Short report on the condition of the Church and the presbytery.
A number of issues identified for the church - water seepage; stonework needs attention; gas heating causes condensation and feels less warm (winter weekdays Mass offered in sacristy).
The presbytery is in good condition - rewired and redecorated (kitchen and 1 bedroom still to be redecorated)
Maintenance
12 Archive Record results for Maintenance
Estimates for repair enclosed [not present]. 1. Howards estimate for major kitchen refit; 2. Critalls' for windows -suggesting bronze which do not rust as iron.
Not had a kitchen fire for five weeks so have to get kitchen and hot water systems done. Need to get the windows done as they let in the rain and the weather.
The Advisory Board of Finance offer of half the sum required for repairs. However, sees no way of finding the other half from own means. A full application was not possible as the repairs had to be done at once as weather was threatening. Have only asked through necessity.
St Leger Mason, Henry Patrick Rev (-1940)"Taylor" of Southwold who built the Church and Presbytery in 1914 observed that the belfry was infested by woodworm. It was treated and planks replaced by a local man for £16. Upon inspecting the Housekeeper's bedroom (she had nearly fallen through the floor) and the rest of the house he suggests that the whole place (church and house) was infested by woodworm and needed treating. He could do that for £430. Dean Canon McBride suggested that Fr Pritchard contact the Bishop to get approval to spend the money.
Pritchard, Guy Rev PhD MA (-1983)The Finance Board do not meet until May - need permission to have repair work done on the tower. Canon McBride suggest write to the Bishop and obtain permission post-event. Cost is £4250 to make the tower as good as new. £8000 held by the Diocese for us, so can afford it. Jeremy Rafe, a young architect, will supervise; he is qualified though not a member of ARIBA. The work will be done by Woods and Sons who are currently working on St Johns.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Encloses a cheque for £1295-15 and lists the collection elements.
Request received to put broken glass on the wall separating the church from the garage next door. Canon McBride sees nothing wrong with agreeing but suggests gaining the Bishop's views.
Estimate regarding the clock - £200. Would like to sell it (need the money) but will accede if the Bishop says it should go to Mrs Sykes.
Tell-tales have been placed to register movement in the stonework. Mr Taylor, the builder, thinks movement has stopped. Redecoration would be about £1000 and it should be done at this time of the year. If allowed then it will start after Christmas.
manuscript annotation: "Offer it to Mrs Sykes for £200?"
Encloses details [not present] of work done on presbytery and sacristy. A lot need to be done to make the place habitable - and there are three rooms yet to do. Fr Pritchard had done much when here - what it was like before...? Still more to do. Church at Halesworth not been touched since it was built 17 years ago.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Bill for work on the presbytery (which was in a 'crummy'' state) has come to more than expected - £3344-77. Have £1500 in the bank but £500 is needed for work on Halesworth church. Can you help out?
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)Writing to Peter [?] thanking him for pension advice. Encloses a cheque for £1265-10 and lists the collection elements, plus £1000 as a parish deposit. That will be required for church and tower repairs - estimates of £5000-6000 when the church only cost £2000 to build.
Sloan, James Rev (1913-1988)3 topics in this letter:
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Southwold - Suggest that Fr Sloan get on with the repairs to the tower
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Mildenhall - Tony Philpot's suggestion that a more permanent presence in Mildenhall i agreed. Place in housing estate instead of edge of town; a 50% grant fro New Missions Fund, about £20,000 - where to get the rest? Also, staffing - retired military chaplain? Consider a parish of Mildenhall and Brandon?
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Lynford - what to do with it when [Fr] Flannery goes? Merge into parish for Mildenhall/./Brandon?
Recently inspected the Church and Presbytery at Southwold. Both are in need of maintenance - painting, cleaning. Evidence of movement in the stonework. Sensible to have an Architect or Engineer visit and give recommendations.
Phelan & Agutter