Church Warden’s Report for Parish of Chilworth 26-03-26 - Helen Corbett
I intend to focus mainly on the 2 Quinquennial reports received for each Church. Copies attached.
However with these in mind Janis and I had a meeting with John to discuss the monies available for proposed building maintenance works.
John confirmed that £82,000 is available for works at St Martha’s and £58,000 for use between both Churches.
St Martha’s
As stated previously the survey was undertaken by our newly appointed surveyor Sarah Earney on Tuesday 18th November. Janis and Richard were also present.
Ms Earney stated in the report that the church was on the whole in a good condition and said credit should be given to all Churchwardens and others who had been and are responsible for it as mentioned in my previous report.
South Path Soakaway & South Steps
Sarah Earney stated that these works should be concluded as soon as possible. Richard will kindly no doubt report further on what progress has been made since our last meeting but as I understand it we should please pay Drainage Designers their invoice of £834 to proceed to design the drainage route for us. Richard has also confirmed to me that an estimate of costs for this work will be in the region of £20,000.
Urgent works requiring immediate attention as stated in Report
See page 34 of the report. 5.5.1 1-5
The flies in the bell tower. There is a truly horrific infestation of cluster flies in the bell tower as Janis can testify. These (unless another species, test results are awaited) have now migrated in some profusion down into the vestry and kitchen area and other parts of the Church building . Ruth has said that no sooner that she clears them away in the kitchen area than they return. This is completely unacceptable if we are to have cakes and other items to eat spread out as we do for tea bars. There are also large areas of lady birds in parts of the church especially around the entrance door which is not ideal when regular weddings are to be held in the church. Thornemere Limited T/A PGH Pest Prevention from Gomshall have undertaken a survey and recommend the treatment on the attached quote which will cost as you will note in the region of £6,000. Please confirm that these works can proceed.
I have now received an amended estimate from PGH Pest Control which is attached and which I have discussed with Janis.
We feel that as this is a matter that needs urgent attention that it should be accepted. It could be reduced by omitting the woodworm treatment but as they are doing the work anyway it may be a good idea to get this done at the same time especially as we have sufficient funds.
Items 2. 3. and 5 have been dealt with.
Please see the attached documentation regarding the lightening conductor test. It only just passes. To ensure that we are really covered in the event of a strike and damage or injury we would need to look carefully at the insurance policy. Would someone volunteer to do this please?
4. The electrical testing was carried out 4 years ago I have ascertained so no need to be have this carried out until 2027.
Works recommended to be carried out during the next 12 months and beyond
I have perused the report in this respect and with Janis’s assistance which has kindly been offered, like to devise a plan. We would however like David and Tim to be involved from time to time and would propose that they please have a meeting with us when requested to discuss maintenance of the Church going forward.
St Thomas
This survey was undertaken on 3rd October 2024 by Chris Daley Surveyor with some further investigation to the Cupola area and surrounds on 11th February 2025.
There was nothing in this report which was stated to require urgent attention but a number of works were recommended to be carried out after 18 months to 24 months of the report so about now!
These include repairing the wood around the cupola area and redecorating, cleaning the cross and dealing with the leadwork at the base of the cupola. Also repairs to the chimney. 2 quotes were obtained for work to the cupola one for £29,400 and another for £10,00 but they were not like for like. I am not suggesting proceeding with either but just giving an indication of the amount of costs that may be involved. Again Janis and I would like to devise a plan for the maintenance of the Church and to discuss with David and Tim. If very expensive work is to be undertaken it would be best to ask the Surveyor for a schedule of works so that each contractor is quoting for the same work to be undertaken.
Non Benefice arranged services from May onwards at St Martha’s
Please see attached detailing visiting Clergy Services. Please will Tim confirm whether or not assistance of John Aston can be secured for a Service on 7th June and if it would be helpful for the Benefice for Michael Dunk to take the service on 26th July .
Churchwarden