Telling the solicitors that Fr Davidson has admitted to asking Reade to sell the land.
William Comer ReadeApologises for delay in response . Fr Mc'Auley is committed to run retreats in Ireland, so is not available. The holidays in Scotland from June 20 to early August means nothing to be hoped for here. No chance of a laybrother. Will wire if find a man.
Manuscript postscript: "Since this was written a man, SJ, has been found who will go to Aldeburgh from Aug 18 to Sept 16. Sent letters on to Canon Peacock with instructions to arrange matters."
Architect's certificate on account of works at Aldeburgh presbytery - £1200
Wearing & HastingsAdvises on the work required to be done to restore the plaster-work inside the tower - asks that an estimate be provided to Fr Bull. Noted that the whole of the plaster is away from the inside of the tower, probably due to moister present prior to the restoration work done 3 years ago. Need to install tell-tales to monitor movement/cracking.
Wearing & HastingsArchitect writing to the builder to confirm works satisfactory and the start of a period for defects liability to July 16 1965
Wearing & HastingsInforming the builder that the Church in Aldeburgh had been inspected by them. Two items for attention: sliding doors adjustment; cleaning off of mastic stains on floor blocks. Have written to both the new priest and Fr Jolly.
Wearing & HastingsRegarding the alterations and extensions recently carried out at the church in Aldeburgh: inspection for faults as end of six-month maintenance period. Invite new priest to do the same. Have also written to Fr Jolly with enclosed copy of letter to builder.
Wearing & HastingsPoints raised in conversation:
- £400 due to Reades
- Certificate of practical completion issued
- Steps at new entrance - leave for now until experience shows whether they really need alteration
- decoration in Housekeeper's quarters - leave until properly dried out following the basin leak
- Window foam strip to be dealt with
- similarly the bath cold tap.
- Basin in Housekeeper's ground floor room may prove difficult to get waste away - estimate of cost £35 to £45
Chased up Reades to do decoration in Housekeeper's sitting room. Reviewed accounts but £3,100 is the figure being reached. This has been discussed with the Bishop who was not surprised at the extra costs arising out of repairing old buildings and emphasised that Fr Reeman had not authorised extras beyond the budget of £2,850. Some help might be forthcoming form the Diocese. Exceeding the budget is not your fault. I, as the architect, must shoulder the responsibility.
Wearing & HastingsChased up Reades; understand they have now started to deal with outstanding matters. The estimate for boiler chimney, reforming steps and re-decoration chimney breast. Failure due to poor state of chimney stack and not their work. Have agreed to do the work for £50 - recommend it as a fair extra.
Wearing & HastingsStructural state of tower [summary]:
- considerable cracks in lower tower, settlement a probable cause, other cracks in church building due to same;
- Cracks in upper tower, affecting roof area locally, indicating settlement and tower tipping;
- Flintwork cracking, coming away, loss of adhesion allows water into structure behind, possibly leading to further damage;
- waterspout too short, leading to added dampness and aggravate settlement under way
- Parapet in a bad way, stones loose, iron band may be making matters worse.
No imminent danger of collapse but the tower is "on the move" and deterioration will continue. Not recommend making good - lists significant work required - possible cost £1000. Best option to bring the tower down and continue the roof over the top of it.
Copy of the report sent to the Bishop.
Refers to attached letter to W C Reade as being self-explanatory. Temporary waterproofing treatment for stone window sills recommended until Summer comes. Thanks for the nice tea for Mr & Mrs Hastings.
Wearing & HastingsBishop advised to see Fr Bull. Arrangements for 17th to see Fr Bull at the site in Leiston to discuss matters. Please advise where the site is.
Wearing & HastingsNot Fr Bull's letter of 9th and have contacted Reade's to ask them to explain the heating system to Fr Bull. Good to know that the outstanding items have been dealt with.
Wearing & HastingsUnfortunately Mr Hastings is confined to bed with influenza - need to reschedule site meeting for another two or three weeks' time.
Wearing & HastingsReades suggest best results from tell-tales will involve stripping back the plaster. Hastings agrees; some extra cost and some mess. Considers cracking to be long since "dead". Cost less than £50.
Wearing & HastingsReade's have been in touch regarding the instructions for the electrical floor heating. Reade's confirmed work complete - issued final certificate to Mr (sic) Jolly at Kesgrave who is handling financial side of recent building work.
Wearing & HastingsMissed speaking to Fr Bull at Halesworth when the Bishop was there. How is the heating working in the new chapel - let us know about that and running costs.
Wearing & HastingsFollowing receipt of Fr Bull's letter of 18th they have written to Panelec insisting they visit and explain the heating system. Need to ensure the system is running during the off-peak electric period - set it to 7pm to 7am. Glad to hear the system is not too costly.
Wearing & HastingsAsks for location of the cracks identified in the tower's plaster. Will refer to drawings and then visit.
Wearing & Hastings