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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

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.

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.

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.

Apprehension over the St Nicholas project - cannot personally subsidise the project and doubt that others can or would. Whilst Meryemana should continue in its work, doubt that St Nicholas is the right place.
The letter is an invitation to attend a Meryemana Council meeting to elicit a final decision on what happens next.

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."

Richard 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.

JS Hall writes. Borough is preparing a scheme which can be done this Summer at Borough's expense.

JS Hall - no objection in principal a dig in the church (need to discuss with Mr Hatcher); reluctant to have pews removed on a permanent basis. Dr Heley to write a short article on Meryemana for the Trust's newsletter? Mr Mellamphy should return keys (even those he may have had copied) to the Trust until the lease is completed.

Js Hall writes. Must agree phases in advance - to not expect them all to be implemented at once. Hence need phase 1 plans now. Short-term alterations will not be agreed - whatever is done will need to be permanent.If damp is as serious as you suggest and David Hatcher cannot implement a fix then you must write to us - if it looks as though it is only the damp holding you back then we may be able to provide a budget for the work. Until we agree the lease then no alterations can take place. Want to hear from you about lease terms mentioned in my letter of 20 December. We all want to see some progress; the Foundation must make a commitment even if there are hurdles to be overcome.
Manuscript note to copy this to D Hatcher and jackaman Smith & Mulley

Planning consent for the application dated 28 June 1991. 3 sets of conditions apply.

Approval given for application I/91/0537/FP dated 28.6.91 in accordance with associated Listed Building Consent I/91/0538/LB for this Grade II* listed building

Present: John Gummer MO, D Halsey of English Heritage, Rev Mark Inmand and Dr Heley of Meryemana Foundation
Discussion on the actions in the past and the involvement of multiple organisations - EH admission of "confusion and mistakes"; Gummer displeased about the way Meryemana had been treated; he suggested:

• English heritage should consider ways and means to make Meryemana project work
• English Heritage should store the pews at their own expense
• English Heritage should, review its policies and structures to ensure this does not happen again

Ground plan drawings needed (according to Architect, Mr Hatcher) are subject to copyright and may be time consuming and expensive to obtain. Builders estimates depend on the plans being approved by IHCT and Borough Council. Defective flood lighting and fittings have been fixed - skateboarders still inflicting damage to the seating in the garden. Archaeologists to confirm dates for dig (need to place pews in storage)