alterations" mean?
To John Field (Ipswich Borough Council). Invitation to become a Vice-President to the Appeal
Heley, Margaret Mary (Maire) Dr (1930-2020)