Vestry scheme will take three months from instructions to proceed.
Borough's letter not specific but they have declared an intent to address the drainage problem. Suggest instruct to go ahead and inform IHCT and Borough that you have done so on the basis of their letters. Need to meet you and Mr Mellamphy to finalise the brief so can start on the drawings
Referring to the English Heritage letter to James Hall (IHCT). It is clear that additional work and drawings need ot be done - particularly on pew storage and toilets. ".. appalled at the time this has taken..." Suggest joint meeting with Dr Heley and Mr Mellamphy.
Includes his response to IHCT.
Appreciate need for costings but until proposals are "crystallised" then they can only be very approximate.
Builders (£9,500) + Fees (£2,000) + VAT (£2012.50) = £13,512.50 excludes furniture, carpets, removal of safe.
Letter of 29 March clearly confirms flooding through East Vestry door, which must be cured prior to work starting on the floor. Copy it to James Hall (IHCT) so he can take it up with the Borough.
Basil and David HatcherMeeting with Church Advisory Board for Redundant Churches, The Borough, IHCT and Meryemana Foundation - did not get the necessary assurances regarding pew removal. Borough Planning Officers - need a change of use if the vestry is to become a caretaker's flat - lists alterations which will attract need for Listed Building consent. Work (more than expected) done so far requires payment and a review of brief
Basil and David HatcherRequesting information on how the pews when removed are to be catalogued and stored
Basil and David HatcherIHCT have progressed work on the church until the grants ran out. Consequently some internal redecorating has not been done; although rewiring is complete. Need Meryemana input to progress application for Planning Consent
Basil and David HatcherDiscussed plans with Mr Mellamphy - only one disabled toilet required - plans acceptable. Stairway to bell-ringers floor impractical - will be excluded. Drawing enclosed for Vestry/Caretaker accommodation. Application to the Borough for Listed Building application for the Vestry, Toilets, Pew removal; and change of use for vestry to living accommodation. Mr Mellamphy is going away for a few weeks.
Basil and David HatcherDiscussing with Mr Mellamphy, recommendation that plans for Vestry etc. are discussed with English Heritage and Ipswich Chief Planning Officer before going to far. Includes a schedule of hourly rates.
As a member of ICHT he informs that both phases of external repairs are to start in early Spring 1991 and will include re-roofing the vestry
Sufficient work to enable the Vestry to be used for meetings. Need to agree the lease with IHCT before incurring too much cost. Ready to discuss with the planners but the proposals need the blessing of the IHCT and English Heritage. Look to the future and phase 2 or 3 if possible
Basil and David HatcherReferring to Mr Dodds (English Heritage) letter. David Hatcher is acting for both Meryemana and IHCT; "... still bemused by the number of bodies involved." "...onerous nature of the English Heritage requirements will mean considerable expense ...". Suspect that Ipswich BC will be unable to approve in the light of these comments, hence the Trust cannot agree to Meryemana unless the requirements are satisfied. Meeting required to discuss way ahead?
Basil and David HatcherStatue - no report [Mr Smith's absence means no reports on several items]
Site of new Shrine - exploring the use of St Nicholas for centre; need to find supporters; firmer ideas on use; discussion on internal arrangements being suitable for purposes in mind
Leaflet revision - no report
Prayer Card & Medallion - no report
Plaque - no report
Bankers - Change from Co-op Bank to Williams and Glynn's; register as a charity
Vigil to Midnight - June date
Meetings / Venues / speakers - listed
AOB - net loss on Day of Recollection was £52.80; Guild Pilgrimage to Walsingham proposed.
8 in attendance
Day of Recollection - Fr Elias no communication
Plaque - Mr Mellamphy - new plaque in bronze £2000; fund for this is £200
Pilgrimage Walk - a good one this year
St Nicholas - part of Historic Trust now; discuss with them
8 in attendance
Plaque - Mr Mellamphy attended; £2000 cost now £500 as he has made an arrangement with the foundry; 3 foot 6 inches high and 1.5 cwt.
St Nicholas - discussion on renting the church and raising funds; Mr Mellamphy to take Statue to Nettuno and then be taken around the country - might raise additional funds.
AOB - Guild recruitment urgent
7 in attendance
Election of Officers: Chairman - T Cooke; Treasurer - Mr H Youngs; Secretary - Miss M Newell; Public Relations Officer - Miss J Fell
Future meetings - programme
Plaque - ready soon
Statue - complete; local MPs informed; Book of patrons;
Sub-committee visit to St Nicholas Church - £10,000 for interior work contacts provided; official letters to be copied to Anglican and Catholic Bishops
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)Jocelyn Stevens (Chairman, EH) writes: discussion at length with Dr Heley and John Gummer MP, need to clarify a few points and trusts meeting to be arranged will conclude the current uncertainties. Addresses intentions and exchanges between individuals, and expects some answers to be forthcoming to questions already asked. "We recognise that the pews do not suit your use of the church, but we are nevertheless anxious to determine their future ... to ensure that this does not entirely remove evidence of the past ... to receive grants form us for its repair."
English HeritageRichard Halsey writes. A list of Architects is attached [not present] who are well known to Mrs Hester Agate (Secretary to Diocesan Advisory Committee) (also Secretary of the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust); address provided. Statutory requirements are a "minefield" for the inexperienced, so a professional adviser fully aware of the legal side is vital.
English HeritageRichard Halsey writes - Meeting on 16 December with all interested parties. Purpose to determine the arrangements of the removal of the pews any any other internal furnishings for which listed building consent is required.
English HeritageSt Nicholas Church does still have an owner responsible for keeping it wind and weather-tight. Hope that Meryemana Foundation has not exhausted its credibility and can find suitable premises.
English Heritage