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Report on
the Fabric of the Church – Charles Porter
It is with
some satisfaction that I am able to report that the church building is
now “water tight”. In the report that I presented to the APM of 2007 I
drew attention to the issues that had arisen from the theft of lead from
the roof of the church with the consequential result of water
penetrating into the interior.
The work of
repair, undertaken under the supervision of the church architect, Jeremy
Kendall, was carried out by K. Lydiatt & Co. Limited from Houghton le
Spring. The original contract was for an 8 week period but continual
thefts during the progress of the original work resulted in virtually
all the lead being removed from the roof of the church causing the
contractor to be on site until almost the end of 2007. Thankfully all
the stolen lead has now been replaced with a stainless steel material
and that has been installed in accordance with current recommendations
for such work. If there is a silver lining it is that the church roof is
now considerably sounder than before and work which was being
contemplated prior to the spate of thefts is now no longer needed. There
is still remedial work remaining to be done in the interior of the
building, particularly in the extension and that is awaiting the
completion of the drying out of that area. The plaster work, in
particular, still shows a high level of dampness. Brushing of the walls
of the north aisle has removed much of the loose material caused by
water penetration and lessened the staining. The work was carried out by
volunteers and will need to be repeated at intervals for a considerable
period of time.
It has, as you would expect, been an expensive experience
both in people’s time and in financial terms. Much of the cost has been
met by insurers but, where it was believed that part of any repair
constituted an “improvement”, the cost has been had to be borne by the
parish. Other consequences will, in cost terms, continue for the
foreseeable future. Insurance premiums have increased – we are no longer
seen as an attractive insurance subject – and more sophisticated and
hence more expensive alarm systems are now required by insurers. If such
facilities are not provided it is probable that insurance cover would be
withdrawn.
Concern
still continues about the potential for further thefts since we are
advised that all metals are now attractive to thieves. Can I once again
repeat my plea for everybody to be vigilant and to report any activity
about the church or grounds that seems suspicious.
The
continual problems with the loss of the roof covering have delayed some
of the other projects that were to be undertaken during 2007. In
particular the refurbishment of the vestry has yet to be implemented but
within the past few weeks planning work has restarted.
In the autumn of last year remedial work was carried out
on the organ to deal with some of the problems caused by water
penetration when the lead covering of the organ chamber was stolen. More
work is required and that will be planned with Ellis Scothon, the
organisation that looks after the instrument.
The thanks
of the parish are extended to Ken Bates and Graham Hiscocks who
skilfully repaired the gate which gives access from the ring road. Ken
also made shelves for the cupboard and store room in the extension. As
in previous years I thank on behalf of the parish those members of the
community who give of their time and talents to care for the church
building and its surrounds. In proffering those thanks I must record
some disappointment that the annual working party in November was so
poorly supported and that largely by members of the Buildings Group.
Volunteers play a significant role in the looking after this ancient
building and keeping it in a proper state to hand on to future
generations. It would add considerably to parish costs if everything had
to be carried out by contractors. So, my plea to all who possibly can is
to respond next time there is an opportunity to make a personal
contribution to the care of St Mary’s.
Finally I
can report that the routine maintenance and checks have been carried out
on the clock, bell chiming system, heating plant, fire extinguishers and
lifting equipment. Where appropriate the relevant certificates have been
received.
And so, I
would again confirm that the fabric of the church building is being
properly maintained and given the age and character of the building, is
in good condition. In fact, more so than when I presented the last
report some 12 months ago.
Health and Safety – Ken Baker
The PCC has
in place comprehensive health and safety policies and procedures. A
significant requirement of this policy is that responsibility for good
health and safety awareness and practice lies with PCC members. In
recognition of this, health and safety has featured as an item on the
agenda of every PCC meeting and every meeting of the Buildings
Management Group. In July, PCC appointed David Walland as safety
officer to advise on health and safety issues.
In October,
a meeting of sidesmen was convened by churchwarden, Mike Rawson. Mike
and David Walland described the church evacuation procedure and
emphasised the essential role of sidesmen. They explained how injured,
ill or disabled persons should be evacuated. The different types of fire
extinguisher were also explained.
The
churchyard path has been a subject of concern throughout the year. Tree
roots cause the paving slabs to lift creating a very uneven surface and
significant tripping hazards. The care and maintenance of the
churchyard is the responsibility of Stockton Council and they were
warned by PCC of the dangerous nature of the path. The Council
responded relatively quickly and repaired the worst of the problem areas
but this is likely to be a recurring problem and will require continued
PCC contact with Council officials.
PCC was made aware of concern about safety and security
hazards in the Forge / Parish Hall car park. The concrete ramp at the
Forge emergency exit represented a significant tripping hazard. Painting
of
the ramp in white paint proved to be ineffective so the
ramp was removed and the surface made good during the summer.
Vandal-proof external lighting was installed by the Parish Hall
Management Group to improve security.
All
inspections and tests which are statutory requirements and those which
are required of a prudent and caring organisation are arranged by PCC
and appropriate records are kept. These include:
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Twice
yearly checks of fire alarms and automatic emergency exit signs;
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Annual
checks and servicing of fire extinguishers;
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Annual
gas safety tests and certification;
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Annual
testing and certification of lifting equipment and lightning
conductor installation.
Child Protection Update
–
Ruth Langford
The Norton Parish policy for
children’s/youth work remains in place and I am unaware of any problems
relating to this policy during the last year.
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